Rifle Scopes Help me choose a scope, please!

[Papagallos]

Ok, so I have a budget of $2K for a scope. What should I buy? The primary application of the scope will be for steel/paper targets out to 1,000 yards or less. In fact, about 95% of my shots at steel/paper targets will be under 600 yards. Precision (MOA groups) work is more of what I have in mind than just practical hit work.

I'll employ the scope in hunts for varmint and deer, too. With this in mind, I'll probably have some shots under 100 yards. If I have a minimum power of at least 5, I think my field of view won't be too limited for this purpose.

I don't want the scope to have anything larger than a 50mm objective lens. A 56 mm would be too big in my opinion. Sure, it transmits more light and field of view is improved, however, bulky scopes aren't too aesthetic looking. And this is just my opinion.

As far as reticles go, I like dots and hash marks. The traditional duplex reticles are very limiting in relation to doping wind, etc. Illuminated reticles aren't my cup of tea either. Mil/mil or moa/moa? Still undecided in this arena of confusion. I've never used mils, but the comments on here suggest its easier to use than MOA.

Suggestions? Comments?

Thanks in advance.

 

[USACS]

Re: Help me choose a scope, please!

Vortex Razor HD
NightForce NXS 3.5-15x or 5.5-22x
IOR 3-18x or 6-24x

or,
Used USO SN-3
Used NF F1

 

[Papagallos]

Re: Help me choose a scope, please!

10-4. It's what I have narrowed my choices down to. I'm wondering if a used NF F1's reticle on low power will be too small to use for hunting or precision work. Or will the reticle be too big on the higher-end of the magnification. Hmmm

 

[aggiesig]

Re: Help me choose a scope, please!

the Vortex Razor has some reticles with a hollow middle, great in those instances where you've zoomed in a ton and the reticle might otherwise cover up the target.

 

[Papagallos]

Re: Help me choose a scope, please!

I'm a HUGE Longhorns fan. However, despite your aggieness, I believe you just made me aware of something I had overlooked.

 

[KE5MUJ]

Re: Help me choose a scope, please!

just got a NXS 5.5-22. I love mine.

As far as a FFP on low power for hunting, it could be a little fine from my experiences (with the bushy FFP's), but I didnt miss anything with it.

 

[Papagallos]

Re: Help me choose a scope, please!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 7.62Texan</div><div class="ubbcode-body">just got a NXS 5.5-22. I love mine.

As far as a FFP on low power for hunting, it could be a little fine from my experiences (with the bushy FFP's), but I didnt miss anything with it. </div></div>

And that's my concern. South Texas brush isn't too forgiving. Then again, a rangefinder is used 100% of the time, so I'm thinking I don't need a FFP for ranging.

 

[BobinNC]

Re: Help me choose a scope, please!

How about this one:

Sample List: USO SN3-1700

Just under your budget.....and Texas Brown anodized

 

[springer01]

Re: Help me choose a scope, please!

Only time I see the ffp on low power as a problem is in low light conditions when hunting or even target shooting. But an illuminated reticle solves that.

Recommend
IOR 3.5-18x50 ffp

 

[Fieldman_.308]

Re: Help me choose a scope, please!

I love the nightforce scopes and I think they would work well for the steal and precision grouping, but they are aweful heavy for hunting with. Also, if you want to use flip ups for your scope another down side with nightforce is the whole eye piece moves with change to magnification.. Just some thoughts on them. Good luck!

 

[Papagallos]

Re: Help me choose a scope, please!

Gents,

Great input. Thank you.

 

[Madpipe]

Re: Help me choose a scope, please!

I agree with the vortex for the price you can't beat it

 

[vman]

Re: Help me choose a scope, please!

A Nightforce would fit the bill nicely and leave you with some left over change.

And from the look of things the Vortex PST looks like a nice bit of gear for a decent price.