Scope upgrade advice

[Charlie J]

Ok I will come clean , I understand little about scopes but shoot ok when using the right set up.
I have been using a Hawke sidewinder 40 x 10 with zoom to good effect on an AR .

Now what is the next best thing in terms of target vision up to 600 yds , ie what model is the next model upwards that will last me longer as my eyesight worsens with age , without going ott. I would like to keep the scope as small as possible with better vision,hopefully no bigger than I am using.

I did ask this question in the gunshop buy the guy selling them didn't know.

I don't really understand the numbers on optics other than the 40 bit .

Cheers Charlie

[Daryll]

There are so many mid range scopes available, I'll let someone else advise on those.. but Hawke are decent scopes.

As far as the numbers go, the first number(s) are the magnification, the second number is the diameter of the objective lens (the one at the far end!) in millimeters
So your 10x40 will be 10 times magnification, with a 40mm diameter lens.

If its a zoom scope, there will be a range, 3-9, 4-16 etc, which is the range of magnification.

You will often also see scopes with "IR" (illuminated reticule) and "AO" (adjustable objective, allows for parallax adjustment and simple range finding).

IMHO, something like a 5-20x40 would suit you fine out to 600m

HTH

Daryll.

[DaveB]

Obviously I do not live in the UK, so I can't know what is available or popular there. However some brands are world-wide, and we get them here in NZ, so I assume they can be had in the UK.

My first bit of advise: Daryll mentioned adjustable objective (AO) for parallax adjustment. The AO adjustment is really old news. If you want adjustable parallax, go for something with a side parallax adjustment (SF).

Since you mentioned an AR, I assume it is in .223/5.56mm? I have had good luck with Nikon - they make a scope with a bullet drop compensator reticle specifically for 5.56 mm at - interestingly enough 600m. These can be had in both a P (Prostaff) or a slightly more expensive M (Monarch) series. There is, for example, the P-223 4-12x40 Matte BDC 600 (this has a fixed parallax at 100m) right around the US$220 mark. The M-223 3-12x42SF BDC 600 with a side-adjustable parallax, is roughly double the price of the P. The Monarch series are made in the Philippines and have slightly better quality glass - though frankly I have both in .308 and can't really see any difference in the quality of the glass.

Vortex out of the US is making some scopes that are becoming very popular at a good price point. http://www.vortexoptics.com/ I have one of their rifle scopes on a Ruger 10-22 and a prism red dot sight from them on one of my ARs, and both seem exceptionally good value for money.

If you have a bigger budget, then the world is your oyster. On the less-expensive (I won't say cheaper) side, Trijicon makes a great line of scopes. I have one of their 5-20x50 scopes and the glass is fantastic. They go for just above US$1,000. Above that of course are all the big names - Leupold, Nightforce, Kahles, etc. none of which I can afford.

Hope that helps.

Dave

[WelshShooter]

Before you needlessly drop money on a scope, ask yourself what are you really wanting an upgrade for? Are you struggling with lower magnification and want to magnify your target more? Does the target seem "washed out" and therefore you need a scope with better clarity? Is the reticle too thick and is blocking your target? Are you running out of elevation on your scope settings and having to "hold over" your target?

If you don't understand much about scopes you could end up spending a lot of money on something that may not be necessary. Try and identify what you want to improve and you will get more relevant advice for upgrades.

[Charlie J]

Thanks Guys for the help , Daryll you explained it to me perfectly and Dave and Welshshooter have given me something to think about
Chas