Lonnie Pendleton
Well-Known Member
nightforce 4100 at midwayhttps://www.midwayusa.com/product/2268161221
Cost of a new scope?
- Thread starter Rich Coyle
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Ronald W Schaefer
Well-Known Member
I think that's like the guidance on how much to spend on your engagement ring
! I think the point is, a great scope on an average rifle is probably still a great combo, but a $300.00 scope on a $1,500.00 rifle may have its limits--plus most guys spend $1,000.00 or less on a factory production rifle--and most of those are capable of sub MOA performance with factory ammo...there are limits and caveats to this....I have a Viper Vortex 4-16X44 HS-T: $600.00 on a Fierce CT Carbon Edge 7mm-08 $4,000.00. and it is a tack driver very reliable out to 1000 yds. I could afford a higher end scope, I just wanted to try this because my son has four of them and I was impressed by their performance and warranties. I also have some Zeiss glass, Kahless, and Leos etc.
! I think the point is, a great scope on an average rifle is probably still a great combo, but a $300.00 scope on a $1,500.00 rifle may have its limits--plus most guys spend $1,000.00 or less on a factory production rifle--and most of those are capable of sub MOA performance with factory ammo...there are limits and caveats to this....I have a Viper Vortex 4-16X44 HS-T: $600.00 on a Fierce CT Carbon Edge 7mm-08 $4,000.00. and it is a tack driver very reliable out to 1000 yds. I could afford a higher end scope, I just wanted to try this because my son has four of them and I was impressed by their performance and warranties. I also have some Zeiss glass, Kahless, and Leos etc.
DaleJ
Active Member
Go to Wish web-sight and buy a Swarovski Chinese knock-off for $89.00!!
Most all of the scopes mentioned would be great on my precision rifle (sub .2 MOA) but that package weighs 18 pounds. When you get into most of these high dollar scopes, you are getting graduated recitals and exterior turrets, yes you are getting top quality glass but most of what you are paying for is consistent tracking that matches the recital. The price for this is weight and the fact that most of these have huge objective lenses requiring taller rings which ruins your cheek weld.
Given that you bought a light weight hunting rifle I would get a set of the Talley one piece scope mounts (don't let the inexpensive price fool you, they work better than most of the high dollar tactical mounts, mostly due to the simple one piece design) and something like the Leupold VX-6HD 2-12X42. The glass is great and they can take a beating without loosing zero. If this were a heavier rifle that was more set up for long range then yes, S&B, Nightforce, US Optics and the lowly SWFA SS (as good as the rest at a third the price) with 20X+ would make sense but not for that rifle.
(Read a little more and saw that you already know about the talleys)
Given that you bought a light weight hunting rifle I would get a set of the Talley one piece scope mounts (don't let the inexpensive price fool you, they work better than most of the high dollar tactical mounts, mostly due to the simple one piece design) and something like the Leupold VX-6HD 2-12X42. The glass is great and they can take a beating without loosing zero. If this were a heavier rifle that was more set up for long range then yes, S&B, Nightforce, US Optics and the lowly SWFA SS (as good as the rest at a third the price) with 20X+ would make sense but not for that rifle.
(Read a little more and saw that you already know about the talleys)
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lyle2231
Well-Known Member
FWIW Buy a used Winchester in 30-06 . If you want the new caliber then get it rebarreled. Use the money you saved to go on another trip
"Ain't nothin like a big boomin Winchester on Saturday afternoon!"
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The 6CM I put together ran about $1K and I found a 42 power Nightforce at $1075. Hitting very easy at 1K yards.
Irish Neil
Active Member
As already mentioned this applies to cheaper rifles. Some of the upmarket scopes include some sophisticated electronics. I am a little wary of the durability of such scopes . I have a Swarovski Z6i 2.5x15x56 and a Zeiss Victory HT 3-12x56 on a 30 year old Varberger 6.5x55 and a Sako Roughtech A7 308 respectively. Two very nice scopes. They both have ballistic turrets and variable red dot illuminated reticles. The Swarovski is lighter than the Zeiss. We do not see too many high end US scopes but they are just as good. The thing to remember once you go over the $1500 mark is are you getting more than you need? Just as important as the scope are the mounts. It is not necessary to pay hundreds of dollars for mounts but they need to be quality or your at nothing. Expensive gun, expensive scope and dodgy mounts leads to a loss of confidence in the firearm. You have to pay for quality unfortunately you get hit with a bigger mark up and included is a prestige mark up!
We go for the 56mm object lenses for early morning ,late evening shooting. There is no disadvantage in bright conditions ,they are just more expensive.
We go for the 56mm object lenses for early morning ,late evening shooting. There is no disadvantage in bright conditions ,they are just more expensive.
Regardless of the price of the rifle you need a reliable optic. I don't care if its the Super TI Wundershootz or the Bog Hopper Boatpaddle it needs a reliable erctor and useable glass. S&B, Leupold, NightForce. I like the NXS and VX5 and VX6HDs. Reliable, reasonable weight, glass that's good past legal and not ridiculous in price. I have these scopes on some rifles where the glass is half the rifle cost, and some where the scope is 4 times the rifle cost. Doesn't matter. Either way I NEVER worry about my optic, and I never feel like I paid double just because I'm a moron that is amazed by edited hunting videos where they never miss, or even have to track. (Even though the video showed the hit was posterior to the diaphragm...DRT). I also think I am getting too old to keep up with the "cool" lingo, is a "stick" the new word for rifle?
Lee Goodwin
Well-Known Member
oldpilot
Well-Known Member
First off, a titanium barreled rifle is going to be very expensive because the material is not just titanium, but a specific alloy engineered for that purpose. You may recall that back at the end of the 50's we crafty Americans built an airplane made of titanium alloys including a lot of engine parts. The titanium skin is totally different than the alloys in the engine compressor and afterburner sections all of which is stronger and lighter than steel and stainless. The point being that the cost of the T-38/F-5s was 760m and 1 mil at the same time...if they would have been built of titanium they would have had a price tag of about 60 mil. So cost of glass for this should be the best for your rifle, not necessarily the most expensive unless you need too show off. No offence intended.
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Canhunter35
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Imagine the low light capabilities of the 72mm hensoldt. It might weigh more than the rifle but who cares lol.
I'd put one of ur vx5s on it, probably with a 40mm objective on it
Try sticking to a good Leupold. You won't get a situation in the US for S&B to make a difference. After 45 years with Leupold on my service weapons and 55 as a hunter, my choice is easy. Best service as well.
