Rifle Scopes Rifle Scopes for newbs...

[Sooter76]

I've been wanting to get into long-range shooting for some time and am just now finally starting to save some money to put together a starter rig. However, I have to admit that all my experience has been relegated to iron sights, red dots, and ACOGs. With that in mind I'm looking for some advice on a decent starter scope to learn on. I don't want a piece of junk but I'm not looking to break the bank yet either... Essentially I want something to get me started and to learn on that will eventially be replaced after I've developed some skill in the basics.

Basically what should I be looking for in terms of features and if anyone can offer some suggestions on a starter scope I'd be appreciative. Thanks!

 

[Longshot38]

Bushnell 3200 or SWFA Super Sniper 10X would be where I would start. Investing in good glass is never a mistake. Thus buy the best quality you can afford. As such what do you consider "breaking the bank"? You have to remember that some of the guys around here put Schmidt & Bender on their 22s.

 

[Brian]

...You have to remember that some of the guys around here put Schmidt & Bender on their 22s.

Heck with the 22's they put em on air rifles lol

 

[winxp_man]

What is the number you have set on price range? I would say the same as Longshot38. And if you have a bit more funds might want to take a look at the SWFA 3-15 a lot of features for the money. Weaver 3-15 might be another. Also SWFA is made in Japan I'm not sure about the Weaver though from what I remember it might be Japan too.


Oh and make sure you get a scope that is MOA/MOA or MIL/MIL will make it easier on you......

 

[winxp_man]

Heck with the 22's they put em on air rifles lol

It sounds like shooters in Britain

 

[flylo]

Hard to beat $299 for a SWFA SS in 10x, 12x, 16x, or 20x. I like fixed power scopes & these are built like Fort Knox.

 

[Wayfaerer320]

SWFA SS

Fixed 10X is $300

3-15X42 is $700 new AND is a first focal plane scope (killer deal)

 

[winxp_man]

SWFA SS

Fixed 10X is $300

3-15X42 is $700 new AND is a first focal plane scope (killer deal)

Dont forget Mil/Mil

 

[Monmouth]

I'm with most in this thread about SWFA. I have their 10x and 3-15, both in MIL/MIL, and really like the scope. If SWFA ever decides to make a spotter with a MIL reticle, I would pay up front and just wait for it.

 

[Crosshair]

The SS 3-9x42 is a great piece too (but with fixed parallax), and often overlooked in favor of the 3-15x42. It has a few little features I like a bit better, but both are top value contenders. The Vortex 2.5-10x32 is another rockin value for a do-it-all scope that adds illumination and zero stop.

 

[Cegorach]

Bushnell 10x mil/mil from Midway. Simple and effective.

I have beat the hell out of several without any failures.