Rifle Scopes My first scope need help making the right choice

[jn_fsu]

6 months back I completed my first rifle build. Until that point I have never owned a rifle and had very little experience. I spent roughly 6 months picking apart forums,threads, articles and reviews. I concluded I wanted to build my lower myself, which I did and selected an upper based on my budget to create a DMR style rifle.
But I failed to look into the optics side which I'm now doing...

My Rifle Overview:
Lower-
Mega forged lower receiver
CMMG LPK (swapped out fire control group)
RRA 2 Stage National Match Trigger/Hammer Set
Superior Shooting Systems National Match Spring Set
KNS Anti Roll Pin Set
Primary Weapons Systems Enhanced Buffer Tube
Standard Mil-Spec Buffer Spring
Spikes T2 Heavy Buffer
MagPul MOE Grip and Stock (with .70 Butt Pad)

Upper- (BCM Upper Receiver Group)
BCM 16" SS410 Barrel (with A2 FSP)
1/8 twist
National Match (USMC SAMR) Chambering
Troy 9" Extreme rail
Rainier Arms XTC Compensator/Flash Hider
BCM/JTR BCG
BCM Gunfighter Charging Handle
Troy DOA Flip Up Rear Sight
MagPul AFG (probably swapping to Bi-pod)

Now I would like to add optics. Which I have even less experience with. After picking thru all the stickies on the over all aspects and workings of a scope/optics. I then moved onto the ones pertaining to matching a scope to the rifle and the distances I would be shooting.
Ideally I would like to shoot effectively out to 600 yards. Realistically most of my shooting, range facility limited, will be out to 300 yards on a regular basis. I would like a scope that would not only allow me to shoot nice groups at 300 yards but would also easily transition to and engage multiple targets. I'm honestly not sure how realistic these goals are based on my budget but I would like your help finding the closest optic that would allow me maximize my rifles ability while commingling my goals and stay with in my budget. I've decide to take my initial budget $300-400, after doing some serious reading,and almost double it, now $700, if it's neccesary. My budget does not include my mount, that has it's own budget.
I may be trying to bite off more then I can chew at first. I'm willing to comprimise if need be. My first thought is to learn how to properly use an optic period. I would preffer a simple "quality" optic over a fancier cheaper optic with mind set of learning and growing as a shooter.
I'm open to any suggestions on where to begin or what to begin with?
I have accumulated a list optics that seem to fall with in the suggested guidelines of rifle and shooting distances, based on these stickies from this forum ( http://www.shootingvoodoo.com/index.php/articles/practical_optics_selection/ and http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=1938091#Post1938091 )
I'm always open to options and suggestions this is about learning for me.
Optics list: (created from SWFA site)
Leatherwood 1-4x24 CMR Tactical 30mm Rifle Scope Kit http://swfa.com/Leatherwood-1-4x24-CMR-Tactical-30mm-Rifle-Scope-Kit-P47565.aspx
Leupold 3-9x40 Mark AR Riflescope http://swfa.com/Leupold-3-9x40-Mark-AR-Riflescope-P40553.aspx
Millett 1-4x24 DMS Tactical 30mm Riflescope http://swfa.com/Millett-1-4x24-DMS-Tactical-30mm-Riflescope-P48504.aspx
Nikon 1-4x20 M223 Riflescope Kit http://swfa.com/Nikon-1-4x20-M223-Riflescope-Kit-P47976.aspx
Vortex 1-4x24 Viper PST 30mm Rifle Scope http://swfa.com/Vortex-1-4x24-Viper-PST-30mm-Rifle-Scope-P44570.aspx
Vortex 1-4x24 Viper HS 30mm Rifle Scope http://swfa.com/Vortex-1-4x24-Viper-HS-30mm-Rifle-Scope-P48290.aspx
SWFA SS 3-9x42 Tactical 30mm Riflescope http://swfa.com/SWFA-SS-3-9x42-Tactical-30mm-Riflescope-P41044.aspx
Weaver 1-5x24 Tactical 30mm Rifle Scope http://swfa.com/Weaver-1-5x24-Tactical-30mm-Rifle-Scope-P49447.aspx
Leupold 1.5-5x20 Mark 4 MR/T Riflescope http://swfa.com/Leupold-15-5x20-Mark-4-MRT-Riflescope-P3308.aspx
Thank you for taking the time to read this and for any feedback your willing to share. Please bare with me on this,it is all new to me.

 

[Redmanss]

Re: My first scope need help making the right choice

First off, welcome to the hide and thanks for describing your situation fully. Too many show up, say "what should I get guys" and wonder why they get crap advice.

For regular shooting to 300yds and occasional shooting out to 600yds, I would recommend something in the 3-10x range. The SWFA 3-9x42 you listed is an excellent choice, is a scope I own and shoot with myself, and you will be well served by it. There's also some of the Leupold scopes in this specification and price range I would recommend if you're military or LEO to get the discount. Otherwise the decent ones are all at the upper fringe of your budget.

For the SWFA, check out their group buy here:
http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=2520975#Post2520975

Kit #6 gets you everything you need to be shooting right away and $100 under budget.

The only issue I see right off is your fixed FSP. You'll be getting some blurring in your scope from it, especially at the lower magnification levels. It will be noticeable, but not necessarily unacceptable. I'd say to chop it off or replace it, but you might be more willing to put up with the blur than you are to do that.

ETA: For close range (<50yds) I would recommend adding something along the lines of a side mounted red dot or Dueck iron sights.

 

[gtriever]

Re: My first scope need help making the right choice

For nothing over 300 yards I'd say a 1-4 would be excellent. For 600, at least for me I'd need a lot more magnification with my old eyes. Then it'd be either 3-9 or 4.5-14. And, knowing I'll get flamed for this, I run a Millett DMS-1 and it's perfectly usable out to 300.

 

[Don-n-Texas]

Re: My first scope need help making the right choice

Welcome to the hide

I'm considering this scope. For my AR

http://swfa.com/Leupold-2-7x33-VX-R-30mm-Riflescope-P48035.aspx

 

[jn_fsu]

Re: My first scope need help making the right choice

Thanks guys as much as I did mention, I forget to mention, that my rifle seems to like 62gr ammo more then 55gr from some of the shooting I've done so far. I still have alot of various ammo to try out but I'm trying to stick with something affordable to practice with and refine my shooting then test specialty loads.
The SWFA is my initial choice thinking more towards quality and ease of use. More of a traditional learning tool. I'll be sure to check out the other scope mentioned. I still have alot of research and reading to do. I'm mostly narrowing down to a general magnification to look into.
Side note my eyes are not that good so thats why I'm hesitate to commit to a 1x4. After 100 yards my eyes have serious trouble seeing details...

 

[jn_fsu]

Re: My first scope need help making the right choice

The front sight post will eventually be replaced with an adjustable gas block. Battle Comp has a new muzzle device BC2.0 bi-lock which accepts Gemtech Halo suppressors. Once that comes avaliable to the public I'll start swapping parts.

 

[BBJones13]

Re: My first scope need help making the right choice

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jn_fsu</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Battle Comp has a new muzzle device BC2.0 bi-lock which accepts Gemtech Halo suppressors. Once that comes avaliable to the public I'll start swapping parts. </div></div>

BC 2.0 is already available and works with Gemtech Halo's.

I bet your rifle will shoot best with match grade 75-77gr ammo. You will only be marginally accurate with the plinking grade 55gr and 62gr.

SWFA SS 3-9 for 100-600, but if you want the ability to get close stuff you will want something in the 1-4 variety. As someone else mentioned an offset dot with a 3-9 would be a nice setup but way out of your price range.

I would not shave down the FSB or get a lo-pro one until you are ready to get a longer rail.

 

[jn_fsu]

Re: My first scope need help making the right choice

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BBJones</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jn_fsu</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Battle Comp has a new muzzle device BC2.0 bi-lock which accepts Gemtech Halo suppressors. Once that comes avaliable to the public I'll start swapping parts. </div></div>

BC 2.0 is already available and works with Gemtech Halo's.

I bet your rifle will shoot best with match grade 75-77gr ammo. You will only be marginally accurate with the plinking grade 55gr and 62gr.

SWFA SS 3-9 for 100-600, but if you want the ability to get close stuff you will want something in the 1-4 variety. As someone else mentioned an offset dot with a 3-9 would be a nice setup but way out of your price range.

I would not shave down the FSB or get a lo-pro one until you are ready to get a longer rail. </div></div>

Thanks for the heads up on the Battle comp BC 2.0 !
No I will not shave my front sight! I'll just get a low pro gas block.
Yea I need to try some other ammo 69-77gr see how it performs.
The key is finding something that will encompass all aspects of distances if it's possible. But I may have to plan on adding an optional/addition sighting if I go with 3-9x
I do have another rifle I'm building that will be finished in the next few weeks for short range work 14.5 barreled rifle...

 

[jn_fsu]

Re: My first scope need help making the right choice

Here are a few more I'm interested in.
Leupold 2-7x33 VX-R 30mm Riflescope http://swfa.com/Leupold-2-7x33-VX-R-30m ... 48035.aspx
Leupold 3-9x40 VX-R 30mm Riflescope http://swfa.com/Leupold-3-9x40-VX-R-30m ... 48037.aspx
Hawke 4.5-14x42 Sidewinder Tactical 30mm Riflescope http://swfa.com/Hawke-45-14x42-Sidewind ... 44553.aspx
Hawke 1.5-6x44 Eclipse 30mm Riflescope http://swfa.com/Hawke-15-6x44-Eclipse-3 ... 41112.aspx
Nikon 2-8x32 M223 Riflescope http://swfa.com/Nikon-2-8x32-M223-Rifle ... 45661.aspx
Burris 1-4x24 Fullfield TAC 30 Tactical 30mm Rifle Scope http://swfa.com/Burris-1-4x24-Fullfield ... 48171.aspx
GSRC 1-6 (looking for more info...) http://www.grscinc.com/CRS.html

Right now I'm just accumulating a list then I'll begin sorting and dropping until i short it down. Then do some extensive research to make a final pick or atleast narrow it to two or three and go from there...

 

[Don-n-Texas]

Re: My first scope need help making the right choice

Here another scope I'm very interested in.

Nikon 3-12x42 M223 Riflescope Kit

http://www.nikonhunting.com/products/riflescopes/m-223/3-12x42SF_BDC_600/8489

Comes with AR base and rings for a good price.

It's about 1 1/2" longer and 4 1/2 oz heavier than the 2-8x32 Nikon, Leupold 2-7x33. and about the same as the Leupold 3-9x40 VX-R. I don't think that is unreasonably big.

I'm setting up to run 3gun. I'm going to run iron sights at first. See what is going on, then make a decision on the scope I want to run, if any.

 

[2 dogs]

Re: My first scope need help making the right choice

You look like youre on the right track to me. I used my SPR out to 500 yards with 69 grain SMKs with a Leupold 4.5x14X in a LaRue SPR mount.

Keep in mind, the higher up you go in power, the smaller your field of view will be.

 

[ToKeepAndBear]

Re: My first scope need help making the right choice

I recently had the exact same dilemma. I have an LMT MRP with 18" SS barrel and Ta33 ACOG with horseshoe reticle. I have been shooting steel, mostly at 450-550 yards, and doing pretty well with the ACOG but wanted something with a bit more magnification. (If I was going to war I would definitely keep the ACOG! It's light, tough, quick to use, and surprisingly capable.)

I looked at NF, USO, Trijicon, S&B, and SS scopes. I then battled with 1-4 or 3-9/2.5-10. I ultimately decided 1-4 was too close to my ACOG and after careful consideration went with the SS 3-9 with mil-quad reticle and a NF unimount.

I just got it last week and shot it last Friday. My initial impression is that it is a very good scope! It is bright, has good eye relief, great reticle, good clicks, and seems to be a good combination of weight vs robustness for an AR application. I also find the boldness of the reticle perfect as it is easily visible at 3x and not too thick at 9x. I alternated shooting my AR15/SS 3-9 and TRG22/Hensoldt 4-16x56 with NH1 reticle. The view is not as nice as my Hensoldt, but at 1/6 the price, it is an incredible value. The reticle is very similar to my NH1 reticle, which I love. The 3-9 did offer some improvement in long range precision over my ACOG as one would expect with higher magnification and reliable turrets. I was able to hit my 640 yard target in wind consistently. I could not do head shots at that distance like I can with my TRG/Hensoldt in 260 Rem, but I did not expect that capability. I like shooting the AR at 640 yards. It offers a similar shooting experience regarding wind holds and reading the conditions as the TRG/260 does at 1000 yards, but with cheaper ammo. However, my accuracy and repeatability is just not there yet with the AR compared to a good bolt gun.

The downsides of the SS 3-9 for me are that the turrets are 5 mils per rotation instead of 10-12 and rotate a different direction than my Hensoldt. The scope does not have a zero stop but the rotations are easy to keep track of by marks at bottom of the turret. The reticle is not lit but as I said very visible. The scope at 3 power does have some tunneling that is gone by 4 power. The scope at 3 power is not as fast as my ACOG with BAC reticle. I may end up putting a RMR in an off-set mount on it for close-in fast shots. And given the affordable price of the scope, the combo would still be cheaper than most of the other scopes in this category!

I have no regrets with my purchase! Good luck!

 

[jn_fsu]

Re: My first scope need help making the right choice

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ToKeepAndBear</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I recently had the exact same dilemma. I have an LMT MRP with 18" SS barrel and Ta33 ACOG with horseshoe reticle. I have been shooting steel, mostly at 450-550 yards, and doing pretty well with the ACOG but wanted something with a bit more magnification. (If I was going to war I would definitely keep the ACOG! It's light, tough, quick to use, and surprisingly capable.)

I looked at NF, USO, Trijicon, S&B, and SS scopes. I then battled with 1-4 or 3-9/2.5-10. I ultimately decided 1-4 was too close to my ACOG and after careful consideration went with the SS 3-9 with mil-quad reticle and a NF unimount.

I just got it last week and shot it last Friday. My initial impression is that it is a very good scope! It is bright, has good eye relief, great reticle, good clicks, and seems to be a good combination of weight vs robustness for an AR application. I also find the boldness of the reticle perfect as it is easily visible at 3x and not too thick at 9x. I alternated shooting my AR15/SS 3-9 and TRG22/Hensoldt 4-16x56 with NH1 reticle. The view is not as nice as my Hensoldt, but at 1/6 the price, it is an incredible value. The reticle is very similar to my NH1 reticle, which I love. The 3-9 did offer some improvement in long range precision over my ACOG as one would expect with higher magnification and reliable turrets. I was able to hit my 640 yard target in wind consistently. I could not do head shots at that distance like I can with my TRG/Hensoldt in 260 Rem, but I did not expect that capability. I like shooting the AR at 640 yards. It offers a similar shooting experience regarding wind holds and reading the conditions as the TRG/260 does at 1000 yards, but with cheaper ammo. However, my accuracy and repeatability is just not there yet with the AR compared to a good bolt gun.

The downsides of the SS 3-9 for me are that the turrets are 5 mils per rotation instead of 10-12 and rotate a different direction than my Hensoldt. The scope does not have a zero stop but the rotations are easy to keep track of by marks at bottom of the turret. The reticle is not lit but as I said very visible. The scope at 3 power does have some tunneling that is gone by 4 power. The scope at 3 power is not as fast as my ACOG with BAC reticle. I may end up putting a RMR in an off-set mount on it for close-in fast shots. And given the affordable price of the scope, the combo would still be cheaper than most of the other scopes in this category!

I have no regrets with my purchase! Good luck! </div></div>

Thanks! That is exactly the kind of input I was looking for. That helps me narrow this search down quite a bit.