Nightforce vs Schmidt and Bender vs Vortex vs US Optics

No particular features. Some will argue better glass, but that's a matter of opinion and value. 4800$ for a 5-25 PMII seems steep to me, but maybe they've shot up.

Both are like looking into the face of God. Both are tough as nails and battle proven.


The $4200 plus tax ($4800 after tax) S&B model has LT/MTC/DT/ZS
You can get one with no ZS/LT/MTC FOR $3900 plus tax.
 
Our last deer was shot by paw with a 336C in 35 rem and an old Weaver K4 on top.
The decades old standby did the job.
Nobody to impress out in the woods where we hunt with S+B scopes and H+H rifles.
Reminds me of the city slickers who drive around the city in Hummers driven by the compulsion to impress others about what "monied up" big shots they are. :rolleyes:
The type who strutted around with mobile satellite phones before smart phones became the vogue so everybody could see how important they were.
 
When come time to buy, myself i will always favor the S&B over the others even if it's more money...
Mounting a S&B scope on my rifle always been a super stellar experience...

Why change but that just me...
Like it was said the NF will perform for you... JP.
 
When come time to buy, myself i will always favor the S&B over the others even if it's more money...
Mounting a S&B scope on my rifle always been a super stellar experience...

Why change but that just me...
Like it was said the NF will perform for you... JP.

Caramel, let me ask you a question since you own few of S&B optics.

What's the difference between a scope with zero stop and locking turret? I understand that with zero stop you can set it up just so that you won't be able to turn the turret past the zero. Hence, they call it zero stop.

How about locking turret? Isn't that the same with zero stop? I thought every scope that comes with zero stop automatically comes with locking turret feature. If they are not the same, what locking turret feature is used for?
 
Caramel, let me ask you a question since you own few of S&B optics.

What's the difference between a scope with zero stop and locking turret? I understand that with zero stop you can set it up just so that you won't be able to turn the turret past the zero. Hence, they call it zero stop.

How about locking turret? Isn't that the same with zero stop? I thought every scope that comes with zero stop automatically comes with locking turret feature. If they are not the same, what locking turret feature is used for?

Locking turrets mean you can set it so the turrets can not turn. So you dont bump the adjustment etc.

1:10


Shawn
 
Our last deer was shot by paw with a 336C in 35 rem and an old Weaver K4 on top.
The decades old standby did the job.
Nobody to impress out in the woods where we hunt with S+B scopes and H+H rifles.
Reminds me of the city slickers who drive around the city in Hummers driven by the compulsion to impress others about what "monied up" big shots they are. :rolleyes:
The type who strutted around with mobile satellite phones before smart phones became the vogue so everybody could see how important they were.

It is great that you have something that you are happy with and that works for you but your comment adds zero value to this thread.

Different jobs require different tools, your lever action and old K4 are great for what you want them to do but it is not what the OP is looking for.
 
Our last deer was shot by paw with a 336C in 35 rem and an old Weaver K4 on top.
The decades old standby did the job.
Nobody to impress out in the woods where we hunt with S+B scopes and H+H rifles.
Reminds me of the city slickers who drive around the city in Hummers driven by the compulsion to impress others about what "monied up" big shots they are. :rolleyes:
The type who strutted around with mobile satellite phones before smart phones became the vogue so everybody could see how important they were.

WRONG

I'm just as impressed with an H&H or S&B in the woods as I am in the store or gun room.

Each to their own.
 
We don't need this to get out of control again.

As been touched on many times within this thread, all scopes mentioned here are very good, to exceptional. Provided it has the options you want, they will all exceed your highest demands.

You just have to determine the value of the options, clarity, build construction, etc with the cost of the purchase. $3300 for the F1 seems very good to me considering all options, even the Razor Gen 2 is now more expensive than that. Knowing what this price range can give you, I can't see paying another 1000-2000$ more and don't see value in that, however that's my opinion. Everybody has their own. I've been very impressed with both the Gen 2 and ATACR's that I've used and own. Never have I said "I wish it was better, or I'd spend more for something better". Meaning it's meeting or exceeding all my demands. I'm likely more picky than most, but at the same time not one who values a name/brand if the product doesn't perform substantially better.
 
How valuable and useful it is in having locking turret option in a scope?

Also, which reticle is easier to use, reliable, and versatile between MSR and P4LF?
 
I never once used the locking turret feature. The TT I currently have doesn't have it either. Not that useful. I actually hate sb locking turrets with MTC.

I really liked the p4l, I've got a gen2xr now it's a bit busier but you tend to zone into the crosshair anyway.
 
Our last deer was shot by paw with a 336C in 35 rem and an old Weaver K4 on top.
The decades old standby did the job.
Nobody to impress out in the woods where we hunt with S+B scopes and H+H rifles.
Reminds me of the city slickers who drive around the city in Hummers driven by the compulsion to impress others about what "monied up" big shots they are. :rolleyes:
The type who strutted around with mobile satellite phones before smart phones became the vogue so everybody could see how important they were.

This statement is simply false and/or naive.
I have got a few really nice bucks at long range in low light and your scope wouldn't even have been able to pick up the deer.

I am not saying there is anything wrong your scope but anyone who hunts seriously for mature whitetail bucks and has tried both would disagree.
 
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How valuable and useful it is in having locking turret option in a scope?

Also, which reticle is easier to use, reliable, and versatile between MSR and P4LF?

This is for you to decide, no one else can make this decision for you. If someone tells you one is better than the other, they're an idiot. Its all personal preference.
 
One thing to consider is how likely are you to do the mental math needed (correctly) to range with the reticle, or are you just gonna use your rangefinder??
 
One thing to consider is how likely are you to do the mental math needed (correctly) to range with the reticle, or are you just gonna use your rangefinder??

I would like to be able to have this skill though. I like to be able to know how to range using a scope and also a rangefinder. Both P4FL and MSR recticle allow you to range via the scope itself if I am not mistaken. I wonder which one is easier and more reliable to use.
 
How valuable and useful it is in having locking turret option in a scope?

Also, which reticle is easier to use, reliable, and versatile between MSR and P4LF?

Depends what you want to do with the scope.

I have it on the Gen 2 and do keep my windage locked at 0. I use holdover pretty much all the time. The x-mas tree reticle makes holdover fast, accurate, and simple.

The competitions I shoot mostly don't require the carrying of a rifle where these values can be altered so I don't value it too much. The day it catches me I may value it more. Guess I'm trying to say it's nice to have, but I wouldn't put it above other features I value more. (FFP, non-chainsaw close adjustment, glass, construction, etc)

Can't comment on the reticles as I'm not familiar with them.
 
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I would like to be able to have this skill though. I like to be able to know how to range using a scope and also a rangefinder. Both P4FL and MSR recticle allow you to range via the scope itself if I am not mistaken. I wonder which one is easier and more reliable to use.

Every scope reticle allows you to range. Provided you know the size of the target, you can range it.
 
I would like to be able to have this skill though. I like to be able to know how to range using a scope and also a rangefinder. Both P4FL and MSR recticle allow you to range via the scope itself if I am not mistaken. I wonder which one is easier and more reliable to use.

Easier? Not sure. The P4L has dedicated ranging hashes. Not sure about the MSR.

Reliable? That's on you, not the scope.

Shibby's right, you can use any reticle with know hash marks to range.

It is a good skill, no question, but I had big intentions too.....and now I just put the red dot on the thing and push the button.....
 
How valuable and useful it is in having locking turret option in a scope?

Also, which reticle is easier to use, reliable, and versatile between MSR and P4LF?

There's two ways to look at it:

If cost is not that much of a concern, my thought when I bought the LT was "its better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it".

The second was I bought the H59, so if I was relying on pure holds, then locking the turrets would avoid any chance of the turrets running away in between shoots and stages. Sure I can visually check before each engagement, but this offers a little peace of mind.

Ultimately, its your preference...and your nuts won't fall off because you bought a S&B with or without any of the options offered. If you are going to buy a few of these, then get the reticles and features suited best to what each gun is intended for. If you are buying only one (like me), get all the bells and whistles and choose how and when you use these features.

Not sure where you're located, but if you're in SE Ontario then we can definitely meet up and check it out.
 
This statement is simply false and/or naive.
I have got a few really nice bucks at long range in low light and your scope wouldn't even have been able to pick up the deer.

I am not saying there is anything wrong your scope but anyone who hunts seriously for mature whitetail bucks and has tried both would disagree.

My post was written at the end of a very trying day.
One of those days that puts you at odds with the rest of the world.
Truthfully even a high end Leupold puts paws old K4 to shame (don't tell him I said so).
But like paw the K4 scope and the Marlin it is mounted on is old so that makes it better in his weary old eyes even if it isn't.
 
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