Tactical Scope Question
- Thread starter Waterfowler
- Start date
- Location
- calgary alberta
For "real sniper" used scopes the options are Nightforce, S&B, Leupold MK4 or USO if the question is "as used by North American sniper units"
There are a couple of others brands, but they are not only REAL hard come by but also REAL spendy and have not been commonly deployed.
For along time the Mk4 was pretty much the industry standard, but many LE and military units are now opting for the Nightforce either in 3.5x15 or 5.5x22.
Some units prefer the S&B or USO scopes as they are FFP which allows ranging at every power. These can take some getting used to as the retcile increases in size with increased magnification.
For those who can adapt to a reticle that can either be very hard to see or overpowering of the field of view, the FFP scope make alot of sense as the reticle is then capable of ranging more precisely at any power, where the fixed power ranging reticle on the NF or MK4s is only at a certain power setting, usually the highest power.
Personally having both I prefer 2nd focal plane scopes as I find the reticle changing size with power is distracting. That plus the fact that a decent LRF is more accurate for ranging, I suggest spending the difference of about $1000.00 between the FFP scopes and a NF on a good LRF.
As for power, alot will depend on the intended use.
For urban work the 3.5x15 seems to have favor, for long range work the 5.5x22 seems to be the more popular magnification choice.
In the end alot will be dependant on your budget and the intended use for the rifle.
Prices as well as product knowledge and customer service will vary, so shop around and buy from who offers you the best of all 3.
You looking for variable or fixed power? The next scope on my list to buy is the Weaver T36, I shoot F-class and prefer high magnification. I have heard a lot of good things about this scope and for approx.$400 +- I think it would be a decent buy.
I take it as you are speaking from a north american standpoint in terms deployment? I think you would be hard pressed to see european units using some of the optics you mentioned in favor of what is produced over there.
There are other good options out there, but price is a concern, just as buying anything made in north america in europe, you pay a premium.
- Location
- calgary alberta
Yes I thought that was fairly obvious from my posting.
And agree that the European military and LE agencies all tend to favor European optics in FFP. I can not think of a single European agency using a North American optic.
- Location
- calgary alberta
There is HUGE difference between a "snipers" scope and an F class optic.
36 power would be totally useless in any real operational conditions.
For F Class match shooting the T36 would not be a bad option if on a budget, but this was not what was being asked.
sorry, I have this issue of having to buy things european when it comes to guns....... My wallet suffers, I think if it could cry it would LOL.
On a side note, where do I find info on the Lawton 8000R on your website?
BigUglyMan
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- New Scotland
Go with something in the neighbourhood of 3.5-15x NXS or a 3.5-10x Mark 4. My LE2B wears a 3.5-15x NXS and it's a great optic.
- Location
- calgary alberta
Some European stuff is worth the added $$, some is simply overpriced.
As for the Lawton, what would you like to know?
Contact me directly at
atrs@telus.net
and I can give you full info.
Is the T36 a fixed power scope?
In august, shooting 1000 yards I am rarely ever able to get past 12-15x on any of my nightforce scopes due to the mirage.
Do you know if the T36 is able to overcome this?
I was looking at one for one of my rifles, but was not sure if I would be able to see much at 1000 yards on a hot summer day
Input appreciated,
Thanks
Weaver T-36 is a fixed power - 36x. It will magnify everything in its field of view 36x - including atmospheric effects (ie mirage). Probably preferable to use a good variable to reduce the perception of mirage. Then the option is there for higher power in conditions of reduced mirage. Mirage can be useful if one knows how to read it. Typically it will indicate wind changes sooner than flags, indicated by the streaming effects caused by the moving air.
Digressing a little from the OP.
Digressing a little from the OP.
Mystic Precision
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Summerland, BC
The Weaver 36X have pretty decent glass but certainly not high end resolution. If you want clear glass and cut through mirage, the Sightron SIII LR 8x32 is one of the best I have looked through at any price point. Both the 32 and 24X "see" through mirage extremely well. Whether that is a good thing or not will be up to the application and user. Build quality on these is really good too.
To the orig post, as was mentioned there are lots of info on actual operational equipment. All of the scopes have proven field records and none come cheaply. The absolutely BEST glass I have looked through was a S&B tactical (don't remember the details but ask Blackcloud) scope.
I do ALOT of LR and F class shooting but have no need for the scope to survive concrete drops. I just want them to have very clear optics and repeatable/reliable mechanicals. Enough to engage MOA sized targets a very long ways out.
For the money, the Sightron SIII LR has absolutely superb glass with their 6x24 the best of breed. I have done side by side with another big ticket scope and the Sightron came through with a significantly better optical performance. Almost 1/2 the price too.
There are no shortage of threads on various accuracy minded sites with positive reviews of these scopes. They have had ALOT of use this year in the US and shooters are loving them.
Other brands that have superb mechanicals and very good optics include Elite 4200 and 6500, Nikon Monarch, Sightron SII Big Sky. All at very affordable pricing.
For my eyes and tastes in LR scopes, the ELite 4200 and 6500's fit the bill for me.
So I guess it boils down to application, budget and feel good. We have lots and lots of really good LR field scopes in mag from a top end of 10X to 30X.
If the budget is tight, a quality used scope will give you enormous purchasing power.
Enjoy the rifle.
Jerry
To the orig post, as was mentioned there are lots of info on actual operational equipment. All of the scopes have proven field records and none come cheaply. The absolutely BEST glass I have looked through was a S&B tactical (don't remember the details but ask Blackcloud) scope.
I do ALOT of LR and F class shooting but have no need for the scope to survive concrete drops. I just want them to have very clear optics and repeatable/reliable mechanicals. Enough to engage MOA sized targets a very long ways out.
For the money, the Sightron SIII LR has absolutely superb glass with their 6x24 the best of breed. I have done side by side with another big ticket scope and the Sightron came through with a significantly better optical performance. Almost 1/2 the price too.
There are no shortage of threads on various accuracy minded sites with positive reviews of these scopes. They have had ALOT of use this year in the US and shooters are loving them.
Other brands that have superb mechanicals and very good optics include Elite 4200 and 6500, Nikon Monarch, Sightron SII Big Sky. All at very affordable pricing.
For my eyes and tastes in LR scopes, the ELite 4200 and 6500's fit the bill for me.
So I guess it boils down to application, budget and feel good. We have lots and lots of really good LR field scopes in mag from a top end of 10X to 30X.
If the budget is tight, a quality used scope will give you enormous purchasing power.
Enjoy the rifle.
Jerry
