Rifle Scopes New scope for .223 benchrest/long range varmint

[wilsey]

Hey Guys, looking for some input from experts.
Have A RRA Varmint looking for a some glass.
Really thinking about Vortex Viper PST 6-24x50 FFP.
Shooting mostly paper but prairie dogs twice a yr.
I would like to get the most out of my gun.
Any other scopes you think I should look at.
Looked at Sighttron S3, Leupy Mark 4... any others?
Thanks Guys

 

[BaileyMoto]

Re: New scope for .223 benchrest/long range varmint

Bushnell 4200 6-24x50 Tactical could be a solid choice, especially for the closeout prices right now.

Doesn't have FFP, but FFP <span style="font-style: italic">might</span> pose a problem if you are going a lot of longer range p-dog hunting, especially while dialed up towards the end of that 24x scope. Guess it depends on how big that reticule gets (not familiar with the PST)

 

[TonyAngel]

Re: New scope for .223 benchrest/long range varmint

What's the budget? This is one of those areas where the phrase "you get what you pay for," really applies. You also have to watch that with the FFP reticles. Many want to jump on it because it's supposed to hold some sort of Voodoo, but the fact of the matter is that it isn't for everyone.

 

[wilsey]

Re: New scope for .223 benchrest/long range varmint

My budget isn't unlimited but would like to keep it under 1000 so I can fund other builds but I am keeping a open mind if I can get something real nice for a little more cash. . Any help is appreciated. Thanks guys

 

[BaileyMoto]

Re: New scope for .223 benchrest/long range varmint

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: wilsey</div><div class="ubbcode-body">My budget isn't limited but would like to keep it under 1000 so I can fund other builds. Any help is appreciated. Thanks guys
</div></div>

As I mentioned above, it's hard to beat the 4200 for the "under $1000" price mark. I'd even say it's probably THE best out right now. The PST's are just now starting to arrive and there hasn't been much use with them yet for a fair comparison.

 

[flyfisher117]

Re: New scope for .223 benchrest/long range varmint

I dont really want to start a new thread on this topic but what are the Nikon Buckmasters like?

 

[CrazyDonkey]

Re: New scope for .223 benchrest/long range varmint

if you are shooting "long range" varmint you will want a SFP. FFP the reticle will probably cover all or most of what you are trying to shoot.

 

[Smokin99]

Re: New scope for .223 benchrest/long range varmint

FFP and shooting varmints what the hell, but then again Ive never understood the use of a FFP for any long range shooting. Was at a match 2yrs ago and this guy had a brand new GAP rifle with a USO 3.5-17 or 3.8-22, I cant remember its been awhile, looked like an awesome setup and I asked to see the rifle and look at some targets. Looked at some of the steel at 1100yards and there was no wonder he couldNT hit shit when I turned up the power the crosshairs looked like fence posts, that day I broke the range record with my SFP NightForce turned up on 22 power the whole day! This was at the Augustis Ranch here in MT. I know people are going to go crazy over what I just said but seriously the crosshairs looked like fence posts with the power turned up,,,,,never understood FFP scopes and long range shooting, maybe Im missing something as that was the first FFP scope I ever looked threw. I wouldnt get a FFP scope for shooting varmints if it were me. IOR with dot reticle is the nicest PDog shooting reticle Ive found next would be the NightForce NPR1......JMO

 

[flyfisher117]

Re: New scope for .223 benchrest/long range varmint

How do you know if a scope is a FFP or SFP? And will it make much of a difference?

Im looking at either a Sightron Sii 6-24 or a Nikon Buckmasters 6-18 i believe it is. Its going on a .223 so in all honesty the farthest i will ever really shoot it might be 500 yards at a 5 gallon bucket or a piece of metal so would a FFP be bad at that range?

 

[JonnyHawes]

Re: New scope for .223 benchrest/long range varmint

The place you buy it from (assuming its online) will list them as either SPF or FFP usually. Just pay attention when you are buying.

*EDIT*
Example here at SWFA. The top PSTs are $600. If you scroll down a little bit to the $850 models, in the description it says "First Focal Plane"

Both those scopes you listed I believe are SPF (someone can check me up on that). FFP is designed so the reticule changes with the power setting so you can range targets at any power on the scope. SPF has a static size reticule. Its really personal preference. No one can tell you "Hey you need the FFP or you are stupid".

Best advice I can give is try them both at your local shop

From the 2 scopes you listed I have tried to the Nikon Buckmaster line personally and they are decent scopes for what you pay. I have been wanted to try the Sightron Siii line as I have read some really nice things about them here. I seem to remember Scott at Liberty Optics saying the newest 2011 models would be on his site in about 3-4 weeks.

 

[flyfisher117]

Re: New scope for .223 benchrest/long range varmint

Sorry Wilsey im not trying to hijack your thread ive just been wanting a scope for pretty much the same purpose and found this thread back in a few pages so i tried bringing it back.

And thanks for the help all my current scope is a FFP but its from the 50's so i think its because they didnt have the technology that they do now but the crosshairs do grow when you zoom in.

Ive also tried the sightron sii series and like them but never tried a buckmaster hopefully Cabelas or someone will let me take a peak through one

 

[CSTactical]

Re: New scope for .223 benchrest/long range varmint

I would suggest look at Nightforce if it is not out of your price range. Also the Kahles 6-24x K624TT would be a great scope also.

Mike @ CST