Optic for M82a1

[allstarauto]

Just ordered a Barrett M82a1, I was wondering if anyone actually used the BORS set up and is it user friendly or just a waste of time and money, wouldn't doubt them, they build great "stuff" but just interested. would any of you that have used this rifle recommend a high magnification scope? IE SB 12-50 or the ior valdada 12-52. I have the IOR 4-28 and love the MP-8 reticule. Let me know what you guys think.

[joefreas]

USO, S&B, Leupold, NF NXS, and cheaper SWFW SS are all good scopes. Check out the FCSA there are many 50 cal record holders that will be more than happy to steer you in the right direction.

[gy-genie]

I will go with S&B 12-50. M82a1 is designed for ultra long range shooting get something with high power is alway a better idea. But make sure glass clearity is your #1 concern. From the list above, I trust S&B, don't know IOR. If price is problem try NF, but you also give up glass quality. Personally, I use Hensoldt and Zeiss on my 308s, but they don't make such high power scope.... So, try use your 4-28 IOR frist , after a while you will know which way to go....

[brando]

Why so much magnification? The M82 is not a precision rifle in the first place. Too much magnification means tight FOV, which means you will be much slower getting back on target. Would kind of defeat the purpose of a semi, right?

Back before it was widely issued, we used them with fixed 16x Leupold's out to about 1000m reasonably. Later we got the Swarovski with the "xmas tree reticle" which made it much easier to walk shot onto target, but they're still 2-3MOA guns even with good ammo and a skilled shooter. Regardless, you don't need spotting scope-level magnification, as much as that would seem the more intuitive option. An NXS 5.5-22x would be plenty as would a 5-25x. Because its a semi, I would look into a reticle with sufficient holdover capability instead of a standard mil-dot.

Oh, and that rifle seriously rocks scopes. I've seen plenty mid-range optics fail after a relatively short time due to the jarring vibration.

[allstarauto]

I always love getting brando to shed some light (and its usually on the ultra crazy stuff he's knowledgeable on) lots of good points guys, but brando don't you think having the capability of great magnification could ultimately be more helpful when needed? and yeah always shooting at the highest magnification is going to be a ***** especially when the gun is designed to have less recoil to re-zero quickly on target. but yeah I don't want to consider a cheap scope either, but at the same time would like to consider getting the BORS option scopes just in case I want one. I think I'm going to throw my IOR 4-28X56 until I decide, also does SB make a scope in MOA with a mil=dot reticule?

[allstarauto]

Well I ended up getting the Nightforce 8-32x56 since it offered me more magnification and got it in 1/4 MOA clicks with the NPR2 reticule. I opted for this because I got a smoking deal off the guy I bought the gun from and I saw on gunbroker.com that someone had a new BORS for 995! so for 2800 I got a high magnification scope, bors and barrett rings OTD! I'm stoked and can't wait until I get the bastard put together tomorrow, my 10 days are up and I think my FFL is hating that I have to pick it up! LOL thanks for the input guys and I know deep down inside brando has a point on over magnification. but I bought a truck and a quad just so I can go to the boonies with the area and placing the targets! I'll post pics when I pick up the truck Friday!

[brando]

Have fun either way

[Black Majik]

Well I ended up getting the Nightforce 8-32x56 since it offered me more magnification and got it in 1/4 MOA clicks with the NPR2 reticule.

Be advised you only have 65 minutes of total elevation travel so for the really ELR stuff you may be holding over. With the SFP 8-32x I think the scope correctly subtends at 22x so it may have been better to have gone with the 5.5-22x which gives you 35 MOA more elevation travel.

But either way, have fun. It's a great scope.