Rifle Scopes Novice to Intermediate step, conserve or splurge?

[Break Bad]

Been plinking at 100-200 yards for couple years now and want to step up my game and start doing comps. A range nearby recently opened (300-1k) and has frequent competitions. Bought a 700 5R and a reloading setup. Now for glass. I only have had the chance to spectate at one comp and due to that relatively quick pace, didn't have much time to chat up shooters and mess with their rigs. I'm reluctant to fire off a 1500$+ purchase without having actually gotten my eyeball behind it... plus I've never even pulled the trigger at 300+.

I'm thinking I can get by for the next 3-6 months on a budget scope and maybe get in this new circle of shooters and find someone selling a used NF or S&B.

I'm not afraid to spending 200-900(ish)$ on a budget scope that I havn't actually held. Just hoping for Mil/Mil learning tool, suggestions?

Currently thinking of getting a Sightron SII or Bushnell Elite seems to have a wide price range (300-1k$+ on swfa).

Should I go 900-1k and get Sightron SIII/Viper PST/Bushy$$$ or perhaps lower end such as 250$ 10x40?

 

[LoneWolfUSMC]

Re: Novice to Intermediate step, conserve or splurge?

Take a close hard look at the Bushnell Elite Tactical line.

The 6-24x is a great option for competitions. It has mil turrets and a good adjustment range when using a 20MOA base. We have beaten the hell out of the Mildot version of this scope and it worked great.

With the updated reticle, this one is going to be tough to beat:
http://swfa.com/Bushnell-6-24x50-Elite-Tactical-Rifle-Scope-P51670.aspx

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The HDMR has a great list of features, but I am waiting to get one in my hands before I can offer a recommendation on it.

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With one of these mid-level scopes, you may be able to put off a top end purchase for quite some time.

 

[rusty815]

Re: Novice to Intermediate step, conserve or splurge?

No need to splurge until you develop your game, take a look at the weaver tactical 3-15x with the illuminated emdr, its a spectacular scope with great glass, swfa has them for about $700.

 

[tylerw02]

Re: Novice to Intermediate step, conserve or splurge?

You could pick up a fixed 10x Bushnell with milrad knobs for about $200 at Midway and then try out the other stuff while you practice and learn what you are doing.

 

[Break Bad]

Re: Novice to Intermediate step, conserve or splurge?

Those bushnells are sweet, weavers look on par with those too. I'm leaning toward the 200$ scope because I like the idea of keeping the scope when I upgrade (for AR I have). If I bought a 800$+ scope I'd be inclined to sell it to help pay for a NF or whatever I decide to buy. Less guilt with 200$ purchase too, will want to reserve all my

The new products from shot show look to be on the expensive side too 900+.