Thread: What scope to choose (.22 benchrest)?

@Ultimitsu I'll try to answer each one of your points:

Benchrest is a precision rifle shooting discipline where it seems like everything is a big deal. Therefore high mag and high-quality scopes are nearly always recommended (perhaps some 'keeping up with the Jones as well?'). It's also a game for somewhat OCD perfectionists who are obsessed with precision. Hense I used the words "optical precision" to mean 'sharpness' or basically the optical clarity to show up the sharp lines of the target circles (the word precision is thrown around a lot in this sport).

The Sightron SIII 10-50x has an excellent reputation, and my 10-50x tracks very well. It also has very good glass for the money. Yes, there is a clarity issue at high mag but that's an issue with most ultra-high magnification scopes at the absolute max magnification...just don't run them wide open. Running anything wide open is probably pushing the limits.

The Weaver T36 doesn't have to be tested for tracking - it has proven itself over years of use. Therefore it comes with a solid reputation for good tracking at a relatively low (now s/h) price.

No, benchrest competitions don't shoot at varying distances over one match. However, they do shoot outside in the wind. Therefore accurate clicks are very important. Arguably the most important is probably reliability or to hold the point of aim or point of impact. Every internally adjustable scope ever produced has the potential of changing POI and that's why most shooters buy the best scope they can afford. Some are even going for another option which is to "freeze up/lock up" the internals of the scope and use only an externally adjustable base.

Yes, Nightforce scopes are precise but the main issue I have with them is their weight. They are twice as heavy as a Weaver T36x, Sightron 36x, Leupold. This makes it tough to mount a NF and still make weight without sacrificing stock and barrel weight. So yes there are weight classes in Benchrest.
If you can make weight with a Nightforce, then sure buy one and you'll probably not have to worry about anything again... except explaining where all the money went...