OK,I am going to build me a 338-378 /338 Lapua for Long range HUNTING (not a sniper rig)...I have narrowed down to the folloing two due to size,optics & price...Swarovski 6-18x50 with TDS Reticle OR Kahles 4-12x52 with MULTI-ZERO Reticle?...Which system is better for MY application??( I am liking what I am hearing from you on the Nightforce,but they are so much bigger,but still a consideration for me) Thanks Guys!

I have two accumark weatherbys in 338-378 weatherby.I have a 6x 20 power on one.I use it as a spotting scope too .I have a 5.5x 16 power nikon onthe other.They have stood up hunting and shooting about 400 rounds each very well.I like at least a 14 power scope onthe long range guns.I have a 3.5x10x 50 mm nikon on my 338 win mag I love that scope its awesome.I have shot some awesome groupsa with the 6.5x20 power.I wish there was a 2x24 power scope.I think the low power should be 4 or 6 power or close .I can use the 6 power down to about 30 yards.I hope that a bear never charges.I will probally point shoot at him then.The heat mirage is a problem at higher powers.I use the sun shade when its above 70 degrees.The Weatherby Accumark is an awesome long range gun.There are a few on guns america that pop up for $1200 .I got both of mine new for $1000.Its alot of gun for the money and will shoot .25" groups.

For my 338-378 Weatherby I was seriously considering (and still am) either a 3.5-15x50 or the 5.5-22x50 NXS Nightforce scopes... Now they are heavy scopes but so are the others you've mentioned... I don't think the Euros are quite as heavy though... If you have a local dealer that has either one of these scopes in stock you may want to consider giving them a personal look... They are simply AWESOME scopes with the durability of a Leupold and the clarity of the high end Euros....

Ken....

The IOR Valdada scopes are wonderful scopes, and slightly less expensive than the Nightforces. They are real "sleepers" among the higher-end riflescopes.

If possible, compare one to a Nightforce or Zeiss (Diavari, not Conquest), before you make your decision.

quote:

Originally posted by labhound:
The IOR Valdada scopes are wonderful scopes, and slightly less expensive than the Nightforces. They are real "sleepers" among the higher-end riflescopes.

If possible, compare one to a Nightforce or Zeiss (Diavari, not Conquest), before you make your decision.

They're sleepers all right.

Floaters in the tube and aberattions in the glass are all no cost options on them as well.

And...if you're unlucky enough to own a scope that they discontinue from importation(as they are prone to do every year or so), you'll have to ship the thing back to Romania for any consideration of warranty service - on your dollar.

Safarikid
Nightforce NXS is your only option. They are built SPECIFICALLY for what you want. One of the reasons they are heavier is because they are built with metal internals. Their return to zero is second to none. The precision of the click ajustments is second to none. The guts in their turrets are designed to be run out and back tens of thousands of times without issue. And when you are talking recoil of the caliber you are intending to make heavy is better. I dont know the configuration of the rifle you intend to build but a 338 Lapau is not a stalking gun, go heavy you'll be glad. I have a 5.5-22x56 on a M700 in 7x57 just because I had the scope and wanted it on something. Yeah it is WAY over kill but it balances well and I dont even notice they extra weight. There is nothing wrong with the other scopes you mentiomed but in a long range application they are not in the same class as the NXS.

Perry

Fireball, that's an interesting post. I examined the IOR scopes and the Zeiss Diavaris side-by-side at the 2006 ShotShow, and the brightness and edge to edge clarity were indistinguishable. They reportedly use the same Shott glass as the Diavaris.

The guys I know with the IORs are very happy with them. Maybe you got a bad one. It happens.

Be that as it may, the Nightforce are probably used on more long range rifles than any other scope.

Heck,I am going Nightforce 5-22x56!! Amen! Thanks guys!...

over on PLRH a guy just listed a 6-18 swaro for 900. thought i'd mention it to ya!

Have tried nightforce; excellent optics, and HEAVY; rings broke on my 30-378 after installation after 30 rounds. I much prefer Schmidt & Bender; After u know your loads & bullet, get a custom reticle made by premier reticles