Rifle Scopes Budget Build Optic Options

[thebda]

I'm looking to put together my first bolt gun and I'm looking for some advice. I'd like to keep the total cost down around $1100. I'll be shooting .308 from a Savage Model 10 or Remington 700 (feel free to chime in with thoughts on which to pick, both companies make way to many tactical models). The inspiration of this rifle was last weekend when I went with a few friends to see them shoot at a private 1000 yard range. I know shooting .308 I'll likely be somewhat limited reaching to 1000 so I'd like to shoot for 800 yards as my main target. From what I've been reading I'll need something in the 14-16 power range or greater and I'd like to get something with consistent units (mil-mil). Easy to use turrets for a beginner are also a plus (zero stops and easy identification of what turn i'm on) From this I'm looking at a 300-400 dollar scope budget with $100 or so more for rings and a base (might spring a little more for the TPS ones)

At first I was thinking of going with the Millett 4-16 as it seems to have nice features and value but there's quite a few posts of people having trouble with theirs falling apart.

Then I looked at the Vortex Viper HS 5-15 that's a Midway exclusive. It's $100 more but looks to provide a much higher level of quality and the customer service appears much better. Only problem is it's sold out with an expected in stock date of August.

Is the Vortex worth waiting for? Is there another scope in this range that could provide similar value? Even if it's a little more it may be worth it to be able to shoot with it for an extra 4 months.

 

[LSOSGT1109]

Re: Budget Build Optic Options

The Millett is a good scope for the money. I've had several TRS-1's and I still have one of them and I have never had any problems out of any of them. Yes, I have read the posts of people having problems with them but I've also ready posts of people having problems with every other kind of scope from Schmidt & Bender all the way down to the cheapest piece of Chinese crap. The TRS-1 will serve you well and their customer service is good.

Vortex is top notch when it comes to customer service, no doubt about it. I don't have any experience with the Viper HS scopes but the Razor and PST scopes are great. Is the HS worth waiting for? Well that is up to you and how long you want to wait. Either scope will serve you well. I wouldn't hesitate to reccommend the TRS-1 based on my experience with it and I wouldn't hesitate to reccommend the HS based on my experience with Vortex.

 

[thebda]

Budget Build Optic Options

Good to know. I kind of figured you always hear more negative about a product than positive. Any suggestions on the rifle (Sorry if it's a little off topic) I'm thinking a 700 SPS Varmint due to the ease of upgrade on the 700 action.

 

[Force_Multiplier]

Re: Budget Build Optic Options

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: thebda</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Good to know. I kind of figured you always hear more negative about a product than positive. Any suggestions on the rifle (Sorry if it's a little off topic) I'm thinking a 700 SPS Varmint due to the ease of upgrade on the 700 action.</div></div>

actually the Savage is EASIER to upgrade.. the Rem 700 just has a bigger following, so if you're interested in resale value, the Rem is the way to go... if you just want a shooter, think about the Savage, it'll save a little $$ over time, but never be as "sexy"

 

[rusty815]

Re: Budget Build Optic Options

Go with the Savage, all the upgrades can be done by the user, for the Remington you need to take to a smith for changing some things like the barrel. Also there is a plethora of aftermarket parts, don't think that just because the Remington has more that you won't have a lot to choose from for the Savage, because you will.

Now on the scope, any Vortex would be a great option, but if you want something in FFP, your only option for your price range would be the Falcon Menace 4-14 FFP scope.

 

[thebda]

Re: Budget Build Optic Options

I ended up getting the Vortex. I figured this gives me a few months to get my rifle sorted out and find a deal. A friend has a heavy barrel savage 10 of some variety with about 40 rounds down it for $900. This seems pretty steep unless it has one of the McMillan stocks on it. On the upside he says he's gonna include the 20 moa base that's on it and let me test shoot it to prove it's shooting 1/2" groups with his hand-loads.

 

[uncledog57]

Re: Budget Build Optic Options

Sounds like a Savage-Vortex set up for you to me? I have a new Savage LRP 6.5CM With a Vortex on it and love it! I'm shooting bug holes with it. Good luck with yournew set up and welcome to the shooting sports!!!

 

[thebda]

Re: Budget Build Optic Options

Not sure, I'm gonna look for a good deal on an entry level Remington or Savage. If the MSRP for both is any indication the Remington's appear slightly cheaper but it's hard to say I haven't been able to find many online retailers with more than 1 or two of each brand to get a good comparison going. I'm thinking of going with the full size models, not the 20" since I want to push it out to 800+.

 

[LSOSGT1109]

Re: Budget Build Optic Options

For stock factory rifles, I like the Savage better. The 10FP in .308 comes with a 1:10 twist barrel compared to the Remington's 1:12. The faster twist will stabalize the heavier bullets better. I've had several Savages and all have been great shooters.

 

[uncledog57]

Re: Budget Build Optic Options

Yeah it is hard to do a real comparison. Maybe if you live close to a range you can go down and ask to see some of the guys rifles? We got lucky and Savage did a day at the range day where I live and I got to shoot a bunch of their rifles before I bought it.
The guys are pretty good about letting people check out their stuff! shooters have a "pass it" on mentality. The idea is to get more people interested in the sport! Don't be afraid to ask. I don't know anyone that would not let someone check out their guns?