Rifle Scopes Budget Scope

[JBSavage11]

Well, this is my first post to the hide, but I have been a long time lurker here. I currently have a Vortex Diamondback 4-12X40 (non adjustable objective lens) scope on my Savage Model 11 (.308) that I use for deer hunting as well as target shooting at the range. However, after owning it for about 2 years I have grown to dislike the incredibly short eye relief as well as the finicky eye position at maximum magnification.


The budget that I have for the new scope is around $500. I have been considering purchasing a Nikon Monarch 4-16x42 or Vortex Viper HS 4-16x44(Not the Long Range Model). I wanted to see what the opinions of these two scopes were & which one would better suit my needs. I'm open to other options as well.

Thanks

 

[ShadowsEye]

Re: Budget Scope

I would pick Vortex over Nikon any day of the week. Both are made in the Philippines I believe, but Vortex has an awesome Warranty/Customer Service reputation, so I went with them.

 

[z71rat]

Re: Budget Scope

There is no way that I would insult my Savage with a Nikon. Vortex all the way, any day of the week, and twice on Sunday, 3 extra times on Leap Year.

Give Mike @ CSTactical a shout, he will hook you up!!

DK

 

[JBSavage11]

Re: Budget Scope

That's the one I've been leaning towards. I've heard that their customer service/warranty is outstanding. The reticle on the Vortex is thin, which is great for target shooting, but I was wondering how it would perform hunting.

 

[JBSavage11]

Re: Budget Scope

After looking around here, it seems that the Midway exclusive Vortex viper hs 5-15x44 has some pretty impressive features for the $500 price tag. I really like the idea of the mil/mil scope & the zero stops, which seems pretty good at this price point. This seems like an excellent buy for a target shooting scope. However, I am questioning how usable it would be in a deer hunting application, because of the lack of low end magnification,since this will be a dual purpose rig.

Or should I continue to look at the, previously mentioned, Vortex viper hs 4-16x44? Also, would it be safe to assume that the glass & clarity between the 2 scopes should be pretty much the same. Any help or direction towards my new purchase is appreciated.

 

[Travis S]

Re: Budget Scope

Get the midway scope and a pair of vinous and call it a day.

 

[BoilerUP]

Re: Budget Scope

Another vote for the Vortex Viper HS 5-15x44...I've got two and am seriously thinking of buying one or two more.

As for the suitability of that scope for hunting...I used mine last weekend on my 223AI and was pretty impressed. The min 5x power was not restrictive for me, even hunting a thickly wooded creek bottom. Field of view (on paper at least) is very similar to the Weaver EMDR @ 3x. No issues with low-light performance either.

Terribly out-of-focus (I was damn cold!) photographic evidence:

If you're not entirely sold on the Viper HS 5-15x, get the Weaver GS Tactical 3-10x40. I've got two of those too, and they are very well suited for a dual-purpose role.

 

[HD1911]

Re: Budget Scope

^^^I agree that the Weaver 3-10x mil/mil would be a great choice. If a straight 10x would work, the Bushnell fixed 10x mil/mil is really an excellent scope.

 

[JBSavage11]

Re: Budget Scope

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BoilerUP</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Another vote for the Vortex Viper HS 5-15x44...I've got two and am seriously thinking of buying one or two more.

As for the suitability of that scope for hunting...I used mine last weekend on my 223AI and was pretty impressed. The min 5x power was not restrictive for me, even hunting a thickly wooded creek bottom. Field of view (on paper at least) is very similar to the Weaver EMDR @ 3x. No issues with low-light performance either.

Terribly out-of-focus (I was damn cold!) photographic evidence:

If you're not entirely sold on the Viper HS 5-15x, get the Weaver GS Tactical 3-10x40. I've got two of those too, and they are very well suited for a dual-purpose role. </div></div>

Thanks Boiler! This was exactly the information that I was looking for. I think that I'm sold on the Midway exclusive Viper Hs 5-15x44.

Now I just need some rings and I'm thinking of upgrading to a one piece base while I'm at it. The rings that I've been looking at are TPS TSR Steel rings. Also if I'm spending that much $$ on rings I take it that they should be GTG and I shouldn't have to lap them. Correct?

The base that I'm looking at is the EGW 1 piece O MOA w/torx screws for the round back receiver (I'm pretty sure it's a round back, weapon was purchased new in 2006 & does not have accutrigger). Does this base seem to fit the bill?

I'm open to suggestions for either, I'm just trying to do this right the first time and am looking for the best bang for the dollar.

Thanks

 

[BoilerUP]

Re: Budget Scope

If you have a round-back action I recommend the Weaver 20MOA extended multi-slot base...about $30 from Amazon.

I previously had two (one on a rifle I sold, another which was replaced with an EGW 25MOA base because I had an elevation-limited scope) and they worked just as well as the EGWs.

 

[JBSavage11]

Re: Budget Scope

Not sure if I need the 20 MOA version (the longest range I have access to is about 225 yards), but the price is pretty compelling. Especially, since it already comes with the torx screws.

 

[JBSavage11]

Re: Budget Scope

Anyone have suggestions for rings. The rings that I've been looking at are TPS TSR Steel rings or Burris signature Zee rings. I have zero experience with either and would like to try to keep the cost of the rings under $80 without having to lap them. I'm open to other suggestions too.

 

[BoilerUP]

Re: Budget Scope

I use Burris Signature Zee 1" medium rings with 20MOA inserts for the Weaver 3-10x40 on my Savage FV-SR. They aren't the bestest rings in the world, but they hold the scope like they're supposed to, stay tight on the rail, and allow me to get extra elevation without buying a 20MOA base.

I've also got Burris XTR 30mm lows on my two Savages, one a 223AI and one a 260. I know plenty of folks say XTRs need lapping and/or are shit rings...but I've had no issues with mine and they haven't been lapped. Again, they aren't the "best" rings but for my uses (trips to the range and hunting) they do what they're supposed to do.

Badger, Seekins, TPS, Warne are all good options as well.

 

[BenY 2013]

Re: Budget Scope

I run TPS TSR low rings with my Midway exclusive 5-15 Vortex scope and it shoots like a champ! Seems like I read somewhere that the TPS rings don't need lapping; however I think any rings could benefit from lapping. But I haven't lapped my rings and it shoots great!

 

[JBSavage11]

Re: Budget Scope

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: MtnCreek</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'm pretty sure it's a round back, weapon was purchased new in 2006 & does not have accutrigger</div></div>

If it's round back, the rear of the receiver will be round, if not, it will be flat. Pretty easy to tell.

In the woods around here, 5 power can be a pain sometimes. I've hunted and taken deer at close range w/ scopes w/ lowest power at 5 - 6 power, but a 3x is much better in my opinion.

I have one of those midway 5-15; mine has been a good scope. I would gladly pay a little more if they would offer it w/ ill...

For a hunting rifle around here (and close to your budget), it's hard to beat a VX3.



</div></div>

Yeah, I took a look last night & it is a round back...

 

[Joop]

Re: Budget Scope

I've got the Nikon scope that you mentioned. It's a great scope for the money and I have no regrets. However, given the choices that have come out since I bought it, I would definitely go with some of the others mentioned, specifically for the mil/mil capability, which the Nikon lacks.