So I am about to get into the game of long range target shooting after ages of just sitting around thinking about it and I am having a huge ball buster of a time deciding on what optic to go for. I cant bring myself to justify buying a S&B so i have been looking a lot at the NightForce ATACR 5-25x56 and for a while i was pretty convinced this was the scope for me. Then the other day i made the mistake of going into the local hunting goods store and just went to look around. Well this was the beginning of all my troubles when i came across the Vortex Razor HD Gen II 4.5-27x56. I know at this point in quality its almost like splitting hairs but for this kind of money i would like to be sure and one of the big things that's pushing me to like the vortex is that i have actually seen it and looked at it in person where the NightForce no one in my area or province even carries it seems. So now is where I talk about its intended use to give you all an idea of my needs. I dont care at all about hunting other than maybe a prairie dog once in a blue moon my main goal is for long range target shooting. I plan on first buying a .308 or something in that area just to get a lot of trigger time without emptying my bank account and work on the basics. I plan on eventually moving up the ladder as my skills improve and permit to hopefully someday have a .338, i know the two scopes i have mentioned a lot will say there maybe too much for a .308 but I want to buy 1 GOOD scope and just keep switching it to all my rifles. I would like to shoot out to a KM and beyond with the scope as well. Any info on the two would be really appreciated i have researched them a fair bit but its always nice to hear peoples opinions first hand. Thanks.
trouble deciding on optics
- Thread starter Rhys89
- Start date
Figure out your application, then make your equipment choices based on your needs.
You mentioned 308 and 338. They are very different in cabablity and application. As for optics, once you know what you need for things like turret elevation, glass quality needed...etc the choices narrow down significantly.
You mentioned 308 and 338. They are very different in cabablity and application. As for optics, once you know what you need for things like turret elevation, glass quality needed...etc the choices narrow down significantly.
I actually looked through, and shot through the nf atacr. The scope is actually pretty damn nice, if I could go back in time I would have bought that as my first scope. Instead I bought a Zeiss, then 6 weeks later went for a Schmidt and Bender.
From my limited experience with the NF on a sako trg-42, its a solid scope obviously no s&b, but has all the right features and performance. I could barely see bullet holes(dark blobs) at 300 with it, while my s&b I was able to make out the 2 touching bullet holes at 300 yards I had shot with the trg (beautiful shooting gun!).
I wouldn't go rushing into a purchase until you are certain about your choice. I made that mistake and bought the wrong scope for my application, and lost 35% of value reselling.
From my limited experience with the NF on a sako trg-42, its a solid scope obviously no s&b, but has all the right features and performance. I could barely see bullet holes(dark blobs) at 300 with it, while my s&b I was able to make out the 2 touching bullet holes at 300 yards I had shot with the trg (beautiful shooting gun!).
I wouldn't go rushing into a purchase until you are certain about your choice. I made that mistake and bought the wrong scope for my application, and lost 35% of value reselling.
Mystic Precision
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Summerland, BC
Consider the Sightron new SVSS scope.
See my website for reviews.. dealer forum too. Might be what you are looking for. and a similar price range.
will be posting my review of the Gen II Razor when my new site is up.
If you want to go top tier mid mag tactical scopes, I have a couple of the Tangent Theta products on intro sale. Reports are out there and show a very positive scope for funtion and top tier optics.
Jerrh
See my website for reviews.. dealer forum too. Might be what you are looking for. and a similar price range.
will be posting my review of the Gen II Razor when my new site is up.
If you want to go top tier mid mag tactical scopes, I have a couple of the Tangent Theta products on intro sale. Reports are out there and show a very positive scope for funtion and top tier optics.
Jerrh
- Location
- Jameson, SK
A s&b isn't all that much more than a NF ATACR. Last quote I got on an SFP ATACR was 3050$.
I've not done a side to side with a vortex, but readings other's experiences is that the vortex is very good, but maybe not worth the 3300$ price tag - esp. when an NF or an S&B isn't much more.
I'd not choose a .308 as my first target gun, but that's just me. Maybe a 6.5 creedmoor, or a x47 lapua, or a .260rem??
-J.
I've not done a side to side with a vortex, but readings other's experiences is that the vortex is very good, but maybe not worth the 3300$ price tag - esp. when an NF or an S&B isn't much more.
I'd not choose a .308 as my first target gun, but that's just me. Maybe a 6.5 creedmoor, or a x47 lapua, or a .260rem??
-J.
Word on Sniper's hide is the Vortex Razor Gen II is an awesome scope for the money. The only downside is weight. I am looking to buy one right now and transfer it over between guns as well... I am looking at the 3-18x50 though since 56mm objective is huge and for my current use, I don't think I'd need any more than 18 power.
My uses for the scope are likely different though. I am looking to use it for 95% hunting (mostly varmint).
My uses for the scope are likely different though. I am looking to use it for 95% hunting (mostly varmint).
Is there a site that has done comparisons of the top scopes after they have been disassembled? Looked at tube thickness, sealing, how the lenses are secured, the mechanical construction of the zoom mechanism and the E&W mechanisms??? Used to be leupold promoted their construction superiority...just curious
I was looking at the creedmoor at first but im not into reloading YET and finding ammo for that cal. is like finding the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow... havent found one single store that carries it yet so thats sort of what has pushed me away from that as an option.
- Location
- Jameson, SK
I'd save up for another 4-6 months and start reloading. For about 5-800$ you're in the reloading game. The caliber options open WAY up as soon as you do.
-J.
-J.
who said anything about destructive testing ... I said "disassembled" .. presumably the scopes could be "reassembled" afterwards (if they couldnt - this might be 'illuminating' alone) .. I should think that this type of information might be very flattering (or not) to those that invest in building the better product. At one time premier reticle disassembled/reassembled various brands of scopes .. and made some commentary based on their selection of products they would modify....and stand behind. At one time European gunsmiths routinely disassembled scopes in order to permit silver soldering of their claw mounts to steel scope tubes..
