Rifle Scopes Higher mag scope than 10x for 600 yd F-Class scope?

[SPDSNYPR]

I put my son together an F-class AR from an old AR that I had lingering in the safe. 26" .223 wylde. Seems to like 77 and 80 gr bullets about the same - about 3/4 MOA. The local matches are just 600 yard prone matches, and that's all we plan on using this thing for.

It wears a Nikon Tactical (pre monarch-x) 2.5-10 mil dot. The glass is nice, but for only-600-yard shooting, the 10x doesn't seem like quite enough magnification. My rifle has a NF 3.5-15, and that seems about right to my aging eyes.

I was considering picking up a higher magnification scope, but don't want to buy another nightforce or something similarly expensive. I really don't need a variable at all. I looked at the SS 16x42 online, but I have no experience actually looking through the thing. MOA turrets would give a little more ability to fine-tune adjustments.

Am I missing something obvious that would be a great single-purpose scope that won't break the bank - $500 is doable any time, more than that I have to save and plan. I actually have a spare 30mm ADM mount lying around, so could swap out the 600-yard only scope for the tactical if I decided to go coyote hunting or something.

Suggestions??

 

[bhoges]

I just shot a 600yard F Class shoot in Sunday. I used a 5-25x and had it set at 25x. I like high magnification myself. Ive used an NF 8-32x at 1000 yards. I like the variable power in case you wanted to shot steel or something else. After the shoot we shot steel from 200-625. I used it at 12x on up. You don't want to get locked into a small field of view. I have a Nikon 4-16x Monarch X that I plan on using next time. Nikon makes some great optics are that price range. Also look in Vortex optics. Doug can set you up with some gear gear.
Vortex - Camera Land NY

 

[damoncali]

I threw a 36x fixed power Sightron SII on my mid range prone rifle so I can shoot some F class. It's no Nightforce (I have one of those too), but for $435 or so, it does the job just fine at 600. Seeing bullet splats on steel at 500 is no problem whatsoever, and while I think the cross hairs are a little fine for my taste, the 1/8 MOA dot is just right. The clicks are 1/8MOA which is fine, and the turrets are fairly clearly marked. Plus you can use cheaper 1" rings on it. I use some Burris Signature rings with mine. You can't beat rings + scope for under $500.

Sightron SII 36x42mm Scope | Brownells

 

[bhoges]

The only thing is a 36x will be tough to use on a hot day with mirage or when the barrel heats up.

 

[damoncali]

I haven't used mine over ~85 degrees yet, so I'm not sure when that becomes a problem. So far so good.

 

[SPDSNYPR]

In OK during the summer, 100* is not at all unusual most summers. I think in 2011 we had 47 days over 100 degrees. Would that be an issue?

I haven't noticed mirage being an issue at all at 15x. 36x is a huge jump, though - and more than I was thinking about going to. I was thinking more of the 16 to 20x range.

I was hoping to trade better glass quality for lack of variable magnification, but I'm not sure I can find that anywhere in my price range. Unless I'm looking in the wrong places - which is possible.

Is the SS16x not a good option?

 

[damoncali]

For $500, it's tough to get everything. You'll get a step down across the board from a Nightforce - optics, durability, adjustment, reticles, etc.

Weaver makes a fixed 24X:

Weaver T-Series Rifle Scope 24x 40mm Adjustable Objective 1/8 MOA Dot

I haven't used one, but the 36X version seems popular with the budget minded benchrest crowd, and I often see them compared to the Sightron I have.

 

[wadebrown]

If 10x is what you have shoot 600 yards F-class with it, you will get a chance to see if you like F-class. 600 yards and closer F-class is a great starter sport as many can start shooting it with the equipment they have or slightly upgraded, if you find they like and there is extra money around then you can upgrade. I shoot F-class with the max power on my scope that the mirage will allow and that is 42x on my old NF's and 52x on my new one, I spent a season shooting with a 10x until I realized it was time to upgrade.

The poster that said a 36x sihgtron knew what he was talking about that is a good next step for you.

 

[damoncali]

To add a little more perspective, looking through my Nightforce at 32x is like looking through clean air. Totally clear. The reticle is sharp, and things are good. With the Sightron, the reticle is by comparison fuzzy and dim, and the whole field of view seems almost like you're looking through a mosquito net. It's not noticeable until you look through a nice scope, at which point you start wanting to spend lots of money on scopes.

That's not to say the Sightron is bad, but we're talking about $450 vs $1,750. You do indeed get something for your money.

So, you have less clarity to start with, and I could see mirage becoming a problem at lower magnifications than with the high end scopes, but I figured if people can get away with an 80x March, my Sightron should be fine at 36x. We'll see when I get a chance to take it out in the heat - maybe next year (we don't quite get Texas-style heat up here). But the extra magnification is useful at 600 - I'd go a touch higher in a perfect world - maybe 45-ish. (I'm lusting after on of those March's but just cant bring myself to drop $3,200 on a scope.).