Need help with my first "pricey" optic!!

[PatrickChewing]

Hey Guys,
This is my first post so be gentle! I have slowly been building a longer range AR-15 and I now have the time and money for some optics. I have never spent more that about $500 bucks on a scope but I’m ready to take the plunge. I think I have decided on a Leupold Mark 4 3.5-10x40mm LR/T with the Tactical Milling Reticle. What I can’t decide on is do I want first focal plane or not. I have read about the differences but I would like some first hand opinions. This gun is just for my personal enjoyment and shooting with friends so it has not been built for a super-specific task. Also, should I save a bit more for the illuminated reticle? Thank you in advance for all advice and suggestions!

Patrick Chewing

[TehLlama]

If you're doing daytime shooting, the ITMR isn't needed. If it's for exclusively long range, then FFP isn't going to be worth as much as if you're shooting at varied ranges, not that FFP doesn't have advantages (particularly with the TMR reticle).

The TMR Mk4's are great scope setups, I only wish they had mil marked turrets. I'm assuming you're going M1 - sounds like you're definitely on the right track (I really like my ITMR 3-9x36 M3 unit).

What scope mount are you lining up for it?

[PatrickChewing]

Hey Thanks TehLlama,
I think its going to end up on a Larue SPR mount. Thank you for your suggestion. I think I might be over complicating things. Its seems as though I keep going back to the non first focal plane TMR. Thanks you again for your help and I will keep you updated.

PC

[Belmont31R]

Go FFP if you want to use the reticle to range or as a BDC.


SFP it will need to be set on a specific magnification for any of that to work.

[Failure2Stop]

I would recommend the NF 2.5-10 over the leupy.

[Irish]

I understand your new to the forum so try this... http://www.google.com/#hl=en&source=...1d4a9cf09cb828

For future searches just change the query after the site:m4carbine.net

[PatrickChewing]

Irish,

Thank you so much for the link and information. Now I know to use the search function first. Thanks again!

PC

[SuicideHz]

My father bought the same Leupy from LT in their mount. Used it on a Stealth until he bought the 700 PSS.

It get's solid 0.189 MOA 3-shot groups. We are not marksmen. It's a good scope but maybe a bit much for even a Stealth quality AR15.

[DWood]

What is your budget? You're talking about a mid-priced optic in the Leupold, at least in my opinion. Schmidt and Bender and USO are my two favorite brand optics for top quality glass. You are well above the $2000 mark with either. I have owned both and highly recommend them. Premier Reticles scopes are also highly regarded, also very expensive. I have not owned or handled one.

NF makes a very nice FFP but is also around $2000 +/-. It is lighter than my S & Bs or USOs. Had one and sold it without ever mounting it; didn't have a rifle that needed it. For a mid-priced optic, as mentioned, the NF 2nd FP is a very nice scope. I think the NF NXS 2.5 X 10 X 32 with zero stop is a great AR optic. Around $1400 +/-.

PS, as noted earlier mil/mil is easier to learn if you realy want to get into longer range shooting. MOA/MOA is also ok. I don't like mixing knobs and reticles.

[PatrickChewing]

DWood,

Thank you for your time and input. Yesterday I talked to Mr. Fertal at U.S. Optics. After several emails (which were extremely informational and timely) we came to a figure in the $1600s for an SN-3 built to my likings. Its a bit more than I'm looking to pay but it helps that I can put half down and pay the rest when the scope in completed. I have never owned a USO but I have always lusted over them. Since I'm in college and on a college budget, it seems like USO might be a bit of overkill for my situation. But, sometimes I ask myself if you have saved $1400 for a scope, why not hold off for a bit and get the one you really want. Especially when the wait time on USO is 8-10 weeks. I have looked at the NF and they seem to be wonderful as well. Again I have never used or owned a NF but I have definitely not ruled them out of the race. To be honest, S&B has never been on my radar, except for maybe the Short Dot.

As to my budget, I would like to spend maybe $1000-$1400

Again, thanks for helping me out!
PC