which scope?

[jpx0123]

so many things to consider when getting a scope. im looking into a bunch of stuff now to figure out what to buy. FFP, sounds like what I may end up wanting as I get better, 20moa or 0 moa base, etc etc... looks like im gonna be saving up money as I figure out what I want. got try out different scopes to I guess for the little things I want on the scope as well... thanks everyone for the input, its been more than helpful on my search for a scope.

[Arnelcheeze]

im running a SWFA SS 3X15 42 FFP Mil Rad works great, good glass great value, but not a NF.

http://swfa.com/SWFA-SS-3-15x42-Tactical-Rifle-Scope-P62238.aspx

[B!ngo]

Yep, this (below). The NightForce might be a better choice if you were:
Hunting and needed (potentially) a bit more light at sunup or sundown;
Hunting or something more tactical and had to absolutely maximize the chance that the optic will be working no matter what the environment or how harsh your guns recoil is;
You had to make every shot count, at random distances and were always recalculating wind and drop and needed to be sure that the scope adjustments were as perfect as could be a properly returned to zed.
But even with all that, the Vortex is a damn good scope and you're not really suffering here.
I've only purchased one 'high end' scope. It's a Leica and it's marginally high-end because although it has high-end glass, it's pretty light on the features that other high-end scopes deliver. It is pretty fabulous but I did it as a gift to myself and not something that I felt I needed.
Most of my scopes are pre-owned/lightly used mid-range scopes from Nikon and the like. When comparing them to the Leica, the latter has a more crisp view, firmer adjustments and all that. But the Nikons deliver everything I need.
Save your money to buy more ammo and become a better shooter.
B

If it's going on a range gun, get the cheaper one and use that saved money on ammo. IMO no point in putting something that costs double just for the range.

[jpx0123]

yup.. not going to go NF. looking to see if I want FFP or SFP first. then looking to get a 1000 and under scope. gotta try out a few, I think one of my buddies has a FFP scope I can try out when I get a chance to see him. after that, just gotta decide what model scope to get, but looks like it will be one of the scopes mentioned above, still leaning toward the Vortex Viper, but open to the others as well. thanks all. all your comments have been a tremendous help.

[357magnum]

I say Vortex Viper, really like mine.

[ExtremeX]

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.

This ^^

I've done a side by side with the SWFA and the NSX 5.5x22 and much prefer the SWFA 5-20 optically... The NXS is a good scope, stout, but SWFA just has so much value and quality crammed into that scope in comparison.

I also own a Vortex PST 6-24x50 FFP. Its a good scope, nice balance in features, quality, price... but you can tell the SWFA 5-20 is built to a higher standard and the glass on the SWFA is absolutely fantastic. Based on the prices they are also in two different classes.

If you still want a Vortex PST... I would hold off for their EBR-2C reticles. I would also shop around as there are deals to be had.

Also don't be afraid of MRAD based scopes... I started off as a die hard MOA user but migrated over to MRAD scopes because some options like the SWFA are MRAD only. After a little time I realized it really didn't matter and actually grew to prefer MIL based scopes.

[ExtremeX]

Unfortunately, that doesn't apply to rifles and scopes. You need to cry a lot more than once.