Long range hunting optics

[DangerRanger]

Say one is building a 600-1k rifle, is there a markedly better scope for hunting in that range than the Swfa 5-20hd other than going up another 2 grand to a Minox zp5?

Is a 4-32 nx8 even an upgrade?

Edit* I have a 5-20hd for the rifle now but interested in upgrading

 

[FLS]

Bushnell LRHS

 

[DangerRanger]

Bushnell LRHS

Have had one, nice scope but imo compares to 5-20hd the reticle is worse and the glass is at best equal and imo not as good. Haven’t tried an lrhs2 which would solve the glass issue but for LR the donut reticle is no help at all to me

 

[Johnwell]

I have a swfa 5-20 for that exact usage case. I think it’s a decent match. Optically it’s not as good as the razor hd g2 3-18 I used to have for the same purpose; but it’s about a pound lighter and mechanically more sound.

I’m sure a trijicon tenmile 3-18 would be in the same ballpark, as would the bushy lrhs 4.5-18. They’re all going to be solid enough in all categories to work for long range target and hunting. They all should retain zero with normal use. Optically they will all allow you to see and hit targets out to 1k very easily. I think going from one to another is a lateral move; although you would save a few oz with the tenmile, if that’s important to you.

I imagine a Nightforce ATACR 4-16 or 4-20 would be a decent step up for an “in between” the swfa hd and the zp5, but I’ve never looked through the zp5 to compare.

The 4-32 doesn’t really do anything for me, personally. That’s more x’s than I’d ever use. I have a buddy who uses the 2.5-20, but I don’t see much improvement between that and the SWFA 5-20, other than field of view and zero stop.

 

[Colorado Cowboy]

What is your definition of LONG RANGE? Lots of different ranges for us.

 

[DangerRanger]

What is your definition of LONG RANGE? Lots of different ranges for us.

Generally the range listed in my post




600-1k mostly elk and rarely mule deer

 

[DangerRanger]

I have a swfa 5-20 for that exact usage case. I think it’s a decent match. Optically it’s not as good as the razor hd g2 3-18 I used to have for the same purpose; but it’s about a pound lighter and mechanically more sound.

I’m sure a trijicon tenmile 3-18 would be in the same ballpark, as would the bushy lrhs 4.5-18. They’re all going to be solid enough in all categories to work for long range target and hunting. They all should retain zero with normal use. Optically they will all allow you to see and hit targets out to 1k very easily. I think going from one to another is a lateral move; although you would save a few oz with the tenmile, if that’s important to you.

I imagine a Nightforce ATACR 4-16 or 4-20 would be a decent step up for an “in between” the swfa hd and the zp5, but I’ve never looked through the zp5 to compare.

The 4-32 doesn’t really do anything for me, personally. That’s more x’s than I’d ever use. I have a buddy who uses the 2.5-20, but I don’t see much improvement between that and the SWFA 5-20, other than field of view and zero stop.

About like I was thinking then. Forgot about the baby atacr that would be a solid option in the middle. The 4-20 has always felt weird to me, since it’s not really lighter or cheaper than a 5-25 by much

 

[DangerRanger]

Anybody dropped a rs3.2 on its head??

 

[TheCougar]

Honestly, at 1000 yards I haven’t ever needed more than 15x. The Maven might be too low magnification for you, but I still think it is sufficient for your needs. Otherwise I use the scopes already mentioned - LRHS and TenMile.

 

[wind gypsy]

I’m getting a little heavy on scopes myself and figured I need to part with a lrhs2 or 5-20 SS next while thinning the herd. I’ll have to weigh them to see the difference. Haven’t compared them optically side x side but my gut is that the 5-20 is a little more forgiving of eye position at the higher magnification. I like the reticle better too.

Zero stop and locking windage on the lrhs2 is nice to have. IMO if you’re not trying to save 1-4 ounces and are ok with turrets and zero stop situation on the 5-20, I don’t see other reasons to consider the trij 3-18, bushys, or rs1.2 for the application in the OP and they are likely a downgrade even for lr shooting.

I do like the rs1.2 as an all rounder that weighs less and plays nicer at low end magnification levels I frequently find my gun at while hunting.

 

[wind gypsy]

In regards to the nx8, I have only gotten behind one or two briefly and they weren't set up for my seemingly unique eyes so I don't have a solid justified opinion on them. From a purely shooting perspective, say NRL or PRS, i'd want the Mil-c in the nx8 over the mil quad. I find 0.2 mil holds helpful. I'd go the other direction for general hunting reticle though. I'd bet the 5-20 SS is more forgiving in depth of focus, parallax, and eyebox.

 

[FLS]

Have had one, nice scope but imo compares to 5-20hd the reticle is worse and the glass is at best equal and imo not as good. Haven’t tried an lrhs2 which would solve the glass issue but for LR the donut reticle is no help at all to me

I don’t like the donut either but the pick of the litter, 3-12 LRTS is no mas. Damn shame. Wish I had stocked up when they were on close out.
I’ve got a 4-16 ATACR with the MILR. I want to love it considering what it cost but, just don’t.

 

[cuerro viejo]

At 1000 I’m still not over 12x on maven R1.2 or NXS8 4-32 with 7prc, 6.5 SAUM or 6CM

Only time I’m over is with 223

 

[DangerRanger]

For background info I have a complete rokslide special with an rs1.2 that I would like to consider my 0-600 rifle, and am building essentially a canyon rifle that will only be for long pokes instead of compromising the general use gun.

The long stick as it sits now has a Swfa 5-20hd and I’m just making sure there isn’t something better for my purpose that isn’t 3 grand.

The bushnells and the trijicons all seem like solid options but lateral moves

 

[DangerRanger]

Bump this rifle is shooting well but I wouldn’t mind a little better clarity past 600

 

[Formidilosus]

Bump this rifle is shooting well but I wouldn’t mind a little better clarity past 600

With the 5-20x SWFA HD?

 

[DangerRanger]

With the 5-20x SWFA HD?

Yes

 

[Formidilosus]

Yes

They generally have solid resolution and contrast, not as much color “pop”. Anything I can think of in the sub $2k range that is worth using will be mostly a lateral move. For me it really has to get up to NF ATACR, S&B, and Minox to see a legit improvement.

 

[DangerRanger]

They generally have solid resolution and contrast, not as much color “pop”. Anything I can think of in the sub $2k range that is worth using will be mostly a lateral move. For me it really has to get up to NF ATACR, S&B, and Minox to see a legit improvement.

Thank you, I find my xrs3 to resolve better at least battling mirage so I think I get riled up when I shoot them back to back

I figured as much, should probably just stop worrying about it for nownand save up for a zp5

 

[mxgsfmdpx]

Say one is building a 600-1k rifle, is there a markedly better scope for hunting in that range than the Swfa 5-20hd other than going up another 2 grand to a Minox zp5?

Save your dollars and get it haha.

Is a 4-32 nx8 even an upgrade?

No.

Edit* I have a 5-20hd for the rifle now but interested in upgrading

ATACR and Minox ZP5 are on my dedicated 1K plus rifles, these are not "hunting" guns per se, but they've been known to knock down some critters in their lives. These are for true long range meaning 1K+ and really only used for fun/niche shoots that I rarely do anymore.

For a true 600-1K hunting rifle, I've been using the Maven RS1.2's for that application since they released. Zero issues.