Hi all,
I am seeking advice on my next scope for a new AR15 224 Valkyrie build. I currently run a Vortex Razor Gen II 3-18x50 on a 6.5 Creedmoor bolt gun and an NF ATACR 4-16x42 on a 20” Bartlein 223 Wylde AR15. I would like something with more magnification, similar tracking capabilities, ability to shoot at night as a bonus, and great glass. I don’t mind if it’s SFP or FFP. My budget can go as high as $3500.
The new scope will stay on the AR15 224 Valkyrie for the time being, and down the road, a dedicated benchrest gun. The sole purpose for now will be 90% firing from a bench via an Atlas bipod and sandbag for the rear and 10% prone. I won’t be moving around, using barricades, shooting at unknown distances, hunting, and scope weight is not an issue.
My local range is open until 1000 pm and is well lit, has 100 and 200 yard targets, and once a month 600 yards . At least 3-4 times a year, I will head to a different location to shoot 1000 to 1200 yards. I am trying to improve my paper punching groups and hitting steel targets consistently. My goal is consistent 5 to 10 shot groups across six squares.
I don’t believe I need to worry too much about a tight/sensitive eye box since I will be sitting on a bench in the same position for 90% of the time.
I am fortunate to live in the PNW, so 1/3 the year it will be light until 8 or 9pm. Most of my range/paper shooting will be at night though so having illumination is a bonus in the non-spring and summer months. The range is also well lit at night and the locals also recommended an illuminated reticle for when it gets dark by 5 to 6pm.
After reading a ton of posts on here and other sites, I am somewhat more confused but at the same time, much more educated on the type of scope that would be best for this specific use.
From the scopes recommended from this and what would be best for a future, dedicated BR gun or a 224 Valkyrie bolt gun from Kelby while geared towards benchrest/paper punching, it's down to the following:
I do go by the "buy once, cry once" motto and hope this purchase will serve me well for the next 3-5 years. I really wish some folks I know had any of these scopes to look through.
I could get two Nightforce 12-42x56 for the 224 Valkyrie and future BR or bolt gun and have the same optic to learn from. This would be slightly more than one Kahles 10-50x56.
Are there any other choices to look at?
Thank you again for your help and advice.
SD
I am seeking advice on my next scope for a new AR15 224 Valkyrie build. I currently run a Vortex Razor Gen II 3-18x50 on a 6.5 Creedmoor bolt gun and an NF ATACR 4-16x42 on a 20” Bartlein 223 Wylde AR15. I would like something with more magnification, similar tracking capabilities, ability to shoot at night as a bonus, and great glass. I don’t mind if it’s SFP or FFP. My budget can go as high as $3500.
The new scope will stay on the AR15 224 Valkyrie for the time being, and down the road, a dedicated benchrest gun. The sole purpose for now will be 90% firing from a bench via an Atlas bipod and sandbag for the rear and 10% prone. I won’t be moving around, using barricades, shooting at unknown distances, hunting, and scope weight is not an issue.
My local range is open until 1000 pm and is well lit, has 100 and 200 yard targets, and once a month 600 yards . At least 3-4 times a year, I will head to a different location to shoot 1000 to 1200 yards. I am trying to improve my paper punching groups and hitting steel targets consistently. My goal is consistent 5 to 10 shot groups across six squares.
I don’t believe I need to worry too much about a tight/sensitive eye box since I will be sitting on a bench in the same position for 90% of the time.
I am fortunate to live in the PNW, so 1/3 the year it will be light until 8 or 9pm. Most of my range/paper shooting will be at night though so having illumination is a bonus in the non-spring and summer months. The range is also well lit at night and the locals also recommended an illuminated reticle for when it gets dark by 5 to 6pm.
After reading a ton of posts on here and other sites, I am somewhat more confused but at the same time, much more educated on the type of scope that would be best for this specific use.
From the scopes recommended from this and what would be best for a future, dedicated BR gun or a 224 Valkyrie bolt gun from Kelby while geared towards benchrest/paper punching, it's down to the following:
- Kahles 10-50x56 MOAK
- Nightforce Precision Benchrest 12-42x56
- Sightron 10-50x56 SV SIII ED
- Sightron 10-50x56 SV SIII Iluminated MOA2
- Vortex Golden Eagle 15-15x60
I do go by the "buy once, cry once" motto and hope this purchase will serve me well for the next 3-5 years. I really wish some folks I know had any of these scopes to look through.
I could get two Nightforce 12-42x56 for the 224 Valkyrie and future BR or bolt gun and have the same optic to learn from. This would be slightly more than one Kahles 10-50x56.
Are there any other choices to look at?
Thank you again for your help and advice.
SD
