Rifle Scopes Scope options for ~$800

[sautter_98]

Hiya all, first post on the hide, but have been lurking for a while.
I have a .308 Rem 700 SPS Tactical (the one with the 20" fluted/threaded barrel), and have been using a 2-7x32 Vortex Viper that I had on hand to start working up loads and getting the hang of it. I determined that I need more power to reach much further than 200 yards to get good results, for both target shooting and hunting; I also want to get into some of the casual "tactical" matches as well. I like the 2-7 Viper a lot, and it was great on my AR, but I think an upgrade is necessary to take advantage of the new rifle.

I have considered the following options:
Vortex Viper PST 4-16 FFP/EBR1/Mil adjustments
Weaver 3-15 FFP/Enhanced Mil-dot/Mil adjustments
SWFA 3-15 FFP/Mil-Quad/Mil adjustments

I've never used mil-dots or Mil adjustments, and want to get my max effective range to 800yds, with the opportunity to stretch to 1k if any matches require, once I get my skill up of course. I do have a 20 MOA EGW base.

I've also considered the Leupold Mk4 line, but the mil adjustments are out of my budget right now.
I like my current Viper, but I've heard their 4-16 is somewhat less competitive in the glass arena. Otherwise it sounds like a solid choice from what I've read.
I've been shooting for a long time, and Weaver has been one of those brands that I've heard comments all over the spectrum, so that worries me.
I have heard good things about SWFA, but am not sure if it is a "store brand", and that support will be limited.

In summary, I want a variable with Max power at ~15x, Mil-dot reticle, and Mil adjustments; the SFP or FFP is not a deal breaker as i'll figure out to shoot it either way. I am looking for opinions on these options, as well as other suggestions for the intended use of Target shooting, matches, and hunting(varmint, deer, hog).

Thanks for any help, you all are a great bunch from what I've seen and I value your feedback.

 

[BCP]

Hiya all, first post on the hide, but have been lurking for a while.
I have a .308 Rem 700 SPS Tactical (the one with the 20" fluted/threaded barrel), and have been using a 2-7x32 Vortex Viper that I had on hand to start working up loads and getting the hang of it. I determined that I need more power to reach much further than 200 yards to get good results, for both target shooting and hunting; I also want to get into some of the casual "tactical" matches as well. I like the 2-7 Viper a lot, and it was great on my AR, but I think an upgrade is necessary to take advantage of the new rifle.

I have considered the following options:
Vortex Viper PST 4-16 FFP/EBR1/Mil adjustments
Weaver 3-15 FFP/Enhanced Mil-dot/Mil adjustments
SWFA 3-15 FFP/Mil-Quad/Mil adjustments

I've never used mil-dots or Mil adjustments, and want to get my max effective range to 800yds, with the opportunity to stretch to 1k if any matches require, once I get my skill up of course. I do have a 20 MOA EGW base.

I've also considered the Leupold Mk4 line, but the mil adjustments are out of my budget right now.
I like my current Viper, but I've heard their 4-16 is somewhat less competitive in the glass arena. Otherwise it sounds like a solid choice from what I've read.
I've been shooting for a long time, and Weaver has been one of those brands that I've heard comments all over the spectrum, so that worries me.
I have heard good things about SWFA, but am not sure if it is a "store brand", and that support will be limited.

In summary, I want a variable with Max power at ~15x, Mil-dot reticle, and Mil adjustments; the SFP or FFP is not a deal breaker as i'll figure out to shoot it either way. I am looking for opinions on these options, as well as other suggestions for the intended use of Target shooting, matches, and hunting(varmint, deer, hog).

Thanks for any help, you all are a great bunch from what I've seen and I value your feedback.

If you can get over the bouncy locking turrets the Weaver is an excellent scope with a lot to offer.

 

[tacticalpanda]

I have a weaver and like it. For the money it is a great value. The turrets aren't great but manageable. It's a few hundred less than the PST, which I've used and want to pick one up in the future. Have never used so can't comment.

 

[SugarBooger]

+2 on the weaver.
It's the only scope I've had on my AAC-SD and I've shot out to a grand with it just fine, can not comment on the other scopes

 

[Eblade2004]

I'm a big Vortex fan, they offer a feature filled scope at a reasonable price and they have a great warranty. My vote goes to the Vortex pst scopes.

 

[22dasher]

Another weaver fan here....great bang for the buck..

 

[bschneiderheinze]

Vortex clear repeatable and they have all the features plus the warranty

 

[jjrgr21]

keep in mind weavers customer service blows.

 

[JMGlasgow]

I vote Vortex. I have the Viper PST 4-16 second focal plane. Great scope for the money.

 

[coach4christ]

+3 on vortex.

 

[hk401]

1 for Vortex

 

[Papa Zero Three]

I'm a fan of Vortex and own/use one but I would also suggest that you go with the SWFA 3-15 x 42 FFP as it really does have a lot of good qualities given its price range. A good review on it by 8541 can be seen here SWFA 3-15x42mm Rifle Scope Review | 8541 Tactical

 

[fdkay]

I don't have any experience with it, but I don't think you can do much better than the SS 3-15, price is low and features high.
If illumination is important to you, then you'll need to consider either the weaver or vortex.
Another scope that you may want to consider is the Leupold Mark AR Mod 1 in the 4-12 variety. It is a standard mil-dot, one inch tube, sfp, mil/mil (around 4 bills IIRC)
What is really cool is that you now have 4 quality choices in your price range and you wouldn't go wrong with any of them.

 

[Night Eagle]

I think u should consider getting a straight 10 power scope like the swfa to start and get your long range bearings first. Save some coin while doing this and do more research and studying and buy a tier 1 scope with the variable power u want. 10 x is fine for what u want to accomplish now it will get you to 800 yrds no prob

Night eagle

 

[samnev]

The Vortex 4-16X50 PST FFP scope would be my choice. I have 2 and really like them. They can be had for $800 from Hide Vendors.