Rifle Scopes Scope advice request for Noob. Lots of details for use provided.

[casualfornow]

Greeting Everyone, my name is Michael, retired, and trying to learn to shoot at distance. Maybe for the zombie apocalypse.

Just bought an old Remington 700 with a chassis in 308. Looking to buy a particular over sized 6x-36x FFP TOP Tier scope for it mil dot reticle, Mrad turrents.)

*Question: Does it make sense to buy a USED Top Tier Scope for starting out? Someone's got one about half price originally $3500.*

I think it is probably overkill, but perhaps it wouldn't hurt to have it for now and in the future. Or get a lower cost decent scope like a Athlon Midas Tac.

(Don't want to talk about brands. Just general opinions.)

Thank you.


Please consider including the following when asking the SH community what scope we'd recommend for you:

• What is the platform for the scope? Used Rem 700 in Chassis
• What cartridge are you shooting? 308
• What is your intended use for the scope? General shooting and learning distance, DOPE, ballistics, etc.
• What type of conditions will you typically shoot in? Daylight
• What are the typical distances you intend to shoot? 800 yards for now.
• Are there any specific specifications you would like? FFP, dead on Turrent tracking. Larger tubel
• What is the price range you can afford? 1500-1750

 

[Hollywood 6mm]

You can get a Bushnell XRS2 brand new from GAP right now for $1575. It's MIL, FFP, 34mm tube, has plenty of adjustment range for your use.... and it comes with a free Kestrel Sportsman. I have two of them for my PRS rifle and my trainer, and even across a bunch of matches, training, bumps, knocks (including my 15+ pound trainer falling from muzzle up vertical onto the elevation knob) they have never lost a zero or failed to track perfectly. The glass is excellent, and you have multiple reticle options (I'm partial to the G3 reticle).

 

[casualfornow]

Thank you!

 

[Hollywood 6mm]

Thank you!

FYI, normal price on the XRS2 is $2250 or so, and you don't generally get a Kestrel for it for free. IMO, that bundle from GAP is by FAR the best high end optic deal going right now, especially if you're a new LR shooter due to the included Kestrel. You can upgrade the Sportsman to the full Applied Ballistics Elite model for $190 from the Kestrel website (get the $50 optical cable while you're at it) and turn your Sportsman into the same kestrel that normally costs $700. I have a Sportsman from the ConX rangefinder kit that I upgraded, and the upgrade adds some worthwhile features.

 

[Tony1320]

For the price used gen2 razors are going for now in the US I would take a look at those. They are a ton of value for the money. Great glass, lots of features, lifetime warranty

 

[atepointer]

Greeting Everyone, my name is Michael, retired, and trying to learn to shoot at distance. Maybe for the zombie apocalypse.

Just bought an old Remington 700 with a chassis in 308. Looking to buy a particular over sized 6x-36x FFP TOP Tier scope for it mil dot reticle, Mrad turrents.)

*Question: Does it make sense to buy a USED Top Tier Scope for starting out? Someone's got one about half price originally $3500.*

I think it is probably overkill, but perhaps it wouldn't hurt to have it for now and in the future. Or get a lower cost decent scope like a Athlon Midas Tac.

(Don't want to talk about brands. Just general opinions.)

Thank you.


Please consider including the following when asking the SH community what scope we'd recommend for you:

• What is the platform for the scope? Used Rem 700 in Chassis
• What cartridge are you shooting? 308
• What is your intended use for the scope? General shooting and learning distance, DOPE, ballistics, etc.
• What type of conditions will you typically shoot in? Daylight
• What are the typical distances you intend to shoot? 800 yards for now.
• Are there any specific specifications you would like? FFP, dead on Turrent tracking. Larger tubel
• What is the price range you can afford? 1500-1750

I was in your boat in trial mode for a good 2 months and ended up with a Burris XTR II 5-25 and having used it for a while I'm in love. I won't bring up others I tried so as not to start a war of 'you are stupid and wrong', but I tried 3 other scopes that cost 2-3x the XTR did and had the cash to buy the others just chose to stay with XTR. FYI currently our conditions are 90-100 degrees with 90+ humidity it's sauna stink here. I'd highly recommend taking a peek at them.

 

[Mike Casselton]

I was in your boat in trial mode for a good 2 months and ended up with a Burris XTR II 5-25 and having used it for a while I'm in love. I won't bring up others I tried so as not to start a war of 'you are stupid and wrong', but I tried 3 other scopes that cost 2-3x the XTR did and had the cash to buy the others just chose to stay with XTR. FYI currently our conditions are 90-100 degrees with 90+ humidity it's sauna stink here. I'd highly recommend taking a peek at them.

You forgot to mention the wind, the driving rain and constantly changing light conditions. Otherwise it ain't that bad...

 

[atepointer]

You forgot to mention the wind, the driving rain and constantly changing light conditions. Otherwise it ain't that bad...

Been super lucky with rain last time we were out it dumped on us for about 5 minutes, but then it 'cooled off' to about 90 b/f sunset. Trying to get out tomorrow night for another sunset shoot but as of now looks like a close out with rain dangit

 

[casualfornow]

For the price used gen2 razors are going for now in the US I would take a look at those. They are a ton of value for the money. Great glass, lots of features, lifetime warranty

Nice idea. I forgot the next ower could use the warranty too!

 

[casualfornow]

I was in your boat in trial mode for a good 2 months and ended up with a Burris XTR II 5-25 and having used it for a while I'm in love. I won't bring up others I tried so as not to start a war of 'you are stupid and wrong', but I tried 3 other scopes that cost 2-3x the XTR did and had the cash to buy the others just chose to stay with XTR. FYI currently our conditions are 90-100 degrees with 90+ humidity it's sauna stink here. I'd highly recommend taking a peek at them.

Sorry to hear about your weather. I'll have to check out the Burris XTR.

 

[atepointer]

Sorry to hear about your weather. I'll have to check out the Burris XTR.

Na no need to be sorry I love it here just wanted to express that I'm not evaluating the Burris sitting inside an air conditioned range.....mirage is alive and well here!

 

[casualfornow]

You can get a Bushnell XRS2 brand new from GAP right now for $1575. It's MIL, FFP, 34mm tube, has plenty of adjustment range for your use.... and it comes with a free Kestrel Sportsman. I have two of them for my PRS rifle and my trainer, and even across a bunch of matches, training, bumps, knocks (including my 15+ pound trainer falling from muzzle up vertical onto the elevation knob) they have never lost a zero or failed to track perfectly. The glass is excellent, and you have multiple reticle options (I'm partial to the G3 reticle).

A kestrel sportsman would be nice as well.

 

[Tony1320]

Something to consider is if you have the cash available to buy a Tier1 optic and you don't and go with a more cost-effective alternative you may regret it and wonder what if in the future.

 

[Hollywood 6mm]

Something to consider is if you have the cash available to buy a Tier1 optic and you don't to go with a more cost-effective alternative you may regret it and wonder what if in the future.

I'll say from personal experience, he's not giving up much (if anything) buying an XRS2.

 

[casualfornow]

Something to consider is if you have the cash available to buy a Tier1 optic and you don't to go with a more cost-effective alternative you may regret it and wonder what if in the future.

Are you saying give a a more cost-effective alternative first? Thank you.

 

[Tony1320]

Are you saying give a a more cost-effective alternative first? Thank you.

Sorry I didn't write that out how I meant to say it

I'm saying if you have the money for a Tier1 optic but you don't go for it you may regret it later

 

[casualfornow]

I was thinking that as well. Thanks. Regarding Tier 1, used would be my price range. Smile.

 

[Tony1320]

I was thinking that as well. Thanks. Regarding Tier 1, used would be my price range. Smile.

There is nothing wrong with a used optic

If you buy a gen2 razor it has unlimited lifetime warranty

If you buy a Nightforce atacr 5-25 you will probably never use the warranty

Not sure what else you could get into for your budget since I'm not from the US but browsing through the exchange looks like those 2 scopes are just a bit over your budget you could probably negotiate with them

 

[casualfornow]

Thanks for the "heads up" and taking your time to respond to my post. Best regards,
Michael

 

[Tony1320]

Thanks for the "heads up" and taking your time to respond to my post. Best regards,
Michael

No problem

Wish you the best of luck

 

[lancetkenyon]

I would take a used top tier like a S&B, TT, Premier, Hensoldt, ZCO, Minox, Kahles, etc. over a new Bushnell, Leupold, Sig, Tract, Vortex any day of the week and twice on Sundays.

 

[WeiserBucks]

I would take a used top tier like a S&B, TT, Premier, Hensoldt, ZCO, Minox, Kahles, etc. over a new Bushnell, Leupold, Sig, Tract, Vortex any day of the week and twice on Sundays.

This is the real truth. I've had all of them except TT and ZCO , bought them all used and they're better than the lesser offerings.

I understand that some folks are on a strict budget, but $3500 will buy one of the best scopes on the planet used. I buy used and I have zero shame .

 

[lancetkenyon]

I own several scopes I bought used. All from this site actually.
S&B PMII 5-25×56 DT
S&B PMII 3-20×50US MTC/LT DT
S&B PMII 5-20×50US MTC/LT DT
Premier Heritage 5-25×56
Premier Heritage Light Tactical 3-15×50

I have bought a few new ones too. I could have saved enough buying the same scopes used to get an additional top tier optic basically for free.

 

[casualfornow]

I would take a used top tier like a S&B, TT, Premier, Hensoldt, ZCO, Minox, Kahles, etc. over a new Bushnell, Leupold, Sig, Tract, Vortex any day of the week and twice on Sundays.

I was starting to think the same thing. Thanks.

 

[casualfornow]

This is the real truth. I've had all of them except TT and ZCO , bought them all used and they're better than the lesser offerings.

I understand that some folks are on a strict budget, but $3500 will buy one of the best scopes on the planet used. I buy used and I have zero shame .

Makes sense. Thanks for the "heads up".

 

[casualfornow]

I own several scopes I bought used. All from this site actually.
S&B PMII 5-25×56 DT
S&B PMII 3-20×50US MTC/LT DT
S&B PMII 5-20×50US MTC/LT DT
Premier Heritage 5-25×56
Premier Heritage Light Tactical 3-15×50

I have bought a few new ones too. I could have saved enough buying the same scopes used to get an additional top tier optic basically for free.

Nice set of optics! Looks like quality is the way to go. Thanks, Best regards.