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Nikon or vortex #7073598 02/10/18 10:59 PM
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Coogs2013 Offline OP
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I’m building a 6.5 Grendel and have been looking at which scopes I want for it. I would like to shoot as far as 500 yds maybe more if given the chance. I also don’t wanna break the bank on the first scope for this rifle so I was looking at the Vortex Crossfire II 6-18x44 or the Nikon PROSTAFF 5 4.5-18x40. I would like to stay under $400 so if you have any other suggestions or thoughts on these scopes it’ll be greatly appreciated.

Re: Nikon or vortex [Re: Coogs2013] #7073623 02/10/18 11:28 PM
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Buy a scope made in Japan or Phillipines at a minimum.

Re: Nikon or vortex [Re: Coogs2013] #7073648 02/10/18 11:47 PM
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I have 3 Nikon scopes and I am very pleased with how they perform.

Re: Nikon or vortex [Re: Coogs2013] #7073695 02/11/18 12:36 AM
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There are many who love their Crossfires. I think they suck regarding eye relief, eye box and glass but other than that believe them to be outstanding scopes.

I also believe you aren’t going to find a decent 18x scope in the price range you are looking at, but you could get a nice 3-9x40.


Don’t roll those bloodshot eyes at me.
Re: Nikon or vortex [Re: Coogs2013] #7073725 02/11/18 01:03 AM
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I just this week handled a crossfire and was not very impressed at all. The prostaff 5 I have no experience with but the original prostaff 3-9x40 was a very solid scope and comes in cheap at $125-130 last time I saw them.

Depending on your intended use I would stay away from a scope that will only dial down to 6. Target only 6 is fine but add almost any kind of hunting and it can become problematic.

After rereading you post a good 3-12 or 4-12 will easily get you solid hits at 500 if the rifle is up to it. I agree with the post above stating the more magnification without changing the price range the lower the quality of the scope. Often I’ve saw quality 12x scopes with more clarity on target at range than lesser 20x scopes. Specifically a good bushnell vs a vortex mid grade. The bushnell blew it away.

Last edited by wp75169; 02/11/18 01:09 AM.
Re: Nikon or vortex [Re: Coogs2013] #7073775 02/11/18 01:39 AM
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The gun it will be on will be for target shooting only.

Re: Nikon or vortex [Re: Coogs2013] #7073833 02/11/18 02:26 AM
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If you're target shooting, check out SWFA fixed 6x, 10x, or 12x.

Re: Nikon or vortex [Re: Coogs2013] #7073856 02/11/18 02:45 AM
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IMO the best buy in the Vortex line in that4x12 power ranges is in the Diamondback HD....has 4" Eye Relief too. The upgrade from there is a Viper HS at mo money, an I really like my Viper HS 30mm 4x16x44 SF and the same thing in a 2x10x44 w/out the SF I bought on a Cabelas' deal w/ free Warne rings last year.

Can't say nuthin'about the Nikons...I got lost during the name changover to Prostaff ??? what number means what in features couple years back...and moved into Minox where I could (not quite as good as MeoPro but cheaper) and Vortex.
Ron


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Re: Nikon or vortex [Re: Coogs2013] #7073945 02/11/18 03:46 AM
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I have experience with both the Crossfire II and Prostaff 5.

Nikon over that particular Vortex any day of the week. Better clarity/glass and eye relief for me.

Re: Nikon or vortex [Re: Coogs2013] #7073976 02/11/18 04:34 AM
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I have had good luck and like my Crossfire II, 2 of them. I don't have the Nikon so I can't compare. Another to consider that comes recommended is the Burris Fullfield II. If you look, you can find some deals on the net.

Re: Nikon or vortex [Re: Coogs2013] #7074046 02/11/18 09:04 AM
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The Fullfield II is head and shoulders above a Crossfire II and IMO better than any ProStaff. They are hunting scopes though and aren’t set up to dial for elevation.


Don’t roll those bloodshot eyes at me.
Re: Nikon or vortex [Re: Coogs2013] #7074078 02/11/18 11:48 AM
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I have a hard time believing the Crossfire could compete with the Nikon Prostaff 5 optically. I had a Gen 1 diamondback (1 level above the crossfire line), and I was a bit disappointed in the optical quality honestly. Maybe the gen 2 are better, but I still think I'd go with the Nikon.

Re: Nikon or vortex [Re: Coogs2013] #7074095 02/11/18 12:09 PM
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I just put a Prostaff 5, 4.5-18x40 on my Browning .300 WM. Haven't shot it yet but hopefully I will next week.

Re: Nikon or vortex [Re: Coogs2013] #7074185 02/11/18 01:57 PM
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A vortex crossfire and diamondback are not very good.

Re: Nikon or vortex [Re: Coogs2013] #7074207 02/11/18 02:09 PM
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Leupold

Re: Nikon or vortex [Re: Coogs2013] #7074235 02/11/18 02:33 PM
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To accurately target shoot on a regular basis at 500+ yards, you will want a scope that you can dial elevation using turrets, and one that can do it consistently. I’ll leave the scope recommendations to the guys who shoot that kind of distance regularly, but neither of those scopes is made to do that. I thought about getting in to the long range game a couple years ago, and realized I didn’t have the time or money to spend at the range and on ammo. But I set a rifle up to do it before I came to the realization. The recommendation then was a fixed power SWFA SS scope. I went with a 12x. It was a good scope with good glass.


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Re: Nikon or vortex [Re: TFF Caribou] #7074362 02/11/18 04:20 PM
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Originally Posted By: Tff caribou
To accurately target shoot on a regular basis at 500+ yards, you will want a scope that you can dial elevation using turrets, and one that can do it consistently. I’ll leave the scope recommendations to the guys who shoot that kind of distance regularly, but neither of those scopes is made to do that. I thought about getting in to the long range game a couple years ago, and realized I didn’t have the time or money to spend at the range and on ammo. But I set a rifle up to do it before I came to the realization. The recommendation then was a fixed power SWFA SS scope. I went with a 12x. It was a good scope with good glass.


That scope you purchased is the least expense one can spend to get the job done. And it really does do a fine job.


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Re: Nikon or vortex [Re: Coogs2013] #7074407 02/11/18 04:58 PM
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The only Nikon I ever had was a Prostaff 5, and it had the front lens O ring come loose in about 100rnds on my PA10 .308. I know Nikon makes good stuff, as they have a lot of loyal customers. However, I went with Vortex after that. Who knows that may change too. I'm not brand loyal. Although, I currently have three Vortex scopes, and two of their binoculars. And, I'm happy with all of them.


Thanks,

Marty
Re: Nikon or vortex [Re: Coogs2013] #7075931 02/12/18 10:02 PM
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A few scopes from Nikon's new BLACK Series that would meet your needs are the X1000 and the FX1000. The entire series has 30mm tubes, excellent glass and turrets that will give you crisp and repeatable adjustments. The FX1000 is a FFP scope that also has a zero stop. The X1000 is a second focal plane scope. Both of these come in MRAD/MOA option's and with or without illumination. The price is between $650-$800. A ton of features for the $. The BLACK FX1000 should be hitting stores in the next 3-4 weeks. The BLACK X1000 has been out for abourt 9 months now and has received notihng but great reviews. I have personally been using the BLACK X1000's on a pair of Bergara 6.5cm's that I have taken to 700 yards on 10 inch plates with no problem's at all.



Longtime hunter/shooter/fisherman who loves being outdoors. I used to hunt/compete with my son, but he's now stationed in Germany. Never enough time.
Re: Nikon or vortex [Re: Jgraider] #7075949 02/12/18 10:27 PM
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Originally Posted By: Jgraider
If you're target shooting, check out SWFA fixed 6x, 10x, or 12x.


+1 for that budget.

Re: Nikon or vortex [Re: Coogs2013] #7076951 02/13/18 06:21 PM
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In the spirit of saving $, the BLACK X1000 is currently under a Nikon Sponsored Promo for an extra $50 off. Every little bit helps!


Longtime hunter/shooter/fisherman who loves being outdoors. I used to hunt/compete with my son, but he's now stationed in Germany. Never enough time.
Re: Nikon or vortex [Re: Coogs2013] #7079464 02/15/18 01:51 PM
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I have recently bought a 700 long range 3006. That I was wanting to equip as a 100-400 hunting rifle with maybe target potential beyond that. I was looking at these Nikon 1000 scopes. I'm not real familiar though with holdover or elevation adjustment. Most of my hunting is heavy cover and does not require distance consideration.


Outdoorsman
Re: Nikon or vortex [Re: Coogs2013] #7079507 02/15/18 02:21 PM
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In my experience the lower end Nikon scopes are better than the lower end Vortex scopes. When you get to the higher end stuff I think the Vortex outperforms.

Re: Nikon or vortex [Re: Coogs2013] #7094055 02/27/18 12:32 AM
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i love my vortex viper

Re: Nikon or vortex [Re: Coogs2013] #7113621 03/16/18 09:04 PM
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I have a nikon black 1000 on my AR10. I can shoot it a 500 yards.... You can catch a good deal on optics planet but I think they are a little over what you want to spend.


P.s. its a 4-16x50.

Last edited by ranger_jackson; 03/16/18 09:05 PM.
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