4-16x enough?

[frank]

Well- the upgrade death spiral has occurred. I went from the Vortex HS-T, to the HS LR XLR, to the Bushnell Elite Tactical 6-24x G2, to the Bushnell Elite HDMR (3.5-21x w/ Horus H-59 reticle). With a series of "it's only $150 more", I ended up increasing my budget from $560 to $1100 (factory refurbished price) in a couple of days.

Here is why I settled on (I think) the HDMR. I wanted to try out a "hold over" type reticle. I don't sacrifice any low end magnification while still getting decent upper range. I didn't want an obnoxiously long scope; the HDMR is shorter than the 4-16x Vortex (way shorter than the 6-24 Vortex). 34mm tube wins cool points.

Anyone think that I am making a bad decision? This will be the most expensive scope that I have ever purchased by a long shot, so I don't want to screw up.

[NugginFutz]

Frank - I have to ask at this point, "did you actually look through these scope before you put your plastic down"? I've personally looked through both the vipers and several elite tacticals, (including two that I own). I personally prefer the vortex glass over the elite tactical glass. All I'm saying is that that's a lot of samolians, if you haven't looked down the tube. On the plus side, though, Bushnell does have their no questions asked money back guarantee, should you end up with buyer's remorse.

[frank]

Frank - I have to ask at this point, "did you actually look through these scope before you put your plastic down"? I've personally looked through both the vipers and several elite tacticals, (including two that I own). I personally prefer the vortex glass over the elite tactical glass. All I'm saying is that that's a lot of samolians, if you haven't looked down the tube. On the plus side, though, Bushnell does have their no questions asked money back guarantee, should you end up with buyer's remorse.

Not yet. I haven't bought anything yet either though. Without a local store which carries them, I'm unfortunately relying on reviews to make a decision.

[BjornF16]

Since you are in the upgrade spiral, just get a NightForce NXS 3.5-15x56...LOL. That way you'll KNOW you are getting good glass.

I have 2 x Vortex Viper PST's...I really like them. I have a NF NXS as well... (and a Zeiss, SWFA, and Minox). My next scope will be Viper PST or NF.

[LRRPF52]

The HDMR is a great scope for sure. Its use on 21x is pretty limited though. I wouldn't turn it up past 12x, which is how I feel about the Viper PST's as well. It takes a ton of dinero to get me to shell out for anything over 14-16x maximum magnification.

If you are East of the Mississippi, the H59 reticle is of limited use, unless you find a rare area that is dry. Here out West, the H59 and other stadia or tree reticles do really well, until you get into the wet areas of the NorthWest. In dry desert, high desert, and mountain terrain with rocks all over, you can register your shots very well most of the year, as far as long range shooting is concerned, especially in the summer months. Wherever the dust kicks up is your new aimpoint.

[frank]

All right- I've been talked down off the ledge. I decided to stick with the 4-16 Vortex, but I went with the HS LR with the XLR reticle. I just won an ebay auction from Cameraland for one that was discounted due to being a customer return (described as new otherwise). I liked that it was from a board sponser and for $710 with free shipping, it was too good to pass on. I can probably easily flip it if I end up not liking it, but I'm guessing that will not be the case.

Thanks for all of the advice guys. The overwhelming praise for Vortex made me realize that it will be more than enough scope for my purposes- for much less $$ than the HDMR also. I'll be sure to post a review of it when I get a chance to try it out.

[NugginFutz]

Pretty sure you'll get many years of solid use from that scope.

Ok, guys - which of us gets the commission from Vortex, this time?

[MrFrankZ]

(and a Zeiss, SWFA, and Minox). My next scope will be Viper PST or NF.

Bjorn: I got this message yesterday from SWFA:

I'm thinking about cancelling my ET 6-24 and getting the SWFA SS HD 5-20. Is the SWFA glass really as good as everyone says? Compared to your NF?

[BjornF16]

Bjorn: I got this message yesterday from SWFA:

I'm thinking about cancelling my ET 6-24 and getting the SWFA SS HD 5-20. Is the SWFA glass really as good as everyone says? Compared to your NF?

I have the SS HD 5-20x50 Illuminated. It makes a nice bench/long range scope... it is fairly bulky when compared to the NF (I have the NXS 3.5-15x56). The HD glass is good, the knobs have firm clicks and are repeatable. Its' home is atop my Rem 700 MilSpec 5R 308. This was my 3rd gun at BoomerShoot 2013. It performed well out to 700 yards

Given the choice between NXS and SS, I'll take the NXS due to overall quality advantage and "bulletproof" ruggedness...but that isn't to slight the SS HD glass.

My next scope will be a 2.5-10 magnification for hunting...either a Viper PST or NF NXS compact.

[MrFrankZ]

So do you think a Night Force NXS 3.5-15x56 FFP Mil Dot with .25 MOA for $1400 would be a better deal that the SWFA 5-20? For bench queen purposes, that is.

[BjornF16]

So do you think a Night Force NXS 3.5-15x56 FFP Mil Dot with .25 MOA for $1400 would be a better deal that the SWFA 5-20? For bench queen purposes, that is.

The NF FFP is a 3.5-15x50 scope with a significant price of $2400 (approx)...I would go with the NF SFP scope unless you have really deep pockets.

The SS is FFP. Not really required unless you plan on estimating ranges at various magnifications.

SS does not have Zero Stop...NF does. If you will be shooting long distance it's always nice to have a Zero Stop (one of the reasons I like the Viper PST as well).

If you are looking at the illuminated SS ($1500), it is nearly the same price as the NF ($1400 w/o Zero Stop; $1600 w/ Zero Stop). I would go with NF in that case, particularly if you will be shooting in low light conditions.

The HD glass is good, but I give the edge to NF in low light. If not shooting in low light, you don't really need the 56mm objective nor illumination. In that case, you are comparing a $1300 SS with the NF. Can you live without ZS?

When I bought my SS, I went into the shop planning on getting a different scope. I almost walked out with a Viper PST. However, they made me an offer I couldn't refuse for the illuminated model. It was a no brainer.

You just have to decide what features are more important to your use-case and pick the one that matches. I don't think you would be disappointed in either. (I have a friend who has a NF on his AR15, but plans on getting the SS HD non-illuminated for his .50 BMG after playing with the SS HD).

[MrFrankZ]

I am yet to use the ZS (Which is barely ZS, IMHO) on my PST for anything other than returning to my zero after a day of shooting. So that's not a huge deal for me. I do have to do range estimation on occasion. You've made some great points, and given me more to think about.