switching a scope between guns?

H

Hollow Point

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so I find myself with 2 rifles in need of optics. rifles will be used for target shooting out to 600m and some hunting. do I purchase 2 scopes in the $500-600 range or one better quality optic in the $1200 and swap it between rifles as needed? If I'm going to be switching an optic between rifles would a one pieces mount be better than two rings or would it matter?
 
First, one piece mount. Makes moving scope easier. An issue with moving scope is that scopes designed for target shooting are generally not as suitable for hunting then purpose-built hunting scopes, and vice versa.
 
Alpheus said:
First, one piece mount. Makes moving scope easier. An issue with moving scope is that scopes designed for target shooting are generally not as suitable for hunting then purpose-built hunting scopes, and vice versa.
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How often are you switching back and forth? You’re gonna burn up a lot of ammo and range time sighting it in each time...
 
kodiakjack said:
How often are you switching back and forth? You’re gonna burn up a lot of ammo and range time sighting it in each time...
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Not necessarily, if you record how much you have to shift between rifles, you can easily re-zero in under 10 rounds. If you only hunt during the fall season, then you only really need to swap twice a year. If the OP is going to be swapping every other week, then yes, 2 lesser scopes would be preferable.
 
I think you can document the POI shift and move between 2 rifles with minimal loss of zero. I have done this a number of times.
Should be able to zero again in 3 shots using a quality mount and knowing the shift between the 2.
 
scourge18a said:
I think you can document the POI shift and move between 2 rifles with minimal loss of zero. I have done this a number of times.
Should be able to zero again in 3 shots using a quality mount and knowing the shift between the 2.
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This!

I have a .223 varmint rifle and a 300wsm hunting rifle i switch scopes between with minimal shots to re zero. I also have a .338 lapua that i have swapped the scope to the .223 and zeroed in 2 shots.

Buy a quality set of rings and quality picatinny rails for each rifle. I use ATRS rails on 2 rifles with the third having an integral rail on it (defiance deviant tactical action) and ATRS and nightforce rings.
 
If your scope tracks true it's not a problem to make your documented adjustments for wind and elevation going from 1 rifle to the other, shoot a group and make the final adjustments to zero.
Done.
I think you would be a lot happier with a $1200 scope compared to a $600 scope. I don't know how much of a step down a Diamondback Tactical or similar is compared to a PST 2.
PST 2, XTR 2, DMR, Sightron or whatever else in that price range you like or others recommended do nicely.
 
Last night I bought 4-16x44 Vortex Diamondback TacticalFFP for 500$. Nice reticle and it has 85 moa of elevation. New product from Vortex. Watch March 1st because I think Bushnell may have a 30% rebate. Caught a glimpse on a site before it disappeared. Cheers
 
I do this all the time.....good quality rail/rings and I use the same one on each rifle to minimize the variable of ring fit. Record where your zero is for each rifle and quick on and off...zero is within a click or two each time.
As mentioned, hunting vs target scope will have a size/weight factor to consider
 
+1 for switching.

A better quality scope , rings and rails will be cheaper .
Usually takes just some clicks to be rezeroed on the next rifle if needed.
 
I’d try and stretch your budget into two used scopes to maximize your dollar avoid the trouble of switching back and forth. Your budget isn’t so low that it would preclude you from getting something decent. A $1200 scope is anywhere from $7-900 on the used market. Keep your eyes open and start out where you’re going to end up which is a scope on each rifle.

Patrick
 
Tactical guys like to co-witness their red dots with flip up sights and the concept can come in handy for your situation.

The problem is that you cannot co-witness with magnified optics... in the traditional sense, but you can do something similar.

If you mount a small reflex sight on a 45 degree angle directly to the pic rail on both rifles, you can use that to double check your scope zero as you switch between rifles. Just peek back and fourth between the red dot and scope so they both point at the same place.

Another advantage is that you can confirm where the scope is relative to the red dot so you don't get caught one or two turret revolutions away from what you thought. This is particularly handy if you do not have a zero stop on the scope.

Personally I mount the red dot on the scope because I don't switch around, and I put it on a short riser at 9:30 position. This way I can look through the red dot with my left eye while looking through the scope with my right eye. This helps me find the target much more quickly at high magnification than would be possible without the red dot.
 
If you want to swap scopes consider the following...

you want to ensure that the scope bases are by the same manf, or at least that the slot spacings are consistent... some don't match up.

Take extra time and make sure the base is mounted so the top is flat and level. Many receivers are not true and if the base if bent, the rings will be stressed and not move properly (ie bend scope).

Use rings with a single clamp and say 1/2" drive nut... look at the Burris XTR rings for example. Rings that have 2 part base clamps do not work for this. The Burris Sig ZEE rings will also work if you need to shim as part of your set up. Torque to the same level and return to zero is actually very good.

YMMV

Jerry
 
Buy a 1200$ scope. After a couple times you switch, you’ll start being unhappy with that, unless you have a place real close from home to shoot. Then you’ll buy another 1200$ scope! And you tell your wife you really tried hard not to spend this money on another scope...!!!!

And it’s exactly at that time she looks up to the sky, and get revenge buying shoes and purses...

It ends up costing 4K
 
Ghys_T3LSS said:
Buy a 1200$ scope. After a couple times you switch, you’ll start being unhappy with that, unless you have a place real close from home to shoot. Then you’ll buy another 1200$ scope! And you tell your wife you really tried hard not to spend this money on another scope...!!!!

And it’s exactly at that time she looks up to the sky, and get revenge buying shoes and purses...

It ends up costing 4K
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Always buy gun stuff with cash... never a credit card where she can follow the paper trail.

Better that she thinks you blew it on booze.

It can also be helpful if you don't keep track of what you spend either.

Remember... It only adds up... if you add it up.
 
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