I recently purchased a Savage 10fp in 308 at a price that couldn't be passed up. I'm on a pretty thin budget and would like to find a scope that I could use for double duty target-comp and hunting. 400 yds is the max range I can find in Florida (where I live) and I intend to hunt hog and deer with it too, with the shortest range being around 25yds. I like the Mil-Dot scopes, but I am sooooo confused. I don't want to purchase any more scope that what I really need. Please help. By the way, I'm new to this site, but what I have read is very interesting. Thanks.
Rifle Scopes Target & Hunting Scope Combination
- Thread starter ifishnfool
- Start date
Re: Target & Hunting Scope Combination
I'm not going to direct you to specific brands, because I'm not well versed in lower priced scopes with mil-dot and target turrets--- had to ask for advise on brands a couple weeks ago when helping a buddy find something similar.
But, I'd be looking for something with a low power range of 1.5-3.5 and a high end of maybe 10-14. You really don't need more than 10 for 400yrds, but at 25yrds on hog, you're going to want something with a wide field of view and fast to acquire your target- that necessitates a lower power- almost to the point of the lower the better at that range.
I'll tell you this much, my buddy ended up going with a Vortex Crossfire in 30mm tube, 4-16x50mm w/mildot -- I don't think it's shown up at his door yet, and he certainly has not mounted/used it yet. But his primary use was for deer and targets on an LR308 out to 800m, as close as 50m. This seemed like the best deal we could find- he needed something cheap since he spent a good chunk of change on the LR308, some accessories, ammo and a Springfield loaded 1911. Might be worth checking out, but keep an open mind to other options with lower power since you don't have the distance requirement.
http://www.vortexoptics.com/product/vort...minated-reticle
I'm not going to direct you to specific brands, because I'm not well versed in lower priced scopes with mil-dot and target turrets--- had to ask for advise on brands a couple weeks ago when helping a buddy find something similar.
But, I'd be looking for something with a low power range of 1.5-3.5 and a high end of maybe 10-14. You really don't need more than 10 for 400yrds, but at 25yrds on hog, you're going to want something with a wide field of view and fast to acquire your target- that necessitates a lower power- almost to the point of the lower the better at that range.
I'll tell you this much, my buddy ended up going with a Vortex Crossfire in 30mm tube, 4-16x50mm w/mildot -- I don't think it's shown up at his door yet, and he certainly has not mounted/used it yet. But his primary use was for deer and targets on an LR308 out to 800m, as close as 50m. This seemed like the best deal we could find- he needed something cheap since he spent a good chunk of change on the LR308, some accessories, ammo and a Springfield loaded 1911. Might be worth checking out, but keep an open mind to other options with lower power since you don't have the distance requirement.
http://www.vortexoptics.com/product/vort...minated-reticle
Re: Target & Hunting Scope Combination
youll probably find a lot of posts on these type of scopes. but IMO I would get the most I can afford in the power settings above. I would look at nikon , bushnell and some leupolds may fall in your budget
youll probably find a lot of posts on these type of scopes. but IMO I would get the most I can afford in the power settings above. I would look at nikon , bushnell and some leupolds may fall in your budget
Re: Target & Hunting Scope Combination
Thanks guys. I didn't really expect this fast a response, I'm very greatful. I'm thinking now that I may not have to go with as high power as initially thought. Something like 2.5-7X42 or 50. You guys are right in every aspect, and yes, I have thought about the Super Sniper. That was my very first choice, but I'm not sure if it would be quick to target hog at 25-50 yds? I am pretty rough on my equipment and think that the Super Sniper could handle me and the shock of the 308 though. Hmmm, gives me something more to think about. Thanks again.
Thanks guys. I didn't really expect this fast a response, I'm very greatful. I'm thinking now that I may not have to go with as high power as initially thought. Something like 2.5-7X42 or 50. You guys are right in every aspect, and yes, I have thought about the Super Sniper. That was my very first choice, but I'm not sure if it would be quick to target hog at 25-50 yds? I am pretty rough on my equipment and think that the Super Sniper could handle me and the shock of the 308 though. Hmmm, gives me something more to think about. Thanks again.
Re: Target & Hunting Scope Combination
2,5-10x42 Zeiss,
bombproof and will yield super results,
to pricey,
Zeiss is coming out with a new line Duralyt,
they have a 2,2-8x42, about right up to your request.
Best regards Chris
2,5-10x42 Zeiss,
bombproof and will yield super results,
to pricey,
Zeiss is coming out with a new line Duralyt,
they have a 2,2-8x42, about right up to your request.
Best regards Chris
Re: Target & Hunting Scope Combination
Zeiss are some supurb optics- I have compact binos from their Victory line. Might check w/ Cameralandny.com. But they are a bit pricy in respect to what I imagine you'd like to spend. Most also are not target turrets/mil-dot.
Zeiss are some supurb optics- I have compact binos from their Victory line. Might check w/ Cameralandny.com. But they are a bit pricy in respect to what I imagine you'd like to spend. Most also are not target turrets/mil-dot.
Re: Target & Hunting Scope Combination
A fixed power 10X scope sounds like it would do, except that is a lot of magnification for the short distance shooting. For 400 yards, 10X - 15X is just about perfect. 25X is nice for spotting holes and not having to worry about a spotting scope at 400 yards, though.
What is the price range you are looking for in the scope? Is the target shooting going to be at known or unknown ranges?
A fixed power 10X scope sounds like it would do, except that is a lot of magnification for the short distance shooting. For 400 yards, 10X - 15X is just about perfect. 25X is nice for spotting holes and not having to worry about a spotting scope at 400 yards, though.
What is the price range you are looking for in the scope? Is the target shooting going to be at known or unknown ranges?
Re: Target & Hunting Scope Combination
Punching paper, I get frustrated that I can see bullet holes at 200 yards about 50% of the time with my 3.5-15X NXS. There are two solutions: 1) buy a spotting scope, 2) get a higher magnification.
You can absolutely shoot at 400 yards with 10X. I am not questioning that. You will not be able to see bullet holes at that distance with a 10X.
The tricky part of the question is all of the close range shooting. An adjustable parallax will likely be a requirement. The real question is what should the bottom magnification be... that will determine the top magnification. Given the range from 25 yards to 400 yards, I am thinking around 3X or 4X to 15X or 16X.
I am also thinking that since the hunting is done in close and if the target shooting is at known distances, then SFP will suffice. Need more info, though.
Punching paper, I get frustrated that I can see bullet holes at 200 yards about 50% of the time with my 3.5-15X NXS. There are two solutions: 1) buy a spotting scope, 2) get a higher magnification.
You can absolutely shoot at 400 yards with 10X. I am not questioning that. You will not be able to see bullet holes at that distance with a 10X.
The tricky part of the question is all of the close range shooting. An adjustable parallax will likely be a requirement. The real question is what should the bottom magnification be... that will determine the top magnification. Given the range from 25 yards to 400 yards, I am thinking around 3X or 4X to 15X or 16X.
I am also thinking that since the hunting is done in close and if the target shooting is at known distances, then SFP will suffice. Need more info, though.
Re: Target & Hunting Scope Combination
There aren't any scopes I know of under $1000 that will 1) give you enough clarity to see bullet holes @ 400 yards and 2) still have low-end magnification suitable for close-in hunting. If you are rough on your equipment, save a few more bucks and get a Super Sniper 3-9X for $599. The glass is pretty good and the features, tracking and durability match scopes costing far more.
It doesn't cost that much to get a spotting scope capable of seeing .308 holes at 400. Often enough, good optics are overcome by mirage anyway. While it's tempting to get a scope that can handle all these things, you end up having to carry the extra weight and deal with the larger size even when you don't need it. That's most of the time, especially when hunting.
There aren't any scopes I know of under $1000 that will 1) give you enough clarity to see bullet holes @ 400 yards and 2) still have low-end magnification suitable for close-in hunting. If you are rough on your equipment, save a few more bucks and get a Super Sniper 3-9X for $599. The glass is pretty good and the features, tracking and durability match scopes costing far more.
It doesn't cost that much to get a spotting scope capable of seeing .308 holes at 400. Often enough, good optics are overcome by mirage anyway. While it's tempting to get a scope that can handle all these things, you end up having to carry the extra weight and deal with the larger size even when you don't need it. That's most of the time, especially when hunting.
Re: Target & Hunting Scope Combination
For your application and distance I would recomend the Super Sniper 3-9X42. I've been using one out to 800 yards with no problems. It would be a good hunting scope as well. The 9X setting won't show you bullet holes in the black at 400 yards but that is why they make shoot-n-c targets. I have not missed the paralax adjustment at all.
For your application and distance I would recomend the Super Sniper 3-9X42. I've been using one out to 800 yards with no problems. It would be a good hunting scope as well. The 9X setting won't show you bullet holes in the black at 400 yards but that is why they make shoot-n-c targets. I have not missed the paralax adjustment at all.
Re: Target & Hunting Scope Combination
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: azimutha</div><div class="ubbcode-body">There aren't any scopes I know of under $1000 that will 1) give you enough clarity to see bullet holes @ 400 yards and 2) still have low-end magnification suitable for close-in hunting. If you are rough on your equipment, save a few more bucks and get a Super Sniper 3-9X for $599. The glass is pretty good and the features, tracking and durability match scopes costing far more.
It doesn't cost that much to get a spotting scope capable of seeing .308 holes at 400. Often enough, good optics are overcome by mirage anyway. While it's tempting to get a scope that can handle all these things, you end up having to carry the extra weight and deal with the larger size even when you don't need it. That's most of the time, especially when hunting. </div></div>
+1
I do not believe the answer to all situations is more scope- a scope is an instrument for precision rifle fire- not spotting. The trade off to be able to use your scope to spot holes at distance is a MUCH larger, heavier and more expensive scope- and if you don't need this ability 100% of the time, you're better served to get a scope of more practical size and pick up a spotting scope for your part-time range use.
Smaller, light scope is what's in order here
Let me give you an example--- In the next year I plan on buying a new bolt action hunting rifle in .308- something a bit on the higher end with wood stock, but will still group MOA. I'm looking at topping it off with a USO SN-4 1.5-6x28 or SN-3 1.8-10x37. I even think the SN-3 is on the large side for what a hunting rifle for deer in the midwest really needs. Why not something bigger? Because that means more weight, more bulk and more money... when I simply do not need it.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: azimutha</div><div class="ubbcode-body">There aren't any scopes I know of under $1000 that will 1) give you enough clarity to see bullet holes @ 400 yards and 2) still have low-end magnification suitable for close-in hunting. If you are rough on your equipment, save a few more bucks and get a Super Sniper 3-9X for $599. The glass is pretty good and the features, tracking and durability match scopes costing far more.
It doesn't cost that much to get a spotting scope capable of seeing .308 holes at 400. Often enough, good optics are overcome by mirage anyway. While it's tempting to get a scope that can handle all these things, you end up having to carry the extra weight and deal with the larger size even when you don't need it. That's most of the time, especially when hunting. </div></div>
+1
I do not believe the answer to all situations is more scope- a scope is an instrument for precision rifle fire- not spotting. The trade off to be able to use your scope to spot holes at distance is a MUCH larger, heavier and more expensive scope- and if you don't need this ability 100% of the time, you're better served to get a scope of more practical size and pick up a spotting scope for your part-time range use.
Smaller, light scope is what's in order here
Let me give you an example--- In the next year I plan on buying a new bolt action hunting rifle in .308- something a bit on the higher end with wood stock, but will still group MOA. I'm looking at topping it off with a USO SN-4 1.5-6x28 or SN-3 1.8-10x37. I even think the SN-3 is on the large side for what a hunting rifle for deer in the midwest really needs. Why not something bigger? Because that means more weight, more bulk and more money... when I simply do not need it.
Re: Target & Hunting Scope Combination
The bushnell elite 3200 5-15x40 has a mil-dot reticle, plenty of power for close and long range, nice turrets and can be found for around $300.
The bushnell elite 3200 5-15x40 has a mil-dot reticle, plenty of power for close and long range, nice turrets and can be found for around $300.
Re: Target & Hunting Scope Combination
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Prairie Dog Dundee</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have not missed the paralax adjustment at all. </div></div>
How much shooting do you do inside of 50 yards? I expect that is where you would really miss it. It looks like a lot of the hunting will take place inside of 100 yards, which is what makes this tricky. 25 - 400 yards is actually trickier in some ways than 100 - 1000 yards. I would lean towards a Vortex Crossfire or the Viper if price allows.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Prairie Dog Dundee</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have not missed the paralax adjustment at all. </div></div>
How much shooting do you do inside of 50 yards? I expect that is where you would really miss it. It looks like a lot of the hunting will take place inside of 100 yards, which is what makes this tricky. 25 - 400 yards is actually trickier in some ways than 100 - 1000 yards. I would lean towards a Vortex Crossfire or the Viper if price allows.
