The dialable bomb-proof scope convo- helping the non-experts past anxiety to enjoyment

[nagibson1]

I've read the Form scope tests. I've hunted out west and elsewhere. I've done enough to know what I need and don't need in the field. And I know what can happen to guns/scopes, esp when there is snow or horses, or idiots. Plus, my gun is a back up gun for everyone else on my trip when we're back in there.
I have been using a VX3 B&C reticle 3.5-10x42 for 10 years on my T3 06. It does not lose zero, and I've been concerned before based on what's happened to it. It's been real good.

However, I have wanted to dial for while as I'm stretching past 300yds. The do or die shot this year was 387yds. beyond 350, I think dialing has real advantages- and beyond 250 if you have plenty of time. Getting out that far in a BDC reticle leaves me guessing more than I want.
I've read a pile from y'all on bomb proof-ness, reticles, mil and MOA, SFP and FFP and weight.
My goal is capacity to 600yds on elk size game, 400 for deer- given acceptable parameters.
Holds zero is #1. Probably usable eye relief and usable sight picture is next. It's not for glassing- it's for killing.

After all the advise I've narrowed it down to:
1. Trijicon Credo 2.5-15 mrad illum, 2900034/33, 56objective 2900036- $850-1000new 22oz
2. Night force NXS 2.5-10x42- SFP, 42 (C461- Mil/458- MOA) 20oz or 50 (C429-NF) objective $1700 new
(Nightforce SHV- no exp turret or it's 30oz. Heavy) C638 28oz 1900 SFP
3. SWFA Gen II- perfect zero and tracking. 23oz FFP scope- but crosshairs seem visible at low power.
4. Maven RS1.2 2.5-15x44 ffp - perfect zero hold performance 26oz?

5. Steiner H6Xi 2-12x42mm 23oz model 8780

So I'm keeping my present gun as is, and I have a clone 06 I'm semi customizing
Stocky stock- carbon, painted.
Really good rings on installed rail.
2 in front rail
prob .270 barrel eventually
bomb proof dialable scope.

26+ oz seems like a lot to me- but I dropped some ounces on the stock.
SFP seems best to me. That's all I've had and I want to be able to shoot at low power well. and I'll shoot beyond 200 @ full power or dial
the NXS seems the best of the lot.
But for half the price, the Credo seems like it checks all the boxes.
I also don't want a super busy reticle, and I think in MOA, but I'm willing to learn.
Hunting is a sport for me, not a lifestyle, so keep that in mind.
Hopefully some other will find this analysis helpful- and the ensuing comments.

 

[sreyemj]

I would consider the NXS, but probably get the Credo unless price doesn't matter. There's also the SWFA 3-9x, under 20oz.

 

[prm]

I’ve owned numbers 1 and 2 on your list and multiple SWFAs, though not a Gen 2. The SWFA 3-9 would top my list. Seems really durable, good reticle, FFP/MIL, relatively light, and as a bonus, the least expensive. What’s not to like. For weight, I’m happy with 18-20oz, ok with 21-22, pause at 23-24, and pretty much a no-go above that. Just doesn’t fit what I want.

I really didn’t like the Credo reticle. The NXS is cool but being SFP opened the door to me screwing up by using the reticle below max zoom. I also never gelled with the illumination. Probably just needed to dedicate more time to figuring it out.
MIL is easy to learn, don’t sweat that.