Scope that Dials Well for Around $800?

[BCD]

Hi-

I currently have an SWFA 3-9X Mil Quad on my Xbolt HC Speed 300 WSM and I really like it but would like something with a little more magnification (at least 14X). I would then move the SWFA to a .223 "practice rifle". Can anyone suggest a really nice scope that dials consistently in the $7-800 range? I really like my SWFA reticle and glass and considered buying the 3-15X version but have been told the glass and reticle aren't in the same class as the SWFA 3-9X. Any suggestions here?

Thank You!!

 

[RaggedHunter]

I would keep an eye out for a used Nighforce SHV with a target turret, they have a 4-14 and a 5-20 model. I've seen used ones for sale in that sub 1k price range. I really like everything about them for the money.

I have a couple vortex scopes that you could also pick up in that price range, but I prefer the SHV hands down over them.

You may also look at the new Nikon scopes, I haven't shot them, but looking at them in the store they sure seem like they have a lot to offer for the price.

 

[skywalkr]

You might be able to find a used LRHS/LRTS in that price range

 

[deerkiller]

Hi-

I currently have an SWFA 3-9X Mil Quad on my Xbolt HC Speed 300 WSM and I really like it but would like something with a little more magnification (at least 14X). I would then move the SWFA to a .223 "practice rifle". Can anyone suggest a really nice scope that dials consistently in the $7-800 range? I really like my SWFA reticle and glass and considered buying the 3-15X version but have been told the glass and reticle aren't in the same class as the SWFA 3-9X. Any suggestions here?

Thank You!!

9X will get you a lot more than you realize ….. SWFA 3x9 SS is tough to beat at ANY price

 

[BCD]

9X will get you a lot more than you realize ….. SWFA 3x9 SS is tough to beat at ANY price

Yes and I may end up just buying another SWFA 3-9.

 

[JimGa]

The glass on my buddy's 3-15 SWFA is better than the glass on my LRHS at last light.

 

[BCD]

The glass on my buddy's 3-15 SWFA is better than the glass on my LRHS at last light.

Really??? Ive not heard good things about the glass on that scope. How is the reticle? I've been told it's kind of faint and hard to see...….

 

[Jakeweb09]

Zeiss conquest V4 demo on redhawkrifles.com I think I paid 800

 

[BCD]

Zeiss conquest V4 demo on redhawkrifles.com I think I paid 800

Does this model come in a MIL version or only MOA?

Thank You!!

 

[gr8fuldoug]

We have deals running on the following (all would be good options)

In Bushnell:

Elite Tactical LRTS 3-12x44 - G3 Illuminated or Elite Tactical LRTS 3-12x44 Flat Dark Earth - G3 for $699.99

A little more $$ but well worth it is either Elite Tactical DMR II 3.5-21x50 - G3 or the Elite Tactical HDMR II 3.5-21x50 - H59 for $999.99

Steiner P4Xi 4-16x56 - SCR for $799.99

We are getting in some demos later this week from Burris of:

XTR-II 5X-25X-50mm ill, SCR Mil FF for only $699.99

XTR-II 5X-25X-50mm ill, SCR MOA FF for only $699.99

If these Burris' are of interest please give us a call, 516-217-1000

Our pleasure to discuss options with you

 

[Jakeweb09]

I believe the Zeiss are all MOA

 

[Trigger06]

The glass on my buddy's 3-15 SWFA is better than the glass on my LRHS at last light.

Not my experience... I've got both the 3-15 SWFA and the LRHS 4.5-18. The LRHS glass is better in all conditions.

 

[Jesse Jaymes]

I'll second giving the 3-15 SWFA a chance/fair shake. I don't see a difference, or rather I don't recall a difference in the 3-9HD vs 3-15. Not sure I've had them side by side but do own both. The LRHS is a noticeable upgrade in optical clarity over the SWFA.....and the SWFA is a shit ton better than the Vortex PST/HS

 

[Idaho Sandman]

There is a vortex hst 4-14x44 in the classifieds here for around $400.
I have one on my 7RUM with zero issues.

 

[JimGa]

Trigger, I was surprised as well and pissed, because I paid more for the LRHS than the SWFA cost. To me, the reticle on both the 3-9 and 3-15 are more visible/usable in low light.

 

[Formidilosus]

Hi-

I currently have an SWFA 3-9X Mil Quad on my Xbolt HC Speed 300 WSM and I really like it but would like something with a little more magnification (at least 14X). I would then move the SWFA to a .223 "practice rifle". Can anyone suggest a really nice scope that dials consistently in the $7-800 range? I really like my SWFA reticle and glass and considered buying the 3-15X version but have been told the glass and reticle aren't in the same class as the SWFA 3-9X. Any suggestions here?

Thank You!!

Most guys are over powered on magnification and if I’m not doing a dedicated LR rifle, 9-12x is the sweet spot. I say that to say, the 3-9x SS may still be the choice.


Since you put “dials consistently” as a criteria, I’ve got a pretty decent amount of experience with every scope thus far mentioned. The only ones that meet the above criteria in the $800 range-

SWFA SS 3-9x
SWFA SS 3-15x FFP
Bushnell LRHS/LRTS (usually good)
Burris XTR II (not many problems)


Couldn’t suggest any of the others.



As far as “glass” in the 3-15x SWFA. People get way to spun up about it, and most have never objectively evaluated it. They hear it’s not as good, take that as gospel, then look through a Gen 1 PST and say the PST is “better”.

What SWFA did with the 3-15x is lean more towards resolution, rather than color rendition. It actually has pretty solid resolution, but does lack the color pop that others have. The SS is not as visually pleasing to look through in the day, but in seeing and hitting things it does well. Nightforce also did this with the NXS glass, which is why it has a rep as not “alpha”. Quite the contrary- in resolving they’re at the top of the heap.

 

[doverpack12]

I have a tract Toric 3-15x42 that sells for $754 I think I got a bit of a deal and paid just under $700. I was looking for appx 15 power 20 ounce scope that dials repeatedly before I purchased. This power and weight seem to be a unicorn for all scope manufacturers. I discussed with tract on their website chat function a few times before buying. I’ve now shot somewhere around 200-250 rounds in a year and a half to two years. After working up a load since I switched bullets with scopes I ran a tall target test to verify vertical travel/alignment and determine if a correction factor was necessary. None was needed. I’ve dialed up to 28.75 Moa which maxes out my elevation since I don’t have a Moa compensating Rail. That takes me out over 1000 yards depending on the conditions. I haven’t had any issues with dialing and returning to zero which I check frequently. Not saying it can’t or won’t happen but Tract says their Toric scopes dial and mine has to date. Glass is pretty good and easily outdoes vortex viper hslr which I previously had on the rifle. I would also look at nightforce SHV.

 

[1000yrds]

I would keep an eye out for a used Nighforce SHV with a target turret, they have a 4-14 and a 5-20 model. I've seen used ones for sale in that sub 1k price range. I really like everything about them for the money.

I have a couple vortex scopes that you could also pick up in that price range, but I prefer the SHV hands down over them.

You may also look at the new Nikon scopes, I haven't shot them, but looking at them in the store they sure seem like they have a lot to offer for the price.

^^^ I second this.