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Which scopes (turret type) really are the most durable
#7027119
01/06/18 03:45 PM
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Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 15,710
603Country
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Someone just asked if Vortex scopes were any good - in another post. I’ve had one of just about every scope type I ever owned die. That does not include any of the serious money scopes, like NF or S&B. So my question, which is directed to those of you that have used and tested the big money turreted scopes, is to ask you which scopes in your experience and opinion are the most durable under heavy turret use. I know it’s just opinions, but I am interested in what you long distance guys think. And you can list and rank them if you wish and if you actually have the knowledge.
Not asking about glass quality. This is only about toughness and durability.
Not my monkeys, not my circus...
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Re: Which scopes (turret type) really are the most durable
[Re: 603Country]
#7027135
01/06/18 03:59 PM
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 41,173
J.G.
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The scope I have tortured the most, for going on 6 years of weekly use, is the SS 5-20X. It looks like it went through a garbage disposal, with all the dings, scratches, and missing anodizing. It has been on an unknown number of rifles, all of mine, and loaned to customers. It has never had to be sent in for repair.
Had a Gen I PST, and had to send it in. Sold it, and the next buyer had to send it in. He sold it, and the next buyer had to send it in. I know this because they are all THF members.
Bushnell Elite ERS 3.5-21X has held up well. It too has several scars.
When I had a Burris XTR II on loan from Burris for a year, it never failed. I got the impression it was built to last.
The NF ATACR I have now, well it is built on the decades old repuation for Night Force toughness. I've had it 8 months, lots of rounds fired or spotted, and not a hiccup. I suspect I won't ever have to send it in. At least not for anything that is Night Force's fault. If it tumbles down a canyon, that's on me.
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Re: Which scopes (turret type) really are the most durable
[Re: 603Country]
#7027208
01/06/18 05:19 PM
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Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 5,922
Jgraider
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Bushnell Elite LRHS is bulletproof
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Re: Which scopes (turret type) really are the most durable
[Re: 603Country]
#7027227
01/06/18 05:40 PM
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Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 680
Eyesofahunter
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7.5 years with NF NSX I would say #1 10 years with Leupold M4 #2 2 years with Burris XTR II unsure yet but has not failed me so far, the first one was good enough I bought a second one.
All are tools that get used, but it I could only have 1 it would be a NF NSX or ATCAR.
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Re: Which scopes (turret type) really are the most durable
[Re: 603Country]
#7027387
01/06/18 08:22 PM
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Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 29,608
Sneaky
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Bushnell Elite is tough. Burris seems to be pretty stout, too. Nightforce is hard to beat.
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Re: Which scopes (turret type) really are the most durable
[Re: 603Country]
#7027421
01/06/18 08:58 PM
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Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 1,201
Theringworm
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I have 2 years with a S&B PMII, 1 year w/ a Bushnell Elite, a 6 months w/ a NF NXS. I would say I don’t have enough time with any of them to provide substantiated feedback regarding your question. I have abused the S&B way more & by abuse I mean accidentally banging it around on rocks, tree limbs, the ground, etc while hunting and taking shots. The other two I just haven’t been as careless with (not that I am intentionally careless with the S&B). All 3 have held up without issue. It wasn’t my scope, but I shot a Nightforce NXS after it had been beat violently on a counter top as a demonstration and then remounted on a rifle.. Even though it wasn’t mine I wanted to cry. It was flawless & held zero.. I can’t say therefore which is more durable. The only feedback I can provide is that the feel of the S&B is nothing short of a tank in build quality and weight. Lol. I don’t doubt the NF either after witnessing what I have seen regarding the abuse it Can take and still get the job done.. The Bushnell Elite has been babied on the 6.5 but I don’t have any concerns about it either. Time will tell for all of them as this is true for most anything however me using them doesn’t compare to the abuse seen by military/LE or more avid competition shooters and hunters than myself. Just my .02.
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Re: Which scopes (turret type) really are the most durable
[Re: 603Country]
#7027448
01/06/18 09:53 PM
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Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 15,710
603Country
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Well, that brings up another question. What does the military use these days? I have no idea.
Not my monkeys, not my circus...
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Re: Which scopes (turret type) really are the most durable
[Re: 603Country]
#7027494
01/06/18 10:49 PM
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 41,173
J.G.
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Probably still some Mark 4's out there. Some original NF F-1 3-15X, Schmitt and Bender, and no telling what other NF NXS scopes are still afield.
Depends on unit. Your Army or Marine Corps Sniper might have limited choices. Seal 6 might get anything they please.
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Re: Which scopes (turret type) really are the most durable
[Re: 603Country]
#7027517
01/06/18 11:14 PM
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Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 680
Eyesofahunter
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Navy just awarded Leupold contract for M6 and Marines M8. The Army new SASS has a S&B. The Secret Squirrel Units run what ever they want.
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Re: Which scopes (turret type) really are the most durable
[Re: 603Country]
#7027575
01/07/18 12:06 AM
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Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 29,608
Sneaky
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Re: Which scopes (turret type) really are the most durable
[Re: 603Country]
#7027582
01/07/18 12:31 AM
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Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 9,523
RiverRider
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Shhh. No one can talk about that.
"Arguing with you always makes me thirsty." -Augustus McRae
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Re: Which scopes (turret type) really are the most durable
[Re: 603Country]
#7027610
01/07/18 12:48 AM
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Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 29,608
Sneaky
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I didn’t see no squirrel.
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Re: Which scopes (turret type) really are the most durable
[Re: 603Country]
#7028193
01/07/18 03:06 PM
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Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 680
Eyesofahunter
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That is the way it is supposed to be, move along nothing to see here.
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Re: Which scopes (turret type) really are the most durable
[Re: 603Country]
#7028250
01/07/18 04:00 PM
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Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 757
fast88
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I have a ATACR gen one that has never failed me. Nightforce is known for there excellent turret system. I have been behind a X5i for almost 3 years now and it has never failed me. It has fallen out of my high rack 3 times landing on the scope twice, don’t ask me how, and never lost zero or tracking. The new Swarovski turret system is awesome and I actually like it better than the NF just based on feel. The turrets are very audible and you can feel every click. They also have a nice revelation counter and a below zero feature if you need it. https://www.swarovskioptik.com/hunting/x5i-c200507
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Re: Which scopes (turret type) really are the most durable
[Re: fast88]
#7029061
01/08/18 03:52 AM
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Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 4,564
patriot07
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Lots of good mentions here. Steiner T5Xi is one that seems to be under-rated. Top notch build quality and optics, and you can find them used for much cheaper than the top-end options that cost $2k+. I've seen them around $1300-$1400, and you'd be hard-pressed to get better bang for your buck. The SCR reticle is pretty good.
I'm holding off for when Tangent Theta puts Minox's MR4 reticle in their 5-25, then I'm selling my firstborn to buy it.
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Re: Which scopes (turret type) really are the most durable
[Re: patriot07]
#7029117
01/08/18 04:55 AM
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Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 29,608
Sneaky
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I'm holding off for when Tangent Theta puts Minox's MR4 reticle in their 5-25, then I'm selling my firstborn to buy it. I couldn’t do that. Do you think a third born would bring enough? I could part with that one.
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Re: Which scopes (turret type) really are the most durable
[Re: patriot07]
#7029173
01/08/18 12:08 PM
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 41,173
J.G.
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Lots of good mentions here. Steiner T5Xi is one that seems to be under-rated. Top notch build quality and optics, and you can find them used for much cheaper than the top-end options that cost $2k+. I've seen them around $1300-$1400, and you'd be hard-pressed to get better bang for your buck. The SCR reticle is pretty good.
Lots of people have a bad taste in their mouth after tracking issues, and problems with customer service to correct those issues.
800 Yard Steel Range Precision Rifle Instruction Memberships and Classes Available
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Re: Which scopes (turret type) really are the most durable
[Re: J.G.]
#7029206
01/08/18 12:39 PM
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Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 4,564
patriot07
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Lots of good mentions here. Steiner T5Xi is one that seems to be under-rated. Top notch build quality and optics, and you can find them used for much cheaper than the top-end options that cost $2k+. I've seen them around $1300-$1400, and you'd be hard-pressed to get better bang for your buck. The SCR reticle is pretty good.
Lots of people have a bad taste in their mouth after tracking issues, and problems with customer service to correct those issues. Maybe that's why they're so cheap used...
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Re: Which scopes (turret type) really are the most durable
[Re: Sneaky]
#7029207
01/08/18 12:39 PM
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Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 4,564
patriot07
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I'm holding off for when Tangent Theta puts Minox's MR4 reticle in their 5-25, then I'm selling my firstborn to buy it. I couldn’t do that. Do you think a third born would bring enough? I could part with that one. Not even close. Probably your 2nd and 3rd combined.
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Re: Which scopes (turret type) really are the most durable
[Re: patriot07]
#7029224
01/08/18 12:55 PM
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Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 29,608
Sneaky
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I'm holding off for when Tangent Theta puts Minox's MR4 reticle in their 5-25, then I'm selling my firstborn to buy it. I couldn’t do that. Do you think a third born would bring enough? I could part with that one. Not even close. Probably your 2nd and 3rd combined. I just realized the third one is my favorite one, so I’ll have to do 2 and 4. I get the strays mixed up sometimes.
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Re: Which scopes (turret type) really are the most durable
[Re: Eyesofahunter]
#7029228
01/08/18 01:00 PM
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Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 6,219
dee
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Navy just awarded Leupold contract for M6 and Marines M8. The Army new SASS has a S&B. The Secret Squirrel Units run what ever they want. Any unit can purchase scopes or run what is issued. Lots of nightforce and razors on guns with mil barcodes on them. My understanding is that if the unit purchases them there isn't a big enough purchase to show up on gov contract list.
"A vote is like a rifle; it's usefulness depends on the character of the user" Theodore Roosevelt
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Re: Which scopes (turret type) really are the most durable
[Re: J.G.]
#7029232
01/08/18 01:05 PM
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Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 6,219
dee
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Probably still some Mark 4's out there. Some original NF F-1 3-15X, Schmitt and Bender, and no telling what other NF NXS scopes are still afield.
Depends on unit. Your Army or Marine Corps Sniper might have limited choices. Seal 6 might get anything they please. Mk4 were typically zeroed at a set mid range and held under or over. Most didn't trust them enough to constantly turn the turrets. The new updated turret on the mk4 is said to be great but it's locking and huge also the only mk4 offered in a 34mm tube. The mk4 I have/had the turrets feel horrible but it's a great hunting scope so I gave it to my dad.
"A vote is like a rifle; it's usefulness depends on the character of the user" Theodore Roosevelt
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Re: Which scopes (turret type) really are the most durable
[Re: dee]
#7029279
01/08/18 01:43 PM
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 41,173
J.G.
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I've had a couple Mark 4's out. Nice glass, nice Mil reticle, and 1/4 MOA turrets. They did dial very well, and return to zero though.
800 Yard Steel Range Precision Rifle Instruction Memberships and Classes Available
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Re: Which scopes (turret type) really are the most durable
[Re: patriot07]
#7029282
01/08/18 01:43 PM
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 41,173
J.G.
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Lots of good mentions here. Steiner T5Xi is one that seems to be under-rated. Top notch build quality and optics, and you can find them used for much cheaper than the top-end options that cost $2k+. I've seen them around $1300-$1400, and you'd be hard-pressed to get better bang for your buck. The SCR reticle is pretty good.
Lots of people have a bad taste in their mouth after tracking issues, and problems with customer service to correct those issues. Maybe that's why they're so cheap used... That would be why.
800 Yard Steel Range Precision Rifle Instruction Memberships and Classes Available
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Re: Which scopes (turret type) really are the most durable
[Re: 603Country]
#7029330
01/08/18 02:13 PM
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Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 632
505ed
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I don't use any of mine enough to call them bullet proof.
Bushnell LRHS (I have 3)...no problems Leupold Mark 6 ( I have 1)...no problems Bushnell XRS(I have one)...no problems S&B 3x12 PMII (1)...no problems Vortex Razor gen 1 (1)...no problems Sworviski X5...(1) no problems
I sold my XTR II...no problems, just did not like the scope...sold my SS as the glass was marginal compaired to the above--no problems though. Sold my night force 5.5x22 as it was heavy and MOA based, but no problems.
I will say again I shoot maybe every other week, and have not owned enough to have any statistical relevance.
Ed
Last edited by 505ed; 01/08/18 04:49 PM.
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