--> An Aussie requesting assistance finding a scope within my budget/requirements

[wayno1337]

Hi there,

First off I would like to say hello from over here in the land down under.

I know threads similar to this would be getting posted on this forum every other day however I have spent half the day trying to find a scope that meets my requirements and budget and I am still no closer to finding an option then I was when I first started looking. There's just so many bloody options!

This forum has been very helpful in helping me understand what the differences are between specific types of scopes and the importance of these differences.

I have come up with the following requirements;

- I intend on using this scope to make shots between 500m and 1000m allowing full turret adjustment to do so whilst being zero'd at 100m.

- My budget is under $500 AUD if possible however I would consider spending up to $750 AUD (including the cost of good quality rings if they are not included) only if I can see the value and get a scope that would last me a lifetime.

- Considering over here in Australia we use the metric system and that my research suggests that using a scope with a mil dot style reticle with 1/10 Mil adjustments would suit me better, that is my preference. However, I am not having much luck finding many scopes within my budget that have 1/10 Mil adjustments and a whole lot of them that I find with a mil dot reticle have 1/4 MOA adjustments which just seems silly to me? I am still open to suggestion in regards to this requirement and would still consider a scope with a MOA style reticle with MOA adjustments if nescessary.

- The scope's manufacturer must have a reputation for using decent quality glass in its optics.

- Must have the ability to reset mechanical zero once sighted in.

- The scope must have a tube diameter of 30mm or above allowing for a greater range of adjustments.

- The scope should have a 50mm or 56mm Objective Lens however I would consider a 40mm Objective Lens if the scope is at the lower end of my budget.

- The scope must have a variable zoom with a max zoom setting of either 16x,18x,20x or 24x.

- The reticle must exist in the first focal plane as I want the reticle markings to be relative to the size of the object no matter what the zoom setting is set to. (This would be best for accurately calculating range correct?)

(Am I correct in assuming that if the reticle exists in the second focal plane and does not change size depending on zoom setting, that it would effect ones ability to use the reticle to make accurate range calculations? And that you would have to have the scope sec to a specific zoom setting for the reticle markings to be true to make a correct calculation? If someone could clarify this for me I would really appreciate it!!)

- Zero Stop or Locking Turrets would be nice features but are not a requirement.

Whoever reads this I challenge you to find a scope that meets all of these requirements as I am not having any luck and I am getting too frustrated! gun)

Thanks in advance for your time and efforts people!

Looking forward to reading replies.

P.s. If you can show me options that meet most but not all of my requirements please do so as I am aware I may be being a bit too picky..

 

[gunners]

You don't want much for your money do ya. The only scope that meets nearly all your criteria is the Millett LRS, which you can also get in mills. Cleaver firearms in Queensland has heaps of them in stock. Quality was patchy with them but they reckon they're better now. I've handled one a few months ago and was actually quite surprised at how good it looked and clear it was and nearly bought one myself.

 

[wayno1337]

You don't want much for your money do ya��. The only scope that meets nearly all your criteria is the Millett LRS, which you can also get in mills. Cleaver firearms in Queensland has heaps of them in stock. Quality was patchy with them but they reckon they're better now. I've handled one a few months ago and was actually quite surprised at how good it looked and clear it was and nearly bought one myself.

Lol I would consider spending up to $750 if I can justify it.. Just checked their website (I was at that store today actually) would this be the one you are referring to:

"MILLETT 6-24 X 56 LRS-1
MATTE ILLUMINATED
SIDE FOCUS 35MM TUBE
.1 MIL WITH RINGS
SPECIAL $499"

Do you by any chance know what kind of reticle it has? Thanks for the info, gives me one option to consider and research.

Any other suggestions anyone?

 

[7magcreedmoor]

Doesn't really matter which system you use, mils or moa, as long as your reticle and turret adjustments are the same system. I think in inches and yards, you in cm and meters, but scopes deal in angle. I run several Vortex Vipers with FFP reticles, moa pattern reticle matching moa turrets. Great scope for the price, if you can get them "down under".

 

[7magcreedmoor]

Forgot- your parenthetical about FFP vs SFP reticle ranging is correct. A FFP reticle has a constant relationship to target size regardless of magnification, a SFP reticle must be set to the calibrated mag or you must multiply or divide to correct if on any other mag setting( a real pain in the butt) to get accurate readings. I have scopes of both types, and much prefer FFP. Vortex makes both.

 

[gunners]

We do get vortex over here, I'm currently trying to decide between a viper hs 4-16 or going up to a ziess for my new 243. They are a little bit more than $500 I think it was 650 for the viper. I can't quite remember I was still recovering from the wife going berserk that I'd bought another rifle.

 

[7magcreedmoor]

We do get vortex over here, I'm currently trying to decide between a viper hs 4-16 or going up to a ziess for my new 243. They are a little bit more than $500 I think it was 650 for the viper. I can't quite remember I was still recovering from the wife going berserk that I'd bought another rifle.

It can be a risky sport...

If mama aint happy, aint nobody happy.

 

[gunners]

Ain't that the truth!!

 

[wayno1337]

Doesn't really matter which system you use, mils or moa, as long as your reticle and turret adjustments are the same system. I think in inches and yards, you in cm and meters, but scopes deal in angle. I run several Vortex Vipers with FFP reticles, moa pattern reticle matching moa turrets. Great scope for the price, if you can get them "down under".

Thanks for that, confirms my understanding. I am leaning toward a mil/mil type scope due to easier to read numbers and preference of reticle styles.

Forgot- your parenthetical about FFP vs SFP reticle ranging is correct. A FFP reticle has a constant relationship to target size regardless of magnification, a SFP reticle must be set to the calibrated mag or you must multiply or divide to correct if on any other mag setting( a real pain in the butt) to get accurate readings. I have scopes of both types, and much prefer FFP. Vortex makes both.

Thanks for confirming this also :]

We do get vortex over here, I'm currently trying to decide between a viper hs 4-16 or going up to a ziess for my new 243. They are a little bit more than $500 I think it was 650 for the viper. I can't quite remember I was still recovering from the wife going berserk that I'd bought another rifle.

I have been looking at the viper hs 4-16 however doesn't it only come in a SFP option? Also the prices I have been seeing are higher then that, where have you seen it for $650? What Ziess models are you thinking of?

Haha I know what you mean mate, my partner is not too happy about me spending over a grand on a rifle! I am not even going to tell her how much the scope is going to cost as I'll probably end up having to buy her something too.

I am assuming you live in QLD, what part of QLD are you from if you don't mind me asking?

 

[gunners]

I'm on the south side of Brisbane.
Just checked their (cleavers)web site the HS 4-16x50 is $625 but holy cow the HS 6-24x50 is only $655!! I believe you can get the HS in FFP but it's not listed. An MRAD PST 4-16 FFP is $869
I was looking at trying to get a Zeiss conquest 4.4-14 off eBay as I don't really want to heavy/large an optic on it and I want a scope with really good glass for a change.

 

[wayno1337]

I'm on the south side of Brisbane.
Just checked their (cleavers)web site the HS 4-16x50 is $625 but holy cow the HS 6-24x50 is only $655!! I believe you can get the HS in FFP but it's not listed. An MRAD PST 4-16 FFP is $869
I was looking at trying to get a Zeiss conquest 4.4-14 off eBay as I don't really want to heavy/large an optic on it and I want a scope with really good glass for a change.

Likewise. I am in Browns Plains actually. Do you go hunting or shooting on private land? I am looking to meet people that are into this sport as I currently only know a few people.

Thanks to everyone for the replies. I ended up going with a Bushnell Elite 6500 4.5-30x50 Scope for $999. I went into the store intending to purchase the Vortex Viper PST 6-24x50 FFP scope however after comparing I ended up finding that the Bushnell Elite 6500 met all of my requirements! Even though it is a SFP MOA/MOA scope, I am extremely happy with it! (I plan on buying a decent range finder down the track so it doesnt really bother me that I could only use the scope for ranging on the max zoom setting)
The Bushness Elite 6500 has Great eye relief, sold adjustments, holds zero perfectly throughout its zoom range, seems very durable and has extremely clear glass. I would definitely recommend it if you are looking for a new scope with similar requirements.

 

[gunners]

Hi wayno I'm just at Drewvale, if you are a member of the SSAA you can join the CWM division like I did, and get to meet lots of people and get to go on lots of projects targeting ferals.

 

[wayno1337]

Hi wayno I'm just at Drewvale, if you are a member of the SSAA you can join the CWM division like I did, and get to meet lots of people and get to go on lots of projects targeting ferals.

Hi mate, I am a member of the SSAA, one of those people I was talking about is part of that division actually. I am definitely going to join!

 

[gunners]

I think they have the contact numbers on the website. It usually takes one day course that the run once a month for your theory part, then there's a marksmanship component you have to get witnessed by the range officer. Then your pretty much good to go. Pm me if you want any more info