Rifle Scopes Optics Help Please...

[Flea21]

Ok without getting everything out there as a recommendation, I have a 338 Lapua and I want some good glass. Not looking to spend 10k but I dont want something cheap either. Im looking for something I wont be upgrading for awhile... Any good suggestions?

Fyi.. Budget varies, I have a family member that works at Opticsplanet and the discount is pretty substantial so that helps.. im thinking up to $2K or so.

 

[Flea21]

Also, Been looking at...

Swarovski
Zeiss
Kahles
Nightforce (But there is no discount with them)
Leupold

 

[PAGhillie]

It would be helpful to know wha t for kind of shooting your doing, what rifle and caliber,maxium distance you would like to reach. Ect.

 

[sib1948]

March F 3-24 42 mm nonilluminated. FFP IN MIL/mil or MOA/MOA. Great zero stop. $2260 from Kelby's. Can't go wrong, but can't get through OP. Search for reviews here on the Hide. You'll be amazed!

 

[Crosshair]

I'd opt for a FFP mil/mil setup. The SS 5-20x50 is an excellent bang for the buck at $1300. Tons of elevation adjustment and 10 mils per turn. Put the other $700 towards ammo. Or, if you want to spend more, next I'd go with the Vortex Razor 5-20x50. You gain zero stop and illumination and the best warranty in the biz. Glass is excellent on both. Nightforces are great, but really expensive to get into FFP.
Overall, the Razor is my pick because of how well protected it is by the warranty, you could smash the crap out of it and they'll send you a new one, which is a nice feeling to have when dropping 2k on an optic.

 

[ARKEMAXUS]

Yes, FFP, atleast 100moa or more elevation travel (I'd go mil/mil as well) and for a .338 you might as well have atleast a 20 power as it will be easier to spot misses (and hits) at extreme ranges. I bring this up because I was out shooting my .50 the other day at 2100 yards and could easily spot my misses in the dirt on 10x. Then, later on took that scope (USO) off the .50 and put it on my .300WM and it was harder seeing the misses at 2100 yards even on 20x because you're working with a smaller, projectile which doesn't have as much splash. Think about that as .338 projectiles aren't too much bigger than heavy .300WM projectiles, just my experience, take it for what it's worth. Better to have the power and not need it.

One more thing to think about is rugedness. Nightforce, USO and Schmidt and Bender have a reputation for being able to handle the punishment AND have great glass. Vortex does have an awesome warranty and I love my Viper PST so I'm guessing the glass is even better on a Razor, wonder how much punishment they can take...

 

[224Man]

Since Opticsplanet carries Vortex Optics I would imagine you could get the Vortex Razor 5-20 with a discount. As was posted above that is an excellent scope for the money especially for a 338. The other scopes Optics Planet carries I would consider is the newer Bushnell Tactical scopes in the 3.5-21x50 or the XRS 4.5-30x50. In Leupold I would consider the Mark 4 ERT 6.5-20x50 with a FFP Horus reticle and the M5 turrets. With the Leupold you will really be getting into dimishining marginal utility when compared to the value offered by the other options. For a 338 I would not even consider the Swarovski or other eurpoean scopes that are hunting focused without quality target turrets and good reticles. Obviously S&B and Hensoldt would be great but they are above your stated budget.
Regards,
224Man

 

[kmose73]

Or get a used USO SN-3 3.2-17 right here on the hide. I've seen them as low as $1700. Can't go wrong.

 

[mdmorrow]

I'd go for the used USO as well. Nightforce is great but make sure you get an FFP model. Once you use FFP you won't want anything else.

 

[Flea21]

I am strongly considering a Kahles 6×24×56 right now... Im just waiting for the opportunity to get one in my hands, I like it alot so far though.

 

[smschulz]

It's more than $2k but S&B is the only way to go, IMO.
Mine is overkill on my Rem700 5R but whenever I go to the 338 Lapua it will get yanked off fast.

 

[samnev]

For the money, ruggedness reliability I'd go with Nightforce of your choice. Plus they have great customer service if you ever need it. I have 6 NF scopes and none have ever had a problem so I have only called them for tech advice. My second choice would be USO also with great customer service and a top quality scope line.