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Top 5 Tactical Scopes in the World

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Do you have to spend $1500+ to get a high quality scope? No you do not and the Internet is sometimes wrong when it comes to “tactical scopes.” Funny thing is my several of these top TNP scopes are not so-called “tactical scopes” at all. Generally anything wearing that title will be heavier and more costly and you’d be wise to avoid some of those offerings. Instead we often go to the “hunting” category of magnified optics to find amazing value, functionality, lightweight, ballistic ranging, and low light performance. The top two I review here are in that category. In this feature length review a lot of ground is covered on not just five but several more excellent scopes. We will review some past winners in TNP like the Burris Fullfield 30 and II and Bushnell Elite 3200 series, still excellent scope choices, and review what makes each a smart purchase. POU is foundational and you will need to REALISTICALLY determine what magnification level, weight, performance, and illumination levels you might need. A portion is even devoted to the importance of the red dot/reflex sight in most engagements. The Bushnell TRS-25, Aimpoint Pro/ACO/Micro/ML, Trigicon ACO, Voretex Strikfire series are discussed. This video seeks to answer the needs of TNP subscribers and friends who have asked for this information for years.

Amazon.com links , where we often buy our scopes too:
Leupold VX•R 4-12x40mm FIREDOT Illuminated #111240:
Leupold VX•R 3×9 Patrol Scope, FIREDOT Illuminated, Tactical Milling Reticle #113771, 3-9x40mm:
Nikon ProStaff 7 3-12X42 BDC Riflescope #16322:
Nikon M-223 3-12x42mm BDC 600 reticle #8489:
Nikon M-223 2-8×32 BDC 600 (nice range of magnification):
Nikon M-223 1.5-6x24mm:
Leupold Mark 4 MR/T 2.5-8x36mm (30mm) M2 Illum. TMR (best dial system, 1/2 MOA):
Leupold Mark 4 LR/T 3.5-10x40mm (30mm) M2 Illum. TMR:
Weaver Tactical 1-5 x 24mm #800364 Illuminated Intermediate Range Scope:
Weaver SPR 30mm Optic Mount:
Aimpoint Micro H-1 2 MOA:
Trijicon MRO-C-2200003 2.0 MOA Adjustable Red Dot Sight without Mount:
Trijicon MRO-C-2200006 2.0 MOA Red Dot Sight with AR-15 high mount (preferred):

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50 COMMENTS

  4. The Vortex StrikeEagle is excellent for 1-6x scenarios on a 5.56, etc for about $300. For a .308 or larger and for the shooter who wants to shoot 800 yards or more, the Vortex Viper PST is a badass scope for under $1k. Both are illuminated, both have 30mm tubes, and their optical clarity is top notch.

    Not to mention, they have an Unlimited Lifetime Warranty that's hard to beat.

  5. And it seems like a lot of people have found out about how good Vortex is… Vortex was the best kept secret in optics for close to a decade. The best scope I own is a Vortex I purchased back in 2009. I just hope they continue to keep the quality as they grow

  6. Am I the only person that zeroes my scopes and then never touches them again? I buy something decent in the $300 range, and then it's just Kentucky windage all day long. Shot a mule deer at 550 yards last year this way

  10. I would be interested to see what nutnfancy has to say about the SWFA SS fixed power non HD scopes. I'd like to see him use it on a bolt gun. They get a lot of praise around the net, and given nutn's somewhat unconventional views, it might be an interesting video. I'm sure he would definitely put it through its paces.

  12. Why not talk about the Unertl, Schmidt & Bender, Zeiss, Swarovski, Meopta (Made in the Czech Republic) and many others. You have only mention some of the cheaper end of the market not the better scopes.

  17. Had me crackin up making fun of yourself at the beginning. I constantly clown on myself in my vids and it seems to be one of the things that my subs like the most next to the actual "how to" parts.

  18. i use a bushnell elite tactical 6-24×50 and it is a great scope for the money gets a little blurry at 24 power but over all for $625 its a good option tracks true and it offers pretty decent value i shoot 1/2 moa with good ammo easily

  20. It's the glass in scopes that determines they're weight, that's why scopes like Night Force, US Optic and S&B are heavier. They have better glass then the cheaper scopes. These scopes weren't designed for  tactical rifles and I agree with you, it would be a waste of money and needless weight to put one on anything but a designated LR platform . I sure wouldn't put any of the scopes you reviewed  on say a Ruger PR or any other intended LR rifle . I also would stick with a fixed power with scopes in this price range with exception of the SWFA line. I'm surprised that you didn't include them. IMO SWFA is better in every category of all the scopes you reviewed and I believe the 10×40 is also  cheaper then all the scope reviewed. The confidence in turret adjustment   accuracy is also suspect on these cheaper versions so for a tactical rifle I would rather works with the reticle hash marks then rely on turret adjustments, but that's my opinion. So mentioning the higher end scopes was comparing apples and oranges. Just my 2 cents.

  24. You forgot about the Vortex Strike Eagle 1-6×24! I have it and it is amazeballs! Plus Vortex has one of the best warranties in the biz. If the strike eagle isn't good enough then you can always go to the Viper or Razor series. Vortex makes great scopes and I can't believe you didn't even mention a single scope of theirs!

  28. Got my Leupold VX-R 4-12 in the mail today. I opted for the firedot LRV duplex reticle since the crosshairs are finer. Couldn't be happier, beautiful piece of glass and will go great on my new SPR build. Thanks Nutnfancy!

  34. Here's a better way of choosing the right scope mag power as a function of caliber and maximum lethal range. First, max lethal range is determined by impact energy, bullet design, and shot placement. Shot placement should be center chest, heart or lungs. For FMJ or match grade bullets, minimum impact energy should be no less than 700 ft-lb, ideally 850 ft-lb. Max range depends on caliber, muzzle velocity, and scope mag power for accurate shot placement and wind estimation. I personally use the "50 yard rule" when I can. That means that my max scope power is calculated by dividing the max range by 50 yards. For a 55gr FMJ 223 shot out of a 14.5" barrel (LaRue AR15), max range = 150 yrd. Scope Power = 3X (Aimpoint Micro T-2 & 3X Mag). For a 77gr SMK 223 shot out of a 20" barrel (LaRue AR15), max range = 300 yrd. Scope Power = 6X (Weaver Tactical 1-7X). For a 168gr SMK 308 shot out of a 22" barrel (LRB M14), max range = 600 yrd. Scope Power = 12X (USO fixed 10X.). For a 180gr SMK 284 shot out of 26" barrel (Defiance Rebel), max range = 1,000 yd. Scope Power = 20X (USO 3.2-17X). Buy fixed power scopes for ruggedness, simplicity, and low cost relative to variable scopes If you can find good quality ones. Practice. Practice. Practice. With the right rifle and right scope power, you're only enemy against a one shot kill is the wind and your trigger finger. Learn how to read the wind on any terrain, master your breathing and trigger, and you can master delivering instant mercy anywhere from 0 to 1,000 yrd. Peace on Earth. Praise to God in Heaven. And Go Ted Cruz!!!

  36. Thanks for this video Nutn!!! Perfect timing too! I can't afford the tactical elitist glass and am just about to get my tax return. I have been anxiously awaiting the scope purchase for my new SPR build for almost a year. Almost bought a Vortex 2.5-10 but you sold me on the VXR/S1 4-12×40 setup. Don't really need the new CDS model but it has a WHOPPING 3.7-4.9" of eye relief! WOW can't wait. Thanks for all the work you do!

  40. Hahahahahaaaa…I dropped my Vari X III too. I dropped my Ruger Mini-14 & Leupold Vari X III 1.75-6x32E on the rocky bank of a large stock tank. It fell 4 ft from my hands to the ground and then tumbled 7 -10 ft down the bank; was so pissed. Picked it up and it was fine, couple of little marks. I was so worried I knocked the scope off the zero, cracked a seal and it was no longer fog/waterproof. I quit the hunt I had just started. I was pitching a fit all the way to the shooting bench – it was still zeroed. Still not trusting, I took it to my gunsmith to see if I ruined the structural integrity, he said it was fine and to quit crying.

  42. Burris 1.5-6×42 m tac with Ballistic AR reticle (not CQ) will be my next purchase, i think nutn would love it. Only 15 oz which is right there with the weaver 1-4, less then the vortex viper 1-4, and you get more magnification and more light transmission with the 42mm obj. Also is illuminated, has capped but resettable adjustable turrets (80 moa), non critical eye relief, and lifetime warranty. Perfect 50-400 yard scope imho. Oh and price tag is $399, tough to beat with those features.

  43. I've been really impressed with my Konus Pro m30 6.5-25x44mm. I'm no expert, but for .308 (SA M1A w/ sadlak mount) it has really improved my scope/dope skills, my medium-long range accuracy, it has great finish and features, and after a year of range use 0.00 problems. All for about $325. I'm not so much plugging the Konus, because who the eff am I? I'm just curious to get a TNP perspective on other Konus products for future consumption. Thx!

  45. Some nights when I can't sleep I will play one of your vids and BAM! I find myself waking up to loud shots of you running and gunning in the desert.
    No seriously you are very tacticool nutn, keep up the entertaining vids.

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