Scope choice for 20” 308

LAcpa

Private
Minuteman
Oct 25, 2020
22
6
Louisiana
I am in the market for a scope for my factory Remington 700 308 20”. It is extremely accurate and will be used for deer and pig hunting to 400 yards. i can spend up to $2k on an optic and would like a scope that is worthy of the rifle’s capabilities. I was using a Zeiss V4 4-16x44, but didnt care for how heavy the Zmoa2 reticle is. Requirements/wants are listed below

1. Under 30 oz. i have to carry the rifle to some spots and that requires a good deal of walking.
2. 3-15x-ish magnification. I know I can hit my target with less magnification at 400 yards, BUT we have a management program where I hunt. That means I have to judge the animal on the hoof before I shoot and extra magnification is necessary. I have tried small spotting scopes, but deer and pigs dont always stand still and wait for me to get my act together, so I just use higher magnification scopes.
3. Visible reticle at lower magnification. FFP is probably what I will end up with, but that means an illuminated reticle since I will be using in low light conditions.
4. I am retired veteran, so I can get discounts on some brands such as Leupold and Steiner.
5. Capped windage or locking turret is preferable. I usually dial elevation and hold for wind.
6. Scope must hold zero. Repeatable adjustments are important as well, however, 400 yards is about the max effective range. I have more suitable calibers if i am hunting a spot with longer opportunities.

i am leaning towards Leupold Mark 5hd 3.6-18x44. Any other suggestions to consider?
 
Mark 5 would be a great choice. Here is a pic of mine on my varmint rifle.
20201109_185933.jpg
 
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which reticle are you using? I am leaning towards PR-1 moa. I think leupold has a PR-1 mil for 2021. Looks like same design as moa version, but they havent published subtensions yet.
Illuminated TMR. It's a great hunting recticle. I would definitely pay up for the illumination if you are going to hunt with it being an FFP optic since you will be on low power often.
 
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ATACR 4-16x42 F1 can be found in the PX for 1500-2000 and sometimes comes with a mount. The warranty is transferable so no worries about buying used.

It’s an amazing compact optic, tracks, maintains zero, locking elevation/zero hold/zerostop, capped windage (also comes with a thread protector if you want to protect the threads and run uncapped, comes with illumination, and will survive whatever you do to it. If you manage to break it or something goes wrong, their CS team is very responsive and has a fast turnaround.

Give em a call and ask about their individual mil/le purchase program. They’ll take care of ya.

Best of luck 🍻
 
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