Is x15 enough to read mirage?

Kane519

Kane519

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Hi Nutz,

I'm looking at my first long range scope to get into practice/tactical style shooting (100m-800m). It'll be in the 3-15 magnification range.

My question is: is x15 enough magnification to learn how to read the mirage, to call the wind?
 
Get a spotting scope if you want to read mirage.

You generally want your rifle scope to cut through the mirage so you can see your aim point.

Use the spotter back focused to about 1/2 way between you and the target and the mirage will show itself much better.
 
15X is enough (though a bit on the low side). More important than magnification is the quality of the scope.

On some days the mirage is really thick, visible and easily apparent. Any scope or set of binoculars will pick it up (in fact on some days I can even see the mirage when looking through my iron sights).

On some days the mirage is quite subtle, and almost not visible at all. Sometimes on days like this a really high quality rifle scope, or even better a really high spotting scope, can pick out enough details so you can see the mirage and figure what the wind is doing.

Buy as decent a quality rifle scope as you can afford (fitting it in with your other spending priorities). No need to get a $2000+ wonder (though don't let me stop you if that's what you'd like), but it is worth getting at least a "medium quality" rifle scope.

For long range shooting it is nice to have a bit more magnification (like 20X, 25X or even a bit more). If you really do need to be able to go down to 3X, then a 3-15X is probably the right magnification range to get. But if you're able to handle a little bit more magnification at the lower end, it would be worth going to a 6-20X or 6.5-25X etc., if that will work with the kind of shooting you'll be doing (for slow fire prone, 'more magnification is better' most of the time)

If you can *also* get a spotting scope, to set up and use at the same time as you are shooting with your rifle scope, that's an even better setup for seeing mirage and reading wind (for some of the more complex wind situations with varying strengths and angles at different positions down the range). It is not essential, but it is helpful if you can.
 
Thanks for the quick responses. Regarding backing the focus off on a spotting scope, I've heard you can do the same with a rifle scope to read the wind, then focus on the target to remove the mirage. I just wondered if x15 was enough.

The scope I've eyeing is a Weaver Tactical 3-15x50. I've done a lot of homework on scopes in that price range ($1000) and that seems to be the one that fits the bill for a Precision Rifle Series-type match (FFP, mil/mil, reticle, FOV). The reports on the glass quality have been encouraging. I have looked at others (Vortex PST, Bushnell 6-24, Sightron 6-24), but for one reason or another, this one seems a better fit (FOV is a big thing).

A spotting scope is on the shopping list, but other things (like a laser range finder or a Kestrel) are higher priorities. Like I said, just I'm getting into this game, so one piece at a time :)
 
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The best thing is to look through a wide range of scopes to figure out what is best for you.

I have moved completely to Sightron because of their excellent optics and focus systems. They allow me to see mirage very well.

And yes, you can - with the right side focus - dial your focus to see mirage and target at will. Some brands do it better the others. Front AO's work pretty much all the time but are a pain to use if shooting prone.

GT, many F class shooters are going to put on a mirage band on their barrels to stop distortion caused by barrel heat from affecting their view. Funny thing with last years FTR rifle. My scope set up is way higher then normal and the need for the band disappeared. Was very surprised and have tested with and without.

Jerry
 
Jerry, I've heard lots of good things about the glass and focus of the Sightrons (you have lots of happy costumers). However, FOV is a concern at a minimum of x6 (16' @ 100yds vs x3 which is 34' @ 100yds). I really like the range of the Bushnell 3.5-21x50, but it's over budget.

I'll try and take you're advise and see what I can find to look through.
 
Kane519 said:
Jerry, I've heard lots of good things about the glass and focus of the Sightrons (you have lots of happy costumers). However, FOV is a concern at a minimum of x6 (16' @ 100yds vs x3 which is 34' @ 100yds). I really like the range of the Bushnell 3.5-21x50, but it's over budget.

I'll try and take you're advise and see what I can find to look through.
Click to expand...

Unsure what game you are looking towards. Assume you are not talking F class????

One size does not fit all. We focus on the most demanding part of our game and cater the gear to those needs. What is great in one sport may be completely wrong in another.

So the best thing is to first define WHAT you are going to use it for. Study the course of fire then decide what will work best. If you are unsure, consult those that play in the game of choice.

A scope that is useable for everything is exceptional at nothing.

YMMV.

Jerry
 
I've shot with a fixed 10x B&L and 'upgraded' to a fixed 16x Valdada when I was starting out in F-Class. My comment would be that the more magnification you have, the better it is at long range, both for mirage reading and ability to see your shot marker. I'd suggest that the 10x is maxed out at 700m for competition use - even 600m can be a struggle up against those with better scopes (different sized targets). Fixed 16x worked out 'ok' to 900m, but shot indicators were hard to see, same for subtle mirage, at 800 & 900m. Currently I prefer to use about 40x on a NF Competition scope.
 
Only thing I'll add to the clarity and magnification issues is ability of fine focus adjustments.

I've had spotting scopes that are awesome to look through focused with lots of magnification, great for bird watching or seeing scoring indicators. However they didn't have fine enough focus controls to find the mirage sweet spot of unfocused focus.

I'm a mirage newb but could be something else to consider.
 
Shooting style is practical/tactical precision. My goal (albeit ambitious) is to compete in a Precision Rifle Series match at some point (http://www.precisionrifleseries.com/). The ORA Precision competitions look similar, I'll have to look into those as well.

Here's a link that shows what the top guys in the sport are currently using (all of which are out of budget at this point): http://precisionrifleblog.com/2013/1...-the-pros-use/
Click to expand...

So, are these competitions shot at known distances? Can you use a laser range finder? If the answer is no to both, an FFP scope is a must.
 
From the videos I have seen, this is a run and gun game merging tasks from a range of sports. Unknown and known distances. Movers. A wide range of shooting positions including elevated, inclined, declined, on your side...

FFP would definitely be tops for this game as would a reticle with hash marks to speed up hold over and hold off. light recoil are necessary to spot your own impacts. Brakes are common. There is no energy limit AFAIK so smaller cals dominate. Looks like fast 6mm's are the dominant set up currently.

Surprised there are no 22-250 or similar???

Nothing like this in Canada but it would be a lot of fun. Maybe the BC tactical match is kind of similar????

Jerry
 
Mystic Precision said:
GT, many F class shooters are going to put on a mirage band on their barrels to stop distortion caused by barrel heat from affecting their view. Funny thing with last years FTR rifle. My scope set up is way higher then normal and the need for the band disappeared. Was very surprised and have tested with and without.

Jerry
Click to expand...

I used to shoot a 48 power 2 inch Unertl in Benchrest... you had to block the barrel heat or trying to read mirage was useless. I even had 2 of them mounted on a 75 pound unlimited .222. One on the target, one focused half way and mounted to the side. It didn't help.
 
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