Need suggestions for scoping a new semi-auto .50BMG.

[Kevin M.]

I have been looking around and am not really sure where to start looking for this one.

Let me start by outlining the basics of the rifle and its uses.

It is a Serbu BFG-50A, which is a Semi-Auto .50 BMG precision rifle.

Primary purpose will be intermediate range target shooting at full sized IDPA style AR-500 steel plates, with distances ranging from between 300-800 meters. That said, The odd time the gun will be used at 100 meters for re-zeroing purposes at the local range, and if chance allows again this year, I would like to get it to a mile.

This to me means I need a scope with a metric buttload of elevation adjustment.

I am looking for a high quality scope and rings to match that will take a beating from being dragged around in the bush and being hammered by the stout recoil of the .50BMG cartridge over and over again during the Canadian winter. I fully intend to put this gun through its paces, so I am not looking for a cheapo fly by night scope manufacturer.

Ideally a fairly wide range of magnification, but it would be nice if it topped out around 30x or greater for some of the extreme long range poking.

I would like a mil-dot or similar ballistic reticle, and exposed target turrets would be preferred, but not a dealbreaker.

What kind of options are out there for me, and what may I have missed that would be useful to take into account for a firearm such as this?


Now here for all of you are some teaser shots of the gun in question to let you know what I am trying to scope... Happy new year all!

 

[CanuckR]

Well, clearly budget isn't that much of an issue. (I'm jealous as hell I want one)
Now mind you I haven't owned either, but my thoughts go straight to a S&B or a Nightforce.

 

[drift1122]

Wow, if that's what you got for xmas then your one luck dude. That chick can hold my gun anytime

 

[Freyr_255]

Well the Nightforce 8-32x56mm has 65MOA elevation and their 12-42x56 has 45 MOA elevation.

S&B makes a 12-50x56 but it looks to have about 30moa(? listed as -5 to 65 cm).

Swarovski I wouldn't put on that as apparently they don't warranty scopes on larger bore rifles. At least according to a second hand story I heard from a reliable source. Can't afford them personally so I'll never know.

 

[fireball]

Nightforce

 

[ultimate_monkey]

Nf will have the most elevation , S&B are worth every penny , say the 5-25 with the p4 retinal or the new h59 if you want to shoot pure holds ? The 12-50s&b in 1/8moa adjustments has 75moa available with the multi turn turrets or 65 with the double turn

 

[Mystic Precision]

Sightron has been doing well in the 50BMG 1000yd BR ranks

Jerry

 

[TDC]

Come on guys, whats wrong with an NC Star??

TDC

 

[Big JD-From the hills]

I have no suggestion on optics. I am curiouse to see this thing run though, and what kind of precision its capable of, or is it just an moa engine block semi auto cannon.

 

[gorky]

S&B 5-25, NF 8-32 (though the 5.5-22 has more elevation adjustment), premiere reticle would fit the bill as well. The nee Leupold mark 6 looks intriguing.

Get decent rings and you should be good to rock and roll.

 

[Suputin]

How'd you get a semi-auto 50 BMG out of the states? Last I heard no 50 BMG anything was getting exported.

 

[davide montini]

S&b got one on mine and there is no other that comes close

 

[LV2XLR8]

How'd you get a semi-auto 50 BMG out of the states? Last I heard no 50 BMG anything was getting exported.

Apparently 2 days after Obama pushed through the gun ban he also lifted the restrictions on exporting .50 BMG's. The only headaches now are at our end of things.

 

[Tomochan]

For max internal elevation and rugged construction able to handle the recoil I would go for the NF NXS 5.5-22x50(orX56). For quality of glass and the additional magnification I would go for the S+B 12-50x56. Premier Reticles and USO may be other viable choices for this calibre.

 

[pazzo]

You are wasting your time with anything but S&B. Those who disagree are only trying to justify their less-than-adequate purchase.

 

[scott_r]

You are wasting your time with anything but S&B. Those who disagree are only trying to justify their less-than-adequate purchase.

Cause you've tried all other manufacturers on your semi auto 50 bmg right? Please tell me that you at least own a 50 bmg??

 

[pazzo]

Cause you've tried all other manufacturers on your semi auto 50 bmg right? Please tell me that you at least own a 50 bmg??

Is this a joke? No I don't own a .50 BMG and I don't have to own one to know this. Why don't you tell me what exactly is the difference between shooting .308 or .338 vs .50 BMG, out to 800m?
Having shot thousands of rounds well past 1000m, I can tell you that nothing except maybe Hensoldt comes even close to S&B. Even Nightforce lacks severely at those distances when compared side x side to Bender.
He's already paying through the nose for a semi-auto .50 and ridiculously expensive ammo, he might as well compliment the setup.

 

[marcoman]

US Optics are pretty much bomb proof, but overall I think best bang for the buck would be a Nightforce NXS. I'd go 5-22x56 MOAR reticle. Plenty of magnification for the ranges you described and has a ton of adjustment.

 

[dusticles]

Just my 2 cents but I have to agree with the NF being the best deal. I've used my NF for over 1000 rounds and most of that was beyond 300yds. Not a single complaint.

I guess it depends on your budget.

Also, the added eye relief might come in handy with that new boomstick! Almost a half inch more than both USO and S&B

 

[pazzo]

I've used my NF for over 1000 rounds and most of that was beyond 300yds. Not a single complaint.

How far is "beyond 300yds"? If you shoot 600-800 and beyond and compare the NF next to the Bender you would be saying different.

Audi's and BMW's are nice cars, but when put against a Porsche they suck in comparison.

Just stating the facts.