Completing LMT308MWS advice/suggestions

[k_p_1989]

How's it going guys. I'm new to the site. I've been researching long range shooting awhile now & practicing fundamentals w/ my 10/22 22" barrel. I'm really excited about the challenge of long range shooting and would someday like to compete. I recently bought a LMT 308 MWS 16" chrome lined & am now looking to outfit her w/ the correct scope. To put it simple I'm overwhelmed @ the options. If you guys could chime in w/ any suggestions I'd greatly appreciate it.
I have decided on mil/mil and front focal plane; illumination & zero stop seem nice but aren't necessary, so far I have researched ...
-nightforce 3.5-15x50 nxs f1
-leupold 4.5-14x50 er/t front focal M5
-IOR 3-18x42 FFP
-vortex viper pst 4-16x50

[VIP3R 237]

Nightforce is the best choice of the ones listed, The Vortex is an awesome option for the price, i wouldnt touch the Leupold, and no experience with the IOR.

[aguila327]

I see that buy your top three candidates you are willing to pay. The main question you have to ask yourself is; Whats this rifle for? Mostly distance, posdible cqb scenarios three gun or just routine range work.

I myself have fallen in lust with night force scopes. Too the detriment of my savings acct.

Leupold has also been good for me.

Point is you get what u pay for. I've bought numerous scopes and have resold numetous "affordable" scopes but have always kept the nightforce and leupolds.

[k_p_1989]

Thanks for the input gents...
As far as price goes I'm kind of into being patient, saving $, & doing things once & right, so price isn't the biggest limiting factor just as long as it doesn't break that $2500 mark...
I really just want the best quality for the best price, I want to be confident that what I buy will last & be backed & being I'm unfamiliar w/ scope manufacturers is why I'm seeking some guidance...
I'm trying to set the gun up mostly for distance as its a pretty hefty beast & I don't intend to be running around w/ it as a quick lightweight tactical firearm, so distance is its main purpose...

@vip3r 237 ... What steers you away from leupold?, please explain...

[JoshNC]

The Leupold mk6 3-18x with Horus H58 reticle looks like an awesome scope and will set you back right at $2500. This is what I would buy right now if I was in the market for a long range optic.

[VIP3R 237]

@vip3r 237 ... What steers you away from leupold?, please explain...

Because Leupold is behind almost everyone else right now. I used to think leupold was a great scope, i grew up with a Vari X-II on my hunting rifle and most of the scopes on my dads guns were leupolds. However after researching and shooting their glass while comparing it to others, with very few exceptions, there is not a product from leupold that cannot get beat by another manufacter at usually a better price point.

I own Mark 4 4.5-14x and while it is a decent product, my Vortex Viper PST 4-16 FFP flat out trumps it in every category. The Vortex is a FFP, has more magnification range, is clearer with better low light transmission, it has a zero stop, tracking seems to be better, doesnt have a 20 year old locking ring focus design, has every bit as good of warranty is not better, and oh cost less.

IMO there isnt a Leupold out there that can compete side by side with a comparable Nightforce. The only thing that can trump a NF is a US Optics, or maybe a S&B, but i do not have any experience with the S&B's.

This is my opinion and some may not agree with it. I say try them all out and see for yourself.

[WillC]

Some of my thoughts from my personal experience:

Nightforce is probably the way to go.
Testing at Crane put Nightforce as having the best light ratio throughput which is why NSW went with them, and I have never seen one broke or much of a zero loss after a good bump.

Leupold is coming back strong and I have always thought their glass was decent, their prices are some of the most sane in the market ... maybe with the exception of the early CQBSS pricing.

S&B and Swarovrski are almost like art, my eyes feel better while looking through them but prices are steep with the current valuation of the dollar.

Not too much exposure to US Optics.

[k_p_1989]

Thank you guys a ton! this is the type of info I have been craving & looking for... Keep the it coming!
...as for the leupolds I've noticed a trend of reviews that hint that they may not be what they once were in the "good ole days of our pops & gramps" but still have loyal followers that won't stray from the norm, if that isn't the case they may just be hit & miss but even so I'm not shelling out cash for hit or miss.

[JoshNC]

There is a nice review of the Leupold Mk6 3-18x here:

http://sigforum.com/eve/forums/a/tpc...392#8970010392