Is The Scope That Good?

Like most of you, I spent a lot of time doing research on different optics for distance shooting. I watched a lot of video reviews to see what other reputable and casual shooters had to say about these different choices. So what was my goal? My goal was to pick the optic that based off of what I think and what others have said that provided the most optic performance/ quality per dollar spent.

If you haven't seen this great scope test by precisionrifleblog.com you should really check it out! http://precisionrifleblog.com/2014/09/19/tactical-scopes-field-test-results-summary/

This was my starting point. I felt they did a great job of really breaking down everything the best that they could. You can tell a lot of time was spent doing this testing versus just some backyard review.

Here are my personal key features I look for in an optic for precision shooting applications:

1) 50mm objective lens- I didn't want a huge 56mm lens that added more weight than needed, and in low light conditions 50mm lens is still capable of taking in enough light to see the target. Anything darker and you might as well start using nightvision.

2) Best overall compromise of size and weight- Any big magnification range optic that is worth bolting onto a rifle that you spent time and money putting together will be bigger than your normal Gander Mountain Millet scope. However, something like the U.S. Optics ER-25 is in my opinion just falling short of attaching a telescope onto your rifle. Finding the best weight and size with all things considered wasn't the easiest choice.

3) Nice big turrets- Here in the Midwest it gets COLD during the winter. Smaller turrets with big thick gloves on can cover your markings on the turret and or make it hard to feel the clicks. I am not a stickler on the loudness or comparing fractions of a difference in turret feel. However, I needed turrets that I could feel confident with using in all conditions.

4) Reticle options- I am a big fan of Horus Vision reticles. Some prefer more simplistic and less cluttered reticles. When it comes to choosing a reticle, you are the one who has to use it so if it works for you, than that's great! To each their own in this category.

Why Horus reticles? In my opinion, Horus reticles make wind calls, moving targets, 2nd shot corrections, and milling targets so much easier. I wont get into the details of that, but I'd suggest you at least checkout their website and see the technology involved with their ballistic reticles.

5) Tracking- I think optic tracking is a good base, but it is not the end all be all deal breaker. With all things considered, I wanted an optic that had minimal reports of slight tracking issues. Regardless of the report of the optic you purchase, I suggest doing a tracking test on it ASAP so you know where it's slightly off if at all, or if you need to send it back in to get fixed.

6) Glass quality- Yeah here we go, the most subjective part of picking an optic and others opinions on it. My standard of quality was clear (non milky) glass quality through all magnification ranges. I wanted to see mirage effectively but not have it completely wash out my target.

Things I didn't have as priorities: illuminated reticle, zero stop, 10 mils of adjustment per rotation, and spending any more money than I felt needed to fit my personal needs.

With all of this considered, this is why I chose the Bushnell HDMR.

Thus far I have only zeroed the optic and shot 52 rounds out of the rifle using this optic. Distances have only been 100-200yards for load development.

Further input and results will be posted in the near future!

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