Rifle Scopes Scope for Tikka Sporter .260, help appreicated!

[Kirk111]

I have a Tikka Sporter .260, 24" barrel on the way. I need to get a scope for it and could use some help. My purpose for the equipment will be 90% range work and 10% hunting. So getting the 10x would be limiting though I think I could live with it for this season. One other thing... My eyes are getting worse. I'm 20/20 but close vision is starting to suffer. They're okay now, but not sure if that should make me err toward more magnification.

Initially, I had identified the SWFA SS 10x42 (if I need to keep price down), Leupold Mark 4 3-12 (cant remember exact range) FFP, and NF NXS F1 3.5-15 FF. The Nightforce seemed to be just the right choice, but since I'm going to be spending more on .260 ammo and learning to reload, etc, I think a compromise would be best.

So my top choices are:

1. Bushnell 3-21x50 G2-DMR ( really don't know why the 6-24 is listing $300 or so less)
2. Bushnell 6-24 G2-DMR (don't know much about this one)
3. SWFA SS 10x42 (this would allow a lot more money to invest in training and reloading, ammo, etc.)

I have used none of these and have been relying on research online. I would never have thought I'd go with Bushnell until reading on the hide. The Bushnell 3-21 x seems perfect for my uses. What do you guys think? Is there another brand I should consider? Should I reach for the Leupold? Get the SWFA SS and concentrate on training?

Thanks for your help!

 

[kmose73]

I put a swfa 3-9 on my light hunting rig and I am very happy so far. As far as I'm concerned its a steal for what I paid. Light and compact, simple and clear.

 

[leadbullet]

SWFA 3-9 or their newer 3-15 would be my top choices for cost/quality.

 

[Crosshair]

I think the Bushy G2DMR would be a great fit for that awesome rifle. The SS 10x would get you going for $300, but I'm guessing for range work past 100y, you'll be wanting for more magnification eventually. Others to look at comparable to the DMR, would be:
Sightron SIII 6-24x50
SWFA SS 5-20x50
Vortex PST 6-24x50
Weaver Tac 4-20x50

My overall favorite pick would probably be the SS 5-20x50. Great glass, 10mils per rev, 10 mils of holdover in reticle, FFP, tons of elevation. But, the G2 reticle in the Bushy is pretty cool. The tracking and glass on the Sightron SIII's are flawless. The PST has best warranty in the biz. Lots of great choices these days!
Might keep an eye out for a used Nightforce, though I'd want matching reticle/turret units for sure.

 

[Joop]

I own both Bushnells that you listed, but the 6-24x50 is the mildot reticle (but still FFP). Those would be my choices. The 6-24 if on a budget and the 3.5-21 G2DMR if you can afford it. The DMR is more because it's a 34mm tube with a better (IMO) magnification range, adjustment range and better glass. The 6-24 is still an excellent scope for the money. You would be happy with either, I think. Can't speak for the SWFA, as the only ones I've been behind were not the HD models and they paled in comparison to the two Bushnells you're looking at.

 

[Kirk111]

I may be confused... I saw this post on the hide about the 6-24 getting the G2DMR. Did this not happen?

New Reticle for Bushnell Elite Tactical 6-24 X 50mm


Ahhh, I just noticed the note below it saying that must have been a mistake.

 

[Kirk111]

I haven't heard anything about the SWFA variable power scopes. I've seen ads for those. I'll have to check that out. Lot of info on the Bushnells. I have to say I hesitate to buy Bushnell. I know they purchased B&L but I have no idea about the quality of the older B&L scopes either. I'm sure it's unfounded, but Leupold seems more time tested and trustworthy as does Nightforce. I guess it would be good to hear more feedback on the Bushnells. I'll also check out the other brands you guys have mentioned.

 

[Joop]

I may be confused... I saw this post on the hide about the 6-24 getting the G2DMR. Did this not happen?

New Reticle for Bushnell Elite Tactical 6-24 X 50mm


Ahhh, I just noticed the note below it saying that must have been a mistake.

Yes, they're available with the G2. At the time I got mine, they were not, but a year or so ago they started making them.

 

[Kirk111]

Bushnell doesn't even list the G2DMR on their website under the 6-24, but I found it on OpticsPlanet. I do really like the 3x magnification for quick target acquisition in hunting situations. I'm sure 6x would be fine but 3-21 seems perfect.

 

[Joop]

Bushnell's site is famous for being out of whack or incomplete. Their higher end scopes are all good to go, though.

 

[Kirk111]

I already mentioned this to you Joop, but I thought it would be good to mention here. $500 bucks more for zero stop on the Bushnell 3-21 G2DMR? Seems excessive. Any thoughts? I like the price of the non-zero stop model.

 

[kimberfan]

Bushnell G2DMR 3.5-21x hands down, i have one with a horus H58 and LOVE it.

 

[Joop]

I already mentioned this to you Joop, but I thought it would be good to mention here. $500 bucks more for zero stop on the Bushnell 3-21 G2DMR? Seems excessive. Any thoughts? I like the price of the non-zero stop model.

I have the one with zero stops. Is it really "needed"? No. But I sure do like it.

 

[Cobracutter]

Im putting one of my G2DMR's on my Tikka .260. Its hard to beat that scope under $2K.

Its going to be hard to find a used one under 1100 or so, add in some 34mm rings and you are looking at $1250 or so.

I would also look hard at the 3-15 from SWFA. $699 new, around 600 used... FFP, mil/mil, good glass, great warranty and you can sell it for close what you have into it. Its a better value than the vortex's

I had a SS 10X on one of my old .308 bolt guns and for shooting close paper its fine, but you really want something with less power for hunting and more power for shooting at range.

 

[Kirk111]

I really am leaning toward the Bushnell 3-21x G2DMR. I like that reticle a lot. Not busy but lots of options. I was curious to see if anyone spoke up about build issues or service problems with them. But every company has some issues.

Cobra: Let me know how your Sporter .260 shoots. I'm sure it's great.

 

[Cobracutter]

Check out the BUSET6245FG too. 30 MM so a little less elevation and magnification ratio, but at around $950 a good price new with the G2 retticle. I would take that over the comparable vortex.

 

[calling4life]

I've got the xrs on my sporter, 4.5-30, sounds like the perfect scope for you. One of our vendors can get ya a good price.

 

[Kirk111]

Thanks everyone for your help.