So I need a 3-9x40 and I couldn't find a FFP scope in that power range, nor one with a side-focus. 3-9x40 is the limit for the vintage sniper rifle competitions.

Looking for something that can handle the recoil of the M14 and preferably US made.

I'd like something that doesn't have knob caps that you have to remove to adjust the elevation and windage.

So far, this Trijicon seems to be the closest I can find.

https://www.trijicon.com/produ...ails/cr940-c-2900039

Tony.

It appears that the only scopes with that magnification and objective size with the features you want are cheap imports that generally aren't worth the time of day.

However Leupold now makes a series of Mk4 scopes that are 2.5-10x42, close to your 3-9x40 spec. They're FFP and side focusing as well. The glass will be Japanese--much like the Trijicon scopes--but it's otherwise assembled from US-made components.

I would be curious to learn what scopes satisfy those features.
Did you see any at the matches you posted about?

I’m also curious why that style scope is specified for a “vintage” sniper course. During the Vietnam era many sniper rifles were fitted with Redfield 3-9×40(?) Accu-Range scopes, so I suppose that’s where the specifications come from. Although its availability these days is evidently spotty, the closest modern scope to that old sight seems to be the Redfield Revolution model.

https://gritroutdoors.com/redf...x40-riflescope-67095

Like the original, though, it doesn’t have exposed windage and elevation turrets. It does, however, supposedly have click adjustments which wasn’t/isn’t common for such hunting type scopes. I would be surprised, though, if that scope was built to hold up to frequent elevation and windage adjustments.

The scope listed at the above link shows only one style reticle, but from other references I get the impression that other styles are/were available. And although it isn’t specified, I imagine it’s a second focal plane scope, as I believe the originals probably were.

Other very common US military sniper scopes at one time were various fixed power models, although the Redfield seems to have been the most common type used on M14 rifles in Vietnam and until they were replaced by later varieties.

Based on a quick search, it seems that original Redfield ART scopes of the type used in Vietnam are occasionally offered for sale, but I imagine they are very pricey.

This is the only guidance for the M14 rifles in the rulebook:
Non-issue: Commercial 3-9X with 40mm max.objective lens diameter.

Page 67:
https://thecmp.org/wp-content/...-CMP-Games-Rules.pdf

But also, reading the rules, I'm able to shoot my EBR, and I'm able to use a cheek riser.

Tony.

A couple of more options that would satisfy some of what you’re seeking:

https://www.leupold.com/mark-3...p5-illum-firedot-tmr
https://www.leupold.com/mark-3...-9x40-30mm-p5-mildot

A Leupold would almost certainly hold up better to frequent elevation adjustments than the Redfield. It also has the exposed elevation turret.

Unfortunately it’s also a second focal plane model and therefore the calibrated reticle is accurate only at full magnification. (Although it’s possible to develop one’s own calibration charts for lower magnifications as well. E.g., at half power—whatever that is—a 0.1 mil mark would subtend 0.05 mil.)

I suspect that the scope has a capped windage turret because most long range shooters seldom dial windage corrections after the sight is zeroed; they usually hold for wind using the reticle. The lack of a parallax/focus adjustment is probably due to the fact that it’s less critical at lower magnifications. According to the specifications, the parallax is fixed at 150 yards, which is common for hunting type scopes.

The TMR (Tactical Milling Reticle) version allows for more precise holds than the mildot reticle, but it’s obviously more expensive. And the one time I had a scope with the FireDot, I didn’t like that feature. Not that I’m making any sort of recommendation, but in your situation I’d choose the mildot reticle.

(And if you already know all that, pardon the mansplaining. )

I have the Leupold fire for that Sigfreund linked on my Bolt action 308.

It was fairly cheap used and has worked extremely well for me. If you can find one at a decent price I would recommend grabbing one.

Edit to add it'll probably not work for you as reading through the rules there's a 600yd stage and the Dead hold is good to 500 yards.

Take a look at Vortex and something with the Dead-Hold BDC reticle MOA.
Like this

https://vortexoptics.com/vorte...9x40-riflescope.html

Not sure what Ammo you want to use but I plugged in some factory Winchester 150g and it matches pretty good ballistically. You can play around with different ammo and see for yourself

Example- You will have to select factory and go through the tabs then hit calculate
https://lrbc.vortexoptics.com/#!/

Dead-Hold BDC looks like this
https://vortexoptics.widen.net...wnload=true&u=7n75lq

I use a Vortex diamond back with a BDC hold reticle and the reticle matches the ballistics almost perfect. Note I haven't been able to stretch the rifles legs out to confirm those settings but in theory it should be good to go. Hray

This message has been edited. Last edited by: hray,

Swfa hands down.

Made in Japan which is good.

I agree the Trijicon is a great choice.

quote:

Originally posted by benny6:

I'd like something that doesn't have knob caps that you have to remove to adjust the elevation and windage.

Of course that Credo does have them and is Second focal plane. (Unless that's why you said closest?)

I have one of those, I like it well enough but don't have tons of time behind it.

I've been shooting the SWFA 3-9 for years. Nothing bad to say. At the highest mag the eye box is solid and the glass stays clear, great picture. The reticle on mine is the basic mil dot and it's pretty fine. The newer reticles are fine too. No trees or fancy stuff which might be a weakness for the tactical world, but bullseye stuff works fine I think. $600 new, 19 oz.

It's an option.

The SWFA would be the perfect scope, but they are 3-9x42's. We're limited to 3-9x40's

The Leupold option looks the most promising with the exposed turrets.

Tony.

Ah dam, well shut my mouth.

Agreed the Leupold looks like one of the only options that checks all the boxes. I want to say there is a discontinued Nikon tactical out there that might, but I don't recall the specs and probably hard to find.

Came across this, never heard of them. Can't speak to the durability.

https://shepherdscopes.com/product/rugged-3-9x40/

Done deal! Ordered the Leupold Mk3 HD 3-9x40 with the mil-dots. I didn't even notice until I ordered that it had a 30mm tube!

Thanks for the recommendation, sigfreund!

Tony.

Oh, no: I didn't make any recommendations.

But I would be interested to learn how it works for you.
And please keep us posted on your competition activities. I enjoyed your first report.

quote:

Originally posted by sigfreund:
Oh, no: I didn't make any recommendations.

But I would be interested to learn how it works for you.
And please keep us posted on your competition activities. I enjoyed your first report.

I will! It's been a lifelong dream of mine to compete. Unfortunately, in my younger years, I always seemed to have other responsibilities that kept me from participating. Now that I've gone full gunsmith and builder, it's part of the job; YAY!

I'll also be buying a White Oak service rifle scope for my double lug M14 so I can go optics on the "Unlimited Modern Military" matches. That'll be another 800 bones, but not having a scope won't stop me from shooting irons for that match. I need this 3-9x40 to shoot vintage sniper, so this one was a higher priority.

Tony.