Schmidt & Bender x10-50 PM11 scope

[DaveT]

Anyone got one of these / able to give me a view on it vs the x5-25 PM11 scope and possible the Sightron equivalent?

Also any one know who is stocking these and what prices they are going for?

Many thanks in anticipation!

[Gun Pimp]

Dave,

You don't say what you want the scope for and that will often be a decider. I've tested all the scopes below and honestly, without good lens test-charts in good conditions, it's difficult to separate them. Some lenses may not be quite as sharp but offer better contrast and sometimes this gives a better image. But, I'm just a range shooter and my comments are based on this.

I don't think you will be disappointed with a 12-50 Schmidt. Fabulous optics, built like a tank, foolproof turrets and plenty of elevation adjustment. The only downside is weight. York Guns are still the official UK importer I think. Price? You'll have to shop around! Remember, you can't really have too much power if you shoot a rested rifle so I'd go for the 12-50 over the 5-25.

Sightron 10-50? A great scope at around half the price of a Schmidt. Good optics and build quality and Aimfield Sports offer a great UK back-up. If you look after your equipment and shoot on ranges, the Sightron will serve you just as well as the Schmidt. Personally, I prefer the 8-32 Sightron over the 10-50. The eye-relief is less critical - if that matters.

But, if you are in the 'money no object' bracket, you must consider the March 10-60 - or why not go the whole hog and get an 8-80? This would be my choice - if I didn't already have too many scopes! At 1000 yards, on full power, the image is superb.

Finally, don't forget Nightforce - their 12-42 'Benchrest' model (or 8-32) is still a great scope and good value. Or pay a bit more for an NXS with side-focus. Their latest NXS has a two-turn turret a bit like the Schmidt.

Vince

[DaveT]

Dave,

You don't say what you want the scope for and that will often be a decider. I've tested all the scopes below and honestly, without good lens test-charts in good conditions, it's difficult to separate them. Some lenses may not be quite as sharp but offer better contrast and sometimes this gives a better image. But, I'm just a range shooter and my comments are based on this.

I don't think you will be disappointed with a 12-50 Schmidt. Fabulous optics, built like a tank, foolproof turrets and plenty of elevation adjustment. The only downside is weight. York Guns are still the official UK importer I think. Price? You'll have to shop around! Remember, you can't really have too much power if you shoot a rested rifle so I'd go for the 12-50 over the 5-25.

Sightron 10-50? A great scope at around half the price of a Schmidt. Good optics and build quality and Aimfield Sports offer a great UK back-up. If you look after your equipment and shoot on ranges, the Sightron will serve you just as well as the Schmidt. Personally, I prefer the 8-32 Sightron over the 10-50. The eye-relief is less critical - if that matters.

But, if you are in the 'money no object' bracket, you must consider the March 10-60 - or why not go the whole hog and get an 8-80? This would be my choice - if I didn't already have too many scopes! At 1000 yards, on full power, the image is superb.

Finally, don't forget Nightforce - their 12-42 'Benchrest' model (or 8-32) is still a great scope and good value. Or pay a bit more for an NXS with side-focus. Their latest NXS has a two-turn turret a bit like the Schmidt.

Vince

Vince its for (mostly prone) range work up to 1000 yards on a Rem 260 currently being built for me by Dave Wylde at Valkyrie rifles (Brill gunsmith!)

I guess the dilemma is that there are Sooo many good scopes out there now that we are spoilt for choice!

Anyhow its comforting to know that the ones I am considering are all good.

I already use the S&B 5-25 PM11 and its great..... the March is painfully expensive so I will probably settle on the new S&B for the sake of consistency of use.

Many thanks for the rapid and valuable feedback.

Dave