scope for a new 6MMBR
- Thread starter GTyner
- Start date
CaptainMal
Silver $$ Contributor
Sounds like a price issue and, as asked, related to the kind of target shooting you are doing. How good do you need?
Nightforce is the best and quite satisfying to own. The others are price alternatives where you hope they are "good enough".
Nightforce is the best and quite satisfying to own. The others are price alternatives where you hope they are "good enough".
I will give you my opinion on glass, though it's not a suggestion as to what is best or what to go with from your above choices.
My glass is all mediocre at best. I have a few decent scopes, most are low-end. I use a 10-40x50 Tasco on my Savage .222 bench rig and it works well to 300yds, though at higher power, conditions need to be good or it's not so clear. But it has the power I need and I can achieve some very good accuracy with it. I hunt with a 3-9x40 Bushnell, a CenterPoint 4-16X40 and a few others as well that I use on various rifles for various uses. I don't have any real issues with any of my optics for my needs, they all work and do OK.
However, when I go to North Dakota to visit my brother in-law and I get to use his rifles that are equiped with various leupold's, Nikon's and NightForce scopes, I have a hard time readjusting to my own when I get home. The clarity is just incredible and it makes shooting much easier. However, his NF, which I believe is an 8-42X, is noticeably better than even his high end Leupolds. It is simply breathtaking to crank up the power and see everything so crystal clear. It's like high-def in a scope, just amazing. I have just never looked through anything with lenses that is just so absolutely crystal clear.
When it comes to optics, if you really want crystal clear images and the best definition possible, you can't skimp at all. You will likely need to go with the absolute best you can, or you will sacrifice something. You don't get a "free lunch" with quality optics, just doesn't happen. You pay for the clarity, or you save a little and lose a little.
It's not to say you need the best glass going, because I don't myself. I would like it, but I can't afford it right now. I make do, and I have no complaints at all. But if you are looking for the best clarity, go big or you won't get it. If you don't need the best, then you can save some money and still have a very usable optic. If I can make do with a Tasco, anything you have listed will get you by.
BUT, like I said, if you really want the absolute best and need to have it, just spend the money and save the disappointment.
Kenny
My glass is all mediocre at best. I have a few decent scopes, most are low-end. I use a 10-40x50 Tasco on my Savage .222 bench rig and it works well to 300yds, though at higher power, conditions need to be good or it's not so clear. But it has the power I need and I can achieve some very good accuracy with it. I hunt with a 3-9x40 Bushnell, a CenterPoint 4-16X40 and a few others as well that I use on various rifles for various uses. I don't have any real issues with any of my optics for my needs, they all work and do OK.
However, when I go to North Dakota to visit my brother in-law and I get to use his rifles that are equiped with various leupold's, Nikon's and NightForce scopes, I have a hard time readjusting to my own when I get home. The clarity is just incredible and it makes shooting much easier. However, his NF, which I believe is an 8-42X, is noticeably better than even his high end Leupolds. It is simply breathtaking to crank up the power and see everything so crystal clear. It's like high-def in a scope, just amazing. I have just never looked through anything with lenses that is just so absolutely crystal clear.
When it comes to optics, if you really want crystal clear images and the best definition possible, you can't skimp at all. You will likely need to go with the absolute best you can, or you will sacrifice something. You don't get a "free lunch" with quality optics, just doesn't happen. You pay for the clarity, or you save a little and lose a little.
It's not to say you need the best glass going, because I don't myself. I would like it, but I can't afford it right now. I make do, and I have no complaints at all. But if you are looking for the best clarity, go big or you won't get it. If you don't need the best, then you can save some money and still have a very usable optic. If I can make do with a Tasco, anything you have listed will get you by.
BUT, like I said, if you really want the absolute best and need to have it, just spend the money and save the disappointment.
Kenny
Geronimo Jim
Gold $$ Contributor
You will never regret the Nightforce!
Gary: If you decide on a Nightforce benchrest model, I would suggest the 12-42x before the 8-32x. I have two 12-42's and one 8-32x, and do prefer the 12-42x. When conditions permit (mirage) it's nice to be able to crank it all the way up to42x to find the bullet holes at the longer distances, something that is limited a bit with the 32x maximum. That extra 10x means a lot. 
Yes if you can afford the NF scopes, they are worth it and they have great resale value as well. You might be able to find a gently used one here or on Benchrest Central forums too. NF has a forever warranty regardless of who owns them so there is minimal worry about purchasing a nice used one. 12-42 would be my choice as well, if it is a dedicated range rifle. It is nice to see bullet holes without having to use a spotting scope.
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