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Rifle Scopes Scope for long range beginner

8

82crawler

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Full Member
Minuteman
Oct 17, 2013
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Hello everyone

I'm an experienced shooter but new to long range. I'm looking at a couple scope options and trying to stay under $400
weaver tactical grand slam 3-10x40
vortex viper 6.5-20x50 (slightly over budget)

Rifle is a Remington 700 sps tactical heavy barrel I would like to shoot out to 600 with this setup

I know it's been covered 100 times I've read a lot but I would like opinions on these and suggestions of other scopes to consider

Thanks
 
Scope for long range beginner

10x Mil/Mil Super Sniper. $299

Magnification on a $400 scope is a tourist trap.
 
Scope for long range beginner
10x Mil/Mil Super Sniper. $299

+1
Plus great warranty and custom service I have had
 
Nikon Mornach or Leupold VX 3, u can search on ebay and find some great deal under $400.
 
So u guys don't think the vortex is a good option. I've read good things about the and compared side by side with leupold glass looked equal
 
Scope for long range beginner

The top end Vortex are quite good. The bottom end not so much. The PST is OK, but the eyebox is not very forgiving.
 
The Vortex 6.5-20x44 and x50 are both good scopes for $400. They are the bare minimum though, for reasonable performance at anything above 12x, IMO. The $400 is probably better spent on a 10x or 12x SS mainly for matching units and proven tracking. The Vortex PA is a mil dot reticle paired with moa adjustments. I don't know of any other of the "higher mag" glass offerings in that price range I'd trust. If you need more than 12x, and need clarity, reliable tracking and matching units, save up more cash 'til you hit $700ish on the low end. The Weaver mentioned is also very good for $300
 
I'm only shooting steel for now I think 10x will be enough though I do want variable. I'm thinking the weaver may be the one
 
BUshy 10X or SS 10X Fixed MIL/MIL

Cant go wrong with the price and they will do everything you need it to.
 
Another vote for the $299 fixed 10x42 SS, mil/mil. Does what you need, has OK turrets and adjustable parallax. Under $400 is not the range where you get much for any long distance use. If you just must have a zoom, the Burris MTAC 3.5-10x42mm would get my vote, but I don't know if it will be as repeatable and durable as the SS.
 
82crawler said:
I'm only shooting steel for now I think 10x will be enough though I do want variable. I'm thinking the weaver may be the one
Click to expand...
Lowlight did a review on the Weaver that was very favorable. He then sent that very scope to a friend of mine. I looked through it and was impressed with how good it was. It really is a decent little scope.
 
yes ss 20x works good too. you have a 6-24 it stays on 24, 3.5-10 is always on 10. so the fixed scope is stronger too.
 
The Vortex you mentioned isn't a bad optic but it is nothing like the upper end of their product line. Personally I wouldn't consider anything less then the Viper PST line and that doesn't fit your budget. The Bushnell mentioned is an excellent choice.
 
I have the Vortex Viper 6.5-20x50 PA with the mil dot reticule and the moa turrets. Im a lot like the op and a "beginner" long range guy. But i have found the scope to be great. Shooting on the lower power is great for steel or switching targets. But the ability to go up to 20x and still have it be clear enough to see the bullet holes (and still look pretty good IMO) is nice for when im more shooting for groups. I find it to be a pretty good all around scope and am glad i got it as it really lets me get familiar with both just long range shooting, "tactical" type shooting, and shooting for groups wiht one scope. Not that a 10x wouldnt let you but IMO the variable power makes it a bit nicer.

I also have a Vortex 2.5-10 HS which is a nice scope as well and worth checking out. Ive been enjoying it on my 300blk AR.


And glad i saw this thread as the fixed power might be what goes on the new 223 AR upper that i am planning to build this weekend :)
 
What I like about the Vortex 6.5-20x is that the mildot reticle is calibrated to subtend correctly @ 14x, instead of max power like a lot of higher power mildot scopes do. You can actually use it as a moa-dot reticle by dialing down to around 9x to make it subtend 2 moa per dot spacing. You'd have to measure it exactly by setting up a yardstick at 100 yards and marking the magnification ring when it measured up perfectly. Instant matching units in moa/moa. Can also be calculated and marked at higher mag settings at 3moa and 4moa spacing. Food for thought.
 
I found a good deal on a Nikon Buckmasters 4.5-14x40

it has the target turrets and standard turrets

MIL reticle but MOA adjustments (I understand this isn't ideal)

it's a good deal but will it work good enough
 
Last edited:
82crawler said:
I found a good deal on a Nikon Buckmasters 4.5-14x40

it has the target turrets and standard turrets

MIL reticle but MOA adjustments (I understand this isn't ideal)

it's a good deal but will it work good enough
Click to expand...
A 'good deal', meaning what? Working 'good enough' meaning what?

If you simply want what you want, then don't ask, just buy it and find out. Your mistake will be limited to the price of the item plus the ammo you waste.

But the problems we talked about, for the purposes you gave, remain regardless of you getting a 'deal'.
 
The SWFA SS 10x42 is available in mil-mil. It's really a no-brainer. If you do a search here on the hide there are several posts about the quality of this scope. If I hadn't come across an S&B for a price I couldn't refuse it world have been my go to scope. Probably still going to pick one up for some of my other rifles.

I'd pay attention to Graham, he knows what he's talking about.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk - now Free
 
I own two of the Weaver GS Tactical 3-10x40 mil/mil MidwayUSA specials. They are very good scopes; they track well and have good clarity, especially considering the price point.

That said, if the rifle is solely a range toy there's no real need for a variable IMO and you'd be better served by something like the SWFA SS 12x.
 
Advice taken not sure if I'm gonna get the ss fixed power or save for something better
 
Midway special vortex hs 5-15x44 has a Mildot reticle and 1/10 mil adjustments. It is second focal plane but a very nice little scope. They are 499.00. It is not nearly as nice as my high end scopes but it just works.
 
2G5MK said:
Midway special vortex hs 5-15x44 has a Mildot reticle and 1/10 mil adjustments. It is second focal plane but a very nice little scope. They are 499.00. It is not nearly as nice as my high end scopes but it just works.
Click to expand...

That model has been discontinued...though they do float around classifieds sections for $375-425.
 
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