Scope for 6.8 SPC II AR

Status
Not open for further replies.
<*(((><

<*(((><

Member
Joined
Feb 1, 2013
Messages
2,747
I'm halfway through my assembly of my 6.8 SPC II hunting AR and am wanting some suggestions as to what scope to put on it. My use for this rifle will be an up to 300 yard hunting rifle, and will also be shooting steel targets out to 800 yards. I would like a compact variable scope that is lightweight. Being a Leupold fan (as they are usually the lightest out of a group of similar scopes) I'm leaning towards a few of their offerings, and some others listed below, but am open to scopes not on my list. I will be hard on scopes for their weight as I already have a 2.5 lb. 20" barrel out there so I'm cutting weight in other areas.

Thanks in advance for the help!

Some scopes that have my interest:
1. Leupold VXR 2-7x33 with firedot -12.6 oz. - $380 shipped
2. Leupold VXR 3-9x40 with firedot and milling reticle - 15.4 oz. - $460 shipped



The details of the rifle are:
Lower Receiver
1. Aero Precision M4E1
2. LaRue MBT Trigger
3. A2 Stock (thanks @magnumman44)

Upper Receiver
1. Aero Precision M4E1 (w/o handguard extension), barrel extension face trued
2. Bison Armory 20" Bead Blasted Stainless, Intermediate Gas, 4 Groove, 1:10, 6.8 Bison Chamber
3. LWRC ACB Bolt, headspaced to barrel
4. Aim Surplus Nitride Carrier
5. SLR Rifleworks Adjustable gas block
6. It will eventually have a carbon fiber handguard (either CODA or Lancer) to cut down on weight
 
My go-to hunting scopes have traditionally been 4-16x44mm. Really enjoying a couple Sig Tango4’s of late. Better tracking and more positive clicks than a VX3i, with better clarity and resolution.
 
Forgive me for being incredulous, but you're planning on possibly using a 7x or 9x powered scope to shoot steel at 800 yards? Ok, I guess I can see the challenge, but a 6.8 SPC II ain't the best for those distances.

I've got a Vortex Viper PST 2.5-10x44 sitting on top of my Bison BSP. However, it is not lightweight at 18.8 ozs. I am quite pleased with the performance and will not be changing it because it suits my needs perfectly. The heaviest, most inconvenient thing on that rifle is the SAS Reaper suppressor on the end of the barrel.

EXCELLENT choice on the gas block. I have several SLR Rifleworks adjustable gas blocks. Great company, great products and great people.
 
The reason I said 800 yards is that is the max range before going transonic on long bullet loads, providing I can get my barrel's load there. Any steel over 600 yards with a 7x or 9x power scope will be a challenge but whats the problem with that? The steel doesn't shoot back and there is no ethical problems. My friend has consistent hits at 800 yards with his 18" barreled ARP 6.8 on 16" steel, which impressed me enough to further look into the caliber.

Camp Perry regularly has attenders that shoot 1,000 yards with irons. So getting myself 7x or 9x closer to a 16" plate with a 9x scope at 800 yards is not a small target, its bigger than a 16" plate at 100 yards with no magnification so I should be alright. It seems so many want these high magnification scopes on hunting rifles, and I don't get it, but thats me. I understand for varmints and prairie doggin', but for a general purpose hunting and steel rifle it doesn't make sense to me.

The Vortex Viper PST you mentioned was one that caught my eye, I just wish it was a 40mm objective or smaller, I like compact scopes, but what's 4mm in the grand scheme of things.

Glad you like the SLR gas block, I've heard great things about them, and can't wait to try it out.

Thank you for your comment though, I just wanted to get my thoughts out there, which may be different than others, but in no way am I taking anything away from your opinions in your post.
 
Last edited:
Nothing wrong with the 7x -9x top end for 800yrd steel. IPSC Targets are 18” x 30”, very easy to see. 6.8 will get you there happily too.

I like my top end on my hunting rifles to be mid to upper teens, not because I need it for long shooting, but because it comes in really handy for SMALL shooting. Field judging bucks, picking off coyotes at 600, reading mirage, you name it. I might only take my shots at 10-12x, or lower, but I appreciate having extra zoom for “administrative purposes.” I really only want to be over 20x if I know I’ll be doing a lot of shooting past 1,000, and even then, I typically only zoom in from the bench or prone on a platform.
 
Varminterror said:
Nothing wrong with the 7x -9x top end for 800yrd steel. IPSC Targets are 18” x 30”, very easy to see. 6.8 will get you there happily too.

I like my top end on my hunting rifles to be mid to upper teens, not because I need it for long shooting, but because it comes in really handy for SMALL shooting. Field judging bucks, picking off coyotes at 600, reading mirage, you name it. I might only take my shots at 10-12x, or lower, but I appreciate having extra zoom for “administrative purposes.” I really only want to be over 20x if I know I’ll be doing a lot of shooting past 1,000, and even then, I typically only zoom in from the bench or prone on a platform.
Click to expand...

All that makes sense, especially the administrative purposes part. I have a 4.5-14 on my 24" barreled Mossberg MVP and it is nice when I want to shoot small varmints.
 
Varminterror said:
My go-to hunting scopes have traditionally been 4-16x44mm. Really enjoying a couple Sig Tango4’s of late. Better tracking and more positive clicks than a VX3i, with better clarity and resolution.
Click to expand...

I will definitely agree Leupold needs to upgrade their turrets, the clicks are not that loud and positive.
 
I meant no offense <*(((><. I imagine it will be a challenge and probably fun to shoot that distance with a 6.8. Getting a compact scope like what you're describing that has enough adjustment will also be a challenge, or are you going to "Kentucky windage" it?

I have a Leupold VX3 on a bolt gun that is a 40mm objective and the 4mm is a noticeable difference, but with the reticle the PST comes with, it could help with that distance you're wanting to shoot. Of course, the 3.4 ozs could also make a difference.

Good luck with your endeavor...it sounds like quite a challenge.
 
Though I have more Leupold than any other brand I strictly hunt and don’t dial. If you are going to twist turrets I wouldn’t get anything in the VX line. They track well enough to sight a rifle in but I just don’t think they’re accurate enough to dial.

I have a VX-R 2-7x33 on my AR and really like it though. For a target scope I think the Vipers are good but have never been impressed with their low light performance so I wouldn’t have one to hunt with.

I also wonder how your user name is pronounced every time I see you post.
 
9039D7ED-A3EF-49A0-9D61-825E952CB69F.jpeg My 6.8 wears a 3x9x50 now. It’s plenty scope for ringing 12” plates at 500. The 6.8 doesn’t have the flattest trajectory, so I would highly suggest something with graduated elevation markings. I’m holding about 3 ft at 500 out of my target rig.
 
cdb1 said:
Though I have more Leupold than any other brand I strictly hunt and don’t dial. If you are going to twist turrets I wouldn’t get anything in the VX line. They track well enough to sight a rifle in but I just don’t think they’re accurate enough to dial.

I have a VX-R 2-7x33 on my AR and really like it though. For a target scope I think the Vipers are good but have never been impressed with their low light performance so I wouldn’t have one to hunt with.

I also wonder how your user name is pronounced every time I see you post.
Click to expand...

Yeah, I'm beginning to question my thoughts on Leupold for this rifle, all of you have given great advice and experience. Might have to continue searching, but keep the options coming.

My username is just a fish symbol as I like fishing, which is why I put my name at the bottom of my signature "Luke"
 
LocoGringo said:
I meant no offense <*(((><. I imagine it will be a challenge and probably fun to shoot that distance with a 6.8. Getting a compact scope like what you're describing that has enough adjustment will also be a challenge, or are you going to "Kentucky windage" it?

I have a Leupold VX3 on a bolt gun that is a 40mm objective and the 4mm is a noticeable difference, but with the reticle the PST comes with, it could help with that distance you're wanting to shoot. Of course, the 3.4 ozs could also make a difference.

Good luck with your endeavor...it sounds like quite a challenge.
Click to expand...

I didn't take any offense, I know you're giving your thoughts and appreciate them.

What I'm looking for in a scope is turrets that will track well (which is why I think I need to forget about the Leupolds I posted earlier about) as well as a reticle that has some MOA/Mil drops for additional adjustment, and that should be fine for what I need.

Like @Varminterror said 10Mil's to get to 800 yards, won't be unrealistic.
 
So based on the my revised desires below, what are some scopes that fit the criteria?

1. Compact, lighter weight scope (hoping for something around 18 oz. or less)
2. 1-8, 2-7, 3-9, 2.5-10 variable magnification
3. 32-40mm objective (closer to 32mm preferred or small if 1-8)
4. Would prefer an illuminated center red dot (just for finding center in low light conditions) but not totally necessary
5. Good, clear, crisp glass
6. Price $400-800.
7. Reticle that has MOA or Mil drops (some windage holds ok) but not too busy
8. Turrets track well, zero stop would be preferred.
 
LocoGringo said:
Luke, check my edit...

The price and weight (surprisingly) are above your desired, but you find the model on that website, then go elsewhere for price.
Click to expand...

I don't mind saving for a good scope but the weight is something that gives me pause, that's about 10-12oz. over the Leupolds I was looking at, but maybe with my criteria I'm looking at a heavier scope.

That scope really does hit all my requirements minus the weight and cost.
 
Last edited:
I have no experience with them, but of all the gun boards I am a member, I've NEVER heard anything bad about Trijicon. That first option looks pretty good.
 
<*(((>< said:
So based on the my revised desires below, what are some scopes that fit the criteria?

1. Compact, lighter weight scope (hoping for something around 18 oz. or less)
2. 1-8, 2-7, 3-9, 2.5-10 variable magnification
3. 32-40mm objective (closer to 32mm preferred or small if 1-8)
4. Would prefer an illuminated center red dot (just for finding center in low light conditions) but not totally necessary
5. Good, clear, crisp glass
6. Price $400-800.
7. Reticle that has MOA or Mil drops (some windage holds ok) but not too busy
8. Turrets track well, zero stop would be preferred.
Click to expand...

I keep coming back to the Leupold VXR Patrol 3-9x40. I haven't had bad luck with the repeat ability of the turrets, but I will say they are definitely not as tactile as others, namely Vortex. I haven't "shot the box" with my VXR Patrol 1.25-4 that I have on my 5.56 to test the tracking, but it seems to do fine adjusting elevation and windage a little and back to zero. I know some of you have way more knowledge and experiences with shooting than I, and I now that Leupold tends to get dinged for their tracking, I guess I haven't got technical enough with my shooting to see it yet?

Right now I would say its in between the following optics:

Leupold VXR Patrol 3-9x40mm ($450-500):
Pros: Price, 30mm tube, light weight (16.3 oz.), clear glass, FireDot TMR reticle fits my needs, 65 MOA elevation adjustment, good battery life on FireDot, exposed turrets
Cons: Tracking and repeatability?, non-tactile turret clicks (my personal experiences)

Trijicon AccuPower 3-9x40mm ($470.95+/-)
Pros: Price, lighter weight (17.0 oz.), reticle has some nice features, reviews claim clear glass on par with the Patrol line of Leupolds, reviews seem to think tracking and tactile adjustments good on turrets
Cons: 1" tube, 30 moa elevation adjustment, battery life is claimed to be low, capped turrets,

Vortex Viper PST Gen II 2-10x32 ($950+/-)
Pros: Good tactile turrets (at least the vortex's I've used), wider variable power range, 30mm tube, clear glass, 90 MOA (26MRAD) elevation adjustment, wider FOV at 2x power 58', smaller objective (personal preference), exposed turrets
Cons: Price, weight (26.3 oz.)

The price of the Vortex really starts pushing back along with the weight. The AccuPower seems like a really nice scope but I prefer 30mm tube and more elevation adjustment to stay closer to center of the range, I don't like the reviews of the battery life on the dot. I do like the windage gradiant on the reticle for fast target acquisition such as coyotes or the like.

I thought that I was moving away from the Leupold but I think I'm still leaning that way despite that I know it will likely have mushy non-tactile turrets, but I can always put eyes on the turret to see where I'm at as opposed to listening for the click.

Still want to let this roll over in my mind for a while, but am still open to any options or opinions that someone might have to offer. Thanks so far to everyone's contributions. I must say I haven't ever looked into Trijicon's offerings as I always thought they were outside my price range, but it looks like the two scopes listed are great scopes for the price range and features they include.
 
I thought it was a fish but then again thought it might be a hieroglyph that says, “The cattle are dying”, or something else arcane.

Don’t have an AccuPower but I won an AccuPoint in a drawing three years ago from Opticsplanet. They’d had the scope so long the tritium was pretty washed out. Gotta love Opticsplanet. Anyway I was impressed by the glass and turrets and I’m pretty sure it’s the same glass as an AccuPower.
 
I love the firedots. I would get the 3-9 and put on 45 degree BUIS for up-close shooting.

and, just because I had this on my clipboard from another post a shameless plug for a scout LER firedot:


index.php


https://www.leupold.com/scopes/compact-scopes/vx-r-1-5-5x33mm-scout

https://www.opticsplanet.com/leupol...holRTo62oQ3MuWd6e4XfBvj3HqgIV0zoaAkn4EALw_wcB
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

ACP
  • Locked
precision rifle scope question
Replies
21
Views
2K
Caliper_Mi
C
W
  • Locked
Should I upgrade to a better scope?
2
Replies
28
Views
3K
MCgunner
M
M
  • Locked
The Weight of Optics?
Replies
9
Views
1K
Outlaw Man
O
R
  • Locked
AR-15 6.8 SPC build and magazines
Replies
20
Views
3K
Safety First
S
N
  • Locked
Help me find a scope for my 30-30?
Replies
4
Views
398
ArmedBear
A
Back
Top