There seems to be a general belief that side focus scopes are better at holding zero.
However, side focus setups have a much shorter depth of focus than similar AO scopes. AO scopes can be preset, if that's important.
My preference is neither. If I need a long range scope, I'd prefer something like the 10X S&B which is set to be parallax free at 300 meters. E
And just how many Side Focus or AO scopes are you using?
Can you honestly qualify yourself to say one is better than the other?
OP question wasn't SF, AO or Neither.
In my opinion, both work well and personal preference is key to me. I have rifles with AO's scopes on them that I like alot and they get shot alot but they don't make them in SF. If they did that would probably be the direction I would go with those scopes. Most all other higher range scopes that I have have SF.
As the stooge above stated about depth of focus, I find it hard to see a difference but, when you actually use something rather than just commenting out your azz it might make a difference.
