Am participating in the SEBR group buy and it looks like my rifle will be ready in a couple of weeks - maybe sooner. :):):)

Trying to figure out what scope to put on it.  Have pretty much decided on one of the following Leupolds: (i) Vari-X III 4.5x14x50; (ii) Vari-X III 4.5x14x40; and (iii)Vari-X III 3.5x10x40.

As a practical matter will mostly be shooting this rifle at local gun club between 100 and 300 yards. (Club doesn't have range in excess of 300 yards.)  Also, since I live in North East, it's unlikely I'm ever going to be shooting out much beyond 300-400 yards.

However, to the extent that I have a long range rifle in my arsenal this is going to be it.

Basically, what I'm wondering is do I need 14x at all?  If I go 14x, what are the advantages of 50mm vs. 40 mm?  (I assume a brighter site picture).

I have to confess that I'm leaning towards the 4.5x14x50 since I don't have to use the extra magnification, but its nice to have.  Chief concern, apart from spending extra $ to buy features I don't really need, is overscoping rifle.

I know a number of people participating in group buy are considering these scopes and am interested in your reasons for choosing one over the other.  Also, others who own or have used these scopes, what's your experience?  If you had it to do over again would you buy same scope or do things differently?

Vari-X III 3.5x10x40.

no, you can get by with the 10.  
none really with 50mm over.  40 mm? the sight picture will be a little brighter but not a great deal.  if you want bright and big glass i would buy a Nightforce.  it's a much better long range target scope.  but for 1200 it should be!  i like to put equal money down.  i have found i get great payback.

you can't over scope this rifle.  it's  a 3/4 - 1MOA gun and the better the glass the more precise the hits.  
 

I opted for the 4.5-14x50mm M1LR Duplex for my 20" AR10:

[img]http://photos.ar15.com/ImageGallery/Attachments/DownloadAttach.asp?iImageUnq=17466[/img]

$700.46 shipped to my door.....

While I can see the affection for the 3.5-10x40mm I actually sold my 3.5-10x40 M3LR to get the 4.5-14x50.....

At 200yds the 14x is very nice to have...though 10x WILL do you fine, I like the 14x.

My HD700 bolt rifle wears a 10x Mk4 M1LR....FWIW.

Shivan,

  If you don't mind me asking, where did you purchase your M1, that's a damn good price?

[url=http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=7&f=109&t=182346&w=searchPop]My M1LR Duplex Purchase[/url]

I would buy from SWFA, after they match the price, and if they have them in stock.

Ed

Hi Pippin and everyone else who's posted here,

I also ordered the SEBR rifle and I'm going through the same process of scope selection. Additionally, I'm finally building a Remington 700 PSS so I have two rifles to scope. I almost had this thing decided until I read Shivan's post.  So here's my thinking so far for what it's worth...

Leupold is the only brand of scope I'm considering.  I'm not saying that other brands are bad, I just decided that for me, Leupold is a safe choice for high quality.

In the "value" range of Leupold scopes, the VX III 4.5-14 AO is a clear winner.  It only has a 1" tube so it's not a 1,000 yard scope, but my understanding is that it's adjustments are good for 500+ yards with 308 ballistics.

On the higher end, there's the scope that Shivan just bought - the 4.5-14x50mm M1LR.  The only thing I do not like about it is that it has the 50mm glass which seems a little big for an AR-10.

The other higher end scope I am considering is the scope Shivan just sold - the 3.5-10x40 M3LR EXCEPT that I would get the M1LR since it's a finer level of adjustment.

For me, the perfect scope would be a 4.5-14x40mm M1LR but it does not exist.

So in the end, I will probably buy the 4.5-14x50mm M1LR for my Remington 700 and the 3.5-10x40 M1LR for my AR 10.

Good luck with your scope selection!

I ended up with the 4.5 by 14 VarXIII (40mm) mil dot 1 inch scope, as picked one up used for an ok price ($200), however, if for not having this scope in the "junk box" I like the 3.5 to 10 a little better as I shoot this side of 100 yards at times and 3.5 power works just a little better for me.

Besides the mil dots are the correct spacing only at the highest power setting on many scopes (again not a major issue when shooting at known ranges at 300 yards and under).

Just wanted to thank everyone who posted here.  Decided to go with the Leopold 4.5x14x50.  Concluded that the extra magnification and larger objective couldn't hurt.  Got a good price from SWFA (thanks for the suggestion Shivan).

Silver - I had same concern as you, but will really be using this with bipod as my "long range" gun.  If size and weight become a problem, just have to do a couple of extra curls at the gym :)

Once scope, rings, SEBR, Black Hills ammo and assorted other goodies arrive will update with quick range report.

IMO:

If 40mm is OK for an AR15, than the scale should be perfect for a 50mm on an AR10.

To be honest, I wasn't keen on the 50mm objective, until I got the scope and mounted it...

It's PERFECT!

The M1LR 4.5-14x50mm is shorter overall than the other M1LR scopes and it is a little lighter IIRC.....

It's a PERFECT match on the larger AR10 chassis, again.....IMHO.

I can't wait to swap out the standard handguards for the {T} FF handguard.

Shivan,  I would like to ask you if you would post a pic looking directly at it from the side.

Shivan,  Maybe looking at it from the end of the bbl too if its not too much trouble