[Major PITA]

I'm looking to put a tactical scope on my Savage 10FP-LE1 and 10FP-LE2.

I'm looking to spend between $500 and $1,000 per scope (this is not an absolute limit).

Gotta Haves:

Mil-Dot Reticle
Target Turrets
Zoom Magnification (Approx. 3 to 10, but again, this is not hard and fast)
Matte black finish

Prefer:

Side focus adjustment
To not have to use super high rings due to a huge objective bell

Don't care:

If it's 30mm or 1 inch diameter
If it has an illuminated reticle or not

What I'm looking for most of all is good quality. PLEASE report your problems with various brands, or tell me how satisfied you are with various brands. Thanks.

 

[dighawaii]

Aloha PITA:

That is a really good budget to get some good glass on your Savage. I think Leupold is a good brand that readily comes to mind with that kind of budget.

You might want to contact M14Dan on some prices before calling SWFA or PremierReticles...

If you shoot targets, then M1 knobs would be good (1/4" MOA per click) and if you need something with BDC then M3 type knobs would work out really well, but they are 1 MOA elevation and I think 1/2 MOA windage per click...

There is a large range of scopes to select from... 3.5-10X is a good "tactical" magnification with a 30mm tube and side focus. The Mark 4 10X scopes might just be out of your budget, but should be considered. All of these scopes come will Mil-Dots as an option. Many shooting schools recommend fixed power scopes over variables... JFYI

I think all of their "tactical and LR" line are matte finished... The 30mm tubes also are supposed to allow greater elevation travel and some say more light in the optics.

Another line to consider is the Zeiss Conquest line but they only come in 1" tubes I believe. These scopes also seem to be more geared towards the hunter than the tactical applications. The next Zeiss line up with 30mm tubes are around or over you upper price range indicated.

One more line of scopes that come to mind are IOR from Bucharest (?). I have used these scopes and the optics are very bright! And many tactical features found on other similar brands.

The budget range is perfect for so many lines of good quality scopes, but these are only the scopes that I have used and familiar with.

Good Luck, I hope this helped some...

Aloha,

Tom O.

 

[m14dan]

Thanks Tom!
Most of the ones you describe are pretty well sucked up by the military lately but there are some good ones in stock that are close. I sent a PM about htem.
Here's the one I think best matches your description.
This one doesn't have side focus but you said you wanted that to do away with the huge objective but this is a 40mm and not too big.

Leupold no. 53668
Leupold Mark 4 Long Range Tactical M1 Scope 30mm Tube 3.5-10x 40mm Illuminated Mil-Dot Reticle Matte

Specifically designed for military and law enforcement applications, the Leupold Mark 4 Long Range scopes offer all of the features of the Mid Range scopes with the added benefit of greater elevation adjustments for long range shooting. Features include Multicoat 4 lens coating for brightness, clarity, and contrast, 30mm tube construction and easy grip tactical elevation and windage adjustments. M1 models feature exposed turrets with 1/4 MOA clicks. These American made scopes are covered under Leupold's Full Lifetime Guarantee.

This is one fine scope and I have used one a few times. I doubt anything about it would disappoint you.

 

[Tokarev]

May I suggest the Tasco Super Sniper? You can get these in 10X, 16X and 24X, if I remember correctly. They have target knobs with .25-inch adjustments, are built super tough, and are crystal clear. SWFA is the sole source for these excellent scopes at this time. Prices start at $300.00.

I have a 10X that I used to have mounted on an M-1A Super Match. It sat up too high for me so I have gone back to open sights for this rifle. The scope now lives on a RRA AR-15 SPR clone.

Search the web for info on the Super Sniper. I don't think you'll find a bad word about it.

 

[Recon5]

Wich hight of rings do you have to use with a Leupold Mk4 3.5-10x42 if you are using a ARMS#18? I want to use ARMS QD rings.
Does anyone has a pi of this setup?
Thanks

 

[dighawaii]

Aloha Recon,

I think the ARMS #22L should work. One of the main things to consider in selecting a set of rings for an M14 type rifle, is to make sure that the OCULAR bell clears the rear sight.

The Leupold has a rather small ocular bell and should clear even with low rings. It might even be possible to clear the rear sight without having to lower them, making them usable instantly upon taking off the scope.

My Tasco SS scopes have such a large ocular bell, that if I want to keep the fixed sights in its present "zero", I have to move the scope a bit back or use higher (medium) rings.

Aloha,

Tom O.

 

[paid2shoot]

I have an ARMS 18 with Leupold QRW low rings for a Leupold 3.5x10x40 Mil-dot LR/T VXIII M3, on a Springfield standard/ all USGI. It still has nearly 1/4 inch of clearance from the handguard.

I paid $700.00 for the scope.

I highly recommend the scope. Great optics. Super fast with the BDC marked out to 1000 yards with one turn of the dial.

 

[the major]

Try a Sheppard. I have a P2 on my M1A, does outstanding out to 1,000 yds. Easy to use, hardy, and runs about $600. No knobs to turn or adjust, just site and shoot, how much easier can it be??