As many of you probably know I recently bought a custom rifle in 7 Sherman Short Magnum. My only loose scope currently is a Burris XTR II 5-25 with a 34mm tube. The rifle itself weighs just over 7#'s so adding a 2# scope and ring combo makes it very top heavy.
So I'm looking for suggestions for new glass. My desired use is steel too 1k and hunting deer and elk to 800yds. My desired things are: - 30mm tube - reticle with hold overs for elevation and wind - turrets - milrad adjustments as all my other rifles use mils - ffp those this may be arbitrary. - budget $1500
I`ve two stright SWFA 10x on two 7 Mags for purpose hunting, LR, and love them. Mine are MOA, but know they come in Mils. I built range scales for my loads so I don`t have to memorize come-ups. Both are excellent, hunted from dawn to dusk no problem. What i really like tho has been their dependability,,,I`ve run the turrets to Ik, also like to shoot steel, and back to 200 zero. dead on. May be a bit heavy for you, but man, can`t say enough good about em.
With that budget I'd be looking at a 2.5-10x42 Nightforce or 3-12 LRHS. However, I've been plenty happy with my SWFA 10x's at that range and further.
Tanner
This... exactly...
John
If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14
I picked up a leupold VX6 (non-HD) and have been impressed with it so far. My only complaint and is that the ZL will only give you one revolution. Or send it back to Leupold and they will change it out to the ZL2 for $90.
YMMV but its worth a look if you want a little more power then the 2.5-10x42mm Nightforce for the same weight (~20oz).
Edit: not sure if you can get them in Mil. just seen that was a requirement.
You can't go wrong with any swfa scope. I haven't used a straight 10x, but I do have the 3x9 and it is a sweet scope. It would serve you well. The3x15 is really good too. Both are well within your budget,and meet all of your criteria.
Since I have LR play guns and this is pretty much a meat gun, I'm on the fence about whether or not I really even want ffp. Going SFP would open up several more decent options.
If you truly want to shoot past 300yds, and hold for wind,as your original post says, a sfp scope is not a serious option.It will only work at one set power. A ffp scope is the same regardless of power. I won't ever buy another sfp scope.
After more thought, I am too used to ffp to give that up. Lots of nice optics out there and I could spend more if I thought I was gaining something tangible. I just don't want a portly scope on a trim rifle.
If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14
BSA I love my 3-15 SS milquad. The only knocks for hunting I can see are the height of the turrets and lack of zero stop. Neither is a deal breaker and I am leaning towards another for this role.
I have taken a deer my AR10 at 539yds and shot steel and rocks to 1200yds with it and never felt handicapped: I just have some money burning a hole in The pocket so seeing what else is out there before I decide.
The more I think in this the more my budget grows. I'm having a hard time convincing myself that the Leupold MK6 3-18 wouldn't be about perfect in this role. The only downside I can see if the chunky 34mm tube might look a little odd on this rifle but it is short, it's light and has usable reticles.
I wouldn't buy at msrp, but I do have access to them at a sizable discount. The one on my AR15 has been superb.
I am also seriously considering the March 3-24x42.
You can make a zero stop for the swfa. I have the 3-12 and 4-18 lrhs scopes and the 3-15 swfa. For hunting the g2/3 reticle is MUCH easier to see in low light. The 3-12 is much more compact and lighter. All of them are good optically.
Originally Posted by BrentD
I would not buy something that runs on any kind of primer given the possibility of primer shortages and even regulations. In fact, why not buy a flintlock? Really. Rocks aren't going away anytime soon.
Since I have LR play guns and this is pretty much a meat gun, I'm on the fence about whether or not I really even want ffp. Going SFP would open up several more decent options.
At the risk of getting flames cast my way that might wound my precious feelers......... I agree!
i shoot a bushnell elite 4200 6x24x40ao. its as clear as anything else i've owned.i also have the same scope in a 4x16x40a0.they are hard to beat for brightness.
March 3-24 is enroute currently. Mine is new production based on the 6283 mil spec versus their old 6400 spec. 6400 was the old artillery spec as being close enough for that use as it equates to .97 mil per 10 clicks.
Unfortunately it wasn't publicized well and guys were puzzled why their scope didn't track properly. All has been fixed now and from the 2 sample I have handled they are awesome in a light rifle dialing role.
March 3-24 is enroute currently. Mine is new production based on the 6283 mil spec versus their old 6400 spec. 6400 was the old artillery spec as being close enough for that use as it equates to .97 mil per 10 clicks.
Unfortunately it wasn't publicized well and guys were puzzled why their scope didn't track properly. All has been fixed now and from the 2 sample I have handled they are awesome in a light rifle dialing role.
When it shows up post a couple pics of it on the shermanator.
You weren't joking the old man showed up smiling like a kid at a candy factory. Pretty cool and thanks again.
I'm glad it worked out for both of us. I really liked the glass and reticle in that scope but I have too many milrad scopes to swap to MOA. Your dad is a good man.
The new March 3-24 is on my 7 Sherman Short and I couldn't be happier. All I had sitting loose was some Burris Tactical 6 screw rings so they will be replaced soon.
So far I'm getting 3/8" 5rd groups from the 162 eld-m at 3100 fps and still need to play with seating depth a bit to see if it will tighten any.
All up the gun weighs right at 8.3lbs so it should be a good mountain rifle with the ability to reach when needed.