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Rifle Scopes help selecting scope for GAP Crudader .308

P

Philip8N

Private
Full Member
Minuteman
Dec 18, 2011
19
1
57
Indianapolis, Indiana
#1
Been bench shooting 100 yard targets for 2 years now with a FN TSR in .223 with Leupold Mark AR 6-18x40 that has BDC elevation turret. I am very happy with this combo and group results. I really like this scope and the BDC elevation turret.

Now, I want to step up my game (accuracy) and distance (600+ yards) along with more power. I am getting ready to order a GAP Crusader/Templar in .308 with Badger FTE muzzle break. The rifle from GAP is taking all of my saved cash from my gun fund. Scope for this rifle will have to be put on a credit card, and I do not want to finance more than $1000 for this scope.

I have thought about getting another Leupold Mark AR 6-18x40 for this rifle. I really like this scope and its BDC elevation turret, it is affordable at $500, but I would have to buy a set of 1” rings for another $150, so total cost is now $650. But, I am not sure this scope gives this rifle its due justice.

I have found a new Trijicon Accupoint TR23-2G 5-20x50 within my budget at $900. The 30mm tube matches the 30mm rings on the Crusader, so this is money I would not have to spend. The only downside I have seen with this so far is there is no BDC dial available for it. I would have to learn mil counts on the elevation turret.

My questions. Do you have another scope recommendation of $1000 or less (with BDC a plus)? Any comments on the Trijicon Accupoint TR23-2G? Any other comments on this package are welcome.

Thanks for the help. Philip.
 
#2
Re: help selecting scope for GAP Crudader .308

Vortex PST or Sightron big sky III. Both come in at under $900.00. Still leaves room to buy a good set of rings. I have one of each and they are both really good glass for the price.
 
#6
Re: help selecting scope for GAP Crudader .308

Jay is a great guy to work with and he will definitely hook you up if you mention that you're on the Hide. I too purchased a Crusader and initially i put a SWFA SS HD 5-20 on it. I still like the scope a lot, but with some PCS money I'm putting a S&B 5-25 on it. The 5-20 HD is a great scope and it sits on my Barrett 98B.
 
#8
Re: help selecting scope for GAP Crudader .308

First, define what you are going to do with the rifle.

The rifle you have ordered is finely tuned precision rifle.
Are you going to shoot strictly from the bench with maybe some F-class, or do you foresee eventually entering tactical competitions.

If it is only going to be a bench/target gun, then a SFP scope with 1/8" adjustments will your best bet.
Burris, Weaver, Bushnell etc... all make affordable, quality SFP target scopes.

If, on the other hand, you thin you might do some field shooting, tactical comps or just wish to learn about those skills, than a FFP scope with matching adjustments is your ticket. This will limit your selections in the sub-1000 market, but fear not, there are three major players in this arena. Weaver, Vortex and Bushnell.
Vortex will give you the most options. They have moa/moa and mil/mil scopes and a couple of very well designed reticle choices.
For an all around scope, I would recommend either the 4-16 vortex or the 3-15 weaver. Plenty of mag for precision shooting, flexible enough for tac events and hunting.
 
#9
Re: help selecting scope for GAP Crudader .308

Thanks for all the inputs guys, more options to think (and stress) about, but that is why I ask. I want to make the right decision 1st time around. I will definetly call Jeff at Sport optics early next week. Bench target shooting from 100 to 600 yards will be the majority of my work. I do not plan on competitions. Definetly want a tactical scope, if nothing else, for the look. My current scope is a SFP and 18 power, so I want to stay there or go higher. I also want the convienence of a BDC dial. Thanks. Philip.
 
#10
Re: help selecting scope for GAP Crudader .308

Give up on the BDC knob, it's a bad idea. For $1000 I'd do a Vortex Viper PST 4-16 or 6-24. They are available in both FFP or SFP as well as Mils or MOA so pick a system and stick with it. Learn the differences between those options and then choose for yourself. If it were me I'd go FFP and Mils, but it is not my decision to make.

http://www.libertyoptics.com/index1.html
 
#11
Re: help selecting scope for GAP Crudader .308

Sightron SIII.
I replaced a Nightforce 5.5-22x50 recently with my second Sightron and am completely satisfied. Great optics, tracks like a champ, positive turrets. I especially like the floating dot reticle on the LRMOA 6-24X.
Scott at Liberty Optics is a hide vendor giving hide members great deals - I would recommend calling and getting his input also. A great guy to deal with.
 
#12
Re: help selecting scope for GAP Crudader .308

I would get a SWFA SS 3-9x or a 10x HD. Forget about the BDC turret IMO. They are not what you will want with a rifle as capable as what you are getting. They will never match up exactly with what your real data will be.

It is not hard at all to get data for a scope with adjustable turrets. Just some enjoyable time at the range shooting different distances and documenting the data.

The SS 3-9x is only $600, and the 10x HD is $800. Both excellent scopes. I have been using SS scope for several years and am very very happy with them. Currently I have two 1-4x and a 5-20x. I have owned another 5-20x, a 10x HD and a regular 10x. All of them were excellent scopes that did all I asked of them.
 
#13
Re: help selecting scope for GAP Crudader .308

Thanks for all the replys, helps allot, still researching. From the advice I guess I will give up BDC and start learning mil dots. This comment made the most sense to me by TheOneTwo. 'They will never match up exactly with what your real data will be.'. Philip
 
#14
Re: help selecting scope for GAP Crudader .308

Go to mil-dot.com. Another thing: It's not so much that you need to have a mil-based reticle. Just make sure the turrets match the reticle. A mismatch, e.g. mil-reticle, 1/4MOA turrets, is a pain.

There will be some new scopes coming out in the next few months. I'd wait. Well, depending on how soon you get the rifle, that might be involuntary anyway. I don't know if they will come out with one, but if SWFA introduces a 3-12 or 4-16 scope in between their current 3-9 and 5-20 offerings, you should consider one.
 
#15
Re: help selecting scope for GAP Crudader .308

I believe I have decided on a Vortex Viper PST 6-24x50 2nd focal plane mil dot. Within my budget, highly recommended, and good reviews. Lead time on rifle is 4-5 months, so it will not be here until between April 20 and May 20. Gives me a little longer to confirm, change my mind, or save more money. Thanks for all the advice. Philip.
 
#16
Re: help selecting scope for GAP Crudader .308

I would put more money into the scope 2k + and alittle less into the gun if you have a budget like that
 
#17
Re: help selecting scope for GAP Crudader .308

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: azimutha</div><div class="ubbcode-body">....... Just make sure the turrets match the reticle. A mismatch, e.g. mil-reticle, 1/4MOA turrets, is a pain.... </div></div>

+1 on this. Had a bunch of BDC style scopes. Once I started using a mil based reticle with mil elevation/windage adjustments I will never go back to a scope where the reticle does not match the adjustments. Just makes it super easy.
 
#18
Re: help selecting scope for GAP Crudader .308

Nothing wrong with buying a quality sub 1K Vortex, Sightron, or Weaver 30 mm scope with turrets Mil/Mil or MOA/MOA and upgrading your glass later on if you really like long range shooting.

I don't think it is necessary to fork out the dough for a 2-3 grand Nightforce or S&B to try out a new hobby.
 
#19
Re: help selecting scope for GAP Crudader .308

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Flakbait</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Nothing wrong with buying a quality sub 1K Vortex, Sightron, or Weaver 30 mm scope with turrets Mil/Mil or MOA/MOA and upgrading your glass later on if you really like long range shooting.

I don't think it is necessary to fork out the dough for a 2-3 grand Nightforce or S&B to try out a new hobby. </div></div>

I was thinking the same. I got the most rifle I could afford, and thought I would comprimise a little on the glass. I can always upgrade glass later, but it is harder to upgrade the rifle. If the future works as planned, I have a Weatherby Vanguard in 300 Wby Mag that needs a new stock, glass and muzzle brake. The Vortex may find it's way over to it. Philip.
 
#20
Re: help selecting scope for GAP Crudader .308

After much thought and input from this board and others, I have decided to put out the extra cash and top this rifle with a Nightforce NXS with .250 moa high speed turret with zero stop, and 2nd focal plane NP-R2 mil-dot reticle. Power will be 5.5-22. Question, what objective lens? It is offered with both the 50mm and 56mm, and prices look the same for both. Why would I want a 50mm object instead of the 56mm if they are the same price? Unless there is a good reason, I am going the 56mm route. Thanks. Philip.
 
#21
Re: help selecting scope for GAP Crudader .308

i went with the 50mm. it keeps the scope lower on the rifle for a btter cheek weld. I also could not see the difference when I put them side by side.
 
#22
Re: help selecting scope for GAP Crudader .308

Good choice the NF NXS scopes are good kit. Also for the price you'll be spending consider a used USO SN-3 for the price of a new NSX or (ST-10 would get you closer to your 1k original mark).
 
#23
Re: help selecting scope for GAP Crudader .308

You may think that you want more power than 18x for 600+ yards, but you really don't.

Look for a used NF 3.5-15x50 NXS. They come up here in the For Sale section all the time. It will fit that rifle (and the base that's on it) very well, meaning that the scope will look proportional and be mounted low enough to be comfortable.

There's no useful advantage to the 56mm NF over the 50mm for your purposes (or for any other purpose for that matter).
 
#25
Re: help selecting scope for GAP Crudader .308

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Philip8N</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Thanks to Jay at Sport Optics. Ordered on Tuesday 3:00pm, arrived on Thursday! Sweet scope! Glad I went the extra. Now, waiting on the GAP Crusader... Thanks for the input. Philip.</div></div>

What did you end up getting?
 
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