I am new to the world of LR shooting and just picked up a new Ruger American rifle in .308. I know it is a 22 in light barrel and that it is not for all that long of long distance... maybe out to 700-900 maybe. I am a disabled vet and am currently working at a rifle manufacturer, but have to quit soon or risk losing my SSA disability benefits. So I am on a budget, but have access to a great discount at most companies in the industry. So I want to get a decent scope for my needs and maybe something I can eventually put on a slightly upgraded rifle (i.e. a heavy barrel .308). I am looking at a Nikon 4.5-14x 40 Buckmaster mildot, right now, but was wondering if there is anything else within its price range. I have a max budget of about $300 (with my discount) and am looking at a scope in the price range of about $400-$500. Anyone have any ideas? Thanks!
Rifle Scopes Optic advice for a newbie on a budget!
- Thread starter AZRAEL I
- Start date
leupold 4-12
Go for the Weaver grand slam. I say that this is the best entry level scope out there:http://www.midwayusa.com/product/59...mm-1-10-mil-adjustments-mil-dot-reticle-matte
Sightron for about $500-$600 it's very hard to beat.
The vortex is a much better scope. You're going to need a base and rings, and a good combo runs about $200. He's just making that easy on you. If you aren't into a one piece mount, I would try to deal with him for just the scope. It will be more than $300, but you really can't beat it's value. It's the next increment about entry level, but well worth it.
Hi AZRAEL I,
About the only good inexpensive scope I've not seen already listed on this thread is the Mueller. It is far from fancy and substantially below the Vortex, but it's also priced right around two hundred bucks retail and has surprisingly good optical clarity.
Yours,
David
About the only good inexpensive scope I've not seen already listed on this thread is the Mueller. It is far from fancy and substantially below the Vortex, but it's also priced right around two hundred bucks retail and has surprisingly good optical clarity.
Yours,
David
Optics are like women, You get bored quick and they are expensive to upgrade. Might as well do it right the first time.
As I said, I have about 2 weeks left of my job and then back to taking scraps from the government... 
Money is super tight when the government refuses to pay what they owe you. I have been fighting the VA now for 8 years and am on my 3rd appeal. If and when they ever give me the full amount I am suppose to have, then I will buy a great scope. At this time, I just can't afford it this close to the end of a job. I may be able to do a partial trade... a super great discount on a rifle my company makes. It is not a long distance rifle, but hey, everyone needs a good lever gun... That and $300 cash...
Money is super tight when the government refuses to pay what they owe you. I have been fighting the VA now for 8 years and am on my 3rd appeal. If and when they ever give me the full amount I am suppose to have, then I will buy a great scope. At this time, I just can't afford it this close to the end of a job. I may be able to do a partial trade... a super great discount on a rifle my company makes. It is not a long distance rifle, but hey, everyone needs a good lever gun... That and $300 cash...Midway has the Bushnell 3200 10x for $199.99 with free shipping right now. No personal experience but have heard it's one of the better scopes in its price range.
Check out this gentleman's write up and videos on a budget Remington 700 build with this scope:
http://8541tactical.com/budget precision article.php
Check out this gentleman's write up and videos on a budget Remington 700 build with this scope:
http://8541tactical.com/budget precision article.php
IMHO the Ruger American is a hunting rifle and should be glassed accordingly. Dont get me wrong, you can hit the same targets as a long range rifle, just have to let the barrel cool more often.
For $300-500 you can find a decent dual purpose scope (i/e Vortex HS, SWFA SS, Weaver and Vortex midway specials), but on a sporter I like to glass it more along the line of a hunting scope. In that I mean capped or exposed turrets that are shorter and high speed to dial out very quickly.
The Leupold VX3 and the VX-R are nice scopes and can be had with CDS elevation turrets. They fit and balance well on a sporter/ walking rifle.
If you do want a scope that can be transferred over to a dual purpose rifle the Vortex HS may be in your budget. Exposed elevation with 1/2 moa increments.
Either way you will be well served with either Leupold or Vortex. There are others, but if you are on a tight budget you really do not want to throw money away on a cheap scope.
For $300-500 you can find a decent dual purpose scope (i/e Vortex HS, SWFA SS, Weaver and Vortex midway specials), but on a sporter I like to glass it more along the line of a hunting scope. In that I mean capped or exposed turrets that are shorter and high speed to dial out very quickly.
The Leupold VX3 and the VX-R are nice scopes and can be had with CDS elevation turrets. They fit and balance well on a sporter/ walking rifle.
If you do want a scope that can be transferred over to a dual purpose rifle the Vortex HS may be in your budget. Exposed elevation with 1/2 moa increments.
Either way you will be well served with either Leupold or Vortex. There are others, but if you are on a tight budget you really do not want to throw money away on a cheap scope.
Just ordered this...
http://www.vortexoptics.com/product...50-riflescope-with-ebr-1-mrad-reticle/reticle
Got a sweet deal on it.... I am gonna miss being in the industry.....
http://www.vortexoptics.com/product...50-riflescope-with-ebr-1-mrad-reticle/reticle
Got a sweet deal on it.... I am gonna miss being in the industry.....
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