Entry Level Equipment: spotting scope, base, rings

sentry1

sentry1

Crayon Eater
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Jul 7, 2012
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Madison, Alabama
#1
I'm looking to get into some affordable, but decent quality gear. I've just moved to a place where I can get to the range regularly, and I'm going to be purchasing a Remington 700 in .308. I'll probably go with the SPS Tactical AAC-SD, I like the 20" heavy barrel for compactness so I can use it for deer season, and the option to add on a suppressor later is nice too.

So, I'd like to solicit opinions on gear like:
base: flat or 20 MOA? steel or aluminum?
rings: high? low?
spotting scope: The range I go to has a max distance of 200 yards, but I may go to a range with more distance later.

I'd like to get into some decent budget gear. I don't want to break the bank right away, I'd rather get to know the gun, build up some experience, and upgrade later.
 
#2
Re: Entry Level Equipment: spotting scope, base, rings

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: sentry1</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'm looking to get into some affordable, but decent quality gear. I've just moved to a place where I can get to the range regularly, and I'm going to be purchasing a Remington 700 in .308. I'll probably go with the SPS Tactical AAC-SD, I like the 20" heavy barrel for compactness so I can use it for deer season, and the option to add on a suppressor later is nice too.

So, I'd like to solicit opinions on gear like:
base: flat or 20 MOA? steel or aluminum?
rings: high? low?
spotting scope: The range I go to has a max distance of 200 yards, but I may go to a range with more distance later.

I'd like to get into some decent budget gear. I don't want to break the bank right away, I'd rather get to know the gun, build up some experience, and upgrade later.

</div></div>

Base, I'd go with 20+moa, depending on how far you plan to shoot.

Rings, Depends on the scope, I like to get as low as I can.

Spotting Scope, Vortex makes nice ones, and if you want a mil reticle, you can get a Bushnell Excursion Mil Dot, if you get lucky of course. They are vaporware.

One thing I'd do is ditch the spotting scope, and get better glass for up top on the rifle, and also replace the stock with a B&C, H&S, Manners, etc, depending on your budget. I'd recommend B&C if you are on a tight budget.
 
#3
Re: Entry Level Equipment: spotting scope, base, rings

I'm going to need the spotting scope for service rifle shooting, but I definitely want to put some decent glass on the bolt action. I guess I should ask for opinions on a good scope too.
 
#4
Re: Entry Level Equipment: spotting scope, base, rings

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: sentry1</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'm going to need the spotting scope for service rifle shooting, but I definitely want to put some decent glass on the bolt action. I guess I should ask for opinions on a good scope too. </div></div>

Depends on what you want to spend.

SWFA Makes a Mil/Mil Scope in the 300 to 400 range, and they are pretty good for the money.

Bushenll makes a 10x Mil/il, which can be found around 200-250.

Vortex Offers SFP and FFP scopes ranging from 700-950 in both 4-16 and 6-24, both mil/mil or moa/moa.

Weaver offers a 5-15 scope that is pretty decent, but I dont know much about it.

Do a search on here, you will learn much.
 
#6
Re: Entry Level Equipment: spotting scope, base, rings

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: sentry1</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Please explain the mil/mil and moa/moa terminology?

My experience is limited to basic USMC marksmanship. </div></div>

They are two different units of measurement, there are multiple threads on here that go into great detail, and they explain it much better than I do.
 
#8
Re: Entry Level Equipment: spotting scope, base, rings

Mil/Mil would be a scope with a mil reticle, and mil turrets, and moa/moa would be a scope with, you guessed it, moa reticle and moa turrets.
 
#9
Re: Entry Level Equipment: spotting scope, base, rings

Welcome to the Hide. You can do this on a budget. You don't have to throw money at it. Do your research.

I would recommend a Bell & Carlson Stock and a Timney trigger.

I made two mistakes a $300.00 4x16 scope and a $100.00 Spotting scope. I ended up wishing I had my money back.

This guy is member here. His site is www.8541tactical.com. He will help you a lot.

http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthre...901#Post2807901
 
#10
Re: Entry Level Equipment: spotting scope, base, rings

Good to see that site meets with the local's approval! I've been using it for a lot of my research.

The stock and trigger will come later, once I've paid off a few other things. Right now, I'm thinking I'll put $200 - $300 into a spotting scope (really more for service rifle shooting than the 700), and $500 into the scope I put on the rifle. I'm really leaning towards a FFP scope. This assumes I can get decent gear in this price range. I may adjust if I really need to.
 
#11
Re: Entry Level Equipment: spotting scope, base, rings

For the money you mentioned I really liked the couple KONUS spotting scopes I've looked thru. Good clear for the money, seem to be a bit on the light side so I'd not go beating it around but I liked the 80mm model a bit better than the 100mm, both were clear but the 80m was a bit less bulky. Don't scrimp on a tripod to hold it though. You don't want it vibrating around in a slight breeze when your match partner is counting on your for a good call. Buy the heaviest tripod you can find.

Not recommending Midway but just a site that popped up that had the Konus scope for him to look at.

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/466045/...e-armored-green

As for the other things you mentioned, seems like you got good advice, especially about not having to throw money at this sport to be competitive. Decent equipment will get you all the accuracy you'll need to get started and get you on working on your skills.

Good Luck

Topstrap
 
#12
Re: Entry Level Equipment: spotting scope, base, rings

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: sentry1</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Good to see that site meets with the local's approval! I've been using it for a lot of my research.

The stock and trigger will come later, once I've paid off a few other things. Right now, I'm thinking I'll put $200 - $300 into a spotting scope (really more for service rifle shooting than the 700), and $500 into the scope I put on the rifle. I'm really leaning towards a FFP scope. This assumes I can get decent gear in this price range. I may adjust if I really need to. </div></div>

I'm not sure you're going to be pleased with any FFP scope you get for 500 dollars or less, you may want to consider bumping that budget up to closer to 800 dollars. Do not underestimate the truth of Buy once Cry once, you'll be unbelievably frustrated trying to shoot with a poor quality optic.
 
#13
Re: Entry Level Equipment: spotting scope, base, rings

i got the weaver from a vendor on here. great service and a great product. it has served me well out to 600 yards (the longest range around here, haven't gone any further yet).

but, i will say, with a vortex nomad spotting scope at 600 yards, i just use the weaver scope. i haven't had much luck with that spotter
 
#14
Re: Entry Level Equipment: spotting scope, base, rings

I am indeed starting to lean towards making the purchases slowly and getting gear that is a little higher up than bottom level (without defaulting on my student loans =p )

Based on a lot of recommendations here for the rifle scope, it's a toss up between a brand new SWFA SS 3-9x42 for $600 or a used 2010 model Bushnell Elite Tactical 3-12x44 for $620. Reviews for both look good.
 
#15
Re: Entry Level Equipment: spotting scope, base, rings

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: sentry1</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I am indeed starting to lean towards making the purchases slowly and getting gear that is a little higher up than bottom level (without defaulting on my student loans =p )

Based on a lot of recommendations here for the rifle scope, it's a toss up between a brand new SWFA SS 3-9x42 for $600 or a used 2010 model Bushnell Elite Tactical 3-12x44 for $620. Reviews for both look good. </div></div>

Ive got the model Bushnell you are referring to, and while it is NOT a Nightforce, Zeiss, or Leupold, I can still hang with the guys using them upwards 800-900yds.

You wont be disappointed with that scope if you decide to go with it for a starter..
 
#17
Re: Entry Level Equipment: spotting scope, base, rings

I ran into a bunch of salty old timers at the range a few weekends ago, and they recommended the Konus to me as well for a good scope that won't break the bank, so I went with it.
 
#18
Re: Entry Level Equipment: spotting scope, base, rings

I'll second the praise for the Konus 80. I picked one up on craigslist for half of retail and it was practically brand new. Not as nice as the highend stuff but plenty good enough to get started with.

As far as a rifle and setup. I got a used B&C stock to go with a stevens action and benchmark barrel and a used SS 20x scope. It's plenty of rifle (under .5 moa) with a rookie shooter like me.
 
#19
Re: Entry Level Equipment: spotting scope, base, rings

Also on the Konus 80 bandwagon , I picked one up ,it has worked great out thru 1000yds . Alittle on the light side is the only drawback I see ?
 
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