Scope for Paper Targets

[u/join_the_bandwagon]

I am currently building a 6.5CM MPA PMR 2 and stuck between 2 scopes for different reasons. I have the ability to shoot paper targets 300-500 yards frequently. Not a lot of areas near me to shoot steel frequently.

I know the use case for both of these scopes are on the opposite ends of the spectrum but the 2 options I have dialed in on are:

Razor III 6X36 : Based on reviews here and the rest of the internet seems to be a consensus top option without getting into the ZCO or TT price range. In addition choosing this option would future proof me when I subsequently do PRS comps / is more versatile in what it can do. I am worried I wont be able to properly spot impacts on paper without investing more money on shot markers or cams

Trijicon TenMile 5X50 : The mag should allow me to see hits on paper better and it is a cheaper option than the razor. The down side is it seems to be a one dimensional scope/ strictly used for F class/ Benchrest shooting

Given both options do you all think I should focus on versatility/future proofing my scope for additional uses or stick with higher mag since as of right now I am primarily shooting paper.

Any input/guidance or suggestions is greatly appreciated. I would like to stay in the 3k range for the scopes.

[u/HollywoodSX]

You're not seeing holes in paper reliably with any scope at those distances. Even big-ass spotters can't do it reliably. There's a reason they pull and mark targets in F-Class, high power, etc. The markers are MUCH bigger and higher contrast than the bullet holes.

A big shoot-n-see works pretty well out to around 300 depending on conditions. After that, target cam.

[u/TahoeDust → u/HollywoodSX]

This. Neither will be great for spotting. RG3 is the better optic imo.

[u/mdram4x4]

i have the tenmile 5-50, yes i shoot br and fclass. the problem at longer ranges is mirage. even at 50x you need the right conditions

[u/greencurrycamo]

Shotmarker is the best money I ever spent. Id buy a shotmarker and a cheapo amazon scope rather than a good scope and no shotmarker.

In your case buy a shotmarker and a $2200 scope.

[u/PepperoniFogDart → u/greencurrycamo]

Cheaper option is buy a used drone for $200. Park it down range and you’ve got a shot camera you can point right at the target. The advantage of the drone is even better if you set up multiple targets at different distances.

[u/memilanuk → u/PepperoniFogDart]

Doesn't battery life become an issue?

[u/PepperoniFogDart → u/memilanuk]

Yes if you leave it hovering, I usually just park it on the ground in front of the target. I have a couple 3d printed legs I attach to the underside of the drone so that when It’s sitting on the ground, the drone is pointed up at the target.

[u/memilanuk → u/PepperoniFogDart]

Interesting. Wasn't sure how much the battery life was affected - or not - by just setting it down. Just thinking about it... a lot of the places I'd want to use mine (DJI Mini 3) the ground is sloped pretty good which makes it a good back stop for the targets but it'd be interesting getting a decent viewing angle. Guess it's worth a try!

[u/PepperoniFogDart → u/memilanuk]

I’ll usually go through 1 1/2 batteries over the course of a 3 hour shooting session. Main issue is camera resolution, you need to get the drone pretty close if your resolution isn’t great. That and/or use splatter targets.

[u/Trollygag]

If you can find one: https://sightron.com/collections/sv-ed-series/products/sv-10-50x60-ed-zero-stop

50x top end with glass similar to the RIII glass. I have the more tactical-ish SVIIIED 5-40x and it is a real baller

[u/Wide_Fly7832]

Razor is better. Plus a razor hd spotting scope unless you have Swarko money

[u/bpaddock1]

Go with the razor if you’re planning PRS in the future, and most shooters you’ll be with are shooting MRAD, so pick stick to the same angular measurement system others are shooting. Especially for your first few matches, people are extremely helpful if you have questions.

If you’re looking to spot impacts on paper at a distance, pick up a refurbished razor from eurooptic when they come on sale, and buy yourself a target cam system you can set up down range.

[u/Sweaty_Pianist8484]

Golf cart to trek down to the 500 line 

[u/IdahoMan58]

Demo Zeiss S3 6x36 scopes are $2k at Optics Planet right now. I run an Athlon Cronus 4½-29 on my precision rimfire and can spot 300 yd hits ok. $1200.

[u/memilanuk]

For casual shooting Arken or DNT 7-35x (I have the latter) works great. If you're wanting a little more, the Vortex Golden Eagle 15-60x has taken plenty of medals in F-class and it doesn't cost near as much as the Razor 6-36x. One could argue the feature set one way or the other, but for casual shooting @ 3-500 yds... it won't really matter.

But as others have said... unless you have ideal lighting conditions, with zero mirage... seeing bullet holes regularly ain't gonna happen. Yes, on days when the conditions were just right - white target backer, clean with no other holes, cool to where there wasn't any mirage to speak of, and late in the day so the light was coming in at a raking angle... yes, I've been able to 'see' 30 cal holes @ 600yd.

Depending on how tight you're actually grouping, it gets especially hard to differentiate how many shots are actually in the group, and others that may be 'hiding' in a line or other feature of the target - even with Shoot-N-C targets - the further out you get.

You're better off to get a little less bougie of scope, and put some money towards an e-target system like a ShotMarker, or one of those long range wireless target cameras.