Rifle Scopes New guy with a new build, optic suggestion!

[LookinGlass]

Good day friends and "thank you" for all who have, and are still, serving.

I am new to the hide (although I have been reading the forums for a long time!) and also new to long range precision shooting. So here is my scoop: Former fed and special teams guy with zero long distance knowledge, experience, etc. I've always been a pistol, hunting and AR type guy but have always been interested in long range shooting. With that in mind, I am putting together a build...

I recently purchased a MDT 21 in .300 Win Mag (the tactical chassis from Remington). Before I get a bunch of opinions on my initial purchase, I'll add that I got it new at half price - that's what I call incentive! The feedback I'm looking for is on optics. This is my 17th firearm (I was raised in GA) and the first weapon I've ever owned that I am not overly concerned about the cost of the build. If precision shooting is truly about precision, then I want an optic that optimizes the rifles ability, what the firearm deserves, and what I can grow into. I have hired a 'trainer' with extensive experience to educate me how to apply the tool (former sniper) and will be going to a few long range schools just to diversify my knowledge base. I will not be be a sniper in the sand box or taking out a hostage taker, but do want to be proficient at using the firearm to the best of my abilities. In short, I am looking for a great optic to compliment my weapon, and hit a target at 1000 yards in most conditions. Suggestions???

Side note - Any suggested reading to learn more about precision shooting?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Lrdchaos]

What are you looking to spend? I'm a big fan of Nightforce optics. I have 2 Nxs series, a 5.5-22 and a 8-32. They will take everything a 300 will dish out and more. You need to figure out your price point though, then people can throw their suggestions out.

 

[Deadshot2]

Since cost isn't the main consideration then look at US Optics, S&B, Swarovski, Premier, NightForce. Decide what kind of shooting you'll be doing, what kind of magnification is required, and the reticle that feels best for you and your needs. Then just "bend over" I don't know what you paid for your rifle but be prepared to spend 2-3X as much more on a great "optic". Easy to spend over $4K on a USO.

One thing sure, if you do get one of the top-end scopes there's a great likelihood you won't be disappointed.

 

[LookinGlass]

Thanks! Cost is not too much of a concern. I budgeted 6k for the entire build and I saved a lot on the rifle itself. Having been a hunter my entire life so I am used to spending twice the cost of the rifle on good glass. My shooting will be mostly in the field. One of my motivations to learn more about it was to be able to protect a 50 acre ranch during a worst case scenario situation.

My buddy recommended Nightforce as well.

Thanks!

 

[Deadshot2]

My buddy recommended Nightforce as well.

Thanks!

My main scope is a NF 12-42X56NXS. My next will be a "customized" USO. Good news is that when you hit the "altitude" of the scopes I mentioned it's hard to find a "turkey" flying up there.

 

[LookinGlass]

Awesome. Thanks for the input.

 

[Dead Nutz]

What does your former sniper buddy say to get?

 

[LookinGlass]

He said to look at Nightforce and Vortex. He did also say that he had some trouble with two Schmidt & Bender optics holding a zero, but that others he has done competitions with really thought highly of them. Seems to me that there are always going to be variables and exceptions, but all in all it seems evident you get what you pay for when it comes to glass.

Another friend of mine, a LE sniper, mentioned Bushnell being a solid product for the price and that they have come a long way over the past few years. I have to be honest, however, I just can't get past my own prejudice regarding them. In my own mind its like the Hyundai Genesis...it may look great, drive great and be a great deal...but at the end of the day you still have to tell people its a Hyundai.

 

[Dead Nutz]

I have never used either SCOPE but from various threads on this site I would say both are solid scopes. While neither is really cheap they are about half the price of a Schmidt and bender. Try to get behind some of the scopes you are looking at, then you'll be able to make a better choice.

 

[LookinGlass]

Getting behind some of them is key. I've always used Leupold but am certainly open to new ideas. Appreciate everyone's input, just wanted to make sure I was on the right track.

 

[Muskett]

For long rage then you will be dialling a lot. Dialling or tracking is where many lesser scopes fail to do properly; whatever their advertising says. NF would be my start scope because they are not only robust but their reputation is built on their 'tracking" for long range shooting. Secondly, buy something with x25 as this amount does help. (Any more magnification then there are as many disadvantages as advantages).

Just keep reading up as everyone has their own ideas.

Get hooked then you are into a heap of trouble as long range shooting is addictive and there is a lot to learn. Buy a good scope with good tracking and start shooting. Then you will work out what you like, what you need and what is a lot of bull. The kit is only 20%... the rest is experience from doing it (not talking it)).

 

[steve123]

Get yourself a FFP (first focal plane) mil/mil scope. These FFP scopes are very versatile rifle scopes.

You can spend anywhere from $700 or so for a decent quality one or up to $7000 on one.

Best bang for the buck and loaded with nice features right now is the new Vortex G2.

I had really good success with Bushnells HDMR 5.3-21 until I stepped up to S&B.

The Bushnell LRHS 3-12 is a great all around scope but lacks illumination.

 

[vincent317]

For the money, a Vortex Razor Gen II 4.5x27 would be hard to beat. I've also got a Nightforce NXS on another rifle and it too is one hell of a good scope and not priced too high.

 

[997/2man]

.300 WM can reach out there. 25X on the top end, at least.

Just as important, what reticle?

Good luck.

 

[jamesbern]

For the money, a Vortex Razor Gen II 4.5x27 would be hard to beat. I've also got a Nightforce NXS on another rifle and it too is one hell of a good scope and not priced too high.

I agree with the Vortex 4.5-27. Just got one and love it. Only had it out to 200 yards, but it's an incredible scope so far. Don't regret the purchase at all.

 

[kimberfan]

Vortex razor gen II or a Bushnell ERS/XRS 4.5-30x with a H59 would be my picks. I'very been very impressed with my bushnell HDMR

 

[diverdon]

What do you need from your reticle? If you want to be able to look at targets and be able to range them by seeing how large they are in relation to reticle features then you probably want a first focal plane (ffp) reticle. If you plan to use a laser or other means of ranging your targets then you can use a second focal plane (sfp) reticle.

The ffp reticle will grow or shrink as you change magnification, thus the reticle features will be the same in relation to the target at any magnification. The sfp reticle will always be the same size no matter what magnification the scope is dialed to. If you can accept the limitations of a sfp scope, I would look real hard at the Nightforce ATACAR Nightforce ATACR Scopes If you feel you want a ffp and you have ruled out S&B (perhaps a mistake in my opinion) I would consider a Nightforce Beast Nightforce BEAST Scopes or the new Vortex 4.5-27X56 Nightforce BEAST Scopes

What ever you choose the guys at Eurooptic give us hiders great deals and service just give em a call.

 

[diverdon]

If you want to read up on scopes Rifle Scopes » OpticsThoughts there is some decent info here

 

[slm9s]

Decide if you want first focal plane vs second.

Decide if you want mil/mil or moa/moa.

Decide on your budget after seeing good scopes and great scopes.

$800 Sightron SIII 6-24 or 8-32 (I love the moa2 reticle)
$1400 Nightforce NXS 8-32
$2000+ Premier/s&b/USO/etc...

 

[LookinGlass]

Wow - Thank you, everyone, for the info. I've been doing some research and it slowly narrowing it down. Next weekend I'm getting behind some glass and am excited about learning the differences.

Had my first learning experience with the MDT-21. Contrary to what most manufacturers told me, the AICS 10 round mag will NOT fit the 700 long action platform. The length is 3.715 but the Remington long action requires 3.775. Haven't been able to locate that size in a 10 round mag, but was happy to figure out the right size and buy two extras with a 5 round capacity. Oh the learning curve! Alsl purchased a Harris bi-pod for it (yes it swivels). It's coming together little by little and can't wait to get the right piece of glass mounted so I can send some rounds down range.