March8-80x56

[Jon]

Had 5 in 2011 Neil preferred the 10-60 as an all rounder.
This one seems very good focussing even on 40mag but like all 80's don't have the shear resolution and neutral image you get from the 10-60.

Might have to have a day off setting it up.

[NeilM]

You and I will have to differ on this subject Jon, I much prefer the 80 mag... but not at 80 mag.

I think you are probably right on all round performance, but from a personal perspective I have a very small set of criteria that a scope must comply with.

Mind, the chances of me owning almost any March are pretty remote, especially with the exchange rates going the way they are right now.

[Jon]

The only advantage I see in the 80's is unparalleded range finding and slightly easier to get on target at same mag.
Total weights not an issue its still light but when pushed forward that extra 1" due to the 4" eye relief it has very similar balance to heavier T50 set closer to shooter with standard 3" eye relief.
10-60 certain by far the best in high mag resolution with uncoloured natural image, first thing I noticed back in 2010 trying to choose which one. I couldn't decide after two days trial, clincher going 80mag at least never mis range a target again. The image is realistic often better looking through the scope to reveal that striking resolution other scopes can only dream of. Also like the 30mm tube opposed to 34mm on 80's which feel bulky in comparison but could get used to having used many of both.
Downside with 10-60 is more temp shift but highly learnable and works like a switch. Combine that with slightly less range finding ability, I think 2 targets per year mis ranging is good enough used weekly all year round to 65 yards with occasional 75 ish yarder.

Best range finding scope ever had was a one off Tasco 8-40 from 1994, given the right colour scheme good day could tell to within 3" at 55 and using standard 2 1/2" supplied wheel with 3mm gaps 50-55. Just knowing how to use it.

First 80 IR Feb 2011.

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10-60 end of March 2011.

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[Jon]

Tried the 8-80 for the first time yesterday didn't know what to expect until tried at unknown and the couple of known targets put out.
No time to make a wheel or marker luckily the 10-60 104mm went on with surprisingly enough offset to clear the early Third Eye 34mm to dovetail mounts from 6 years back.
Quick setup every 5 yards from 10 to 60 yards marked all done and dusted within 35mins on variable size print. Noticed straight away the difference 10-60 to the X's marking the wheel up. Initial in focus around 1-2 yards under the true in focus to read smallest of the prints. This is the superiority of the 10-60 resolution in any light, the ability to resolve finer detailing the X's can only dream of. By contrast a diluted milky haze most wouldn't notice coming from say a Sightron I can live with.
In short all the way round had a few bottom of kill and some on line around the 11-2 o clock line, might take some getting used to or redoing the ranges in a brighter light.

Found myself after a few lanes using on 60mag as was used to it on the 10-60. Half way round noticed the FT ret being uncluttered, think its twice the spacing of the MOA industry standard most were missing 3rd hash aim off on some about 50mm off edge of kill, problem was wind picked up since they shot making it proper old school FT.
Only had one bad shot a short stander but first time ever shot above 10mag in 18 months standing, other two misses I can live with to finish 2 up on 2nd place
In all very happy with the out come on a hard course in dull light, demoralising for some even 6 that shoot for regions as much as 9 targets behind, good things may come time will tell after some confidence boosting.

[NeilM]

Excellent stuff, well done Jon.

[BenGun]

I've got 3 now ,with different reticule , I use mine for long range air rifle.
I can't fault what Jon is saying , ranging is better with the 80 than the 60, although not by that much.
The only down side as far as I'm concerned is how dark it gets on high mag above 60 it starts to get dark.
Apart from that I haven't had any problems , I could do with a better design side wheel or leaver , I'll have to ask Jon if he can make a couple for me.

[Jon]

Turns out scope been using last 4 weeks is Juans

Shame to see it go I will have to get me T50 back.

Do like the FT ret on 60mag not too cluttered like the MTR1, 2, 3 and 4.

I'll have one off you if FT ret. Ben.

Then figure what to do with the 10-60.

Just been looking at the bumf on 10-60 High Master IR weighs in 960gr making it a heavy weight, current non IR 730gr.