Narrowed my choice to either S&B or Leupold

[Dcaven]

I am trying to decide between a Schmidt and Bender 4x16x56 PMII Ultra Bright with a tremor 3 reticle or a Leupold Mark 6 3x18x 44 M5C2 with the same reticle. The range I shoot at goes out to 1000 yards. I would like to be able to shoot well at this distance. I also plan on attending a shooting school where I will have the opportunity to shoot at 1200 yards. Leaving out price considerations, which, in your opinion, is the better scope? Is the glass clearer on either or are they of similar quality? I'm interested to hear your opinions. The S&B won't be available with that reticle until late summer but I am in the planning stages so that is fine with me. Thank you for your input.

David

 

[Willow]

I wouldn't consider either scope for shooting those distances, better to go for a higher magnification scope. For 1000 yard shooting I wouldn't consider anything with less than 25x magnification. If you are set on a FFP scope, I would look at the Nf ATACR or Beast, Kahles K624i, Minox ZP5 Tac, or March 5-40 model. Better to have more magnification and not need it than to have a scope that won't go as high as you need, I have been there and done that.

 

[Dcaven]

I wouldn't consider either scope for shooting those distances, better to go for a higher magnification scope. For 1000 yard shooting I wouldn't consider anything with less than 25x magnification. If you are set on a FFP scope, I would look at the Nf ATACR or Beast, Kahles K624i, Minox ZP5 Tac, or March 5-40 model. Better to have more magnification and not need it than to have a scope that won't go as high as you need, I have been there and done that.

Thanks. I have read different opinions from different people. Some say the same thing you said while others say 16x is fine for 1000 yards. My biggest concern is the added weight of the higher magnification scopes. I want to be able to continue to use the rifle to hunt with. I will look into the actual weights of the scopes you mentioned.

 

[Willow]

The March 5-40x56 does well weight-wise. It's also expensive but very well built and the eyebox is fine. I have owned one previously and had no complaints, used it for F-class out to 800 metres and used it hunting for shots as close as 50 metres. Another option for an even lighter weight option is the March 3-24x52, if you think you can get away with 24x, it's lightweight and ha a new Xmas tree style reticle which looks effective. Another option would be the upcoming Vortex Razor AMG, 6-24x50.

 

[CharlieNC]

What size target? For steel 12X with marginally decent glass, like a $300 Swafa, works and wins. Of course better glass is nice but not mandatory. For smaller targets you need quality, higher mag. BR vs tactical style factors into reticle type and ffp or sfp.

 

[Mr.Knowit all]

I wouldn't consider either scope for shooting those distances, better to go for a higher magnification scope. For 1000 yard shooting I wouldn't consider anything with less than 25x magnification. If you are set on a FFP scope, I would look at the Nf ATACR or Beast, Kahles K624i, Minox ZP5 Tac, or March 5-40 model. Better to have more magnification and not need it than to have a scope that won't go as high as you need, I have been there and done that.

Agreed.

 

[XTR]

if you want to put hits on man sized steel sure, if you want to hit the X ring on an F class target at 1000 yards, well, that may be another story. I'd look at what the guys running in PRS matches are shooting, I don't think many are shooting Horus reticles.

go here http://precisionrifleblog.com/ and read a bit

 

[germanlongbow]

If shooting steel the S&B scope is fine. I shoot a 5.5x25 PMII with H37 reticle at 36" gong at a mile. Its more than capable of shooting 10-15" groups all day. If paper punching for F class, Id go with a high magnification scope you can afford. The MARCH line up is awesome. Again better to have too much than not enough magnification for shooting small groups at known distance. Scott

 

[JasonT]

if you want to put hits on man sized steel sure, if you want to hit the X ring on an F class target at 1000 yards, well, that may be another story. I'd look at what the guys running in PRS matches are shooting, I don't think many are shooting Horus reticles.

go here http://precisionrifleblog.com/ and read a bit

What he said...

 

[Joe Salt]

Get a Leupold VX-6 7x42x56 you won't be sorry. This will be my second year with mine and its great, just shot 10 shots in 4.690" Saturday.

Joe Salt

 

[Zero333]

Simply because you want this rifle/scope combo to also hunt with, I think the MK-Six 3-18x44 would work best because it's light and very compact.

I've hunted with 12.5 lb rifles and with 7.5 lb rifles and given the choice I rather hunt with a 7.5 lb 1.5moa rifle than a 13 lb half moa rifle.

I've seen MK-6's 3-18x44 for as little as $2,000 new. With the money saved compared to the S&B you could buy a lotta bullitz, powder, primers etc.

 

[Fotheringill]

It would behoove you to read the warranties issued for each scope you are considering as to coverage, length and proof of purchase required or not BEFORE you order. You might be in for a surprise and might impact on your decision.