Before I drop $1500+ on a scope.....

[msinc]

Get what you want but.....there are a lot of NightFarce scopes for sale used......that should be your first clue. Might want to do a search on this forum about the "scope checker" or "scope tester". I would not buy a Conquest.
In the 2K price range you should be able to find a PMII.

 

[gilmillan1]

i forgot to say that a 300 win mag would not be my first pick if i was instructing a new shooter to shoot long distance. Too much gun to start learning. Besides, factory rifles usually do not have the fast twists needed for the heavy bullets. I would get a midsize cartridge. 6.5 creedmoor, 6.5x47, 308, 243, etc. You will shoot alot to learn to shoot long distance. Get a very comfortable gun to shoot. if you can, get a gun that has a brake.

 

[pacificman]

I have had no problems with the Sightron III in 8x32 or 10x60. I will be buying another if needed for my long range challenges...I have not had any problems yet.

 

[dkhunt14]

Get what you want but.....there are a lot of NightFarce scopes for sale used......that should be your first clue. Might want to do a search on this forum about the "scope checker" or "scope tester". I would not buy a Conquest.
In the 2K price range you should be able to find a PMII.

That's only the Competition model. They are supposed to be fixed now. I just spent 2300 on a new Schmidt 5x25x56 PMII and couldn't get it to focus clear. I never even mounted it. I traded it back for a Swarovski 5x25I. It is brighter and focuses. The clicks seem to be spot on. Matt

 

[Sniper338]

sightron s3, NXS, S&B pm2, steiner military 5-25, March...

Look at those. dont buy a zeiss.

 

[MSS]

Get a NF benchrest 12-42. Rock Solid and u can pick-up a used one between 1K and 1150.00.

I have a NF benchrest 12-42 that moves from rifle to rifle as I work up loads. Definitely a scope to have in the inventory.

 

[MSS]

You can buy the Vortex Golden Eagle from Greg Taylor here on AS for $1300 delivered. I just purchased mine and love it. The Vortex GE is 15-60x52mm with 30mm tube.

Greg is an excellent seller and you can do business and buy with confidence.

How is the GE at 60? Seems like mirage would getcha at long range.

 

[Mozella]

How is the GE at 60? Seems like mirage would getcha at long range.

If I had $1500 to spend I'd buy another Vortex Golden Eagle in a heart beat, certainly way before I'd buy a used Night Force.
I shoot mainly 600 yd F-Class and keep my G.E. on 60 power most of the time.

Mirage can be a problem with all scopes, but when it is, it's certainly easy enough to dial back the power. But when mirage isn't bad, that 60 power is really nice when you're trying to adjust your hold by 1/2 the diameter of the spotting disk, or even less.

 

[R.Morehouse]

I prefer buying used scopes from reputable people that have used them in BR comp. You now they have been cared for and don't have issues. The only new scopes i have bought and still have are Marches. Best of luck with your choice.....

Regards
Rick

 

[Papa Charlie]

How is the GE at 60? Seems like mirage would getcha at long range.

I haven't noticed any issue yet, but I will say that I have only been to the range a couple of times with it so far and it is winter.
There are quite a few competitors at the matches I have gone to that are using them. They have commented that they will on some occasions dial it back to 50 or 40 power.
It is because of the numerous recommendations by these shooters who compete nationally and other here on the forum that I purchased the GE. I am very happy with its performance and quality.
On my first outing I did a box test and the scope returned to the starting point perfectly.
The turret has positive clicks at least after I exercised them a bit. From other posts the initial softness is a result of the grease that Vortex uses on the O rings under the turrets. A little exercise of the turrets or remove and wipe some of the grease off and they are very positive.
Additionally, you cannot go wrong with Vortex's warranty.
Hope that this helps.

 

[DennisH]

It's hard to beat a NightForce:

Get a NF benchrest 12-42. Rock Solid and u can pick-up a used one between 1K and 1150.00.

I use my Bench Rest models, the one that has the Red Reticle. I love them all around.

 

[johara1]

It's hard to beat a NightForce:

I use my Bench Rest models, the one that has the Red Reticle. I love them all around.

On a 300 mag. light gun ??? it was taping me on a 6.5 x 47....... Jim

 

[LarryDScott]

SIII Sightron and spend the savings on powder and bullets.
LDS

 

[nakneker]

When you start spending 1500-2000 for a scope you can find some real values in the used market. I rarely buy new at that price range, you can find NF NXS, March, Steiner Military, S&B and more at prices that are 20-30% off of new. When you buy used you lose little money if any on a resale. A lot of these scopes haven’t been used much at all, a good share of them sit in the safe or their box. I would pay attention to the sellers feedback if you go that route, it’s a lot of money. I’m like others on this thread as far as Ziess goes, atleast their conquest line, I would pass on that choice.

 

[NCVarhtr]

+1 on the above about Zeiss scopes. Really hate to bash anyones product but I had serious problems with
3 Zeiss scopes. Returned them- they replaced them and had problems with the replacements. Finally went to March, Nightforce and Swarovski. All three of those are reliable and the Swarovski have the cleariest and brightest picture.

 

[JBT47]

I wouldn't buy the Zeiss. Members are reporting they don't hold zero. I would stick with Nightforce or buy a Sightron s111 and upgrade later. Call EuroOptics for best price. Matt

Had several Zeiss Conquests on hunting rifles. They do not hold zero.

 

[USMCDOC]

I have a Leupold from the late 90s that still tracks perfectly. Seems they have fallen off in recent years.

Pre 94 are good.. i had a 24 BR FCH that just had awesome glass and tracked so well.. guess what i did with it

 

[69mach]

First off I have a 32 power benchrest nightforce on a 300wsm light rifle. It's amazing how much a good effective muzzle break or heavy can will reduce the recoil. Having said that I have 2 nxs and one benchrest nightforce scopes, two siii sightrons both 32 power and 2 leupold mark 4 lrt 20 power scopes. They are all good scopes to shoot to 1000yds. If your going to take baby steps I'd start with a SIGHTRON siii. For the money I'd buy a 32 power SIGHTRON to start. It's around $750 use it, get comfortable and sell it for 650 when you upgrade to a nf March or bender. Not that you would need to but it seems to be a natural progression. that's just my 2 cents worth. happy shooting

 

[jmatters]

When you start spending 1500-2000 for a scope you can find some real values in the used market. I rarely buy new at that price range, you can find NF NXS, March, Steiner Military, S&B and more at prices that are 20-30% off of new. When you buy used you lose little money if any on a resale. A lot of these scopes haven’t been used much at all, a good share of them sit in the safe or their box. I would pay attention to the sellers feedback if you go that route, it’s a lot of money. I’m like others on this thread as far as Ziess goes, atleast their conquest line, I would pass on that choice.

If you can live with fixed power, you can own a used 50x March for 1400, or a new Weaver 46x for Under 600...

 

[Raythemanroe]

Europtic has a deal on the 2.5-17.5x STAC Sightron... The exact track turrets are great like any SIII and the glass is ED.. Probably the best value scope


Ray