Rifle Scopes Noob Scope Questions/Help

[MichaelCox]

Hello everyone,

This is my first post and I’m hoping you can help me.

I’m looking for a new scope and please forgive me for not being able to speak the language just yet. I am completely new to the LR shooting world.

FYI, I’m a Marine, I am proficient with my sidearm and shoot steel on a regular basis. I did not do any sniping in the Corps but I would like to learn the skill of LR shooting now. I will be attending a LR shooting class in March so I need to get my gear in order.

I’m not a hunter I simply want to do this for fun and if need be keep two legged critters at bay.

I am buying a Tikka T3 Tac .308 with a 20” barrel in the morning and it needs a scope. Only issue is I have no idea WTH I'm talking about or looking for so it makes it hard for me to help you help me.

<span style="font-style: italic"><span style="font-weight: bold">Things I “think” I know:</span></span>
I need a scope that will reach out to 900 meters plus.
I will find a good factory round or reload my own (currently reload .45).
I want a mil-dot scope
I need a scope that is 4-20x50 or 6-24x50

I'm wondering if the 6-24x50 would make things difficult at shorter ranges and that's why I put in the 4-20x50.

As far as budget goes I really don't want to spend more than 2K but I "think" 1K or there about would probably be more than my skill level could/can use.

Any and all help is greatly appreciated and I hope it made sense.

Michael

 

[B3dlam]

Re: Noob Scope Questions/Help

You could easily get an SWFA 5-20x50 SS HD scope for around 1200-1300 I believe and like mine. A Vortex Razor 5-20x50 is around 2K I believe I just got one on my new gun an its amazing.

 

[ss7]

Re: Noob Scope Questions/Help

I was in a similar boat last month. I was looking at the PST 6-24 and the NXS 5.5-22. There was a $1000 difference and people had differing opinions on these feature's value.

I went with the NXS and have been pleased, initially, but haven't had it long enough to give a solid review.

The things I considered most relevant were the optical clarity and internal adjustment. The cheaper PST had some contested reviews at their lower powers (~6x) which had me concerned, but I was not able to inspect it due to availability in my area. Further, the PST had just enough room for adjustment, while the NXS had extra room.

Consider the ballistics you expect and make sure it gets you to 900m. The 308 will probably drop 45-50 moa at 1000m.

Good luck and have fun with the new build!

 

[Pointman308]

Re: Noob Scope Questions/Help

I would get a Leupold with M5 adjusments in the power range of your choice and call it a day. I have looked at all of these scopes except for the SS.

 

[BobD]

Re: Noob Scope Questions/Help

If you're worried about low end magnification you might want to consider Bushnell's HDMR 3.5-21. It's First Focal Plane, has matching reticles and comes in a variety of reticles that are mil based. It's well reviewed, has a great magnification range and falls right within your budget $1,100-1,300 depending on reticle. You can pick one up closer to 1,000-1,100 used.

You can find a slew of information on it through the custom search bar here and see others thoughts with pics and additional info.

If you haven't already found them... Above the posts here are "sticky" threads that have a ton of information on and are worthwhile reading. They are designated by a yellow splat design surrounding a red exclamation mark. They are in other sections of this forum as well.

Check out "***optics FAQ***" and "optics selection" here in riflescopes sub forum.
In bolt action rifles sub forum see "***getting started in LR shooting-FAQ***"

They're great wealth of information on others as well. Sticky threads will always appear at the top. Hit forum list on the top of your screen if you haven't already found them.

Good luck finding your scope-

 

[shooterrdy]

Re: Noob Scope Questions/Help

Leupold Mark 4's are damn hard to beat for what you get and the warranty at Leupold. I like the vortex scopes I have had but for the money under 2K you will be hard pressed to bet a Mark 4

 

[sib1948]

Re: Noob Scope Questions/Help

All above suggestions are spot on and the magnification you discussed would be perfect. Pick one and try it out. You can sell it if it doesn't work out. Alternatively, you may also go to a range and start talking to people and ask questions. Most shooters would be more than happy to help and even let you look through their scopes and maybe shoot their weapons. Most LR and ELR shooters respect the military and appreciate your service. Thanks and Good Luck and have fun!!!