Rifle Scopes Scope for my Longer Range Hunting/Target Rifle

[wk05]

Hi guys, so I am in the market for a new scope and have narrowed it down to a few options, but am open to suggestions. Here is a little background info on me/how I plan on using my optic. Mainly, this optic will sit on the first rifle I bought right as I turned 18 this past summer - a Remington 700 ADL in .30-06. I know it's not a really great long range gun, but out to 500, I've been able to connect with a cheaper Vortex Crossfire II 4-12, and got that sporter barrel really hot! My goal is to get an optic that would be suitable for longer range hunting, target shooting at steel (non competitive, I'm here for fun!) out to 500-600. I intend on picking up a Tikka .30-06, when I find that I'm able to outshoot my rifle. Now, here are some options that I've came up with so far.

1. Leupold 3.5-10x40 VX-3 CDS
Pros - Cheaper, leupold quality glass, simplicity, smaller, lightweight
Cons - no good reticle options, must dial or hold over for elevation adjustments, no IR

2. Vortex 2.5-10x32 Viper PST (Where I'm leaning right now)
Pros - small, light, great quality glass, vortex warranty, great magnification range, reticle options, turrets, illuminated reticle, etc
Cons - Pricey, only 10x on the highest power (will this be a negative at the distances I'm shooting on 8-12" plates?)

3. Vortex Midway USA Special 5-15
Pros - great magnification, quality glass, reticle, target turrets, CHEAP
Cons - larger, heavier, no IR

4. Any suggestion you have!

I'd like to keep the budget around $700, preferably less as I'm doing it on a students budget, and get some nice glass that will outlast me! If you could take a look at my suggestions and let me know what you think works, I'd really appreciate it! Thanks in advance!

 

[zacii]

That Vortex Midway special is what I have my eye on, but who knows when it's going to be available again.

Sent from my Galaxy S2

 

[thrusty]

You will be happy with the Vortex PST. I have a Vortex PST 6-24x50mm FFP going on my GAP 6.5CM build...it's a great optic for the money.

I would personally look into at least a 40mm objective though....50mm even better.
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/15...ide-focus-illuminated-ebr-1-moa-reticle-matte

 

[slm9s]

Do you see yourself hunting things up close? If so, your lowest power can't be too high. I wouldn't want to hunt elk in dark timber with a 6-24 power scope. Acquisition would be TOUGH. A Zeiss conquest 4.5-14 with a Z600 reticle, or duplex and target turret would be a great option and in your budget.
If on a tight budget, a used VXII tactical 3-9 would be fine, they came with turrets and are around $300 when found.

 

[wk05]

Id like the Max power on the low end to be around 4X, maybe 5 (as in the Midway Optic). I have the ability to score a 2.5-10x32 for $700 shipped. So that helps a bit. Although, what are your opinions on the 3.5-10 CDS by leupold? I never mess with windage turrets, so that is not a downfall. How would you rate it for the price versus say, the vortex?

 

[Crosshair]

I'll post this little list I've been making up for myself. I'm in the same boat, I want 2.5x-4 on the low end. And since most scopes in the under $800 club are SFP, I'd like to keep the high end under 12x. Weight is a concern for me, my hunting rig is light and well balanced, don't want a 2 lb optic. All of these are mil/mil and can be found under $800, except for the IOR and Bushnell I believe.


SWFA ss 3-9 * FFP 19oz
leupold *3-9 vxr patrol * 15.3 oz*
Weaver GS 3-10x42 * 16.6 oz
Viper 2.5-10x44 pst *18.4 oz
Viper 2.5-10x32 pst *FFP 18.7 oz
Sightron sIII 3.5-10x44 **20.5 oz
Ior 2.5-10x42 FFP* 18 oz
Bushnell 3-12x44 * 24.4 oz
Burris mtac 3.5-10x42 * *17 oz

 

[wk05]

Looking at weight again, I think this is a contender to look into as well. It appears to be pried better than I thought, the CDS is excellent, however, I don't like the lack of options in the reticle. I really don't want to be stuck with the duplex. Is parallax adjustment needed for the ranges I am shooting at - 500 yards max?

http://swfa.com/Leupold-35-10x40-VX-3-Riflescope-P12651.aspx

 

[RFtinkerer]

Have you considered the SWFA SS 3-9x42? I guess it's probably too heavy for you and the high end mag is only 9x, but it's gotten pretty good reviews around here. You may throw it in the bucket. I'm a Vortex fanboy (I have a 1-4x and 6-24x PST models), but I wouldn't want 32 mm aperture if you plan to hunt with it. The 2.5-10x44 PST has kind of sucky reviews for optic quality, otherwise I'd want that.

Edit: As to the Leupold above, duplex reticle is big fail for me. I like hold-ups for elevation and hold-offs for windage when I want quick adjustments.

 

[Crosshair]

The VX3's are good all around hunting scopes, tried and true and amazingly lightweight. But for the money I think a 3-9 viper with bdc reticle is way more value at $299. In the Leupold line, the VX-R patrol has way more features for the money compared to vx3. The Leupold guy at shot said they are rated about vx2.5 or vx3 from a few years ago. You get the tmr reticle, exposed turrets and illumination coming in at a shade over 15 oz. if you can get your hands on the new Vortex 2.5-10x32 for a deal, I'd jump on it though, if that's the one for 700 shipped you were referring to.

 

[wk05]

I've looked at a few new options in addition to those above, and here they are -
http://www.vortexoptics.com/product...nge-riflescope-with-dead-hold-bdc-moa-reticle
http://www.vortexoptics.com/product...nge-riflescope-with-dead-hold-bdc-moa-reticle
http://www.vortexoptics.com/product/vortex-viper-hs-4-16x44-riflescope-with-v-plex-moa-reticle (Appears to be GREAT Value, especially at the price you can get them at)

Also, have there been many negative reviews on the 2.5-10x44 PST?