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Rifle Scopes New Shooter Scope

ramblr72

ramblr72

Private
Full Member
Minuteman
Apr 23, 2017
156
1,454
Colorado
#1
I'm starting my journey to learn to shoot long distance and would appreciate some feedback on a scope.
  • What is the platform for the scope? I recently bought a Tikka T3x CTR 20" in .308
  • What cartridge are you shooting? .308 (My buddy I will be shooting with has an AI in .308 and tons of high quality reloading supplies for .308.)
  • What is your intended use for the scope? Double duty long range target shooting and hunting
  • What type of conditions will you typically shoot in? Daylight
  • What are the typical distances you intend to shoot? I will start learning fundamentals to 300 yards and then try to work my way to 1000 yds.
  • Are there any specific specifications you would like? FFP. 3-15x, 3-18x, or similar configuration. Relatively light weight. Mil/MRAD.
  • What is the price range you can afford? Up to $1000.
Here is my current list:
  • SWFA SS 3-15 FFP: Seems to be a popular "starter scope" and I understand it may be on sale around Tax Day.
  • Vortex Viper PST Gen II 3-15 FFP: I have looked through this one and my only reservation is the open reticle. It seems odd to me after shooting hunting scopes my entire life. I would like to hear more experienced opinions on this.
  • Used Bushnell LHRS/LRTS 4.5-18: I like the reticles and the reviews are generally positive. I'm just not sure how it directly compares to the PST GII since it's release and I haven't found one to look at in person.
  • Burris XTR II 2-10 FFP: This is kind of a wild card. I like the light weight and I could get a discount. I'm just not sure if 10x is enough magnification for my purpose.
Are there any other scopes I should consider? Are there any other criteria I should consider?

Thanks.

--James
 
Last edited:
#2
New? NF 4-14 F1, look around for best price.

Used? Above NF, Bushy DMR II for 300 more. The SWFA non-illum 5-20 is a great deal used, just no native zero stop.

Pretty sure the Vortex LH is 2nd focal plane.
 
#3
SWFA SS 3-15x42 is a great starter scope and excellent bang for the buck. That having been said, if you can swing PST Gen 2 3-15x44, I would strongly consider it. It seems to be the best of the PST Gen2 line-up from what I have seen and it can last you for a long time as it is a very ful featured design with zero-stop, reticle illumination and a proven reticle design.

The one I am testing is the MRAD EBR-2C FFP version. It is the one on the right in this picture:

i-5GSNWP4-L.jpg


ILya
 
#4
koshkin said:
SWFA SS 3-15x42 is a great starter scope and excellent bang for the buck. That having been said, if you can swing PST Gen 2 3-15x44, I would strongly consider it. It seems to be the best of the PST Gen2 line-up from what I have seen and it can last you for a long time as it is a very ful featured design with zero-stop, reticle illumination and a proven reticle design.

ILya
Click to expand...

ILya - My list is pretty much compiled from what I have read on your website. It has been a great resource. What do you think about my reservation on the open reticle? Is it something one may learn to appreciate as skills develop or is it something one has to love at first sight? It's probably the only thing preventing me from already having the PST Gen II.

STROP said:
Pretty sure the Vortex LH is 2nd focal plane.
Click to expand...

You are correct about the HD LH. I forgot it was SFP and removed it from the list.

Thanks.
 
#5
ramblr72 said:
ILya - My list is pretty much compiled from what I have read on your website. It has been a great resource. What do you think about my reservation on the open reticle? Is it something one may learn to appreciate as skills develop or is it something one has to love at first sight? It's probably the only thing preventing me from already having the PST Gen II.



You are correct about the HD LH. I forgot it was SFP and removed it from the list.

Thanks.
Click to expand...

Open reticle center is something you need to spend a little time with to see if you like it. I would not be trying to work off of pictures. I had some reservations when I first saw it, but it works well.

ILya
 
#6
koshkin said:
SWFA SS 3-15x42 is a great starter scope and excellent bang for the buck. That having been said, if you can swing PST Gen 2 3-15x44, I would strongly consider it. It seems to be the best of the PST Gen2 line-up from what I have seen and it can last you for a long time as it is a very ful featured design with zero-stop, reticle illumination and a proven reticle design.

The one I am testing is the MRAD EBR-2C FFP version. It is the one on the right in this picture:

i-5GSNWP4-L.jpg


ILya
Click to expand...
Hey just curious what the rifle is in the middle/on the right? Good looking chassis setup.
 
#13
I agree that the PST Gen 2 3-15 is one of the best sub-$1k scopes out there. The reticle looks great in the scope IMHO. I'm sure you'll love it.

My only advice is to make sure and follow the instructions carefully when setting zero stop. If you don't bottom it out first, you'll have to go through a different procedure to reset the stop in the right spot and it's a bit of a pain to figure it all out from there. Other than that, it's a fantastic scope. Congrats!

Nice rifle as well by the way. I've got a CTR in 6.5 CM. Not really a better value on the market IMHO when it comes to accuracy, overall fit and finish, solid extraction/ejection, smooth operation, and price.
 
#17
Just to close the loop on this thread...

I received the Vortex on Friday, and got it mounted yesterday.

After zeroing the scope I shot 168 Federal SMK, 168 Atomic Match, 175 Federal SMK, and 185 Federal Juggernaut to see what the gun liked. I also tested POI shift with the addition of my friend's Thunderbeast suppressor. (He gave me a spare TB brake that we installed yesterday too.)

My concerns about the open reticle were a total non-issue once I got behind the scope. So far so good. I'm anxious for my upcoming training class now so I can start learning how to correctly use a tactical scope.

Here is the rifle and the 168 Federal and Atomic groups. The Atomic group on the lower right is a 5 round group. The Tikka really seemed to like that load.

IMG_3177.jpg
IMG_3179.jpg
 
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#18
patriot07 said:
What is your PST Gen 2 not doing for you that you believe a Razor or AMG would resolve?
Click to expand...

They do everything better. Glass, turrets, tracking, repeatability.....AMG reticle has .2 mil on main windage, etc, etc.

Obviously if one’s budget doesn’t allow it, but if someone is considering one of them......you definitely get more than twice your money’s worth.

I start seeing diminishing returns at the 2500 (ish) price range. But jumping from the ~1k to the 2-2500 range is a huge improvement in just about everything.
 
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