need help deciding...

[mao0720]

I'm putting together a compact, relatively light, 22" 6.5x47L for use with suppressor on steel targets to about 1200 yds and on deer (if I can ever get out hunting again), and I need help picking an optic. I'm looking at the vortex viper pst 6-24 ffp. It has a lot of of features for the money, zero stop, ffp, good glass, but it is a big and heavy optic. The other scope that I am looking at is the vortex viper hs-t 4-16. Decent sfp reticle on it, still has a zero stop and same glass as the viper pst. I'm actually leaning towards the 4-16, but I can't help but wonder, is 16 enough magnification for 1000+ yds. I'm used to a 32x on my ftr rifle and it has spoiled me. Any thoughts or input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks a lot!

 

[Ledd Slinger]

Vortex are good scopes. By far the best warranty. However, not the best glass, and lacking in low light performance for hunting situations. But I think they are worth what you pay for them.

I would also look in the upper mid priced optics at scopes like the NightForce SHV 5-20X50mm and Zeiss HD5 5-25x50mm. Better glass for better detail at long range and really suck in the light when hunting just before sunrise and right after sunset.

Nikon Monarch scopes do not offer a lot of the features you are looking for, but will give you better low light performance at a lesser price point.

 

[mao0720]

Thanks Ledd, Ive looked at the SHVs and they are very nice, but may be just a little out of my price range. Any input on what magnification to go with?

 

[Ledd Slinger]

I started off with a 4-16X scope when I first shot a rifle at 1K. It was doable, but the higher power scopes are definitely better suited for the task. My opinion would be a scope capable of 20X or more. Especially when going beyond 1K. Just make sure you pick an optic that offers enough adjustment as well. I like the Zeiss HD5 5-25 scopes (I own two of them) because a zero stop isn't really needed when I can adjust 18 MOA of elevation per revolution. The Zeiss HD5 does have a zero stop, but I removed it on both of my scopes because it limits you to one revolution. Pretty poor design, but the rest of the scope is fantastic. Great glass, excellent in low light, nice reticles, solid clicking turrets, and 65 MOA of elevation.

 

[hogpatrol]

Check out the new line of Trijicons Accupower

https://www.trijicon.com/na_en/products/product1.php?id=AccuPower

and Nightforce SHVs.

 

[CB11WYO]

I definitely agree with getting spoiled sometimes by the higher power scopes. One thing that will make a difference is the ability to dial-in the focus/parallax on the scope you are using. For example:

I can see better/more clearly at 1000 yards with my 14x VX-III that has a side focus that can be dialed-in to perfection vs. my 18x VX-II AO that was only meant for 400-600 yds parallax adjustments.

Target size is also a determining factor for me concerning scope power. You shooting 2MOA gongs at 1000+ or Easter Eggs? My .02 anyway...

 

[Jdne5b]

I have a Bushnell FFP 6-24x on my steel gun. When I'm shooting stages with multiple targets, field of view is important to me so I can locate my next target quick, or spot shots that might be way off.. . I'm usually running 15x or so. Vary rarely am I shooting steel at 24x. It's just not needed unless the target is really small, <2moa, imo.

 

[rcerro]

If you want a 6-24 check out the Sightron SIII sfp models. Close to your price range with better function, eye relief, and glass than a Vortex. I say sfp because close shots with my ffp can be difficult finding the reticle at 6 power with a dark background.

 

[Ledd Slinger]

If you want a 6-24 check out the Sightron SIII sfp models. Close to your price range with better function, eye relief, and glass than a Vortex. I say sfp because close shots with my ffp can be difficult finding the reticle at 6 power with a dark background.

+1

Good call. Forgot about the SIII's being in the same price range.

 

[coldboreshot]

High magnification is good for target work but for object shots, the 16x you were considering should be fine for 1000yds. I use a US Optics ST10 (10x) on my 308 tac rig on 6" and 8" steel at 1000yds all the time with high probability hits. What ever you decide, make absolutely sure you use any one of the types of anti-cant devices, otherwise no type of scope will get you hits if your canted off your mark.