Rifle Scopes New to long distance, which scope to choose and why?

RBSink201

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Minuteman
Jul 14, 2019
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Hello everyone, name is JR from NY. New to this group so I’m sorry if this is the incorrect area to post some questions. I viewed some other forums and saw someone suggested posting a new thread to obtain more views/comments/suggestions. I’m new to the long range/precision world. Back ground in shooting is hunting and inside 100 yards for work applications using M4’s and pistols. I recently purchased a RPR 6.5 CM and have been trying to decide between optics. PRS/hitting steel targets are my ideal applications. Depending upon time of year, I’ll have access to ranges 300-900 yards, maybe a little further. I’d ideally like to learn the fundamentals before attempted the advanced reticles such as the tremor3. Perhaps the SCR or EBR 7c reticle, which is better? Budget is up to 2k. With work, I’m able to receive great discounts on Vortex, Burris and Steiner. What is everyones thoughts on the XTRIII, Razor Gen 2, T5Xi etc? I have no preference of Mil/Moa. I have friends shooting both but most say to learn Mils since I’m new. I hear/read warranty is good with all 3 companies. I appreciate everyones time and responses, have a safe day!
 
Gen2 Razor is a staple optic. Great scope, excellent bang for the buck.

I havent had the chance to look through an XTR3 but the glass on the 2 was shit. Mechanically they were great though.

People seem to be happy with their Steiners.

I would personally get the G2 Razor out of those.
Reticle choice comes down to what you like best, what features you like, how easy it is to read. Its 100% personal preference.

Do some searching with "what scope" "new to long range shooting" and you can get a ton of reading done and lots of info on previous threads.
 
The Gen2 Razor has been out for awhile and is a proven good scope.

I am interested in the XTR III although it hasn't been out long, curious to see some of the reviews. I also have friends that have went with a Burris and I have heard the mil/LE discount is substantial.

I don't have much experience with Steiners.

I recommend mils especially if you're mil/LE.
 
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I don't think you could go wrong with any of your choices.

I own two Steiner M series scopes and love them both, they've got great glass and they're built like tanks.

I'd say pick the scope with the reticle you like best and go from there.
 
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I don't think you could go wrong with any of your choices.

I own two Steiner M series scopes and love them both, they've got great glass and they're built like tanks.

I'd say pick the scope with the reticle you like best and go from there.
I love the MSR2 reticle but unfortunately those are out of my price range. I just realized I qualify for 40% off U.S. Optics. Any thought or rumors of the B25?
 
Skip the Tremor reticles, they're complicated and distracting as shit. But I'm also a slow Arkansas boy.

Gen II razors are going for good deals. Solid optic. You wont be disappointed
 
With your discount, I would look at the Vortex G2 Razor, Steiner T or M series, or Leupold Mark 5 or 6. Great warranties, reticle selection, and quality.

JFR
 
Just my experience.

I never shot a rifle long distance before last weekend. Researched my new build and key potential factors in long range shooting. Put together my HK G28 clone (.308), added a S&B 3-20 US (first rifle scope), measured my bullet speed, zeroed, and then entered data into my ballistic calculator.

Took it out to 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, and finally 700 yrds. Easy peasy. I plan to take it out to 950 yrds in a couple of weeks. Still have areas of improvement, but not too bad for my first time.

Advice, read A LOT! This is a great forum for picking up little tips that make a big difference.

Oh yeah, and I’m using the Tremor3 reticle. Works for me. :)
 
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Maybe save a bit more to 3000-3500 budget, then you have more options? Scope is something you need to invest on, it can be reused at a different rifle when you need a upgrade or different caliber unless you are going to get another high end one later.
 
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I'm a big fan of the Bushnell DMR2 Pro and XRS2 - the glass is excellent, the G3 reticle isn't too cluttered but gives you all the info you need (Tremor and H59 are options in the XRS), they're boringly reliable (both in tracking and durability), and pack in a lot of features for the money. The Pro sells for $1999 and the XRS2 for ~2200.
 
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