Looking for advice on upgrading my optics
I shoot .223 Remington at paper targets from the bench at 100-300 yards. My current optics include a Nikon Monarch 3 4-16x50 and a Leupold VX-3i 4.5-14x40. Both have side focus and simple duplex reticles. The Leupold is the clearest and brightest of the two and the Nikon has really good eye relief.
I find myself wanting more magnification and have been looking at the following optics as a possible upgrade. I have a budget in mind of around $1K. My reticle preference is a simple duplex without all of the hash marks and other clutter. These are listed in no particular order.
Sightron SIII 8-32x56
Sightron SIII 10-50x60
Leupold VX-3i LRP 8.5-25x50
Weaver T-36
Weaver T XR Series
Athlon Midas BTR 4.5-27x50
At first glance, the Sightron scopes are most appealing because they have the most duplex reticle options and appear to get a lot of favorable reviews. The Weaver T series is touted as a good entry level optic but I’m not sure about going with fixed power.
What are your thoughts on these and what else should I be looking at?
What is the practical amount of usable magnification at 100, 200, and 300 yards for benchrest shooting?
Looking for advice on upgrading my optics
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Bill2905
I have not considered SWFA fixed power scopes. What do you like about yours? What are some pros & cons?
I only own the 12x SS.
I like the
Price
Glass. bright,clear
Turrets
Tracking
Reticle
Durable
I also shoot the .223
It’s limits are within the 12x
But if I was trying to only shoot paper on a bench I would like 24x for really small groups and the fixed power is the clearest glass you can own.
They just work for the money.
If I were to spend a 1k like you go with the nightforce or 3-15x swfa
But as bench only 24x sounds good.
Cons
Little spongy turrets
Big and heavy
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Looking for advice on upgrading my optics
Does punching paper out to 300 mean that you’re shooting groups? If so I would look for a pure benchrest scope. No need for a variable or fancy dialing in my experience there. 36X is good, some folks were modifying them to 45X. The Weaver T36 is ok, the old M8 or better yet BR series Leupolds are great scopes too if you can find one. Fine crosshair is king.