Rifle Scopes New guy here

[SmugTuna]

Hi all, I'm new and have been interested in precision long-range shooting for awhile now. Obviously I am in need of some expert advice. I've read a few books and watched some of the MagPul sniper video series. Any info would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks guys!

 

[Bubb]

info on what???

 

[SmugTuna]

info on what???

Precision shooting. I have a Savage 110 338 Lapua Mag and hand load. Right now I'm in the market for a scope, I got a lower end Cabelas scope before getting any info...head/desk.

 

[SmugTuna]

What are the benefits/drawbacks of FPP & SFP?

 

[Bubb]

Well I'm a little bit of a optic nut, so I'll give. You gotta have a scope that has repeatable turret tracking. If you don't you got nothing. You'll be second guessing everything your load, bases rings, bedding, yourself... Scopes are usually the weak link in a set up. It's true u should try send as much as you can on a optic at least one! Then switch between rigs if ya need. For a good solid starting point look at the Bushnell tactical line. There are some lesser price stuff out there but the bushnell are a great price point to feature starting place. As per FFP or SFP you can read between these, but just get one!!! Try it for yourself then you'll know. Oh do yourself a favor make sure turrets match retical. Mill, mill. Moa, moa. Other than that its all subjective!

 

[binnerscot]

I am no expert, but I think there are two camps for scopes and precision shooting.

Real bench rest precision shooters that typically use very high power, MOA based scopes (smaller graduations than MIL) with fine reticles for long distance target shooting.

The second camp is the tactical precision scope, more robust builds and features geared towards wide field of view on the low magnification end and range estimation/wind holds on the high end.

Tactical scopes are more popular as they come in wider price and power ranges, higher power tactical scope can do both fairly well to include plinking, hunting, and real world field use under less than optimal conditions.

Your scope choices will be driven by what you intend to do with your rifle.

 

[SmugTuna]

I intend to get beyond 1k with my rig. So it sounds like MOA is the way to go there. I saw a video on FFP v SFP and from that it seems to me that FFP should be good since the reticle graduations stay constant and thus quicker offset shot adjustments can be made. But then the SFP reticles maintain their thin lines which can be good for great distance.

 

[Temp9]

You probably aren't going to like me saying this, but if you're just starting into precision rifle shooting, sell the .338 LM and get a .308 Win. .308 is lower recoiling, cheaper to shoot match ammo, and more forgiving for a beginner. Additionally, you should be able to reach 1k with a .308 with practice. The .338 is an expert's cartridge, not something to start out on.

Also, don't put too much stake into the Magpul Precision Rifle videos. They focused more on promoting specific brands of equipment than they did teaching the fundamentals of marksmanship as it pertains to precision rifle. I would recommend the SnipersHide or RiflesOnly videos. Also, hang around this forum for a while and read, research, and ask questions.

With regards to MOA/mil, remember than that most mil scopes are graduated in .1mil increments. This means +/- .05mils, or +/- 1.8 inches at 1000 yards. I don't know of anyone capable of that kind of precision, so MOA/mil doesn't really matter in that regard. What's important is to get a scope where the adjustments match the reticle (mil/mil or MOA/MOA).

 

[SmugTuna]

Thank you for the advice, I don't get offended, so no worries. I will think about that. Thank you!

 

[65guys_steve]

Hey Smugtuna, welcome to the hide... Glad to see you made it on here. I'll send you a pm to connect.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[Rattler56]

Remember buy once, cry once, go do the research and there is a butt load of info here.
Then go to the range and ask shooters if you could check out there scope, most of us will
be happy to let you then tell you why we bought that scope.

P.S. Welcome

 

[scudzuki]

I intend to get beyond 1k with my rig. So it sounds like MOA is the way to go there. I saw a video on FFP v SFP and from that it seems to me that FFP should be good since the reticle graduations stay constant and thus quicker offset shot adjustments can be made. But then the SFP reticles maintain their thin lines which can be good for great distance.

MOA or mil, pick an angular system you're comfortable with.
I started with MOA but quickly changed to mils when I discovered the (for me anyway) advantage of calculating in base 10, adjusting in tenths, and smaller numbers to deal with (for example 20.25 MOA vs. 5.9 mils). In addition, the scopes I tend to be interested in are often not available with MOA turrets and reticles.

As for the FFP/SFP debate, I consider the upside of FFP, which is the ability to adjust magnification for the FOV, mirage avoidance, brightness, etc. I want without worrying about the reticle not subtending correctly, far outweighs the downsides, potentially thicker stadia and greater cost. There are many reticles that have the thick stadia issue conquered, like Bushnell G2DMR, S&N P4F, Kahles MSRII, etc.
Joe