Three Target Scope Choices

[crockersmith]

About to make a change from my Weaver T-24 scope and would like some opinions. I'm shooting an Anschutz .17HMR from a bench, usually 100-150 yards. My old eyes are telling me that the Weaver is not quite doing the job so I have looked at three stronger ones: Sightron S3 8-32, Leupold 40x45 Competition and Nightforce BR 12-42. If money was not a factor in my decision I would jump on the Nightforce but I don't want to spend extra money without being sure I would see a good value return. Is the the Leupold $350 better than the Sightron? And is the Nightforce $350 better than the Leupold?
BTW, I have read this scope forum back into last year's postings and am still obviously uncertain.

 

[Cort]

You have posed a tough question to answer because the answer depends on your eyes. I have a Leupold 6.5-20x40, a Sightron 6-24x44 and a Weaver T-36. Of the three, the Leupold is the sharpest and brightest, followed very closely by the Sightron. The Weaver is a good scope for the money but not as good as the other two. My weather gets hot in the summer and the mirage can be tough even at short yardage. Consequently, I like a variable for target work unless weight is a problem.

All that said, I would look at the Sightron or a Leupold variable, not the fixed power 45. The Nightforce is an outstanding scope or you wouldn't see so many on the line at major competitions. It is just expensive; but, I suspect you get what you pay for.

Cort

 

[MK 19]

Cort was right on that, it all depends on your eye's and only your eye's can tell you the right scope for you. To my eye's a Leupold anything looks muddy with poor colors, but that is not a slam on Leupold, it is just how my eyes see the color that comes through the scope. If you have the ability try to look through all 3 in similar conditions you will be able to find the answer to your question. If it was my money I would go Sightron and then Nightforce, but if money was no object I wouldn't even be thing any scope that wasn't made by March.

 

[wmdron]

I have a Nightforce 12-42 BR and two Weaver T36's. For bench only shooting maybe you should consider a T36.

 

[warbird2006]

try Mueller Target scope 8-32x44
it is great, track good.

 

[dreever]

I'd "Buy once, cry once" and get the Nightforce. Here's why.
Better optics
12-42 power
rock solid reliability
more Reticle choices...for old eyes this is very important! Look thru as many as you can, preferably at the range before you decide. Different strokes for different folks.

For my old eyes the NP2DD is perfect.

Danny