Mid-Power Variable for Multi-Role Rifle

[noonesshowmonkey]

Well, this is the optic thread for the rifle project that I am working on. I figured that I may as well splinter the discussion into another thread because optics are a world unto themselves, and lord only knows how far this rabbit hole will take me before I order something. If this is better suited to the Optics sub-forum, please shovel it along to that location.

As stated in my other rifle thread, the goal is 600-800m first shot hits with boring repeat-ability, while keeping things as light as possible without going full retard. The same rifle should be capable on the firing line / bench as well as slung onto my back to be hiked up and over the next ridge line to find the shot. This is not an F-Class rifle. Ideally, the optic will be mil/mil and have an approximately 3/4 - 15/20 range, with 20 being far more than necessary. Given the ranges that I am trying to shoot at, 15x is probably more than enough, and I could probably just get by with an SWFA SS 10x...

The two scopes that I've found right now that look really good are the following:

Leupold Mark 4 ERT 6.5-20 x 50mm M5A2 Enhanced Sniper Rifle Scope
NightForce 3.5-15 x 50mm Zero Stop LV.5 Riflescope C393
Swarovski 3.5-18 x 44mm Z5

Very different optics, each one. The Leupold and NightForce weigh in at 30+ oz, and are very much known quantities to me. Great quality, great warranties, etc. They both share a Horus-type christmas tree reticle that I think has its advantages and a large following in the precision / marksman world. The Leupold is priced out at just under $2000, and is the absolute outer reaches of my sanity and budget for this kind of project. Were it not a military contract over-run, this is supposedly a near $4k hunk of glass. The NightForce optics that I am looking at are in their discontinued series, and have a discounted price that puts them within reasonable reach at $1400-1800.

Swarovski's Z5 is definitely in the sweet spot, weight wise, for this particular project. It fits the minimalist aesthetic of the system that I have in mind, and from what I have read, their optics quality is about as good as it gets, especially for the money. All-in, this is the most budget friendly option at or under $1400. The reticle, however, lacks the detail and extended functionality of the other two. I honestly don't know enough about what I am trying to accomplish to know if this is going to be a limiting factor for me, or something that I need at all.

With a max budget of $2000, preferably well under, in the 3-15ish range, trying to stay light enough to keep the final rifle under 9 or 10 lb, what else should I be looking at?

[gunnerblue]

I have a NXS 3.5-15 with MLR reticle on a mid-weight hunting rifle. It is more than enough to get to 600 meters. Be advised that the LV.5 reticle is part of the Velocity series and is designed for holdovers with various cartridges and various ranges. It isn't really meant for ranging as are the Horus options, MLR, mildot etc. The rifle is a Cooper 52 and weighs 9 1/4 lbs scopes, slung and loaded.

The Swaro Z5 is a fantastic optic, but I see it being stronger for all-around hunting as opposed to dedicated long range shooting. As you mentioned the reticle choices are limiting and the adjustments are capped as well. There is the ballistic turret option, but this is used more in a BDC role. Mine sits atop my general purpose 300 Weatherby. Using a combination of duplex reticle holds as well as the ballistic turret, this rifle is set up to handle anything from 0-600 meters- all in a 8 1/2 lb package. The rig is light enough for hiking but not so much to be unstable from a good rest.

[skatz11]

How about either of the newer Bushnell Elite optics:

LRHS or 3-12 or 4.5-18

DMR2 3.5-21
I haven't seen one myself yet but it's getting great reviews on snipers hide.

I have the LRHS 3-12 on my SPRish rifle and I've been impressed with it. I like the capped windage turret and the zero stop is great. There's an illuminated version now too.

[Slippers]

Have you considered the Nightforce ATACR 4-16x42 F1? It's slightly above your budget, but you might find a used one floating around at the right price. It's 30 oz, 12.6" long (2" shorter than the NXS 3-15), and the turrets are very low profile. The zerohold elevation turret is wonderful, too. First focal plane with the mil-r reticle works well.

I own one, so I'm biased, but it's a lot of scope in a fairly compact package. I currently have it on my bergara lrp, but used to use it on an mws out to 900m.

[gunnerblue]

Have you considered the Nightforce ATACR 4-16x42 F1? It's slightly above your budget, but you might find a used one floating around at the right price. It's 30 oz, 12.6" long (2" shorter than the NXS 3-15), and the turrets are very low profile. The zerohold elevation turret is wonderful, too. First focal plane with the mil-r reticle works well.

I own one, so I'm biased, but it's a lot of scope in a fairly compact package. I currently have it on my bergara lrp, but used to use it on an mws out to 900m.

A friend of mine has one atop his all-purpose 300 Winchester. Every time I get behind it I think to myself that it is almost a perfect optic, appropriate for almost any type of hunting or long range target rifle. I don't plan on buying anymore NXS's- if I need something new of that type, it'll be an ATACR

[noonesshowmonkey]

Have you considered the Nightforce ATACR 4-16x42 F1? It's slightly above your budget, but you might find a used one floating around at the right price. It's 30 oz, 12.6" long (2" shorter than the NXS 3-15), and the turrets are very low profile. The zerohold elevation turret is wonderful, too. First focal plane with the mil-r reticle works well...

The ATACR gets my tight in the pants, but it is also a solid grand above what I really want to spend on this particular part of this particular (particularly expensive!) project. I mean, maybe this is the exact moment where I need to just shut up and save for a while. I don't know.

After giving the project some thought, the Leupold 6.5-20, while sexy AF, is just not fitting the requirements. While this is project is specced at a 'do-all' role, I am leaning on more magnification than a traditional bush optic (2-7 / 3-9), while holding shy of a bench rest optic (upwards of 20+).

In the Leupold's stead, I'll toss the NightForce SHV 4-14 F1 and the Sig Tango 6 4-16 into the ring. They weigh in at around $1250, and are both right in my magnification sweet spot. Also, a few folks have been bringing up the Bushnell Elite Tactical LRTS 4.5-18x44, which hits $1500. Ideally, this is the price range I'm looking at.

[jstalford]

I mean, maybe this is the exact moment where I need to just shut up and save for a while. I don't know.

I think this. But only b/c I have seen the ATACR second hand for 1700-1800, so it's closer to your budget than you think.


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[Slippers]

Where do you live? If you're in NC near the Raleigh area you can take a look at mine. Even if I didn't have an appropriate gun to put it on, I'd keep the 4-16x42. I like it that much.

[noonesshowmonkey]

Where do you live? If you're in NC near the Raleigh area you can take a look at mine. Even if I didn't have an appropriate gun to put it on, I'd keep the 4-16x42. I like it that much.

Mas preesh, bruh. I live in the central gulf coast, so that's a bit of a drive. What I really need is to find a gallery of guns and optics so that I can finger **** them all until I can show myself what I am willing to live with. That'd be ideal. My department's SWAT marksmen use Leupold 5-25's, Mk 8s I think, which are great and all, but too much optic. Can't seem to find something in the range I am looking for to get my grubby paws on.

RiverofGuns was showing a few ATACRs going for sub-$2000, but they sell within days. I guess I'll have to (pun definitely intended) wait for one to snipe, and then (doubling down) pull the trigger on it right away.

Off to work.

[jstalford]

You could always just order one from optics planet and return it.


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