Opinions on the March Tactical 8x80x56

[andrews1958]

I presently have a March 10-60×52 tactical scope on my 6.5x47 built by Robert Gradious and love it.I just started buying parts for my next rifle that will be a 6BR repeater that will also be built by Robert.

For this rifle I am leaning towards the 8x-80x56mm tactical instead of the 10-60. Most of my shooting will be at 600 yards.

Does anyone have or looked through one that would like to share their experience/ thoughts on the March scope or should I just stick with another 60x

I know a lot of guys will question why I would want so much magnification. No real reason except I just would like to have it if needed and love the March for a scope.

I am in hopes of finding a good used one but if not I will just buy a new one.

Again any thoughts or experiences you would like to share with this scope would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

 

[Terry]

What is the intended use for the gun?

Terry

 

[andrews1958]

Mostly 100, 300 and 600 yard bench and F-class shooting

 

[40X Guy]

I have a March 8-80X56 with the tactical knobs and it is the best scope I have ever looked thru or owned, very expensive but well worth it. Don't let the lack of a good warranty deter you either. Kelblys will take care of any issues. Plus I don't use mine as a hammer, Scope tracks perfectly and on good days in the mornings I can use the scope at 80 power, but usually use it around a max of 50 or 60 depending on what range i am at and the conditions. Of course no scope is mirage proof but at one match this past summer mirage was so bad that most of the shooters were hoping they were on at 500 yards as they could not see their holes, i was able to knock my power down to ~40 and could pick out my 6.5 holes at 500. I also own several NF's, both BR and NXS, a Schmidt & Bender and several Leupolds. But the March is still my go to. For upcoming season I will switch it between 2 rifles (6 dasher and 6X47L).

Frank

 

[andrews1958]

Thanks for the great information. I am going to go with the Tactical 8x80x56. Need it? No. Want it? yes. I am in hopes I can find a good used one if not I will just buy a new on off of Kelby. I love my 60x March.

 

[40X Guy]

I did not need one either but i wanted one and i had a little extra ching burning a hole in my pocket ;D so I drove over to Kelbly's and dealt with Ian personally. He will bend over backwards, those guys are some of the best!

Frank

 

[RDavies]

40X Guy. Have you compared yours to a 10-60X? I have a 10-60X and love it, no need for me to upgrade, but was wondering if at higher powers, the 8-80 is any better in mirage?

 

[ChipEckardt]

I bought an 8 x 80 last year. Not impressed. Great scope until about 60x after that it gets noticeably fuzzy and dark.

Chip

 

[40X Guy]

40X Guy. Have you compared yours to a 10-60X? I have a 10-60X and love it, no need for me to upgrade, but was wondering if at higher powers, the 8-80 is any better in mirage?

I drove to Kelbly's to buy a 10-60 but he was out of stock, so after playing with the 8-80 that day I bought it instead. My particular scope does very well at 60X and you can only use 65X-80X early morning on a clear day before the mirage boils start. I don't think it is better at the higher powers in mirage, but I believe the resolution allows you to see holes in your target that other scopes can't duplicate at a comparable power. I am in my early 50's also and was blessed with good eyes from the start so maybe that helps me also.

Frank

 

[in2deep]

40XGUY,

can you comment on the comparison of eye relief between the 2 scopes?
Thanks.

 

[Leaddog]

40XGUY,

can you comment on the comparison of eye relief between the 2 scopes?
Thanks.

I'd like to hear about this as well. I have a March 10-60 Tactical and it is a very fine scope but the eye relief is much more critical than my 12-42 NF NXS. I have to mount the March further forward on my rail to get consistent acquisition.

 

[40X Guy]

At Kelblys I did look thru both scopes outside holding them in my hand, (10-60 that he did have was not the reticle I wanted) but I was not able to compare eye relief between the 2 as it was tough to hold them and look thru when power was dialed up. i was awed by the clarity more than worrying about eye relief, but after buying th 8-80 and using it this past season IMHO it has as much eye relief as any of my NF's and that is running the scope at 60X also.

Frank