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Posted: 10/2/2016 12:35:29 AM EDT
| I recently purchased an LWRC M6IC-DI. This is my very first rifle, and so far I'm loving it. I wanted to set it up as a rifle I could use for just about anything, so I plopped some Magpul flip-up sights on it, and a Bushnell AR Optics Drop Zone-223 Reticle Riflescope with Target Turrets, 1-4x 24mm on single-piece quick-detach scope rings. Anyhow, some guy was kind of getting after me a little bit for putting a $154 scope on a $1500 rifle. I'm just confused, because the scope seems to work great, and though my groupings are far from "expert marksmanship", the rounds go roughly where I want them to go, even out to 500 yards. I suspect its my fault my groupings aren't perfect, and not the scope's, but my question is this... what am I missing? What will an $800 scope offer that this "cheap chunk of metal" doesn't? |
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If it works for you, why worry about what other people say?
There has been an old saying about scopes costing more money than the rifle, but I think that is usually referring to a $200 or $300 rifle and putting a $500 or $800 scope on it, because they will hold up better in the field, no fog problems, better light gathering, better adjustability, etc. When you buy a $1500 rifle, it is kind of silly going out your way to find a scope that costs twice as much as the rifle. If you were professional soldier, or target shooter, I could see you needing a more expensive scope. But even then, there are plenty of options in the $1000 range. Fact of the matter is, scope technology has come a long way and those cost savings trickle down, just like any other technology. Next time, tell dick head when he goes out and buys his own $1500 rifle, he can place whatever scope he desires on it. |
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I have a $400.00 scope on my Rem 40X .308 and will eventually upgrade once I reload some better ammo for it. It works for me now but I know better glass will help me get the most of the rifle.
For you I say keep practicing, get a good trigger, good ammo and you can upgrade to better glass later but a better scope will cost more and you'll literally see the difference. My 2 cents. |
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OP, you have clearly shown good decision making in purchasing the LWRC. The problem is that when you put a lower end optic on that system, it hamstrings the whole package. It would be analogous to purchasing an exotic and putting off brand, low speed rating tires on it.
Now, since this is your first rifle, the Bushnell will probably serve you well as your skills improve. However, when you improve, you will start to hit the limitations of the lowest common denominator in your system. In this case, it will likely be the optic. If you are primarily taking it to the range, then no big deal but quality optics give you the best chance for accuracy and dependability. This is critical when you are taking a class or relying on the system for defense. I agree that double the cost is an outdated term in the realm of $2-3k rifles but you can get into legitimate, decent red dots for $400+ and good magnified/variables for <$1k. |
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First post OP welcome. Shoot a "box" to verify scope internal workings.
Shoot round 1st round . Adjust scope up 30 clicks and shoot 2nd round. Adjust scope 30 clicks right shoot 3rd round. Adjust scope down 30 clicks down shoot 4th round. Adjust scope 30 click left round and shot 5th round. Should have a square box and end where you started. This will verify the internal adjustments of the scope. |
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Quoted:
What will an $800 scope offer that this "cheap chunk of metal" doesn't? From what I've seen usually better optical quality and a bit more solid construction. I had a buddy that bought a cheap Barska scope for his rifle, and he was spotting for me while I was shooting at 600 yards. We had a metal target out there so instead of punching holes the rounds would just deflect off after leaving a mark. Every time I hit the target the bullet would splatter into the ground below it, and through my buddy's scope he thought I was just hitting low the whole time. I had a more expensive Leupold and could clearly see I was hitting the target, and could watch the splatter bounce off and hit the ground as well. It really opened his eyes to optic quality. After about a year his Barska eventually self destructed. It was mounted on a .308 bolt action. He's since gotten a Vortex and is extremely happy with it. That being said, if your Bushnell is working for you by all means keep using it. |
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Your Bushnell scope works? Then don't worry about it. I usually purchase scopes starting around $500 and work up from there. I think my most expensive scope is around $1400.00 (Night Force 2.5-10).
Quality bullets will allow your rifle to reach it's potential. A top magnification of 4X works fine for combat style shooting and self-defense out to 300/400 yards. Try some premium ammo that uses Sierra Match King bullets if you want a huge performance gain. You may be surprised that your shooting skills are much better than previously thought. Not everyone can afford to dump a ton of money into every purchase. If, at a later date you decide to upgrade, you can transfer that scope and mount to a blaster rifle. I refuse to buy any optics made in China. They have been a disappointment to so many people at my local club that I have written them all off as junk out-of-the box. |
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If it holds zero and you can hit what you want, I don't see a problem.
My biggest criteria for an optic: Holds zero. Usable reticle. Capped or locking turrets. Glass good enough for the targets/ranges that I shoot. If the Strike Eagle had been out back before I bought a vortex razor, I would have gone that route. Now that I have the Razor, I can't see myself going back to lesser glass. Nothing else at the time had a reticle that was workable for me. If your optic works for you, roll on. |
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The African safari guides can always tell the Europeans from the Americans. Americans will have a $1000 rifle with a $100 scope, and the europeans will have the $100 rifle with the $1000 scope.
Your scope functions fine now and does a reasonable job. I used to sell guns and optics for a well known sporting goods brand. All the time I see guys not bat an eye at throwing money at a gun, but when it came to time to scope it, now they held on to the wallet tight, My rule was that you should be ready to spend as much on the optic as you did the gun itself. People would look through top end scopes and then through bottom end scopes at our optics counter. They then would turn to me and say, "I don't see the differece. They must be equally good." However, the rub is that everything in the store is perfect. Perfect humidity, temperature, and most importantly, LIGHTING. everything in that store is lit up and bright. No, you won't see the difference there. It's when the light goes dimmer, the conditions harsher, and the weather colder and wetter that the difference will be crystal clear. |
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