Hi all. I am having trouble picking a rifle scope suitable for an FN SPR. This rifle was not designed for hunting but for the FBI HRT (a few SWAT teams have fielded them as well, and Belgium uses them along with the FN 30-11 as a sniper rifle) and I am looking for optics that have the following features in this order of priority:
(1.) Ruggedness and reliability. (I want "army tough" and accurate and consistent tracking). I prefer FIXED power because it has less moving parts, so that should aid in simplicity. (Europe seems to prefer 6x and USA prefers 10x)
(2.) Optical clarity. (Important to me, but not as vital as how reliable and tough the scope is.)
(3.) Features. (I read a lot about "zero stop," illuminated recticles etc... I think these features are great)
My budget is around $2000... If I can meet my needs for less I will be happy.
So far I have boiled it down for +/- $2000: Nightforce NXS vs US Optics or used/Demo US Optics 10x44 ST-10 for $1200. Leaning towards Nightforce NXS since it's good enough for the Navy SEALS.
S&B PMII 10x is also on my radar as well, but is very hard to find so far because they don't make fixed powered PMIIs any more it seems. Optic planet claims they have one in stock for about $2000. Highly rated, a lot of NATO forces use them in Europe.
Also been looking at the SWFA SS 10x42M (side focus/paralex adjusting model), according to my reading, the military has a few of these in use with DMR M14 set ups... looks like a great value at $400. I looked through a OT member's scope the other day at it looked on pare with a Leupold mk4 interms of glass quality, it felt well made too. I just don't like the finish, I prefer anodized finishes.
Leupold mk4 LR with M1 torrents, I saw one locally, its glass is on the same level as the SWFA SS but it has a better looking finish to me... the torrents felt a little better as well, it was selling for less than $1400. The only thing I don't like is that it felt a little lighter and not as tough as the SWFA. (I am guessing the aluminum tube wall thickness is less, so it helps saves weight.) The army uses them from what I understand though.
What do you guys think of my current choices? So far I am leaning towards the SWFA 10x42M, using the money saved to get quality mounts that can clip on a used night vision device forward of the scope. Either that or a Nightforce NXS with badger ordinance rings. Thanks
(1.) Ruggedness and reliability. (I want "army tough" and accurate and consistent tracking). I prefer FIXED power because it has less moving parts, so that should aid in simplicity. (Europe seems to prefer 6x and USA prefers 10x)
(2.) Optical clarity. (Important to me, but not as vital as how reliable and tough the scope is.)
(3.) Features. (I read a lot about "zero stop," illuminated recticles etc... I think these features are great)
My budget is around $2000... If I can meet my needs for less I will be happy.
So far I have boiled it down for +/- $2000: Nightforce NXS vs US Optics or used/Demo US Optics 10x44 ST-10 for $1200. Leaning towards Nightforce NXS since it's good enough for the Navy SEALS.
S&B PMII 10x is also on my radar as well, but is very hard to find so far because they don't make fixed powered PMIIs any more it seems. Optic planet claims they have one in stock for about $2000. Highly rated, a lot of NATO forces use them in Europe.
Also been looking at the SWFA SS 10x42M (side focus/paralex adjusting model), according to my reading, the military has a few of these in use with DMR M14 set ups... looks like a great value at $400. I looked through a OT member's scope the other day at it looked on pare with a Leupold mk4 interms of glass quality, it felt well made too. I just don't like the finish, I prefer anodized finishes.
Leupold mk4 LR with M1 torrents, I saw one locally, its glass is on the same level as the SWFA SS but it has a better looking finish to me... the torrents felt a little better as well, it was selling for less than $1400. The only thing I don't like is that it felt a little lighter and not as tough as the SWFA. (I am guessing the aluminum tube wall thickness is less, so it helps saves weight.) The army uses them from what I understand though.
What do you guys think of my current choices? So far I am leaning towards the SWFA 10x42M, using the money saved to get quality mounts that can clip on a used night vision device forward of the scope. Either that or a Nightforce NXS with badger ordinance rings. Thanks
