Help with optics for a new build…

[jayjay24]

So for some background, my only experience with my custom rifles that I have built (300 RUM, 7mm Mag, and 243 AI), I only have experience with the NF NXS model 5.5-22x50 with the G7 reticle from Gunwerks. Now, with that said, I love these scope for what they are. They’re durable, decent glass, and good movements. I’m building another rifle, a 6.5 PRC with a different objective in mind. This one will be much lighter and smaller package than my others (26”, 4 and 5 contoured steel barrels) with a 20” Proof Sendero tube. I am interested in getting something with better glass this time with the same or close to the same amount of magnifications and elevation adjustments. I’ve always been an MOA and SFP guy but not opposed to going the other direction. My price range is anywhere from $2000 - $3500 probably for this scope. I have looked at Schmidt and Bender, Kahles, and others but just can’t seem to find the right fit for what I want. Something more compact for this more compact of rifle. Any suggestions as something to look at would be helpful. Thank you!

 

[WeiserBucks]

ATACR

 

[satchamo]

If you’re open to FFP - Maven rs1.2 is the easy choice.

 

[LightFoot]

So for some background, my only experience with my custom rifles that I have built (300 RUM, 7mm Mag, and 243 AI), I only have experience with the NF NXS model 5.5-22x50 with the G7 reticle from Gunwerks. Now, with that said, I love these scope for what they are. They’re durable, decent glass, and good movements. I’m building another rifle, a 6.5 PRC with a different objective in mind. This one will be much lighter and smaller package than my others (26”, 4 and 5 contoured steel barrels) with a 20” Proof Sendero tube. I am interested in getting something with better glass this time with the same or close to the same amount of magnifications and elevation adjustments. I’ve always been an MOA and SFP guy but not opposed to going the other direction. My price range is anywhere from $2000 - $3500 probably for this scope. I have looked at Schmidt and Bender, Kahles, and others but just can’t seem to find the right fit for what I want. Something more compact for this more compact of rifle. Any suggestions as something to look at would be helpful. Thank you!

Lots of folks are going with the NX8 on semi-lightweight builds. I have both the 2.5-20x and the 4-32x. The 4-32x has more mounting flexibility due to long tube.

I have a Trijicon 3-18x44 which is good for a lightweight build.

The Steiner H6Xi looks like a good option. They are known for good glass and reliability. Take that with a grain of salt because I haven’t tried that model. I would though.

S&B and Kahles are great… but heavy.

I’ve got the Maven RS1.2 on a build that’s at the smith right now, so I can’t say how much I do or will like that one.

If I were building a new rifle with a budget for optics like yours (I am building another semi-lightweight rifle, just without the big budget for optics), I would try the Steiner 3-18x50.


>>>——JAKE——>

 

[AlpineBeard]

I’ve been compiling a list of compact FFP scopes for use with a thermal clip on. I own a few of these now, some I’ve owned and sold… some I’ve seen and plan to buy. The notes are my own and based on my own opinions, I’m not an optics expert I’m an optics enthusiast. I plan to buy the Delta Stryker next…


These are all less than 14” long
FOV at lowest magnification over 90 Mils


S&B PMII 3-20x50 Ultra Short
$4300
FFP, 104 MOA adjustment (14 Mils/Rev)
34 oz, 13.5” long
Optically acceptable (not impressive for $)
FOV at 3x is 130 Mils


ZCO 4-20x50
$4200
FFP, 120 MOA adjustment (15 Mils/Rev)
35 oz, 12.8” long
Optically very good
FOV at 4x is 93 Mils


Zeiss LRP S5 3.6-18x50
$3400
FFP, 140 MOA adjustment range (12 Mils/Rev)
32.8 oz, 13” long
Optically excellent
FOV at 3.6x is 100 Mils


Kahles K318i 3.5-18x50
$3400
FFP, 100 MOA adjustment range (14 Mils/Rev)
32.6 oz, 12.3” long
Optically good
FOV at 3.5x 92.5 Mils


March 4.5-28x52
$3200
FFP, 100 MOA adjustment range (10 Mils/rev)
29.8 ounces, 12.5” long
Optically comparable to alpha glass
FOV at 4.5x is 97 Mils


March 3-24x52
$2900
FFP, 115 MOA adjustment range (10 Mils/Rev)
23.5 ounces, 13.2” long
Optically good in center (distortion at edges)
FOV at 3x is 116 Mils


NF NX8 F1 2.5-20x50
FFP, 109 MOA adjustment range (10 Mils/Rev)
28.3 oz, 12” long Optically
Optically ok (not impressive for $)
FOV at 2.5x is 139 Mils


Zeiss LRP S3 4-25x50
$2000
FFP, 160 MOA adjustment range (10 Mils/Rev)
36.7 OZ, 13.4” long,
excellent optically for the price,
FOV at 4x is 95 Mils


Leupold Mk 5 3.6-18x44
$2000
FFP, (10.5 Mils/Rev)
26 oz, 12.1” long
Optically ok (not great for $)
FOV at 3.6x is 94 Mils


Element Nexus gen II 4-25x50
$2000
FFP ( 100 MOA adjustment range (10 Mils/rev)
30.7 ounces, 13.8” long,
Optically very good
FOV at 4x is 97 Mils


Delta Stryker 3.5-21x44
$1600
FFP, 153 MOA adjustment range (10 Mils/Rev)
28.4 ounces, 12.5” long,
optically great for the price
FOV at 3.5x is 111 Mils