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Rifles, Reloading, Optics, Equipment
Long Range Scopes and Other Optics
Leupold, Nightforce, or ??
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<blockquote data-quote="Ian M" data-source="post: 20211" data-attributes="member: 25"><p>We each have an answer as to which is the best scope available, USO, NXS, S&B - they are all great. For 99% of what most of the guys on this forum really need, I believe that they are all over-kill. Like driving a Kenworth to the 7-11 to pick up a jug of milk. </p><p></p><p>These scopes were designed for tactical use, withstanding abuse that hunters are not likely to ever be concerned about. In my opinion a reality is that these scopes are intended for a unique degree of use - the individual who is using one may be counting on it for their very lives. That is not going to happen with us hunters.</p><p></p><p>Why do hunters and long range shooters need such scopes. First, for the reliability of their turrets. There is a very real difference between the accuracy and repeatability of hunting grade scope turrets (including some of the very expensive ones) and tacticals. Second might be optics. Here the difference is not as significant since we can buy equal or at least superb optics in high-end hunting scopes. Third is probably ruggedness. Granted some hard-kicking big game cartridges in light rifles can be very tough on scopes, but we are not jumping out of choppers etc. </p><p></p><p>There might also be another difference in the actual use of the scopes - we can make choices as to the weather and topography we hunt in to a degree. This modifies the abuse factory. We can sit in the tent or camp when the weather is terrible, or choose not to climb a certain ridge if it looks nasty - consideration of the rifle and scope might come into such decisions.</p><p></p><p>We are seeing some very strong proponents for USO, S&B and NXS here. Bottom line is that I doubt anyone is going to change STL, Pete's or Rics opionion, nor SCL's. It does not really matter, maybe they are all right. SCL just gave us a very good review of the current tacticals, I thank him for that because he obviously speaks with authority and experience.</p><p></p><p>Me, I will shoot my NXS's, Nikons, Leupold MK4's and I will trust whatever scope I have out for that hunt or day to do a good job. I have used S&B's fairly extensively and do not like the color rendition (slight yellowish cast, even on the very newest tactical model that I just had a chance to work with) or outer edge softness, and being a numerically challenged dolt I did not get along with their metric turrets. I have never used USO so cannot comment on them, other than being given an incredible demo at the SHOT show as to how one can withstand pounding on a heavy wooden table. I would never do to that to a scope - but the scope took it. Optically that particular scope was superb.</p><p></p><p>Funny thing - we also use little one inch Bushnell 3200 10x "Tacticals" - hit our steel plates with nice regularity and many of my friends are killing game with no problems. They cost about 160 (US$) and do a job - they will not take abuse, the turrets go to hell on some, the optics are not tacky but they are certainly clear - and they cost 1/10 of the "real" tacticals we just discussed.</p><p></p><p>I have an ulterior motive for following this because I have switched virtually all of my hunting rigs over to tactical scopes and mounts. Even the short range rifles, such as the 7 1/2 pound .416 Ribgy Encore scope-killer. Enjoy the differences of opinions a lot. </p><p></p><p>The scope, rifle and ammo are only as good as the shooter. We would be better served by sharing marksmanship and field hunting tips.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Ian M, post: 20211, member: 25"] We each have an answer as to which is the best scope available, USO, NXS, S&B - they are all great. For 99% of what most of the guys on this forum really need, I believe that they are all over-kill. Like driving a Kenworth to the 7-11 to pick up a jug of milk. These scopes were designed for tactical use, withstanding abuse that hunters are not likely to ever be concerned about. In my opinion a reality is that these scopes are intended for a unique degree of use - the individual who is using one may be counting on it for their very lives. That is not going to happen with us hunters. Why do hunters and long range shooters need such scopes. First, for the reliability of their turrets. There is a very real difference between the accuracy and repeatability of hunting grade scope turrets (including some of the very expensive ones) and tacticals. Second might be optics. Here the difference is not as significant since we can buy equal or at least superb optics in high-end hunting scopes. Third is probably ruggedness. Granted some hard-kicking big game cartridges in light rifles can be very tough on scopes, but we are not jumping out of choppers etc. There might also be another difference in the actual use of the scopes - we can make choices as to the weather and topography we hunt in to a degree. This modifies the abuse factory. We can sit in the tent or camp when the weather is terrible, or choose not to climb a certain ridge if it looks nasty - consideration of the rifle and scope might come into such decisions. We are seeing some very strong proponents for USO, S&B and NXS here. Bottom line is that I doubt anyone is going to change STL, Pete's or Rics opionion, nor SCL's. It does not really matter, maybe they are all right. SCL just gave us a very good review of the current tacticals, I thank him for that because he obviously speaks with authority and experience. Me, I will shoot my NXS's, Nikons, Leupold MK4's and I will trust whatever scope I have out for that hunt or day to do a good job. I have used S&B's fairly extensively and do not like the color rendition (slight yellowish cast, even on the very newest tactical model that I just had a chance to work with) or outer edge softness, and being a numerically challenged dolt I did not get along with their metric turrets. I have never used USO so cannot comment on them, other than being given an incredible demo at the SHOT show as to how one can withstand pounding on a heavy wooden table. I would never do to that to a scope - but the scope took it. Optically that particular scope was superb. Funny thing - we also use little one inch Bushnell 3200 10x "Tacticals" - hit our steel plates with nice regularity and many of my friends are killing game with no problems. They cost about 160 (US$) and do a job - they will not take abuse, the turrets go to hell on some, the optics are not tacky but they are certainly clear - and they cost 1/10 of the "real" tacticals we just discussed. I have an ulterior motive for following this because I have switched virtually all of my hunting rigs over to tactical scopes and mounts. Even the short range rifles, such as the 7 1/2 pound .416 Ribgy Encore scope-killer. Enjoy the differences of opinions a lot. The scope, rifle and ammo are only as good as the shooter. We would be better served by sharing marksmanship and field hunting tips. [/QUOTE]
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