Help me decide on these optics

encoreguy

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Sep 24, 2006
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I am looking for a new scope to put on my savage 10FP .308. I will shoot out to 800 yards. I am considering a Weaver tactical 3-15 with illuminated mil-dot, a Vortex PST 6-24 MOA FFP or a Viper LR 4-16 with BDC. I like the idea of the BDC for hunting so you can hold over with dots or dial and use windage dots for wind drift However I worry about being able to see the dots in low light hunting situations since it is not illuminated. I also worry about 1/2 elevation adjustment at long range. I plan to use this for hunting and long range steel plate shooting. I also like the XLR reticule but again worry about seeing it in low light, my eyes are not what they used to be. I don't mind 2nd focal plane on the BDC so we can tweak the reticle by changing power. I would prefer to keep this under $900. Ideally in the $700 range. I appreciate your thoughts.
 
No experience with any of the Vortex, but my shooting buddy has the Weaver. The Weaver is an excellent buy for the money. If you could swing a couple hundred more you should look at the Leupold Mark 4 line with the M5 turrets. I went to mil/mil a couple years back and it is a great system. I tried the MOA/MOA setup in a Night Force and it just didn't work for me.
 
My vote would be to save up a little more and go with the Leupold Mark 4. They come illuminated, I personally like the TMR reticle, not so "busy" of a view. IMHO, learn the scope's hash marks and leave the dials alone after you get it zero'd in. I do own both, the vortex viper PST and the Leupold, Viper is nice, just not a Leupold.
 
My vote would be to save up a little more and go with the Leupold Mark 4. They come illuminated, I personally like the TMR reticle, not so "busy" of a view. IMHO, learn the scope's hash marks and leave the dials alone after you get it zero'd in. I do own both, the vortex viper PST and the Leupold, Viper is nice, just not a Leupold.


I own both as well, and if each were laying on the table for free but I could only take one I would take the Vortex without hesitation.
 
Also, don't forget to look at the Zeiss Conquest 6.5-20x50's and Conquest HD5 5-25x50 scopes.

IMO, the best scopes in their price range, hands-down.
 
I have one of the Weaver 3-15 FFP mil/mil with the EMDR and it is very clear and repeatable. I think for the price it is a great optic. That being said, Vortex has a great following and excellent warranty service. The Weaver is heavy, so check your specs. You could use it as a club if you needed in a pinch, but it adds to the durability. It is also pretty compact for a 3-15. I'm a big fan of mil/mil and FFP.
 
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