I am wanting to get into tactical shooting as a hobbie not trying to be number 1 but also not wanting to be last. I read the sticky on the top shooters equipment and thought it was a great help. I would like to know what kind of power settings the top shooters use on there scopes. I am thinking about around a 3-20x50 but would like to know from people who have experience in this type of shooting.
- Thread starter b1c2r3r4
- Start date
Opinion is what you'll get. Mine is that it depends (surprised right?) on range, type of shooting, and personal preference. My opinion for the precision rifle matches that you mention is 4-16 power. Clarity is far more important that power though. Budget money for the best glass you can afford, then add a few hundred dollars. I cannot emphasize enough the importance of quality glass. I would much prefer my NF on 6 power to an inferior scope on 10, 12, or 20. I think your thoughts above about the 3-20x50 range are about right. I shot with a 6.5-20x50 mark4 for a while (really liked it), and I now use a NF F1 3.5-15x50. I don't really miss the higher power except when measuring subtension, but I'm glad to have the low end and the extra (IMO) usability of the scope.
Just my thoughts so YMMV, but go for quality over quantity (power).
Just my thoughts so YMMV, but go for quality over quantity (power).
Thanks pinsandpitons for your help. I understand about it being up to the shooter. I just don't want to spend the money and find out I have to high a power like for f class or to low a power to were I can't see plates at 1200 meters. That is why I was asking what the top shooters had.
I use a 4-14 (Vortex PST) power for matches to 600 yards (KD) and a 5-20 (SWFA and Vortex Razor) for matches to 1000 yard (UKD). 20 power is more than enough to see/shoot targets to 1000. Where it would be nice to have a little more power is for ranging targets.
I will second the recommendation above for buying quality glass.
I will second the recommendation above for buying quality glass.
You will not have trouble seeing plates at 1200 meters even with a 8 or 10 power scope... provided the glass quality and optical engineering is up to snuff. I shoot to 1200 with a 3.5-15 and only miss the higher powers for ranging UKD.
Save up and find a used Nightforce 5.5-22 for $1400-1500. If thats too much cash, a Vortex PST 6-24 or 4-16 is a good choice. If you're really cash-strapped, a SS or Bushnell 10x will get you into the game. Read and learn what FFP vs SFP means and which would work better for you. Figure out what kind of distances you'll have available and how far you want to shoot. Decide if you'll ever be hunting with this rifle.
i am going to get a dmr g2dmr reticle but i did not want this thread to be about which scope is better but only about ball park power settings. thanks for everyones replies i really appreciate the help. Bruce Jones
yes i will be hunting with this rig also.
yes i will be hunting with this rig also.
I have the Bushy DMR and XRS and like them both a lot but keep in mind for hunting that the reticle will be really small at the lower powers with ffp scopes. This is not the best set up for hunting because the higher the power on the scope the darker the image looks and the lower the power the smaller the reticle gets so you won't be able to extend your hunts too much. It could still be usable for hunting just not the optimum setup for hunting IMO.
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I wouldn't let it discourage you too much because it is a really good value scope. It's just not something I would have know before buying my first ffp scope.
