Ordered 5R 308 now down to final choice on optics

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countyboy

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Hi Guys

Sorry for starting a new thread but I think my other threads are too unwieldy and are now somewhat redundant.

I have ordered a 5R in 308 with Leupold Mk4 1-piece Picatinny base and PRW Medium Rings (ordered 30mm so might need 1" depending)

I am down to 4 options for the Scope across two brands, Bushnell and Falcon.

Intended use: forseeable future - paper punching 100-300 yards. Later, longer if possible. My capability is novice at best.

My research so far (web based... seeing in person is impractical)

1) Falcon 5.5-25-50/56mm - but its metric - I think in imperial so it may be a pain. $525ish. Good value but only another $250 to 4200
2) Falcon 4.5-14x44mm FFP ML16 MOA $450ish. I would upgrade this later next year but in the interim I get a decent scope with one piece housing. Half the $ of 4200 so seems like good value. Much more flexible than 3200 and has more adjustment than 4200. I do hear the FFP can cause reticle to cover targets at full mag though.
3) Bushnell 4200 6-24x50mm Tactical. Best scope I SHOULD afford at the moment. $750ish. I would NOT be able to upgrade this for a while. I think I would be a few hundred to 600/700 from a nightforce or leupold 4.5-14.
4) Bushnell 3200 10x40mm Tactical. Fixed Power but at $250ish I could start looking for an upgrade in the spring. For punching paper at 100-300 probably ok for now.

Thank you all for your help and for being so understanding with the newb asking too many questions!
 
If you haven't ruled out (3), then take it. Even if you can't afford to upgrade from it for a good long while, that's OK. Unless there's something wrong with the scope (in which case, get it fixed), you'll be able to win matches and beat Leupolds and Nightforces with it. If the scope is good and you're not beating Leupolds and Nightforces, take that as a sign to continue to work on your rifle, ammo and shooting. The scope won't be holding you back.

For the times where you are doing pure target shooting and load development, you'll find the 24X to be a blessing, and a worthwhile usable feature to have over the other three scopes.
 
I believe it was Fred Huntington (RCBS founder) who coined "Why not start off with what you'll end up with?", which I think you should use as a guide in your choice, which might mean considering options not in your list of four.
 
Falcon.

I have a Falcon on mine , Its the Metric version with the mp-20 rectical , I have done a lot of shooting and the Falcon has preformed well , and the price won't break the bank :redface:
rem5r003.jpg
 
When I started out I had a 4.5-14x40 nikon. I used it to paper punch and a couple of competitions. Served me well, but upgrade quickly proved to be inevitable. You can't really see bullet holes at 200 yards at max power (you kinda can in right conditions).

I would definately recommend going higher power if you can afford it as you'll be going there anyways. I have no experience with the Menace.

I just switched to the Bushnell 50mm Tactical.
 
I have a Falcon 4.5x18x56 and an Elite 4200 6x24x50 and:

Elite 4200 - brighter, clearer glass (Edge Elite)
Falcon - more built in MOA (Edge Falcon)
Elite 4200 better magnification ( though I think you are looking at the 25 mag model so it is equal )
Elite - better eye relief (Edge Elite)
Elite - better tactile feel to clicks. Possible with Falcon to over/under adjust due to "mush" feel especially with gloves (Edge Elite)
Falcon - better recticle for target shooting as it is thinner, Elite's is a bit chunky. (Edge Falcon)
Falcon - several hundred dollars less (Edge Falcon)

I conclude that both are good scopes but I give the nod to the Elite. BTW, I also have the Elite 6500 4.5x30x50 and comment that the $300+ increase in price from the 4200 isn't justified.
 
Hi Guys

Thank you all for taking the time to give me feedback. I think I am leaning to the 4200.


Gushulak, I don't want to go super high end on the scope right now (I can't justify 1500-2000) right at the moment. The 4200 should be decent for a year or so while I learn/relearn my skill. The price range I was looking at was $250-800. The $250 3200 would be temporary for perhaps 3-6months.

I only have the option of 100-300 yards at my range. I would like to shoot greater distance later and fully intend to get a great scope sometime next year. I plan on moving whatever I buy now to my secondary 15 year old 308 Win 70 Hbar SS.
 
I've used a $250 (a Weaver KT-15) scope in national level competitions and have not been hindered by it (in fact I won my first DCRA gold medallion with it). I've also used $1500 scopes (Leupold 8.5-25X, 16X Mk. IV, etc), which are really nice to use, but won't win a match for you.

You don't want to use a crap scope, nor do you want to use any scope (regardless of price) that has mechanical faults (sticky movement, backlash, loose lenses, weak springs - the list goes on). But once you get a scope that is fully functional, the additional quality that you get by going from a good under-$500 scope to a $2000+ scope, shows up mostly as a scope that is simply much more pleasant to use (nicer optics, better reticles, better knobs, waterproofing), not one that can fundamentally take you to the next level of shooting performance.
 
falcon.......running one on my SPR three years of shooting still running strong and Allen gun work WILL take care of all/if any problems come up
 
disker said:
I have a Falcon works well the only prob is short eye relief.
Click to expand...

YES!
someone was mentioning this to me as he was concerned my scope hits my eye! he watched me take shot after shot with the scope, as he says, nearly making contact with my face
 
rnbra-shooter said:
I've used a $250 (a Weaver KT-15) scope in national level competitions and have not been hindered by it (in fact I won my first DCRA gold medallion with it). I've also used $1500 scopes (Leupold 8.5-25X, 16X Mk. IV, etc), which are really nice to use, but won't win a match for you.

You don't want to use a crap scope, nor do you want to use any scope (regardless of price) that has mechanical faults (sticky movement, backlash, loose lenses, weak springs - the list goes on). But once you get a scope that is fully functional, the additional quality that you get by going from a good under-$500 scope to a $2000+ scope, shows up mostly as a scope that is simply much more pleasant to use (nicer optics, better reticles, better knobs, waterproofing), not one that can fundamentally take you to the next level of shooting performance.
Click to expand...


Its really great to read some very down to earth advice from guys like yourself and Jerry.
 
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