Tactical Scope for $500-600???

[Roarke]

Does anyone have good experiences with any of the scopes in this price range? I'm looking for something with variable power to at least 10-15x, adjustable turrent knobs that do not require removing a cap, good reticle choices, 30mm tube.

Any ideas?

Thanks

 

[jscandale]

For what use, F class, high power or hunting?

JS

 

[Roarke]

Tactical competitions

 

[Taildrag15X]

I'd think your best bet would be to keep an eye on ebay and GunBroker for either 4.5-14, 6-18 or 6.5-20 Leupolds, they all should fall inside your price range, with the 6.5-20's over passing the high end if in 30mm, but still there are deals out there.

You can still get the Tapered Target Knobs for the Var-X & VX line of scopes that don't take the cap for the elevation and windage, there about $18 each direct from Leupold plus a couple of bucks for postage.

I sold a Var-X 4.5-14x50mm USMC mil dot, used and not abused with the box for $575.

 

[nhm16]

If you want a first focal plane scope with matching knobs and reticle, the best deal is last years Bushnell Elite 4200 3-12x50 mil/mil FFP. Available for $550 from Midway:

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/default.aspx?productnumber=325361

Here's a review:

http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=2143390

I have the 6-24x56 version and am completely satisfied, especially at the price I paid. It's also on sale for $650 right now:

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/default.aspx?productnumber=262045

People seem to think the 3-12 is better optically than the 6-24; mine is certainly not as good as a Premier at max power. Both are pretty rugged.

The 2010 models are identical to the 2011; Bushnell just consolidated the Elite 4200 and 6500 lines.

At the $850-1000 price range, there is a lot of competition but at these closeout prices it's a nobrainer.

Also consider the Weaver 3-15x50 mil/mil FFP, which also gets good reviews:

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/default.aspx?productNumber=911627

If I didn't already have a SWFA SS 5-20x50 on pre-order from the Sniper's Hide group buy I'd pick up a Bushnell 3-12 to go with my 6-24.

Edit: Also consider the Vortex PST scopes, they have a better reticle choice than the fairly standard mil-dot or a variant thereof, but from what I've read on Sniper's Hide, despite a year wait they are sorta hit-and-miss. People seem to be slightly disappointed in them optically compared to the competition.

 

[Roarke]

Thanks and I appreciate the information!

 

[brian427cobra]

The Bushnell Elite 3-12x50 FFP with MRAD knobs fits the requirement perfectly, DO NOT buy a scope with a Mil based reticle and MOA knobs, FFP is also a gotta have IMHO.

 

[readyon3]

Save your money a little longer and get you a Vortex Viper PST in either 6-24 or 4-16. It has every feature you're looking for and more. They had a few problems with the first run of them but everything is good now. They also have the best customer service there is, if you ever do need it, it's a no questions asked full lifetime warranty. I have the 6-24x50 SFP MOA reticle and I couldn't ask for more and it's held up perfectly to about 300 rounds and one tactical comp so far. I love the reticle, the turrets are very nice and crisp, the side focus is spot on for the marked yardage, the glass is crystal clear, it has a zero stop and lighted reticle. Whatever you choose just remember, Buy Once, Cry Once.

 

[Roarke]

I'll certainly look into the Vortex scopes. I thought "buy the best and cry once" only applied to Nightforce, US Optics, and Hensvoldtafarfenugen! Lol

Thanks,
Roarke

 

[brian427cobra]

Well what did you buy or decide on?