Rifle Scopes $1000ish budget...

[johnstonblake]

Rigging up a 300 wby, time to buy a scope. It'll be primarily a hunting rifle that will be long range capable, every now and then I'll use it at a bench for fun at long range. So weight is an issue.

I'm kinda wanting a 4-16, but might consider something with a little more magnification. Illuminated reticle is a must. 50 mm objective is preferred. I wouldn't mind a bdc reticle, as long as it has marks to 1000 yards. Trying to keep the cost around a grand.


Suggestions?

 

[alexdawg]

I am having a hard time not liking the new Vortex Viper PST FFP. I got the 6-24. $950 anywhere you can find it. Nice optics.

 

[Longshot38]

A Bushnell Elite Tactical 3-12x44 would seem like a close fit. Good scope at a good price.

 

[kmose73]

Buy a used scope off of here. There are some really good deals! Also good deals on the samples list on swfa.com.

 

[Crosshair]

Sounds like you're looking at either the Weaver EMDR 3-15x50 or Viper PST 4-16x50. The glass on the weaver may be a little better, the PST has zero stop and best warranty, and is lighter weight. Both are good scopes. Definitely going to have to make some compromises to get lightweight, good glass, and illumination at under $1k.

 

[Pinecone]

For a Viper PST, check with Sport Optics (Rifle Scopes, Binoculars, Spotting Scopes and Range Finders | Swarovski, Leica, Zeiss | SportOptics) for a NICE SH discount.

It seems most people recommend SFP for hunting, as the reticle doesn't get too thin at low power or too thick and high power.

 

[GunMax]

I got the SWFA 5x20 and it is great. I would recommend it for a long range hunter. You can pick up a used one from the hide or from the sample list on swfa.com. I have 2 on my long range hunting and target rifles. PM me if you you got any specific questions.

 

[dondlhmn]

If you use a laser or other accurate ranging device when you hunt and range find ahead of time on the most likely places for a deer at which you will shoot to appear, you will likely be wasting about 200 bucks getting the FFP scope. If you know the distances (and can remember all of them or write them down), you will really not need the ranging capability in the scope. As an example the Vortex Viper PST 6 to 24 by 50mm scopes that are FFP and SFP are otherwise identical, but cost is about 200 bucks less for the second focal plane version....roughly $750.00 versus $950.00.

PS..I do have both scopes and believe that, other than it being kind of an experiment just so I PERSONALLY will know which works for me best for MY applications, think I wasted 200 bucks buying the FFP scope even though I did need two scopes when I bought them. I bought the Viper PST scopes after considering things like weight, price, available reticles/turrets (I am a MOA guy as opposed to Mils and FIRMLY believe that the turrets and the reticles should both be the same calibrations whether it be MOA or mil), quality of customer service and/or warranty, availability and etc.....The Vortex Vipers, while a little spendy, are not WILDLY so.....nothing like Nightforce or Schmidt and Bender, or even the very top of the line Vortexes!!

 

[Chiller]

will the rifle be used for hunting or tactical?

The Vortex PST is a GREAT option. The question comes down to how will the rifle be used?