[Scatch Maroo]

Hypothetically speaking, if someone purchased a Barrett M95 (because they lived in California and would never have the chance to buy one again if they didn't do it now) , would anyone be capable of offering a recommendation in regards to what kind of scope the person should buy to match the rifle?

I understand that choices are limited to the extremely expensive given that the scope must be quite resilient to the harsh recoil of the rifle, and I was told that NightForce, US Optics, and Swarovski/Barrett all made scopes especially for the .50... I could not find much information re: the Swarovski/Barrett, and although I've read tons of praises for the US Optics, I'd like to know what people thought of NightForce, or anyone else who might produce a scope for the .50.

I've undertaken my own research, but information is very difficult to find given that the .50 is not the most popular weapon. A resource for .50 information (pertaining to scopes) would be equally appreciated.

Scatch Maroo

 

[Nekekami]

The Swedish Army is using the same model of Hensoldt scopes on the AG90 variants(A: M82 and the B variant is M82A1) that are used on the PSG90's, and only a couple of them have had to be exchanged so far, one due to wear and tear, the rest due to the weapon exploding.

 

[mele]

I've seen Leupold Mk4 & Swarv. both used successfully on .50's without problems. There is post on this site about a nightforce that went bad, but we don't know why yet.

MEL

 

[badshot]

Mel,

Testing is still underway on the NightForce. I am going to have an outside contractor (jeffvn) test it for me and see if he gets the same reults from what we all know to be excellent rifles. So we will be letting you more as Jeff gets time to try it.

 

[mele]

Sounds great, we will all be curious to hear the results

MEL

 

[Critter]

.50 Caliber long range issues.

I've given this question considerable thought and here are some of my conclusions:

1. The purpose of the .50 BMG round in precision rifle mode (as opposed to the shot gun philosophy associated with machine gun applications.) is to provide counter equipment fire at sniper ranges or alternatively accurate fire at ranges longer than those normally associated with .30 or .34 caliber rounds.

2. So really there are two applications that the sniper need be concerned with, and I will address these in turn.

a. Anti-equipment fire at medium ranges. I would say that a capable 10x scope with physical strength to survive hard combat requirements. USMC has a really good solution in the USO designed MST-150 which is their standard USMC Sniper Scope with a special cam for the .50BMG round.

b. Precision rifle fire at extreme range (>2000 yards and <4000 yards)

This is where given special equipment the .50 BMG really shines, but in my opinion special loads with high performance match ammunition is required. This may mean custom prepared match ammunition with special bullets.

Secondly, the optics needs to be a little special as well to do the job right. Desireable is long Eye relief and lots of MOA adjustment for very long range shooting. If the scope is an internal adjustment and not capable of this kind of travel, you can always go to a angled base.

The above picture shows an AI .50 with a 10-42x58 USO SN-9 with lit reticle feature

 

[talking_target]

A possible option maybe the Tasco Super Sniper Scope. Of course it isn't as fancy as the rest of the scopes mentioned in the topic, but I thought I would just put it out there.

 

[Scatch Maroo]

I'll post a picture of myself holding the .50 today... started the 10-day waiting period.

I've got a lot to learn about rifling, and so I can take my time and really research a good scope--I only bought it (the rifle) so prematurely because my state has banned their sale.

Critter, if you don't care to elaborate further on this thread re: 'special features' and whatnot, would you mind if I pestered you via PM? I'm like a six year old with a thousand and four questions.

Scatch Maroo

 

[Critter]

Go harass Wendel!

Critter, if you don't care to elaborate further on this thread re: 'special features' and whatnot, would you mind if I pestered you via PM?

Scatch Maroo

I suggest you go bother Wendell over at USO on their Technical board. He has a Windrunner in .50BMG and really likes the stuff.

He is also located in the Buena Park area of SOCAL.