which scope?

[jpx0123]

Well thanks everyone. Still not sure which way to go. But I am going to have to do some more research into sfp and ffp before I buy.

I want the NF. But need to save up for it. Which is why I am considering the PST because the price point is good and I've heard quality for the price is great.
Considering a few on here have them and like them I am leaning towards PST and buy ammo with savings.

Thanks again all

[dskit]

If you want the NF, then wait and get it.

If you get the Vortex, you'll regret it - not because it's a bad scope, but you'd be "settleing" and every time you're next to a guy on the range with an NF, you'll get misty eyed and stare off into the distance and wonder about what "could have been" between you two. It's like not asking the pretty girl out on a date and going for the homely one you know likes you.

Then you'll sell the Vortex at a loss and roll the money into the NF. Buy once, cry once indeed.

[CobraRed]

I do agree that if the NF is what you really want you should save for it.
It's important to look at your own rifle with envy.

[JMP]

I seem to be noticing a fair amount of people who think the PST doesn't come in FFP

The NF and the PST are not used in different disciplines of shooting. I used both less than a week ago at the same range with the same results.

No, I think he's referring to the fact that NF model is SFP (IDK maybe there's an FFP one too, many variants), which is why I wouldn't touch it with a 10 foot pole. I'd go PST all day long over that NF. If I was going to spend the money, it wouldn't be on that NF, just my opinion.

[LCU1670]

SWFA was/is running a special on there 5-20x scopes thats a great deal. I did own a few premiers and wont own them again. I will be buying a NF beast for my DTA SRS A1, its a buy once system. Recently I got a few HDMR's and so far like them. With that said, I A LOT of range time behind leupold, premier and NSX. I love my NSX on my 300win, its a great scope and it takes a beating. I wont buy a Mark 4 again. For my DPMS GII Ill be using a Mark 6 with Horris. Its a super light scope and is basically designed for 308 and Semi Auto platforms.

Swfa, I have two, good customer service.

[RobG]

Well thanks everyone. Still not sure which way to go. But I am going to have to do some more research into sfp and ffp before I buy.

I want the NF. But need to save up for it. Which is why I am considering the PST because the price point is good and I've heard quality for the price is great.
Considering a few on here have them and like them I am leaning towards PST and buy ammo with savings.

Thanks again all

Nothing wrong with waiting to buy what you really want. In regards to the SWFA; I have peered through one and wasn't overly impressed. I find the mil quad reticle kind of goofy.

CobraRed mentioned the Bushnell 3.5-21. A really nice scope with a nice and useable (G2) reticle. Those can be had for a touch over a grand used which is a better deal than a PST for 950 new.

Again, the PST is a nice optic for the dough. I have had two 6-24 and one 4-16. But if you are already thinking NF, you may as well start saving up.

[CobraRed]

No, I think he's referring to the fact that NF model is SFP (IDK maybe there's an FFP one too, many variants), which is why I wouldn't touch it with a 10 foot pole.

Oh, thanks for clearing that up. I suppose I was assuming a FFP NF, which is an entire other price point in itself.

[JMP]

I'll just leave this here:

http://www.eurooptic.com/sale/2014-spring-clearance-sale.aspx

[pontiacpratt]

^ yep. Love my 6-24x50 G2. Paid like $800 with a $75 rebate on top that a few years back. Great scope.

[jpx0123]

If you want the NF, then wait and get it.

If you get the Vortex, you'll regret it - not because it's a bad scope, but you'd be "settleing" and every time you're next to a guy on the range with an NF, you'll get misty eyed and stare off into the distance and wonder about what "could have been" between you two. It's like not asking the pretty girl out on a date and going for the homely one you know likes you.

Then you'll sell the Vortex at a loss and roll the money into the NF. Buy once, cry once indeed.

hahaha. funny but true.

No, I think he's referring to the fact that NF model is SFP (IDK maybe there's an FFP one too, many variants), which is why I wouldn't touch it with a 10 foot pole. I'd go PST all day long over that NF. If I was going to spend the money, it wouldn't be on that NF, just my opinion.

I actually was looking into SFP originally. but with so many saying to go FFP, is what sparked my "I need to do some more research" bug.

Swfa, I have two, good customer service.

SWFA was another one that was in the top 5 of my group. back to saving and doing some research.

thanks all.

[JMP]

I actually was looking into SFP originally. but with so many saying to go FFP, is what sparked my "I need to do some more research" bug.
SWFA was another one that was in the top 5 of my group. back to saving and doing some research.

Personally, I won't touch an SFP scope. Do your research, I think there are some stickies in the optics forum. I know ar15barrels and others have written quite a bit on the subject.

In the entry level price range ($1,000ish), IMHO, there are 3 main contenders. The Vortex PST 6-24x50 FFP, the Bushnell TE, and SWFA HD 5-20x50.

The PST is a great value. It has all the features you will ever need. The things I don't like are the glass quality and the 5Mil/12MOA turret revolutions. I much prefer 10 Mil revolutions since it's harder to get lost in your rotations. Fortunately, the PST has a zero stop, so you can always go back to zero if you get lost.

The SWFA HD 5-20x50 is hands down the best for longer range shooting. It has the best glass and the most adjustment range (30 Mil+) and has 10 Mil turrets. It really has few features and a not so great reticle. For long distance, the SWFA is the best, but probably not the best for pure precision. Also, the tensions are a bit tight on the adjustments (harder to zoom in/out and focus).

The Bushnell TE, is a bit harder to assess because there are many many different models. In the lower end of the FFP price range, I'd say they are kind of in between the PST and the SWFA. Better glass than the PST, but not as good as the SWFA and less elevation range. They also may not have a zero stop and may have 5 Mil turrets. However, I caveat this because there are so many variants, they will range from $1,000-$2,000, so the features and quality change as you go from model to model.

In any event, all these scopes are good enough that you won't need to sell them at a loss to get something better unless money is tight. You will need additional scopes with additional rifles, so you should be able to keep it and find a use for it. Most people cannot afford to keep an SB on every rifle they own, so these entry level ones can easily find a use. It's the <$900 range that I'd caution against since it may have too many shortcomings.

Do your research; scopes are one of the hardest thing to buy when you are starting since all the different specs and nuances aren't apparent until you have shot a bit. There are many different features that will boil down to preference.

[ar15barrels]

I'll just leave this here:

http://www.eurooptic.com/sale/2014-s...ance-sale.aspx

The DEMO Bushnell for $900 is the best deal going on a sub $1500 tactical scope I have ever seen...

http://www.eurooptic.com/bushnell-elite-tactical-35-21x50-matte-34mm-tube-tremor2-reticle-1-10-mil-turret-et35215t.aspx?gclid=CJexgfyB7L0CFVKFfgodPrMAHA

If only it had the G2 reticle...

[HK Dave]

I seem to be noticing a fair amount of people who think the PST doesn't come in FFP

The NF and the PST are not used in different disciplines of shooting. I used both less than a week ago at the same range with the same results.

I meant it the other way around... that the Nightforce he was looking at is SFP and the Viper is FFP.

Having said that, i will never buy another SFP scope with mag over 10x again.... so OP if you ever plan to do any hold overs, get FFP.

[HK Dave]

The DEMO Bushnell for $900 is the best deal going on a sub $1500 tactical scope I have ever seen...

http://www.eurooptic.com/bushnell-elite-tactical-35-21x50-matte-34mm-tube-tremor2-reticle-1-10-mil-turret-et35215t.aspx?gclid=CJexgfyB7L0CFVKFfgodPrMAHA

If only it had the G2 reticle...

Ever tried the Tremor? Looks real busy to me. :/

[winxp_man]

Your comparison is apples and oranges... one is SFP the other is FFP. They are used in very different disciplines of shooting.

Having said that, for a little more money than the Vortex Viper, find yourself a like new, but used SWFA 5-20x50mm. It should have glass superior to that of the Nightforce you mentioned, will be FFP and be much more scope than you will need for some time.

There will be a significant difference in image quality comparing the SWFA and a Viper PST.

If you want to spend NF money, I would suggest going for the Vortex Razor instead or bump up to a Nightforce F1 and be done with it.

+1 to this.


As for FFP or SFP well think like this...... Do you plan on using the mil system or moa system of the scopes reticle for aiming at targets for drops instead of dialing in with the turrets. Well an FFP scope will be better choice for you. Also you can use the reticle to measure what you need to correct for if you miss. SFP is what most hunters use reason is the reticle is all one size and does not change with magnification. Thus not blocking your target if its small critters ie.... ground squirrels at long distances.


FFP is also used for precision matches being you do not have time to dial in a certain value you just hold for it and not have to worry about being on a certain magnification value like SFP scopes. SFP scopes have need to be on certain magnification to be able to let the end user utilize the reticle for hold over.