Optics selection, your experience please.

[troutseeker]

Hi there, I am looking to put some half-decent optics on my Savage 12 FVSS for some plinking. I want lot's of elevation.

I am looking at either the Nightforce 5.5-22x50 NXS or 5.5-22x56 NXS or maybe the Leupold 8.5X25X50 LRT.

What do you guys think? Which has the better glass, warranty, performance? Is that Nightforce MLR reticle much better that a good old mildot?

And where can I buy either of them puppies?

Thanks, Troutseeker

 

[manitou210]

Nightforce 8x to 32 56mm with 2dd reticale will work just fine

 

[c4pyro]

Nightforce is a step above leupold. More elevation great glass. I have a 5.5-22x50 and a 5.5-22x56 both R1 reticles. Use to have an MLR and I liked it better then a regular mildot, but unless you get mil turrets, the R1 or R2 is MOA turrets to MOA reticle. Will never own a leupold if nightforce is the alternative.

Oh and if you do decide to go to the 8-32, you lose 20 moa in adjustments I believe. Still more then most scopes have, but just giving you the heads up.

 

[brobones]

I have found that the Bosch and Lomb Elite series has a cleaner, sharper image than all of my Leupolds. I have since traded off all of my Leupolds and replaced them with Elites on my toys. No complaints whatsoever with them. They are a little more reasonably priced too, but, IMO they are a better scope. I personally can't justify paying an extra $200.00 for a name.

 

[Obtunded]

I have found that the Bosch and Lomb Elite series has a cleaner, sharper image than all of my Leupolds. I have since traded off all of my Leupolds and replaced them with Elites on my toys. No complaints whatsoever with them. They are a little more reasonably priced too, but, IMO they are a better scope. I personally can't justify paying an extra $200.00 for a name.

That's a good one! You really had me goin' there for a second!!!

 

[crunchiespg]

get something German, i really dont get this "made in the USA" as being a good thing.. American workmanship is not exactly the best. look at their cars, load of junk. as i have found when ive had to replace most of the front end of my sisters 2001 Chevrolet this week, after only 90K.. ive had 15 year old european cars far better built..

id rather have Canadian or European made goods any day.. lets face it, manufacturing jobs in the USA will generally be very low paying jobs. so how is that a recipe for good products?

Leupolds are overpriced, as they are hoping americans will be patriotic and buy them...

 

[can14]

look at the 8x56 bellarus optics (russian) built like a tank at a tank factory. Uses euro cross hairs. I got mind years ago and they work well in low light.

 

[Obtunded]

I actually prefer the Leupold up to 25X, but since they don't make a variable with more magnification than that, it's a moot point. The 8.5-25X50LRT is superb and is every bit as good as the nightforce 12-42X56 in terms of clarity (I have both). The LRT has side focus, which is a feature you have to pay extra for in the NF NSX line. When you start using focus to read mirage, a side focus becomes vital.

I much prefer the really fine target dot type reticles, and I dislike mil dots because the dots are too big and the reticle too busy. I can rangefind more accurately with a hand-held device built for the purpose.

 

[Epoxy7]

I am looking to put some half-decent optics on my Savage 12 FVSS for some plinking.
Thanks, Troutseeker

Troutseeker. For plinking and for that type of rifle the highest quality I would go with would be a Zeiss Conquest 6.5-20x 50mm objective. After that a Leupold, same specs, and then finally a Burris as the cheapest alternative.

I'd stay away from the 4200. I looked at a few the other day. They don't compare to a Leupold VXIII.

I don't see much point getting the Nightforce for plinking. It's overkill. Save it for a specialty rifle.

Ask Milo if you don't believe me