Leupold mark4 8.5x25x50 ERT /M5?

[casspir]

I have search the Forum but could not find answers to my questions.
I am searching for a good scope option for my F/TR rifle and I only want to buy once. Therefore, I am looking into the pro`s and con`s of the next 5 scope`s. It is my understanding that the really long distances 800 to a 1000 yards are normally shoot in the afternoons when mirage is normally at its worst. The big magnification doesn`t really help then and a great x25 scope is all one need.
I would therefore appreciate your comments on it.
1) Although I recognize the US Optics SN 3 T-PAL 5-25X as a great scope for F/TR it is very expensive and heavy.
2) The NF NXS 12-42x56 is also a great scope but don’t think the big magnification is really necessary and is also expensive.
3) The BR model might be a better option. Certainly, it has proved itself.
4) The March (5-50x56) or the (8x80x56) are both great scopes but is also extremely expensive.
5) The Leupold mark4 (8.5x25x50 ER/T M5) could be a great scope and more affordable. There is a good back-up service in South Africa and therefore makes perfect sense. I am however worried about the audibility of the dialing knob`s for windage and elevation.
Do I have it wrong? Please help

 

[Travelor]

http://www.6mmbr.com/optics.html

 

[casspir]

Thanks,
I did look at that but the web site is kinda oldish. No mention of the newer March scopes or even the US Optics. Maybe time to upgrade the post as the Website master suggested.
Again, thanks anyway.

 

[nhm16]

If I recall correctly, the M5 turret is probably the wrong turret for F/TR. It's marked in 0.1 mils, which is 0.36" per click at 100yds, or equivalent to a ~ .36 moa click, which is almost three times coarser than a 1/8 moa click (~ 0.125" per click at 100yd). This also means that one click is 3.6" at 1000yds, a lot.

I have a Premier Heritage I use in F-Class, great scope, but it the turrets also have 0.1 mil clicks, and is totally the wrong application for this scope. As soon as I can swing the $ I will replace it with a Nightforce BR 12-24 and move the Premier to a different, more "tactical" gun where it will be more appropriate.

 

[McKinneyMike]

What about the NF NSX 5.5-22X50/56 or the NF NXS 8-32? The Leupold's are nice, but the NF are just built better IMO. The Sightron 8-32X56 would be a good option for this class as well IMO.

 

[casspir]

I am not mocking any scope or brand or advertising any of them. This is my personal view and I am just a lay man when it comes to scopes. Keep in mind I need a scope for F/TR.
Personally, it is between the NF NXS 12-42x42 because I prefer the side focus over that of the BR and the March 8x-80x56 with the 34mm tube and 1/8 moa click. Cons: The NF is heavy and the adjustment only ¼ moa click. Pros: It is rugged and strong.
March is a US$1200-00 more expensive at US$3050-00 but it is much lighter than the NF and is rapidly earning a reputation as a great scope. Cons: very expensive. Pros: Great magnification and great color/ sharpness. I like this scope. There is not always mirage and then the full x80 magnification comes to its justification.
A friend says the following about US Optics: “The glass in a USO is superior to the others you mentioned (NF, Leopold and March). All USO are First Focal Plane reticles. If you price the same/close to it, from NF, it will cost you the same. USO, knob clicks are truly calibrated and will give you exactly what you dial, the rest are not as accurate. Also, the USO is a reliable scope and won`t let you down somewhere along the line.” Cons: with all the extras that you have to order with it, it becomes a very-very expensive scope indeed, easily going up to US$4700-00 (SN-3 T PAL 5X25). Magnification is limited to x25. There is a SN 9, x42 magnification scope but it is a monster of a scope and does not qualify as an F/TR scope (in my ignorant opinion) because of its weight of 4.5pound/ 2.0412kg.
The only thing against the NF NXS is the ¼ moa clicks. If I could have changed that the NF would be a really great and logical choice.
I am scared of all the lesser known names however good they may be. I want something with a good name and reputation with excellent back-up service. They must be involved with our Sport too. Therefore for me in SA, there really are just those 4 names to consider: Leopold, NF, MARCH and US Optics.
Now I am opening a can of worms because of Zeiss, Swarovski and and….LOL!
This is my personal opinion and once again, I`m not a specialist. Many may have different opinions and for all I know, they may be right.

 

[McKinneyMike]

If money is no object, I agree completely with your assessment of the scopes in question.

 

[casspir]

Mike,
LOL, Unfortunately, money is always an object! I am however willing to rather save and buy quality as to buy and not be satisfied and therefore have to buy again.
It seems that I am going to save for several months as to hide it from the good wife! LOL!!

 

[casspir]

I understand NF NXS 12x42x56 will bring a 1/8moa adjusment out later this year (2010). Don`t know if this is true, hope so. If true, it is good news though!