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Posted: 10/12/2015 4:24:28 PM EDT
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I am looking for advice / options to consider for a riflescope with the primary purpose of load development at 100 yards.
My requirements: - High magnification (~20x preferred) - Good clarity - Durable (needs to survive .308 Win gas and .270WSM bolt) I was considering the Vortex PST 6-24x50, but would like to avoid the expense of a $1000 scope right now. I am now considering the $300 SWFA SS Classic 20x and looking at other fixed magnification options. Does my thought process make sense? If so, are there any other scopes in the $500 or less price range I should be considering? Thanks |
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I picked up a Vortex Viper HS 6-24X for $399 and mounted it in a Bobro mount. I swap it between uppers for load development. I much prefer the Viper glass to Super Sniper glass (and I have several of each). Remember that you will need different heights between different platforms, rings that are low enough for a bolt gun are usually much to short for AR use. My Bobro mount works great between AR's, but it doesn't work for bolt guns. Full disclaimer - my Bobro mount had to go back to the factory for repair, but has worked well and held zero since. ETA: This is what I use http://swfa.com/Vortex-6-24x50-Viper-HS-30mm-Rifle-Scope-P60988.aspx I would call Liberty Optic, CS Tactical and Optics Planet and see if any of them will make you a deal on one of the Vipers. All three of those companies will sell under MAP if you call and ask. |
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Quoted: Thanks - I'll add that to my (short) list. I was thinking that a fixed power optic would be easier to manufacture at a high quality and would therefore be comparable in quality to a higher priced variable. Is this not a safe assumption? |
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I use a fixed 36x Leupold target scope. Search e bay they can be had for 400 to 500 bucks Thanks - added to list of considerations. More magnification would probably be helpful. Being right-handed, left eye dominant, and having tons of right eye astigmatism sucks... |
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Vortex has done a great job with their viper line. Build quality is good and glass has always been better than regular SS glass IME. PST turrets are pretty good, but I skipped them on my load development scope to save money. Quoted:
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Thanks - I'll add that to my (short) list. I was thinking that a fixed power optic would be easier to manufacture at a high quality and would therefore be comparable in quality to a higher priced variable. Is this not a safe assumption? I think I was assuming the "classic" SWFA would be a bargain because the more expensive "HD" SWFA scopes have this reputation. I don't have any real preference for capped vs uncapped turrets for the intended purpose. The only Vortex scope I've actually looked through is the 1-4x PST so I appreciate the insight. |
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Quoted:
Thanks - added to list of considerations. More magnification would probably be helpful. Being right-handed, left eye dominant, and having tons of right eye astigmatism sucks... Quoted:
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I use a fixed 36x Leupold target scope. Search e bay they can be had for 400 to 500 bucks Thanks - added to list of considerations. More magnification would probably be helpful. Being right-handed, left eye dominant, and having tons of right eye astigmatism sucks... That much power just seems like it would cause problems at 100y |
| I'd go to midway, hit fixed power, target scope, Or variable. But a fixed will get you more scope mag for the money.Mirage can be a problem at high end and being a variable to turn down can be helpful. Weaver 36 has been around along time, and been used by serious bench shooters. |
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A fixed power Weaver T-24 or T-36 target scope might be a good choice.
I an using a Burris Black Diamind 6-24x50mm long range/target scope, which was about $1000 when new. It is cobranded as a Pentax Lightseeker 30, but it is a Black Diamond, marked "Made in America." Great for load development if you can find one. Very good glass. Accurate 1/8 MOA target turrets. Amazingly light, too, for 30mm main tube and its length. It in the LaRue higher QD mount so that the sunshade can clear the front folded sight on 16" barrels. It is currently only used for load development and testing. 
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I use Leupold's 24x and Weaver's T-36 target scopes for load development. These fixed magnification scopes are common in club bench rest tournaments and were considered the standard by which all others were judged 15 to 20 years ago.
The fixed magnification keeps costs down, both can be found new for around $400, much cheaper if used. A good quality high magnification scope with fine crosshairs or dot reticle can achieve amazing groups. |
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Quoted: A fixed power Weaver T-24 or T-36 target scope might be a good choice. I an using a Burris Black Diamind 6-24x50mm long range/target scope, which was about $1000 when new. It is cobranded as a Pentax Lightseeker 30, but it is a Black Diamond, marked "Made in America." Great for load development if you can find one. Very good glass. Accurate 1/8 MOA target turrets. Amazingly light, too, for 30mm main tube and its length. It in the LaRue higher QD mount so that the sunshade can clear the front folded sight on 16" barrels. It is currently only used for load development and testing. http://i1366.photobucket.com/albums/r772/gbloss/Mobile%20Uploads/D0803157-34E8-46AD-B491-6DE0C155F1E8_zpsod8oj0zh.jpg |
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I really dislike the 1.93" height. I hate to go over 1.5" to centerline. I think I would have just pulled off the front sight and put it back on when I was done. Quoted:
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A fixed power Weaver T-24 or T-36 target scope might be a good choice. I an using a Burris Black Diamind 6-24x50mm long range/target scope, which was about $1000 when new. It is cobranded as a Pentax Lightseeker 30, but it is a Black Diamond, marked "Made in America." Great for load development if you can find one. Very good glass. Accurate 1/8 MOA target turrets. Amazingly light, too, for 30mm main tube and its length. It in the LaRue higher QD mount so that the sunshade can clear the front folded sight on 16" barrels. It is currently only used for load development and testing. http://i1366.photobucket.com/albums/r772/gbloss/Mobile%20Uploads/D0803157-34E8-46AD-B491-6DE0C155F1E8_zpsod8oj0zh.jpg You have a valid point. Not crazy about 1.93 either. Didn't realize the problem would be with the front folding sight and the sun shade, but it sure was! Since that photo was taken, I did replace that bulky front sight with a much slimmer Magpul MBUS Pro along with a matching MBUS Pro for the rear. I think there is now enough clearance in the front to come down to the regular SPR 1.5. I'll have to do some measuring. It will be close. I need the sun shade at 24x and want to keep the front flip up lens cap, too.. |
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You have a valid point. Not crazy about 1.93 either. Didn't realize the problem would be with the front folding sight and the sun shade, but it sure was! Since that photo was taken, I did replace that bulky front sight with a much slimmer Magpul MBUS Pro along with a matching MBUS Pro for the rear. I think there is now enough clearance in the front to come down to the regular SPR 1.5. I'll have to do some measuring. It will be close. I need the sun shade at 24x and want to keep the front flip up lens cap, too.. Quoted:
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A fixed power Weaver T-24 or T-36 target scope might be a good choice. I an using a Burris Black Diamind 6-24x50mm long range/target scope, which was about $1000 when new. It is cobranded as a Pentax Lightseeker 30, but it is a Black Diamond, marked "Made in America." Great for load development if you can find one. Very good glass. Accurate 1/8 MOA target turrets. Amazingly light, too, for 30mm main tube and its length. It in the LaRue higher QD mount so that the sunshade can clear the front folded sight on 16" barrels. It is currently only used for load development and testing. http://i1366.photobucket.com/albums/r772/gbloss/Mobile%20Uploads/D0803157-34E8-46AD-B491-6DE0C155F1E8_zpsod8oj0zh.jpg You have a valid point. Not crazy about 1.93 either. Didn't realize the problem would be with the front folding sight and the sun shade, but it sure was! Since that photo was taken, I did replace that bulky front sight with a much slimmer Magpul MBUS Pro along with a matching MBUS Pro for the rear. I think there is now enough clearance in the front to come down to the regular SPR 1.5. I'll have to do some measuring. It will be close. I need the sun shade at 24x and want to keep the front flip up lens cap, too.. MS556 do you no normally use the 6-24x50 on your rifle or is the 6-24 just for load development? |
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MS556 do you no normally use the 6-24x50 on your rifle or is the 6-24 just for load development? Quoted:
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A fixed power Weaver T-24 or T-36 target scope might be a good choice. I an using a Burris Black Diamind 6-24x50mm long range/target scope, which was about $1000 when new. It is cobranded as a Pentax Lightseeker 30, but it is a Black Diamond, marked "Made in America." Great for load development if you can find one. Very good glass. Accurate 1/8 MOA target turrets. Amazingly light, too, for 30mm main tube and its length. It in the LaRue higher QD mount so that the sunshade can clear the front folded sight on 16" barrels. It is currently only used for load development and testing. http://i1366.photobucket.com/albums/r772/gbloss/Mobile%20Uploads/D0803157-34E8-46AD-B491-6DE0C155F1E8_zpsod8oj0zh.jpg You have a valid point. Not crazy about 1.93 either. Didn't realize the problem would be with the front folding sight and the sun shade, but it sure was! Since that photo was taken, I did replace that bulky front sight with a much slimmer Magpul MBUS Pro along with a matching MBUS Pro for the rear. I think there is now enough clearance in the front to come down to the regular SPR 1.5. I'll have to do some measuring. It will be close. I need the sun shade at 24x and want to keep the front flip up lens cap, too.. MS556 do you no normally use the 6-24x50 on your rifle or is the 6-24 just for load development? Load development and testing only. The rifle usually runs a red dot or a mid power Leupold VX-R Patrol 3-9x40 variable, each in retrun to zero QD mounts. |
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