Poll: best VALUE SPR Optic

[d90king]

At the price point that used Nightforce's can be found, they are very difficult to beat IMHO. I run a 1-4 FC-2 and a 3.5-15 MLR and I am very happy with them both.

Generally they can be found in the $900-$1200 range and they are a lot of glass for that.

I am looking forward to seeing some of Leupolds newer offering due out later in the year...

[Ironman8]

I considered the Vortex, but ruled it out due to multiple reports of reticles rotating and also some reports of poor glass clarity. I realize that Vortex has excellent CS, but the DPMS/RRA/Olympic logic applies: the best CS is the one you don't need to use.

I have a hard time with the SS as it still brings TASCO to mind. Is that wrong?

Thanks and keep the input coming!

I have a 2.5-10x PST and can tell you that glass clarity is as good as you can ask for. I can't speak to the durability or any future problems with the reticle rotating (first I had heard about that), but can assure you that you won't be unhappy with the clarity. If the NF has better clarity, I would bet money on the fact that it doesn't have $600 worth of better glass. I really like mine, especially the hash marks vs the dots...much more precise IMO. The only problem is finding them in stock...

[Cesiumsponge]

...I would bet money on the fact that it doesn't have $600 worth of better glass.

I wouldn't bet you because it's true. However, performance doesn't go up linearly with price except at the low end. Maybe you can double performance going from a $100 optic to a $200 optic, but the higher you climb up the performance ladder, the more you're going to pay just to get a wee bit more. Going from a $1500 to $3000 optic isn't going to double your performance. At the very top, you might only squeeze out another 5%. Once you get past the $1000 mark, you're generally in safe territory.

Folks are paying over $3000 for things like Kahles or Premier Reticles...they aren't 10x clearer than a $300 Weaver. I purchased a US Optics north of $2500...I know it isn't twice as good as a Leupold in clarity but it is better. Us gun folks aren't very demanding on optical clarity anyhow. No one here has tried to quantify differences with resolution charts or brought up terms like chromatic aberration. I think I've only recalled one fellow that did it on a thread years ago. You want to see optical wankery, check out birdwatcher and DSLR forums. They're a thousand times more demanding than us.

[bubba04]

this is the route I am thinking I am going to go on my m14.

I would have thought the reticle could not rotate since its engraved into the glass???

I have a 2.5-10x PST and can tell you that glass clarity is as good as you can ask for. I can't speak to the durability or any future problems with the reticle rotating (first I had heard about that), but can assure you that you won't be unhappy with the clarity. If the NF has better clarity, I would bet money on the fact that it doesn't have $600 worth of better glass. I really like mine, especially the hash marks vs the dots...much more precise IMO. The only problem is finding them in stock...

[ICANHITHIMMAN]

I put in my vote baised on money is now object. But I'm happy with my 650$ Horus Hawk.