Choosing a scope for F-Class

[JDBraddy]

I shot my first couple of F-Class matches with using my 6-PPC and Weaver T-36, did OK, but that 68gr bullet out of a 14 twist barrel was at a big disadvantage at 600yds and beyond in gusty 15-20mph winds. So I just bought a used Savage model 10 in .260 Remington, with an 8 twist Shillen barrel, and am trying to decide on a scope for F-Class. Nightforce Benchrest scope is still a little beyond my current budget at $1,400. but I could try to make due for a while and hold out for one. Another option I was looking at is a used Sightron S-III 8-32X56 for $800. What other scopes should I consider for F-Class competition on a budget?

The .260 Rem is pictured below wearing a weaver borrowed from another rifle as I work up a load for it.

 

[Willow]

Definitely the Sightron 8-32x56. I use one of these at the moment and it's fantastic value for money. No issue with tracking and I have no complaints about the glass at all, to my eyes it's clearer than the Nightforce 8-32 NXS.

 

[R.Morehouse]

N.F. Benchrest for a few hundred more.

 

[Kings X]

Sightron 10-50x60. Use extra money for ammo

 

[7stubby]

Cant go wrong with either the 8-32 or the 10-50 from Sightron. Both great scopes for the money. Ive used both in Fclass for the past few years and never felt held back at all.

 

[Scott Harris]

You can get a used NF 8-32x56 BR in the $800-$1000 and that's my suggestion.

 

[dkhunt14]

The Sitghtron S111 is a good scope for the money. I believe Nightforce has a good reputation for being reliable. Their track record for being dependable has been proven. Matt

 

[Endyo]

I owned a Sightron 10-50 briefly, I already had a NF. I wouldn't have been unhappy with it. For $950 new it will serve you well and with high residual value you can recoup your money on it probably even better than the NF.

There was a used one floating around here a few days ago for $875.

_________________________________________________________________________________
If you are willing to wait, and want to buy once.

I'd look very hard at the brand new Vortex Golden Eagle 15-60X52. It was designed ground up by a successful F-Class shooter. You can pre-order with street price around $1400-$1500.

When I looked through one at the Berger SWN It had a clearer sight picture and I perceived less mirage than my NF Competition 15-55 and it's almost $1,000 cheaper. I heard at least 4 others make the same remarks.

 

[JBO]

new Vortex Golden Eagle 15-60X52 +1 Great scope !!

 

[XTR]

If you are going down this road you can buy once/cry once or you can work your way up.

The top choices out there on the line are probably something like:

1. NF Comp (2014 or later)
   
2. NF NXS 12-42 (out of production)
   
3. NF BR 12-42
4. March 5-50 or 10-60
   
5. Sightron 10-50 (least $$ in the bunch)

The new Vortex is worth a look, just haven't seen one yet.

At 600 you can get one of the Sightron or the NF 32x scopes, though personally I've found that I do prefer the extra mag of the 42x at mid range. Seems small but it's useful.

 

[mysticplayer]

If you can make the weight work, the new Sightron SVSS is a gem.

This is replacing the SIII's I have used for the last several years. The SVSS offers even better glass and solid mechanicals.

The side focus mechanism is really slick

Great scope.... just heavy.

Jerry

 

[fourpower]

I shot my first couple of F-Class matches with using my 6-PPC and Weaver T-36, did OK, but that 68gr bullet out of a 14 twist barrel was at a big disadvantage at 600yds and beyond in gusty 15-20mph winds. So I just bought a used Savage model 10 in .260 Remington, with an 8 twist Shillen barrel, and am trying to decide on a scope for F-Class. Nightforce Benchrest scope is still a little beyond my current budget at $1,400. but I could try to make due for a while and hold out for one. Another option I was looking at is a used Sightron S-III 8-32X56 for $800. What other scopes should I consider for F-Class competition on a budget?

The .260 Rem is pictured below wearing a weaver borrowed from another rifle as I work up a load for it.

another vote for sightron llls. I have 6 of them and never a issue. made my own zero stop and works great. had 4 vortex 6x24 that I had to keep sending back never very clear so they were waste of my time. you cant go wrong with sightrons for the money!!

 

[xpfuzz]

you can get a new sightron S111 for $719,just bought one

 

[Bryan Couch]

I purchased my s3 6-24x50mm ffp (model 25006) for $850 at budsgunshop.com I also have the same scope in sfp that I also purchased through bud's before that for right around $725