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Rifle Scopes Glass for $400

G

Gman021

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Full Member
Minuteman
Feb 9, 2012
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Massachusetts
Disclaimer: I know nothing about optics but I'm reading all I can. I don't know anything about reticles or the mil/moa adjustments.

I just want a nice scope that has turrets for roughly $400. I've been reading about millet and vortex but was wondering what you guys thought.

Gun is a .308 shooting at paper and steel.
 
Re: Glass for $400

There is a TON of info on this very question on this site. Let me help a little. Vortex, in your price range, you have the Midway exclusive Viper HS 5-15x44. It has a mil/mil setup (which, in my experience is easier than moa/mil). It has a Gen 1 mildot reticle which is adequate for most situations you'll be in with regards to paper/steel. I have one, it is a great scope, has nice positive turrets, it tracks well, the glass is clear...etc. At its price point ($400 on special, not sure if the special will apply to future orders, so it may be $500, which is MSRP) its got a lot of great features; not to mention the warranty which rivals, if not beats, the best in the business. The Viper line also includes other SFP scopes that has moa adjustments with a mil reticle. I've owned one and having matching reticle/adjustments is much more practical in my limited experience. Vortex listens to shooters and their wants. In my short time paying attention, they've released some pretty exciting products based on our communities communicated needs/wants. I know I am sounding like a fanboy, but so be it. They make a good product they stand behind. In this day and age, that is commendable.

Also at the price point you suggest, you have Falcon Menace scopes which are FFP (I'll leave it up to you to do your own research on the difference). I've been behind those scopes as well. They're okay. Glass is not stellar. The reticles aren't what I would like on an FFP scope, but they work. Warranty (which matters a lot to me) leaves me a bit mistified in that, to the best of my knowledge, the place you purchase the scope from handles all warranty interactions with Falcon. Again, not sure if that is the same as I remember, but when I owned a Falcon that is how it was. There are a couple other FFP mil/mil scopes, but I only have experience with the two above. Double your $400 and you get to another level (intermediate). Double that, you're starting to play with the big boys (lower end NightForce, some older used USO's, Leupold MK, Vortex Razor...which is a hell of a scope IMO etc). Double that, and you're buying the best (SB, USO, PH etc.).

That is how it goes in the world of glass. You've got a lot to learn...as I do. This is a good place to do it.
 
Re: Glass for $400

Ok, you have established a couple criteria. Specifically, a price range and style. There are, however, many other considerations. The type of shooting you will be doing is a big one. As is the distance, particularly the maximum distance, at which you will be shooting.

I'll suggest to you that target turrets will be of little benefit if you really have no knowledge of MOA/Mil adjustments. Probably the best suggestion I can offer would be to continue reading. Compare the information you find on different optics to the specific needs you have as a shooter. You can then make your own selection of the optic you think will best fulfill your needs.

HRF
 
Re: Glass for $400

The Viper HS 5-15x44 or a SWFA Super Sniper (check out the new mil/mil line coming later this summer). I've got both and in the under $400 range it doesn't get better than these two.
 
Re: Glass for $400

Thanks for everyone's input so far and I'm taking everything into consideration before I make any decisions. I want to be sure what I buy is good considering I'm going to be a poor student for years to come.

I know the Vortex deal on Midway but it's backordered and I want to have scope by late June at the latest. '

I have read very good things about Nikon, but I'm still looking for a good model.

Why is the SWFA Super Sniper have a fixed magnification of 10x? Any advantages to that? I've always been hoping to get a decently priced scope with high magnification, but I don't even know if that's all that necessary.
 
Re: Glass for $400

And does anyone know if this is good scope for the short term?

I'll invest in a Vortex after but will this suffice for a few months?
 
Re: Glass for $400

For $399 its hard to beat the Midwayusa.com Exclusive Weaver Grand Slam Tactical 3-10x40. Its a 1" Scope with Mil Dot Reticle amd MIL adjustments. The glass in my opinion is very good and clear. I have a couple and really like them. Lowlight did a great video review of this scope and is worth watching.

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/598484/...t-reticle-matte

Click on the link and look at the video.

These often go on sell for $299 and sell here on the hide from time to time for a little less than that.

Good luck.
 
Re: Glass for $400

Hawke optics tactical scopes have nice glass and u can get the mil dot ret in 10xdes or 20x meaning the are correct at that power i have several and the are nice scopes. I shoot ftr with a 8.5-25x42
 
Re: Glass for $400

The weaver 3-10 tactical at midway is a great starter scope. Can't go wrong with any of the SS scopes either
 
Re: Glass for $400

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ogonzalez13</div><div class="ubbcode-body">For $399 its hard to beat the Midwayusa.com Exclusive Weaver Grand Slam Tactical 3-10x40. Its a 1" Scope with Mil Dot Reticle amd MIL adjustments. The glass in my opinion is very good and clear. I have a couple and really like them. Lowlight did a great video review of this scope and is worth watching.

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/598484/...t-reticle-matte

Click on the link and look at the video.

These often go on sell for $299 and sell here on the hide from time to time for a little less than that.

Good luck. </div></div>

QFT. This scope is on my 10FP at the very moment. I am very happy with it and everybody that looks through it ALWAYS comment on how nice it is.

I also have the Vortex/Midway USA exclusive 5-15X44. It is not mounted yet. I am saving for Badger or Seekins base and rings before mounting.

With both scopes set at 10X, I can not really tell a big difference with these 55 year old eyes. Where I tell the big difference is in the adjustments. They are so much more positive on the Vortex. Also the turrets and the ZS are worth the extra $ 100.00 difference!
 
Re: Glass for $400

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Mtneer</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The Viper HS 5-15x44 or a SWFA Super Sniper (check out the new mil/mil line coming later this summer). I've got both and in the under $400 range it doesn't get better than these two.

</div></div>

+1
 
Re: Glass for $400

I have noticed on this sight you either love or hate the Falcon. But I am in the love it crowd. For the money ~$300 used of the hide I picked one up. for the money in it I have FFP MIL/MIL and it is just as clear as I need it to be. The scope tracks flawlessly. I recommended it highly.
 
Re: Glass for $400

There are plenty of good scopes out there. For your price range, I'd only suggest that you stay away from bells and whistles. Concentrate on getting a scope that has decent glass, positive and repeatable turrets and a reticle that you like.

Getting a scope at that price that includes a lit and FFP reticle only indicates that corners have been cut in a big way.
 
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