Wild Boar optics choices?

[mastiffhound]

I'm switching my Leupold 1.5-4x20 Mark AR from my 20" all purpose plinking, hunting, homestead coyote killer to my newer BCM 16" carbine. It will be doing some home defending and from the porch varmint dispatching duty now. I still want to use my 20" for paper punching and walking or riding around the property. I realized that I need a little more magnification than 4x. I had some hogs get away because I couldn't get a big enough sight picture. I would like to keep it under $350. I asked this in another thread but now I've changed my mind on magnification, price, and I didn't get many replies. Just to be clear, this will not be defending my life. It will be strictly for plinking and hunting.

Here are the scopes I'm looking at:

Primary Arms 1-6X Scope with ACSS Reticle(not out yet but I could wait).
Nikon 2-8x32 M-223 Riflescope BDC
Redfield 3-9x42 Battlezone Rifle Scope
Leupold 3-9x40 Mark AR MOD Mil-Dot
Burris 2-7x35 Fullfield E1
Burris 3-9x40 Fullfield E1

I really like the lower end of 1-2 magnification range for the closer varmints. I'm not too thrilled about the Mil-Dot, at the longer ranges with a low powered scope it will sometimes blot out the target. It's the reason I like the SPR reticle so much. Right now I'm leaning towards the PA or Nikon, pretty much a dead heat. The Leupold and Redfield are next with the Burris scopes bringing up the rear. If you have experience with any of these I would be happy to hear about it! As always, thank you for your help.

[Tzook]

I voted the PA 1-6, but I'm just using an Aimpoint for the hunts I'm going on. I do have high hopes for that PA 1-6 though... And it's cheap.

[_Stormin_]

I have the Leupold on my Weatherby bolt gun and I couldn't be happier. I have no experience with it on a semi auto rifle, but I have over a thousand rounds through the rifle it's on taking down paper, steel, and prairie dogs and it's been rock solid.

Edit - I have the Mark 4 LR, not the Mark AR… Still would put their scopes up against anyone.

[wahoo95]

Why not a red dot like Aimpoint?

[mastiffhound]

Why not a red dot like Aimpoint?

Because 600 yards is a long way to get a hit with a red dot sight. We have 91 acres now, longer range and accurate hits are a must. Hence the 1-6, 2-8, 3-9 will be replacing my 1.5-4 Leupold that is moving over to my HD AR. Damn pigs are almost like the hydra except when you miss one two more seem to appear. I have always thought that red dots are more of a closer in 100 to 200 yard optic.

I'm not sure if were you trying to be funny or sarcastic? I did say that I needed more magnification, not less than I already have. I'm not sure if you missed that part. Also, I'm trying to keep it under $350 as this won't be a life or death AR.

[wahoo95]

Because 600 yards is a long way to get a hit with a red dot sight. We have 91 acres now, longer range and accurate hits are a must. Hence the 1-6, 2-8, 3-9 will be replacing my 1.5-4 Leupold that is moving over to my HD AR. Damn pigs are almost like the hydra except when you miss one two more seem to appear. I have always thought that red dots are more of a closer in 100 to 200 yard optic.

I'm not sure if were you trying to be funny or sarcastic? I did say that I needed more magnification, not less than I already have. I'm not sure if you missed that part. Also, I'm trying to keep it under $350 as this won't be a life or death AR.

Didn't realize you were taking that far away is why I asked. Most folks round these parts take them under 100yds.

[mastiffhound]

Didn't realize you were taking that far away is why I asked. Most folks round these parts take them under 100yds.

Yeah, we live at the top of the hill and I have a tree stand set up to overlook our corn and soybean fields. I didn't have a great understanding of how bad the pig problem was when we acquired the land. I bought the 20" because shooting .308 was getting expensive. Plus follow up shots are a lot quicker than with a bolt action .308. I started out using 77gr and 69gr HPs but soon learned that was expensive also. Now I just use any 55gr fmj, hp, or sp bullets I can find to reload with. A miss doesn't hurt my wallet or pride as much.

Don't get me wrong, I'll take them at any range. The option to get them further out is nice though. The coyotes just love my chickens, they're pretty crafty. .308 was overkill for them by a lot!

[mastiffhound]

Of course Nikon has to come out with a sale knocking the M-223 2-8x32 down from $349 to $289. Yep, just made the choice harder.

[MajorLonghorn]

I'd go with either the Nikon or the Leupold.

[JW5219]

Of course Nikon has to come out with a sale knocking the M-223 2-8x32 down from $349 to $289. Yep, just made the choice harder.

I'd go with the Nikon, especially at that price. The Nikon's are real nice glass. Good luck with your choice !