Rifle Scopes Entry level scope for 100-400 yards

[Smolphry]

I'm just starting my journey into long range shooting. I've only shot out to 100 a handful of times. Over the weekend I picked up a savage 110 in 300wm for a good deal. I know it's not ideal for starting but its what I've chosen to go with.

I'm looking for some suggestions on scopes in the $300-$500 range. So far I've looked into Leupold, Burris, bushnell, and Vortex. My local range goes out to 400 so I don't want to waste money on excessive magnification until that time comes. I'm also a little unsure on whether or not to go mils or moa. The extent of my experience there is zeroing red dots on rifles and pistols.

 

[patriot07]

SWFA 10x, 12x, or 16x, or potentially a 3-15 if you can find one cheap. Best low-end optic for precision long-ish range shooting IMHO.

 

[gr8fuldoug]

Take a peek at this
Argos BTR Review
Athlon Argos BTR 6-24x50 and Athlon Talos BTR 4-14x44 Riflescopes

 

[S_R]

For 650 you can get Nikon FX1000 or 750 for Vortex PST II. Just safe a little, for better scopes that bring you to 1000 yards.

 

[jwood1284]

SWFA 10x or 12x mil-quad. Rugged, good glass, great reticle, and they track like a Louisiana bloodhound.

 

[supercorndogs]

Take a peek at this
Argos BTR Review
Athlon Argos BTR 6-24x50 and Athlon Talos BTR 4-14x44 Riflescopes

I had a couple of these. For a cheap option I prefer it to the SWFA.

 

[koshkin]

I like a lot of the Athlon products, but Argos leaves me a bit cold to be honest. I really like Athlon products from Midas TAC and up.

In the $300-$400 range, SWFA SS fixed power should really be at the top of your list.

With variable scopes, I was pleasantly surprised by Vortex Diamondback Tactical 4-16x44. Mind you, there is nothing hugely noteworthy about the optical performance of the Diamondback Tactical, but it is OK for the money. The turrets tracked well for the 8 mrad that I checked. The attraction of this scope is that you get the EBR-2C reticle for not a lot of money. If you decide to step up to PST Gen 2 or Razor later, you have a very familiar reticle look.

ILya

 

[Shankin]

The Athlon Argos BTR 6-24x50 has served me very well. Granted, the longest range that I have access to at the moment is 600yds, but the Argos hasn’t let me down.

 

[Smolphry]

Thank you all for jumping in with some great suggestions. I've never heard of SFWA but I'll definitely be doing some more digging into them and Athlon. Much appreciation to everyone.

 

[stilesg57]

SWFA 12x42 SS 30mm Riflescope

SWFA 12x42 SS 30mm Riflescope Details SKU: SS12X42MQ Finish: Matte Reticle: MIL-Quad Tube Diameter (mm): 30 Elevation Knob: Exposed Target (.1 MIL) Windage Knob: Exposed Target (.1 MIL) Parallax Setting: Rear Focus Focal Plane: Second

www.swfa.com

You have to double — or even triple — your spend to do any better.

 

[Smolphry]

SWFA 12x42 SS 30mm Riflescope

SWFA 12x42 SS 30mm Riflescope Details SKU: SS12X42MQ Finish: Matte Reticle: MIL-Quad Tube Diameter (mm): 30 Elevation Knob: Exposed Target (.1 MIL) Windage Knob: Exposed Target (.1 MIL) Parallax Setting: Rear Focus Focal Plane: Second

www.swfa.com

You have to double — or even triple — your spend to do any better.

I think this is the route I'm going to go. I don't see any reason to go variable considering what I'm doing.

 

[Shankin]

Variable will give you a little more flexibility in the event you decide to hunt with the rifle or something along those lines, but the SWFA is def a good choice. I’m building a .223 Howa for my wife, and it’s one of the scopes I’m considering putting on there (the other 2 being the Falcon M18+ and the Athlon Argos BTR).

 

[One1Bravo]

Athlon Midas Tac gets my vote. Only reason I'm not keeping mine is because I picked up an Ares ETR. The Tac impressed me

 

[Jayhawkhuntclub]

Another vote for SWFA 10 or 12x.
AND your timing is great. SWFA always have a tax day sale. My guess is it will start on April 12th.

 

[Campguy308]

SWFA fixed power all day long. If you get tired of it, you can use it for a hammer, and still shoot it later

 

[stilesg57]

Another vote for SWFA 10 or 12x.
AND your timing is great. SWFA always have a tax day sale. My guess is it will start on April 12th.

Oh I forgot about that (it’s twice a year usually, tax day and Black Friday). Yeah at ~$250 they really can’t be beat. I may pick up another, or see if they finally put a decent reticle in their ultralight.

 

[TheGerman]

Buys a 300WM.

Wants to shoot at less than 400 yards.

 

[Combloc]

SWFA fixed