Graduation time - what is the next level scope after the Vortex Viper?

t3dd13

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I am not hating on Vortex or anything. I got a 4-16x Viper for my dad's Tikka T3 TAC and we both love it. I just ordered an SSG 3000 and would like to try another brand optic on it.

So far I have tried the dirt cheap Baraska to mid priced Bushnell Elites and Vortex.

Would love your opinion on what is the next level up?
(Could also be another brand of Vortex)
 
I've got the Gen 1. I don't really have anything bad to say about it, however I wouldn't mind shorter turrets. I did find the clarity to be a bit better with the Gen 2. Maybe it was just me, but I do like it more then my Gen 1. That is until I saw how much more it costs than the Gen 1.
 
Make that 3.
6-24 LRMOA SIII would sit pretty on that rifle...

I had to make hard choices as I fell in love with Sightron when I couldn't resolve as well with a Viper HS at identical 16x zoom at 300 yds. I needed to scope 3 rifles so I went with the SII Big Sky II in 6.5x20-same glass as the SIII, 1" tube (which looks better on my older Rems than a 30mm tube, just IMHO) and ample internal elevation for ranges out to 1000 yds. I have 3 and couldn't imagine spending more $$$ unless for higher magnification or zero stop which methinks is seldom actually relevant in the field (a nice to have but not necessary).

If you're conscious of budget, you won't be disappointed with the SII BigSky.
 
Hirsch or Mystic Precision are tied for first-call either Peter or Jerry and ask them re: unmounted inspection. Their price beats your south of border option and they're both site sponsors-see banner up top.
 
Hirsch or Mystic Precision are tied for first-call either Peter or Jerry and ask them re: unmounted inspection. Their price beats your south of border option and they're both site sponsors-see banner up top.

Aww I wish you told me that just a little sooner. With everyone's recommendation on Sightron I ended up taking a leap of faith and ordering from Optic Planet (The Baby Wolf told me they had it on sale and I got an extra 5% off code TWRKAP).

EDIT: NVM they cancelled my order because they don't ship to Canada. Will try one of these 2. Thanks again.
 
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Leupold Mark 4 and Nightforce also make some very rugged offerings that are a definite step up from the Vortex. If you are looking to do tactical type shooting you may at some point want to graduate from a Sightron to a Nightforce. Just something to consider. I have personally heard only good things about the Sightron so you likely cannot go wrong with that choice. Good luck!
 
If you are bothering making the switch, Sightron is good bang for the buck, but if you are looking for the last scope you will ever need to buy, you have to fork out a bit more cash for a NF scope with an MOAR reticule.
 
Can't go wrong with a Sightron SIII, I own a 6-24x50 and it's almost as clear as my Nightforce 5.5-22x56 NXS. I also have a Trijicon accupoint 5-20x50 and it is a good scope as well but is a little lacking on the elevation adjustment range for really long range use. All three have great glass.
I was using the Sightron and Nightforce at 1100 yards a few weeks ago and both were very clear and crisp.

I can't justify the price of the Vortex Razor series since for the same price I could buy a Nightforce which I would pick any day over a Vortex. I think I am going to give a Vortex Viper PST 4-16 a try on my AR-10 though, for around $1000 it has some nice features. Either that one or the Sightron S-Tac 2.5-17x56.
 
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