looking at glass for a ssg 3000

[Kraven251]

I am looking at 3 possibilities to put on an SSG 3k:



Nightforce BEAST
USOptics 5-25x58
IOR Valdada 6-24x56


NF and USO price point is about the same, and the IOR is about 1k less. All of them are excellent glass, USO and NF are true .1 mil clicks, IOR is typically pretty damn close. I like the illumination on the USO and NF more than that of the IOR.

All of that said any of you have experience with the USO or NF scopes, or other recommendations?

[Delfuego]

Vortex Razor II
Schmidt and Bender
Steiner
Premier / Theta
Kahles

Would all be ahead of those.

The NF beast has a dumb new turret system.
US is nice but they are expensive and have had QC/repair issue in the past.
IOR in not in the same league as the others, nice glass though.

You might want to look through and play with them before you drop that type of coin on a scope.

[Kraven251]

Vortex Razor II
Schmidt and Bender
Steiner
Premier / Theta
Kahles

Would all be ahead of those.

The NF beast has a dumb new turret system.
US is nice but they are expensive and have had QC/repair issue in the past.
IOR in not in the same league as the others, nice glass though.

You might want to look through and play with them before you drop that type of coin on a scope.

I actually have the IOR on my precision AR, I like it, but like you said not the same league.

I have also been looking into the Steiner TX5i, when it debuts later this month, but it will probably be a unicorn for awhile too.

[Tim K]

I'm waiting on the new Steiner myself. Have 2 on pre-order.

That said, if the budget allows, a Beast or S&B might be my first choices.

[Hoser]

From that list, I would get the NF first.

[nisils14]

I'd also have to pick the nf beast outta those choices. I'm waiting on a razor II 4.5. After messing with a 3-18, and hearing reviews on it, I can't wait. Do you care for any other scopes? I think the kahles k624i and nf atacr are impressive.

[MarkCO]

If you have not looked at the Burris XTRIIs, you might be missing what is likely the best value in the market: http://burrisoptics.com/xtr.html

I sold off a few of my "expensive" optics and replaced them with XTRIIs...could not be more pleased with what they offer.

[XC700116]

I'd recommend going here and reading through the whole series

http://precisionrifleblog.com/2014/07/01/tactical-scopes-field-test-overview-rifle-scope-line-up/

He's done an exhaustive and extremely in depth test of every aspect of a good number of scopes. He hasn't posted the final tally on all of them yet, should be real soon, but it's probably the most objective head to head test I've ever seen done and some of the results in some aspects are downright shocking. I just wish he could have gotten his hands on the new Steiner and the genII Vortex for this test.

I'm running an original Razor and I'm happy with it, but recently got to fondle the genII for about 5 minutes and HOLY CRAP is the glass impressive. Heavy as hell but damn nice. I was dead set on the new Steiner which I actually got to play with and shoot behind a bit at SHC this spring, but now I'm kinda torn. The weight isn't really an issue to me as my rifle is 19.5 lbs already so another lb isn't exactly an issue.

[Kraven251]

Well, I started digging through more forums etc. I may just hold out for the Steiner T5Xi. The price is good, the glass looks good and is made in the USA, it just isn't available yet.

http://forum.snipershide.com/snipers-hide-rifle-scopes/253102-new-steiner-t5xi-tactical-rifle-scopes.html

[Kraven251]

I'd recommend going here and reading through the whole series

http://precisionrifleblog.com/2014/07/01/tactical-scopes-field-test-overview-rifle-scope-line-up/

He's done an exhaustive and extremely in depth test of every aspect of a good number of scopes. He hasn't posted the final tally on all of them yet, should be real soon, but it's probably the most objective head to head test I've ever seen done and some of the results in some aspects are downright shocking. I just wish he could have gotten his hands on the new Steiner and the genII Vortex for this test.

I'm running an original Razor and I'm happy with it, but recently got to fondle the genII for about 5 minutes and HOLY CRAP is the glass impressive. Heavy as hell but damn nice. I was dead set on the new Steiner which I actually got to play with and shoot behind a bit at SHC this spring, but now I'm kinda torn. The weight isn't really an issue to me as my rifle is 19.5 lbs already so another lb isn't exactly an issue.

This was a very good read btw, thank you for putting the link up.

[XC700116]

From playing with the new Steiner at SHC this year, if you go that route, I doubt you'll be disappointed. It's first rate glass and the features are spot on, all at a great price. The only thing I can find to complain about is that they don't offer a "Christmas tree or horus" style reticle, which I've grown to like (Vortex's version, the actual Horus ones are too busy for my taste), especially for measuring a miss and making a quick follow up. Although their new reticle has some great features for precise holds, and it's thickness is perfect.

And you're welcome on the link, I've read and re-read those blog posts about 5 times. His testing on LRFs was really good too.

[Delfuego]

I signed up for a pre-order on the Steiner, but just took a left turn. I think I will wait for someone else to test it out. I don't want to be the early adopter.

Here is another good resource.
http://opticsthoughts.com/?page_id=1254
http://opticsthoughts.com/?page_id=630

[offgrid]

but just took a left turn.

I view that as the RIGHT turn! Congrats buddy.

[Kraven251]

I ended up picking up a Steiner M5Xi 5-25x56 with the MSR reticle. I got it for a song, and am very happy with it. As always awesome information from everyone. I am still interested in looking into the T5Xi, but I can let others sort out any issues before I do.

[banks74]

I look forward to hearing what you think about the glass after running it on your gun! I like the Steiner's, and I think the new XTR II Burris is a fantastic scope at the price point. (sub $1200)

[Kraven251]

50557

Well after getting out to zero the rifle, it can shoot [UZI]

I ran it out to 1080 yards, and it did what it needed to do. My only gripe on the MSR reticle on the M5Xi is at full magnification the crosshairs are a little thick, but the clarity is awesome.