Seeking advice for good scope...

I have recently picked up a Daniels Defence .308 with 18" barrel. I am thinking I want to put a scope on it with 3-15 (or similar) power. This is a very lightweight and well balanced rifle, so if there were two similar scopes and one was lighter weight, I would lean in that direction. My priorities are: clear glass, durability, and nice reticle (prefer mil with mil adjustments). Zero stop is also a desirable feature. Illuminated reticle is nice, but not a deal breaker.
I have handled a Nightforce and Steiner 3-15 (I'm not sure of model numbers) and liked both of them for different reasons.
I am not a newby to good glass. I currently have magnified optics by Schmidt and Bender, Premier Reticles, Nightforce, and Leupold... however; I know there are newer things out there and want to buy a scope that will be with me for a long time.
I am not really concerned with the price of the optic. Good glass doesn't come cheap, but I also like to get a good deal. I have no problem buying a good scope used.
Thanks for your advice!

The most compact and light scope that I know of that fits your criteria is the Leupold Mk6 3-18. I however prefer the slightly larger and 5oz heavier nightforce atacr 4-16 due to its better eyebox, slightly better glass, and a more usable reticle at lower magnification.

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Originally Posted by Breadman

I have recently picked up a Daniels Defence .308 with 18" barrel. I am thinking I want to put a scope on it with 3-15 (or similar) power. This is a very lightweight and well balanced rifle, so if there were two similar scopes and one was lighter weight, I would lean in that direction. My priorities are: clear glass, durability, and nice reticle (prefer mil with mil adjustments). Zero stop is also a desirable feature. Illuminated reticle is nice, but not a deal breaker.
I have handled a Nightforce and Steiner 3-15 (I'm not sure of model numbers) and liked both of them for different reasons.
I am not a newby to good glass. I currently have magnified optics by Schmidt and Bender, Premier Reticles, Nightforce, and Leupold... however; I know there are newer things out there and want to buy a scope that will be with me for a long time.
I am not really concerned with the price of the optic. Good glass doesn't come cheap, but I also like to get a good deal. I have no problem buying a good scope used.
Thanks for your advice!

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A certain price range would help narrow down the field, are you looking to spend in the $500, 1000, 2000 range? Also with Memorial day coming up I'd hold off until then and see whats on sale. Maybe choose three or four optics that are in or just above your price range and then see which one has the best deal.

Also what range are you trying to shoot with the scope? I fire 100-200 yards with my DD 5.56 and find my Vortex Viper 6.5x20-44mm is more than enough to see clearly at those ranges.

Congrats on the new DD!

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Originally Posted by Breadman

I have recently picked up a Daniels Defence .308 with 18" barrel. I am thinking I want to put a scope on it with 3-15 (or similar) power. This is a very lightweight and well balanced rifle, so if there were two similar scopes and one was lighter weight, I would lean in that direction. My priorities are: clear glass, durability, and nice reticle (prefer mil with mil adjustments). Zero stop is also a desirable feature. Illuminated reticle is nice, but not a deal breaker.
I have handled a Nightforce and Steiner 3-15 (I'm not sure of model numbers) and liked both of them for different reasons.
I am not a newby to good glass. I currently have magnified optics by Schmidt and Bender, Premier Reticles, Nightforce, and Leupold... however; I know there are newer things out there and want to buy a scope that will be with me for a long time.
I am not really concerned with the price of the optic. Good glass doesn't come cheap, but I also like to get a good deal. I have no problem buying a good scope used.
Thanks for your advice!

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Well, if price is not a factor, I would be looking at a Tangent Theta 3-15. TT315P. The Mk6 3-18 is a good optic but if you want illumination I think the cost is outrageously different. For the weight factor, this is probably the best bet as said above. If going for a Steiner get the M5xi. I'm guessing you looked through a T5xi. Of course you can always get a S&B and call it a day too. I think knowing your price point will help greatly. As I have mentioned optics from 2k to 4k here. Weight is just a tough one...

Have you tried the Swarovski X5 series? I sold my V6i and got the X5 . I would go Nightforce, over Steiner. I'm not impressed with my Steiner nor their Military series.

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

To answer questions posted above:
1) I guess my price range is $2500ish. It would be great if I could get a scope I am happy with for less, but I would be willing to pay more for a scope that justifies the difference.
2) 50% of my .308 shooting is done from 50-200yds. 30% is from 200-600yds. 20% is done from 600-1000yds.
Target size goes from golf balls out to 200yds and 12" plates and torsos out to 1000.

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Originally Posted by Jwknutson17

Well, if price is not a factor, I would be looking at a Tangent Theta 3-15. TT315P. The Mk6 3-18 is a good optic but if you want illumination I think the cost is outrageously different. For the weight factor, this is probably the best bet as said above. If going for a Steiner get the M5xi. I'm guessing you looked through a T5xi. Of course you can always get a S&B and call it a day too. I think knowing your price point will help greatly. As I have mentioned optics from 2k to 4k here. Weight is just a tough one...

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Is Tangent Theta the company that bought out Premier reticles? There is a familiarity about that scope.

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Originally Posted by Breadman

Is Tangent Theta the company that bought out Premier reticles? There is a familiarity about that scope.

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Off topic, but ATI bought Premier after TT already existed and had designed their product. TT is owned by ATI. There are very few similarities besides the reticles on the TT vs Premier. To my knowledge, they purchased the company for the test equipment / assets, and not to build off existing Premier Product line.

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Originally Posted by Breadman

To answer questions posted above:
1) I guess my price range is $2500ish. It would be great if I could get a scope I am happy with for less, but I would be willing to pay more for a scope that justifies the difference.
2) 50% of my .308 shooting is done from 50-200yds. 30% is from 200-600yds. 20% is done from 600-1000yds.
Target size goes from golf balls out to 200yds and 12" plates and torsos out to 1000.

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Well it sounds like any 3-15, 4-16 would fit this bill. What reticles do you prefer? I would narrow it down to that first and you may rule out a few brands just in reticles. If illumination is a must, you will prob instantly rule out the MK6 if going with a horus reticle thats illuminated. The MSR is a good reticle that Steiner offers on the M5Xi line in the 3-15, but for the 600+ shots the cross hairs are a little thick, and would choose the h59 for a few hundred more. That fits your price range in the second hand market.. The non illuminated MK6 would also fit your price range. And can be found on the EE for 1800 or so. The ATACR is decent, but I dont care for the Mil-R reticle. Another option in that 2500 range is the new USO B-17. Looks through one the other day and much more impressed with these then previous offerings. And for 2200-2600 with 10% coupon code from optics planet, you can get a good reticle in not so heavy package. Think they are 30oz. Could be a decent option.

Here is one of the Steiner M5Xi with illuminated h59 over on the hide. https://forum.snipershide.com/forum/...rice-drop-5-15

Go with nightforce or leupold mk6 3-18. Don't go razor, their razor line is imho their only stuff worth getting but I don't think they have the razor in the range you're looking for.

S&B has recently had some pretty big price reductions. There's a company in Denver, Co.that sells S&B, that can VERY likely put you into a brand new S&B within your price range. So many folks rule out S&B right away because of the cost. I understand that, but in this market, at $2500, it is very possible. Another amazing scope that can definitely be had in your price range is the Vortex Razor. Don't be afraid of pre owned. With the warranty being what it is, buy it pre owned and drive on. The Razor is a great scope, and very likely my next big glass purchase.

To give you a frame of reference, I shoot a S&B PMII 5-25 on my GAP-10. Even having the Schmidt, I'd look at the Razor.

Just my opinion and thoughts. Hope it helps a little.

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Originally Posted by ExplorinInTheWoods

Go with nightforce or leupold mk6 3-18. Don't go razor, their razor line is imho their only stuff worth getting but I don't think they have the razor in the range you're looking for.

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The gen2 Razor has a 3-18x option that would work great in terms of quality and range, but it is large and extremely heavy. If size and weight were not an issue, it would be at the top of your list.

As many have said, the Mark 6 3-18x is probably the lightest quality option, but I like others would lean heavily in favor of a Nightforce.

I am leaning towards Nightforce. Can someone educate me on the difference between the NXS and ATACR lines?
I think the 3-15 nxs and 4-16 atacr both fit my needs on paper.

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Originally Posted by Breadman

I am leaning towards Nightforce. Can someone educate me on the difference between the NSX and ATACR lines?
I think the 3-15 nsx and 4-16 atacr both fit my needs on paper.

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Basically different generations. The NXS is the premium and rugged line that came out 10+ years ago. The ATACR is a newer line that incorporates (in some models) more magnification range and some newer features, but is basically in the same spot of a high end, rugged scope.

With most companies the high-end scope model of 10+ years ago looks very dated today, but the NXS line has aged well and is still competitive in terms of quality and features, although it's priced rather high. Basically all Nightforce scopes are well made and expensive.

So, just to update the post. I was intending to buy a nightforce nxs 3-15 and was online shopping the best price when a member here posted a Steiner Txi 3-15. The price was good enough to skew my decision. The check is in the mail and I took advantage of PSA's Memorial Day sale to grab a Geissele scope mount. I am eager to get it all together and see how it shoots.
Thanks for all the advice!

That is how I've come across a couple great deals on this forum, congrats and looking forward to an update after you receive it to get your first impression.

for what you're looking for, consider the NXS line.

ATACR is a bit overkill given how great the NXS line is already.

get 2nd focal plane for the ranges you described. FFP is for longer distances and milling.

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Originally Posted by voiceofreason

for what you're looking for, consider the NXS line.

ATACR is a bit overkill given how great the NXS line is already.

get 2nd focal plane for the ranges you described. FFP is for longer distances and milling.

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He ended up with a a Steiner Txi 3-15......