Magnified optics for 8" 300blk

[hydro556]

I ended up going with a new Noveske 8" 300blk with 7" NSR rail.

I intend to capitalize on the remarkable versatility of this cartridge, and will likely swap between a magnified lightweight optic and a T1 depending on what I am doing.

My question is about the magnified optic. I havent seen many 8" BLK's running magnified glass and would love to see some pictures, especially with an NSR rail, just because I want to see what it looks like.

Basically, I am curious to see how far I can accurately shoot from such a small weapon. Will be interesting to shoot an 8" gun out to 300 and possibly more. Both subs and supers, but especially subs. I have a bunch of 220SMK's and that will be where I start.

I am wondering what optics I should consider. Obviously need compact. I have a NF 2.5-10x32 in a LT QD mount, but I am afraid that may be more than needed, and will look like a monkey ****ing a football, although the AAC 762sdn-6 can will help offset the size a bit . While I dont want huge, I would like a minimum of 6x mag, maybe even 8x.

At the NRA show I saw Vortex' new 1-6 and was VERY impressed. So, I will definitely be checking that out. What other variable mag optics do you guys think would be good for this application.

Obviously if theVortex 1-6 turns out to be as good as it appeared in my brief encounter with it, it may be perfect, as I would have a one optic solution that shouldnt break the bank.

Just looking for thoughts, and would love some pictures. ESPECIALLY if anyone can find a picture of the Noveske 8" lo-pro with NSR rail, ike I am getting. I havent found a single one to my recollection.

[El Cid]

Shooting 300BLK from an 8" bbl at 300 yards... I'd think an M203 sight would be ideal. Or perhaps something off a mortar?

Kidding a aside, what's your budget. You say you want something small but you want 6x or 8x. Those tend to be mutually exclusive. The Swarovski Z6i is one of the lighter 1-6 optics if I recall. I love mine but they aren't inexpensive. You mention having a NF which leads me to think you are willing to drop some coin on glass.

[hydro556]

Shooting 300BLK from an 8" bbl at 300 yards... I'd think an M203 sight would be ideal. Or perhaps something off a mortar?

Kidding a aside, what's your budget. You say you want something small but you want 6x or 8x. Those tend to be mutually exclusive. The Swarovski Z6i is one of the lighter 1-6 optics if I recall. I love mine but they aren't inexpensive. You mention having a NF which leads me to think you are willing to drop some coin on glass.

Yes, I am willing to spend for nice optics, but I dont mind value either. I have owned a half dozen or so Schmidts, and probably that many USO's and a couple Premiers. Love them all, but try to stay out of that price range anymore.

Am a fan of Vortex and am really interested in the 1-6 they are supposed to have coming. I saw it at the NRA show and was quite impressed.

I think its weight, size and price (assuming they stay in the lane they have traditionally) will be great for this build.

And 6x would be plenty to push the subs beyond their reasonable limit. And at 1x it seemed just like my T1, so it would be perfect on a bedside gun, as I intend for this SBR to be.

What do you have in mind? Would love to keep a 1 optic solution and keep it well under $1500 not counting mount.

[post tensioned]

I have an 11.5" 300BLK that I've been using a Trijicon TR-24 on. It has worked quite well so far. It is very fast up close, and with 4 power, I can easily see targets out to 400 yards. The only downside I see to it is the lack of a BDC reticle, which not a huge deal for supersonics given the practical range of the 300BLK. For subs, it's hard to hold over for anything past 200.
The upside is the optic is small and light, and while I do own a Swarovski Z6i, that would be over kill for this gun, especially an 8". IMO anything with more than 4 power is probably overkill. I would want the closer up capability of an Aimpoint over higher end magnification, and this is where I feel something like the Trijicon does well. Having used a Nightforce 1-4, I think the Trijicon is far better up close, and anything else is just too big/ heavy and defeats the purpose of the gun.

[hydro556]

I have an 11.5" 300BLK that I've been using a Trijicon TR-24 on. It has worked quite well so far. It is very fast up close, and with 4 power, I can easily see targets out to 400 yards. The only downside I see to it is the lack of a BDC reticle, which not a huge deal for supersonics given the practical range of the 300BLK. For subs, it's hard to hold over for anything past 200.
The upside is the optic is small and light, and while I do own a Swarovski Z6i, that would be over kill for this gun, especially an 8". IMO anything with more than 4 power is probably overkill. I would want the closer up capability of an Aimpoint over higher end magnification, and this is where I feel something like the Trijicon does well. Having used a Nightforce 1-4, I think the Trijicon is far better up close, and anything else is just too big/ heavy and defeats the purpose of the gun.

Thanks for the input.

I think the lobbing trajectory of the subs would be very fun. I prefer to dial elevation and am not really a fan of BDC's, although they can be made to work with pretty much any cartridge and a few dozen practice rounds.

I havent studied the trajectory of the subsonic rounds from a BLK, but I dont think dialing elevation out to 300 would be terrible, assuming you had the Up available in whatever optic you are using.

Should be a ball. I absolutely cannot wait to get this thing all together. But dread the wait, as it will likely be 2013 before this is all done. Especially given that I dont even have a suppressor bought, because I havent found one in stock. Really want an AAC, but starting to consider anything.

[post tensioned]

Well, if you like to dial in the elevation then I think you will find the Trijicons turrets pretty functional as well.

I've shot it a bit with subs out to 300 meters, and I had the hold the reticle half-way up a pine tree growing behind the 300 meter berm. I will agree it was a whole lot of fun. The delay from seeing the impact then hearing the impact on the steel was a blast. Enjoy!

[hydro556]

Well, if you like to dial in the elevation then I think you will find the Trijicons turrets pretty functional as well.

I've shot it a bit with subs out to 300 meters, and I had the hold the reticle half-way up a pine tree growing behind the 300 meter berm. I will agree it was a whole lot of fun. The delay from seeing the impact then hearing the impact on the steel was a blast. Enjoy!

Agreed!

I will do some reading on the Trij. I guess I always think ACOG when someone mentions Trijicon and I just am ignorant about the rest of their lineup. Always respected their glass quality for sure, but I dont think I have ever turned a Trijicon turret.

As for holding halfway up the tree, that is exactly what I am looking forward to. Will be a hell of a challenge to hit pig sized steel at the 300 yard line. But that delayed CLANK!! will make it worthwhile.

Cant wait for this one to be done.

[Iron-sapper]

Leupold has a 300 BLK reticle in their Mk4 family, new this year. One side has elevation hold overs for subsonic, denoted with a tortoise. The other side has supersonic, marked with a hare.

No experience but it seems to have the best of both worlds for a versatile 300-based optic.

[hydro556]

Leupold has a 300 BLK reticle in their Mk4 family, new this year. One side has elevation hold overs for subsonic, denoted with a tortoise. The other side has supersonic, marked with a hare.

No experience but it seems to have the best of both worlds for a versatile 300-based optic.

LOL, that's kind of funny.

BDC's arent usually my thing, but I will have to check that out just to see it.

[SomeOtherGuy]

Shooting 300BLK from an 8" bbl at 300 yards... I'd think an M203 sight would be ideal. Or perhaps something off a mortar?

Basically my thoughts.

Without either a mil-dot and some free time or Leupold's 300BLK reticle, I think your realistic distance limitations are maybe 100 yards with subsonic and 200 yards (out of an 8" bbl) supersonic.

I've done some calculating of trajectories and mildot adjustments for several 300BLK loads and I think someone with a mildot scope, a calculator, and plenty of time to set up each shot could make hits at 300+ yards with supersonic loads. But I just don't see someone using an 8" bbl carbine for long distance shots with a mildot scope. Go ahead and do it if you want to, of course.

Otherwise, get that launcher sight and join the soon-to-be-forming 300BLK Creedmore club on the 1000yd line.