Optic choice for LMT MWS

[DT556]

I'm looking for some glass for my LMT MWS and have narrowed it down to a few choices. Let me know what you think and if you recommend something else let me know. I currently have a SCAR 17 with a Vortex Razor Gen 2 1-6x, so for this rifle I'd like try something different and with a little more power for further and more precise shots. I'm trying to keep it between $1500-2000, so these are the three I'm currently looking at.

-Nightforce NXS 3.5-15x
-Leupold Mark 5 3.6-18x
-Bushnell Elite Tactical HDMR II 3.5-21X

[HK Dave]

At that price range i’d get a used NF F1 4-16 or if I’m ok with the weight but want big magnification with all the bells and whistles, a used Vortex Razor Gen2 in either 3-18 or 4.5-37 flavor.

[OpticsPlanet]

I was really impressed with the Leupold Mark 5 3.6-18x when I got some time behind one at SHOT.

The quality was everything you'd expect but the weight of the scope (or lack thereof) was pretty impressive...

The Vudu 5-25x Short scope was another one that I really liked.

-Matt S.

[castgold]

Which barrel/chambering is on your MWS?

[DT556]

I'll look into the F1 4-16x

I really like my Razor Gen 2 on my SCAR, but would like to try something else.

[DT556]

Which barrel/chambering is on your MWS?

16" CL .308

[DT556]

I was really impressed with the Leupold Mark 5 3.6-18x when I got some time behind one at SHOT.

The quality was everything you'd expect but the weight of the scope (or lack thereof) was pretty impressive...

The Vudu 5-25x Short scope was another one that I really liked.

-Matt S.

What are the major differences between the Mark 5 and Mark 6?

[OpticsPlanet]

What are the major differences between the Mark 5 and Mark 6?

Comparing Mk5 3.6-18x44 w/ H59 reticle to the Mk6 3-18x44 w/ H59 reticle?

Not a whole lot...the Mk6 is about $500 and for that you get a slightly better glass coating, true 3x magnification, shave a couple ounces in weight and have a few more reticle options (included illuminated options).

The Mk6 has an alternative turret style available and uses 34mm tube diameter while the Mk5 has an integrated throw lever and uses 35mm tube diameter

-Matt S.

[castgold]

16" CL .308

I have the same gun and the same barrel. I eventually got the 20" 6.5 creedmoor barrel and could reach out further with it. So, if you think you'd get an additional barrel to make use of the rifle's design, you might want to consider staying at 18x or higher magnification. The Leupold scopes that Matt described sound like they'd fit the bill nicely.

On the CG classifieds, I've seen the Razor Gen II 4-27x for sale used at $1800-2200, which is a pretty good deal for that scope.

[hunterb]

Honestly it's hard to beat the Razor HD's for what they offer at the price point....

The Bushnell Elite Tactical has been all the rage for a bit, NightForce is always solid, The Mark5 is the new hotness...

But Vortex has seduced me with their ridiculously good customer service, top notch quality and reasonable prices....

[DT556]

Comparing Mk5 3.6-18x44 w/ H59 reticle to the Mk6 3-18x44 w/ H59 reticle?

Not a whole lot...the Mk6 is about $500 and for that you get a slightly better glass coating, true 3x magnification, shave a couple ounces in weight and have a few more reticle options (included illuminated options).

The Mk6 has an alternative turret style available and uses 34mm tube diameter while the Mk5 has an integrated throw lever and uses 35mm tube diameter

-Matt S.

I've never used the H59 reticle, but it seems to be very popular. It looks cluttered to me, but is it easy to get used to?

[DT556]

Honestly it's hard to beat the Razor HD's for what they offer at the price point....

The Bushnell Elite Tactical has been all the rage for a bit, NightForce is always solid, The Mark5 is the new hotness...

But Vortex has seduced me with their ridiculously good customer service, top notch quality and reasonable prices....

I'm still considering the Razor Gen 2's, I really like my 1-6x and my get the 3-18x for this rifle.

[Hugga Nugga]

I'm looking for some glass for my LMT MWS and have narrowed it down to a few choices. Let me know what you think and if you recommend something else let me know. I currently have a SCAR 17 with a Vortex Razor Gen 2 1-6x, so for this rifle I'd like try something different and with a little more power for further and more precise shots. I'm trying to keep it between $1500-2000, so these are the three I'm currently looking at.

-Nightforce NXS 3.5-15x
-Leupold Mark 5 3.6-18x
-Bushnell Elite Tactical HDMR II 3.5-21X

Nice! First World problems....jk

Off the cuff my glass decisions have been ruined by NF. Wish I could put one on all my rifles. I think they are bit heavier, but I like how durable they are constructed, as I can be hard on my hunting gear.

[OpticsPlanet]

I've never used the H59 reticle, but it seems to be very popular. It looks cluttered to me, but is it easy to get used to?

Grid reticles are definitely here to stay.

Somewhat depends on the type of shooting you are doing, but yes I think they are easy to get used to. They make follow up shots much faster and more intuitive.

If you are looking for maximum accuracy at known distance, I still think dialing in adjustments is the way to go. But if you shoot any type of PRS/unknown distance, a grid reticle like the H59 is your friend.

Mostly i mentioned the H59 reticle versions because it let me compare apples to apples the best.

-Matt S.