Hey guys this is my first post but I have been lurking a while. Be easy on me. I just bought my first really nice rifle, a AI AE MKIII. Now I'm trying to figure out which scope to buy. I'm thinking after reading so much on here I'm going to get a NF F1 with MLR2. My range only goes to 500yds and they plan on expanding more later. Would it be any better to get the 5.5x22? I am new to scopes but only want to pay once and be done for now. Also what would be a good ammo to practice with? Thanks for any help and I keep reading the pages and pages of topics to learn more!
Rifle Scopes Choices on my first scope and new rifle...
- Thread starter GuyinWV
- Start date
Re: Choices on my first scope and new rifle...
Wow, you could not have picked a better rifle to start with.
Excellent choice.
As far as glass, there is such a thing as too much of a good thing, however, if your pocket book allows, by all means get the 5.5-22. I don't know if you have a preference for FFP or SFP, I believe the 5.5-22 is SFP.
Other scopes to consider, IOR 3.5-18 or 6-24, Vortex Razor and USO
Good budget ammo is actually very easy to come by.
My favorite is the American Eagle 168 grain OTM, this is a match load for the M1A. Very accurate, very consistent and can be had for about 16 a box from Palmetto State Armory. This is NOT the 150 grain load (very important)
Also, look to South West Ammo, the run and gun is loaded into once fired brass and is very reasonable in price.
You can frequently find Federal Gold Medal Match for around 20 a box, usually at Palmetto State Armory.
Another budget ammo that I have had good luck with is USA ammo. It is not as accurate as full on match ammo, but it is certainly better than hunting ammo and the brass is very good.
Wow, you could not have picked a better rifle to start with.
Excellent choice.
As far as glass, there is such a thing as too much of a good thing, however, if your pocket book allows, by all means get the 5.5-22. I don't know if you have a preference for FFP or SFP, I believe the 5.5-22 is SFP.
Other scopes to consider, IOR 3.5-18 or 6-24, Vortex Razor and USO
Good budget ammo is actually very easy to come by.
My favorite is the American Eagle 168 grain OTM, this is a match load for the M1A. Very accurate, very consistent and can be had for about 16 a box from Palmetto State Armory. This is NOT the 150 grain load (very important)
Also, look to South West Ammo, the run and gun is loaded into once fired brass and is very reasonable in price.
You can frequently find Federal Gold Medal Match for around 20 a box, usually at Palmetto State Armory.
Another budget ammo that I have had good luck with is USA ammo. It is not as accurate as full on match ammo, but it is certainly better than hunting ammo and the brass is very good.
Re: Choices on my first scope and new rifle...
Congrats on your purchase! You did great by purchasing the AI.
Do you know if you want FFP or not? I have never owned a Nightforce so I can't comment on that other than everyone seems to love theirs. I have had US Optics, IOR, and have 3 Premiers currently. You have a good amount of choices in the 2K price range. I would look really hard at the Vortex Razor. They have a lot of great features, good glass, and great customer services. They have MIL and MOA versions so you can take your pick.
Congrats on your purchase! You did great by purchasing the AI.
Do you know if you want FFP or not? I have never owned a Nightforce so I can't comment on that other than everyone seems to love theirs. I have had US Optics, IOR, and have 3 Premiers currently. You have a good amount of choices in the 2K price range. I would look really hard at the Vortex Razor. They have a lot of great features, good glass, and great customer services. They have MIL and MOA versions so you can take your pick.
Re: Choices on my first scope and new rifle...
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Guy in WV</div><div class="ubbcode-body">From what I've been reading FFP would be the best choice. Still I have no experience with scopes and keep learning as I go. Also it sounds as if I should go mil/mil? </div></div>
I like my FFP from USO. mil/mil seems to be what most here likes, seems to be...
Mine is MOA/MOA. But if you do FFP try & choose one with thin reticule. I would like mine much more if it had thinner reticule, or better yet if the cross hairs did not touch where they converge, leaving an little open "square" space in middle, and maybe little dot in the middle. I think USO has a reticule like what I have in mind but I can't remember name of it right now... C2 maybe? Idk maybe.....
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Guy in WV</div><div class="ubbcode-body">From what I've been reading FFP would be the best choice. Still I have no experience with scopes and keep learning as I go. Also it sounds as if I should go mil/mil? </div></div>
I like my FFP from USO. mil/mil seems to be what most here likes, seems to be...
Mine is MOA/MOA. But if you do FFP try & choose one with thin reticule. I would like mine much more if it had thinner reticule, or better yet if the cross hairs did not touch where they converge, leaving an little open "square" space in middle, and maybe little dot in the middle. I think USO has a reticule like what I have in mind but I can't remember name of it right now... C2 maybe? Idk maybe.....
Re: Choices on my first scope and new rifle...
You will not be disappointed with a NF F1. I think that is plenty of scope for a .308. I use a 5.5-22x for my 300 win mag and .338 lapua rifles. It's up to you on the magnification that you want, but when I get my next .308, I'll probably put the F1 3.5-15x on it... 15x is more than enough to get you out to 1k yards, if you desired.
You will not be disappointed with a NF F1. I think that is plenty of scope for a .308. I use a 5.5-22x for my 300 win mag and .338 lapua rifles. It's up to you on the magnification that you want, but when I get my next .308, I'll probably put the F1 3.5-15x on it... 15x is more than enough to get you out to 1k yards, if you desired.
