RFI: Hunting Rifle Scope

[Wyoming Shooter]

Gentlemen - I have a new Barrett Fieldcraft 6.5 Creedmoor https://barrett.net/firearms/fieldcraft/ on the way. I need a suitable optic and ask for your recommendations. My priorities are: quality, light weight, exposed (or option to expose) elevation turret, MIL/MIL turrets/reticle, elevation travel adequate to dial 750 yards. I'd like to spend not more than $1500. With thanks for your help and best regards from the Big Empty, ELN.

[GJM]

Jim Brockman just mentioned that the new Leica scopes were a particularly good value. I have not looked at them yet, but they might be worth checking.

[Clusterfrack]

I just put a Burris XTR-2 3-15x50 mil/mil (http://www.sportoptics.com/burris-xtr-ii-3-15x-50-201031.aspx) on a 6.5 Grendel. So far I'm really impressed by the scope--especially the reticle and the bright sharp optics. It's not S&B glass, but I found it comparable to a Vortex Razor. I ended up paying just under $800 after the rebate (expires 7/31).

I also like the Nightforce ATACR F1, but that's out of your price range.

[schüler]

Bang for buck: Bushnell LRHS series. Light weight, FFP so reticle works at any zoom position, zero stop, capped windage. Well thought out reticle. George Gardner was a huge influence on the original in that line, the 3-12x. They've since added a 4.5-18x.

The Vortex AMG seems to be going for ~$1900 used if you want to step up the glass and objective size.

[Clusterfrack]

I recommend getting some hands-on time with the AMG before buying. It looked really good to me on paper, but some top PRS guys I respect a lot were very underwhelmed.

[CS Tactical]

I'd recommend Nightforce's 4-16x50 ATACR SFP that fit most of your requirements though the MAP price is $2,328 but you can call me at 916.670.1103 for your price :cool:

[Paul D]

I'm following this with interest since I'm in the market for a similar scope. However, what is "lightweight"? Most of the scopes mentioned are >30 oz. I was thinking <20 oz. Is that possible?

[ranger]

Vortex Viper HS LR 4-16x50 - they are limited production now but some may still be available. Front focal plane. It is a hybrid hunting/tactical scope with exposed elevation turret and capped windage turret. However it is MOA. I bought one and used it on multiple rifles including a 6.5 CM. It is currently on a 6.5 Grendel AR and I recently ran it out to 800 yards dialing at multiple targets from 200 to 800 yards. I will look up specs on the Vortex web site but it is between 20 and 30 oz. I got mine on a smoking "Black Friday" deal two years ago.

[schüler]

I'm following this with interest since I'm in the market for a similar scope. However, what is "lightweight"? Most of the scopes mentioned are >30 oz. I was thinking <20 oz. Is that possible?

Yes, especially if you're willing to give up some features (reticle, focal plane, magnification, etc.) and/or pay a lot more. At the lower price end is the Vortex Razor LH. Around 17oz, SFP, capped adjustment, good reticle options (BDC, MOA). I have never handled one--have no idea about eye box and so forth. Sky's the limit on higher priced Swaro, Zeiss, etc.

The Bushy LRHS, AMG are the only light(er) weight scopes I have experience with that I'd use for 6.5C.

[littlejerry]

How about a Nightforce NXS 2.5-10x42?

The SHV line is also pretty nice but you have to go up to 4-14 to get a mil reticle.

[CS Tactical]

How about a Nightforce NXS 2.5-10x42?

The SHV line is also pretty nice but you have to go up to 4-14 to get a mil reticle.


Just happen to get some Nightforce 4-14 SHV F1's in today too :)

[schüler]

How about a Nightforce NXS 2.5-10x42?

The SHV line is also pretty nice but you have to go up to 4-14 to get a mil reticle.

The SHV F1 is the only mil reticle SHV I know of and starts at 30oz. The 4-14x56 is around 26oz, SFP + MOA tho.

[Wyoming Shooter]

The Nightforce NSX 2.5-10×42 Mil-R C461 checks all the boxes, except price. I'm guessing street price may be somewhat lower than advertised. Thanks for all the helpful suggestions. I have a little more time to research while waiting for the rifle to arrive.

[SteveB]

Gentlemen - I have a new Barrett Fieldcraft 6.5 Creedmoor https://barrett.net/firearms/fieldcraft/ on the way. I need a suitable optic and ask for your recommendations. My priorities are: quality, light weight, exposed (or option to expose) elevation turret, MIL/MIL turrets/reticle, elevation travel adequate to dial 750 yards. I'd like to spend not more than $1500. With thanks for your help and best regards from the Big Empty, ELN.

I'd look at the Leupold VX-5HD 3-15X44 CDS-ZL2. 19 oz; $900-$1100 on Midway, depending on reticle; comes with free CDS elevation turret which is custom engraved with your ballistic data, not sure if they can give you a mil turret. Not sure if the Custom Shop can stick a mil reticle in the scope for you, but that's a phone call. I've used Leupold hunting scopes for years because of their great value and light weight.

[Elkhitman]

I'd look at the Leupold VX-5HD 3-15X44 CDS-ZL2. 19 oz; $900-$1100 on Midway, depending on reticle; comes with free CDS elevation turret which is custom engraved with your ballistic data, not sure if they can give you a mil turret. Not sure if the Custom Shop can stick a mil reticle in the scope for you, but that's a phone call. I've used Leupold hunting scopes for years because of their great value and light weight.

This is what I was looking at to put on my 28 Nosler until I got a deal I couldn't pass on a PST Gen 2 3-15X44. Also, if you are so inclined and you are a LEO, Leupold offers a killer rebate on their products to MIL\LEO.

[LittleLebowski]

Gentlemen - I have a new Barrett Fieldcraft 6.5 Creedmoor https://barrett.net/firearms/fieldcraft/ on the way. I need a suitable optic and ask for your recommendations. My priorities are: quality, light weight, exposed (or option to expose) elevation turret, MIL/MIL turrets/reticle, elevation travel adequate to dial 750 yards. I'd like to spend not more than $1500. With thanks for your help and best regards from the Big Empty, ELN.

Call CS. Seriously.