Recommendations from tactical rifle competitors

[Tim K]

I've been threatening to shoot the tac rifle match for years now. A new rifle is in process, so now I need to choose an optic.

What magnification ranges are you guys using?

What would you buy in the $1,000 - $1,200 range?

I dont want to do this twice. If there is nothing worth considering at that price, tell me what I need to save for.

Knowing nothing, I have my eye on the Nightforce 1 - 4 x 24.

[SA Friday]

The Vortex 1-4 isn't too shabby from what I hear. I was impressed with it when I checked it out, but I haven't had the opportunity to use one.

One time I got to shoot it I used a Millet 1-4 that was a couple of hundred bucks. It shot fine and IMO the 1-4s are a pretty good choice for that match.

[rtr]

Having used a variety of optics for these things my recommendation is choose the right reticle, meaning a reticle that gives you a solid point of reference for 100, 200, 300, 400 yard shots. The next most important is one that is flexible in the eye relief department as you will use some weird shooting positions. Then consider glass quality and weight.

Having used a few different optics I shoot best with a Trijicon ACOG TA-11 with the donut reticle.

[Tim K]

Having used a variety of optics for these things my recommendation is choose the right reticle, meaning a reticle that gives you a solid point of reference for 100, 200, 300, 400 yard shots. The next most important is one that is flexible in the eye relief department as you will use some weird shooting positions. Then consider glass quality and weight.

Having used a few different optics I shoot best with a Trijicon ACOG TA-11 with the donut reticle.

How do you like the fixed power for up close shooting?

[rtr]

How do you like the fixed power for up close shooting?

I don't, probably going to get a set of offset irons for that.

[rboyes]

What magnification ranges are you guys using?


1x. Irons. Saves lots of money too. I'll be shooting irons this Sunday. [Weight]

[MarkCO]

There are 4 dominant scopes on the market right now. You can go cheaper or more expensive, but the right mix of glass, eye releif, reticle and functionality are present in these 4.

Burris MTAC 1-4. There are probably more of these in use that any other scope. You can go to the soon to be discontinued Tac30 for about $50 less. Avoid the temptation to move to the 1.5-6 as a 1x is almost necessary for hoser targets. Price is about $400.

Vortex 1-4. A little better glass, a lot thinner reticle. For slower, more precision shooitng, would be a better choice.

Bushnell 1-6. Big step up in price, but it has 6x, which some people just can't live without. If you are consistently shooting targets that are less than 2MOA, 6x is a benefit.

Swarovski 1-6. Top of the price line, and top of the quality line at about $2k.

Irons plus a scope is more expensive, and slower anf you won't see a single top tier competitor usig this set up anymore. Once good variables with 1x at the bottom came to market a few years ago, the side irons have all but died out.

The Millet 1-4 is maybe a cheap get by scope, but not even in the same league as those above.