SPR or Recce?

[wild_wild_wes]

SPR or Recce? I can only afford one, sort of.

I have a Nightforce 1-4X and a NF 2.5-10X32 waiting to be put on future builds. I am torn over putting the 2.5-10X on an 5.56 SPR, or a 16" AR10. The question I have is wether the 2.5-10X would be a better fit for a 7.62 gun, since as I have seen opined on TOS by an experienced AR builder/shooter, "Both the SPR and Recce can make hits over 400 yards, but beyond that they are just poking .22 holes". But, lots of guys have Mk12 clones and seem to think they are useful, and they seem to be doing well in actual combat....but is that because they are available, and 7.62 precision rifles generally are not, yet? The LMT MRP .308 16" rifle seems to be making a big splash in the role formerly held by the SPR.

So, given the limitations of the 5.56 cartridge, would it be a better option to have only a Recce as a precision rifle in that caliber with a 4X optic, and a 7.62 for longer range shooting with a more powerful scope?

[twitch1706]

I don't think having only a Recce in 5.56 is a bad thing, and aside from that it looks to me like your reasoning is fairly sound. I'd say throw the 2.5-10x on the 7.62 and call it a day.

[500grains]

Everyone needs a .308. Another .223 is great, but when SHTF is will be nice for you to be able to achieve better barrier penetration than the .223 offers, should you decide that the occasion warrants it. For example, if you wanted to punch through the door of a 1974 Ford LTD at 800 yards, with a .223 SPR do it?

So if you are sacrificing a .308 to get a .223 recce or SPR, I would advise going for the .308 instead. Down the road when finances permit them of course you can add the SPR or recce .223.

[ucrt]

SPR or Recce? I can only afford one, sort of.

I have a Nightforce 1-4X and a NF 2.5-10X32 waiting to be put on future builds. I am torn over putting the 2.5-10X on an 5.56 SPR, or a 16" AR10. The question I have is wether the 2.5-10X would be a better fit for a 7.62 gun, since as I have seen opined on TOS by an experienced AR builder/shooter, "Both the SPR and Recce can make hits over 400 yards, but beyond that they are just poking .22 holes". But, lots of guys have Mk12 clones and seem to think they are useful, and they seem to be doing well in actual combat....but is that because they are available, and 7.62 precision rifles generally are not, yet? The LMT MRP .308 16" rifle seems to be making a big splash in the role formerly held by the SPR.

So, given the limitations of the 5.56 cartridge, would it be a better option to have only a Recce as a precision rifle in that caliber with a 4X optic, and a 7.62 for longer range shooting with a more powerful scope?

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I would say set up a RECCE with the 1-4X first. If SHTF, most of us couldn't justify shooting a "long range" threat. Really and truly, is some turk-deville a 1/2 mile away with a 9mm Highpoint a "threat" to you?

I'm not saying, don't have long range capability (eventually) but have 0-250 yard protection first and foremost.

But that's just me.

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[wild_wild_wes]

Yes, barrier penetration penetration is the other big factor. Another would be crosswind performance.

I was exchanging IMs on TOS with a guy who recently came back from Afghanistan where he was a DM; he was satisfied with the Mk12....but I see he just bought a 16" AR10T for himself.

[500grains]

. If SHTF, most of us couldn't justify shooting a "long range" threat. Really and truly, is some turk-deville a 1/2 mile away with a 9mm Highpoint a "threat" to you?


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Perhaps not, but a gang that is systematically setting fire to buildings or cars and moving your direction is a threat. It probably would not be best to wait until they torch the next door neighbor's house before trying to put an end to their conduct.

[wild_wild_wes]

The NF 1-4X I have has an FC-2 reticle. Is this usable as a "precision" scope? Let's say, out to 300-400m.

[seb5]

The NF 1-4X I have has an FC-2 reticle. Is this usable as a "precision" scope? Let's say, out to 300-400m.

I had one for about 2 years so can't remember the hold overs and such but it is good to 400. It's much better at 300 but you can hit man sized targets with ease at 400. I wouldn't call it a precision rig but it's a capable combat rig. I sold it to fund a TA-33 HG, which I like a lot but am not sure the NF was a more multi faceted optic. I still have a NF 2.5-10 on a Noveske and it's a great precision rig but not worth much inside of 100.

[Failure2Stop]

"Both the SPR and Recce can make hits over 400 yards, but beyond that they are just poking .22 holes".

Yeah, but if you poke a hole in the right thing, caliber is academic.
Really, the heavy weight 5.56 does a lot better than "just .22 holes" anyway, even at long range.

Don't get me wrong, I am a firm believer in 7.62, but when it comes to stuff I have to buy, financing becomes a much larger issue- from initial investment to sustainment, 7.62 hurts a lot more. If you can afford it, it's a viable route.

Really, the biggest performance difference between an SPR and a Recce is the optic. Either way, adherance to loose concepts and definitions isn't worth wasting much time; identify your needs, budget, and personal preferences and assemble something that fills your defined role, not the role nebulously defined by some random SEALs in '02.

[ucrt]

Perhaps not, but a gang that is systematically setting fire to buildings or cars and moving your direction is a threat. It probably would not be best to wait until they torch the next door neighbor's house before trying to put an end to their conduct.

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Good point. In our subdivision, I always figured I'd go "help" them defend their property before the "problems" got to me. Reckon it would be better to defend the neighbors from my property.

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