Pros and Cons of different Reticles

[Steak]

Hi Folks!

I have a new Springer M1A, loaded. I absolutely love it. I dig the iron sights, but would also like to put some glass on it. I have never bought a quality, adjustable scope before. I'm pretty set on a new Nikon Monarch (2-10X42mm). I really like the company, and trust their optics for photo. I just don't know much about the details of the different reticles. From what I have researched online, I like the mil-dot a little better than the others so far. Any suggestions about what might be better, pro's/con's? Helpful links?

This scope also comes with a Nikoplex or Bullet Drop Compensator type reticles.

Thanks for any help!

 

[Horsemany]

The BDC reticle is my least favorite of any I've ever looked through. For target shooting I prefer either a fine crosshair(Nikon's is excellent) and the target dot(fine crosshair with a small dot in center). I've never seen or shot Nikons' mil dot but I have some scopes with mil dot and they're good as long as the wire is fairly fine. I do not like thick, heavy reticles. They would be beneficial if you hunted in heavy brush, but are a hinderance in any other situration IMO. The one you're considering seems like an appropriate scope for an M1A. Nikoplex would be fine too but I'd stay away from the BDC. It blocks much of the target being thick as doughnuts. Actually BDC stands for "Big Doughnut Crosshair".

 

[GunTech]

MilDot is only useful if you are going to spend the time learning how to use it. It's primary use is range estimation and holdover. Most people don't think in terms of mils, and if you know you come-ups in MOA, the translation can be frustrating until you learn the system. MilDot is only accurate at a certain magnification on variable scopes, unless you have a first focal plane scope.

I'm not much of a fan of BDC reticles either, since they are load specific.

Are you considering the 2.5-10x42 Monarch-X (Formerly Nikon Tactical)? That is a superb scope. I personally like the Nikoplex and target knobs. A range finder and knobs will get you to 1000 yards more accurately than a mildot reticle or BDC anyway.

 

[Art Eatman]

I'm mostly a hunter. I've been quite happy with the regular duplex crosshairs since they first came on the market. I've found they're just fine for 100-yard sight-in, Bambi to 450 and targets at 500...

 

[TIMC]

What ever scope you decide on is only part of it. Invest in a good base if you are planning on making your scope a long term thing on the rifle. Smith Enterpise makes one of the best for the M1a but they are expensive.

 

[glockman19]

I outfitted my M1A with a Bushnell Elite 4200 6-24x40 with Mil-dot recticle. I have NO problems determining distance, holdover and target size. @ 12x it's right on for 6x divide by 2 for 24x multiply by 2. Also has adjustable paralax. I like it very much.

I did get the Springfield 3rd Gen scope mount and have had NO issues with it moving or losing zero.

I got it from www.opticsplanet.com for $485 a year ago.

 

[sscoyote]

I also like applying scope reticles for downrange zeroing and rangefinding, but it definitely takes some studying to understand the principles involved. Go to the Burris website and and look over the Tech Notes for their reticles. That will help u get started.