M1 versus M3 Scope

[mitchie]

Hey guys:

I was just wondering what's the difference between an M1 and an M3 scope? Both are 3.5X10-40 and illuminated. Which do you guys prefer?


Thanks.

[KND]

huh ! I'm thinking to get one as well but I might just grab a real hunting scope like bushnell or maybe the one at Wall Mart, since those are real so might be hold the zero pretty well than the replica one.

Back to the topic, That's my question as well. Anybody can clear out please ? and any recommendation for the scope as well ? Thanks in advance.

Originally Posted by mitchie

Hey guys:

I was just wondering what's the difference between an M1 and an M3 scope? Both are 3.5X10-40 and illuminated. Which do you guys prefer?


Thanks.

[m102404]

One is target style...1/4moa clicks, the other is 1/2moa clicks...high turret for adjusting while maintaining cheek weld. Both Leupold's are kick ass.

For field use...get the lower profile elevation/windage dials...less prone that it'll get bumped/hung up on stuff (and you rarely need to adjust elevation for airsoft).

1/4moa (i.e. approx .25" at 100yrds) is pretty fine stuff...way more accurate than an airsoft rifle (and a lot of gen purpose long arms as well) can shoot. 1/2moa (i.e. 0.5" at 100yrds) is more field practical...any finer adjustments can be made just by holding off a little.

Milldots are handy for range finding...but you need to practice and do up reference tables. Plain duplex cross hairs can be used for 99% of the most typical field shooting. When ranging with a variable scope...it's handy to setup your reference tables at a couple of different magnifications (i.e. at least at 3x and 10x...the max ranges of your scope...and maybe somewhere in between that you find yourself using frequently...like 6-8x, a common magnification for handheld binoculars that your spotter might have).

Just my $0.02

Tys

[Drake]

Yup. M1 is the target version, with finer adjustment and higher adjustment towers.

The M3 is the military/LE version with low profile adjustment knobs and much coarser adjustment (1/2-MOA/click windage, 1-MOA/click elevation); it's meant to be able to quickly acquire and engage human-sized targets rather competitive target shooting.

If you're doing a combat/field weapon and want something realistic looking, go for the M3. I have a G&P one for my SAM-R, well made, has mil-dot ret. I find mil-dot useful for airsoft since it's not really worth bothering with click adjustments at the ranges we shoot at, and given the atrophied ballistics which airsoft exhibits.