Rifle Scopes Best mid-price optics for an AR30 .338 Lapua?

[suebaby]

Hi folks,

I'm doing a little early Christmas shopping, and part of the gun package I'm putting together for my husband is, of course, a scope. I've been reading up and talking to a few different folks, and it seems like out of the staggering variety of options, some of them stand out as decent choices for the price range. So... now, I'm wondering of you seasoned shooters wouldn't mind helping a lady make a choice?

Application-wise, this is more for recreational/occasiona use at distances I'm guessing up to 500 yards; as he gets more serious, he can always trade up to his preferred scope. But to start out with... which of these would you suggest? I've got about $600 to spend on the scope itself, plus the rings and whatnot.

Contestant #1: - Leupold VXII 4-12x50
Contestant #2: - Burris 6-24x44
Contestant #3: - Burris 8-32x44
Contestant #4: - SWFA Super Sniper 3-9x42

Thanks in advance, guys and gals, for your guidance and wisdom! Look forward to your thoughts!

 

[Rob01]

Re: Best mid-price optics for an AR30 .338 Lapua?

Check out the Vortex Viper 6.5-20x44 with mildot reticle. $399 at Liberty Optics. Get a set of Seekins Precision rings for $120 and you are under your $600 mark. Give Scott a call and he will help you out.
http://www.libertyoptics.com/

 

[juliomorris]

Re: Best mid-price optics for an AR30 .338 Lapua?

Burris.

 

[head2h2o]

Re: Best mid-price optics for an AR30 .338 Lapua?

First off, I have to say you are a good woman buying your husband toys like this.

Second, do you have a sister that is single and thinks like you.

ON a serious note, I have to agree with the idea of calling a vendor and speaking with them. Scott at Liberty Optics, Mike at CS Tactical, SWFA, etc. I have also had good luck with Don at Long Range Supply. They can set you up and many times may have options that are second hand that will fit the bill and are in great shape. Might be able to get a little more scope for the money spent and since he is likely to trade up anyway at some point, it won't really matter.

Good luck.

 

[cuffm4615]

Re: Best mid-price optics for an AR30 .338 Lapua?

I have to agree with ROB on the Vortex Viper but I would probably opt for the 6.5-20x50 for $499 only because I have one and really like it (though I bought a target dot on a deal and wish I'd pony up the difference for a mildot).

 

[rjroberts]

Re: Best mid-price optics for an AR30 .338 Lapua?

The Burris would be nice, as would the Vortex. I would make this comment first before I make my suggestion. A .338 Lapua is generally a much longer range cartridge than 500 yards. That does not mean you can't use it within 500 but it does mean that he will eventually want to exploit its full potential. With the right person and optics, its usefulness can be 1500 to 2000 and more. So, 1000 yards is almost child's play with that rifle.

That said, there are a couple of considerations. If using in the field as in hunting, stay with the lower power ranges. Hand held or a bipod in the field or bracing on a tree will cause some jumping around if the power is too high. However, if he uses it at longer ranges, one will need the power. If one is shooting at plates, less power than actual targets with rings and scoring. Another consideration is if he wants to use the elevation turret for range or hold over. The turret will require larger internal adjustment.

That said. I would suggest this. Be a bit economical though not cheapo on the scope until his needs develop. I like the SS you mention. Lower power (I'd be using at most 5x for hunting at 500) with the capability of viewing more detail or longer range (the 9x). WHen he decides on actual use, then a really nice scope would be in order. Not to say the SS isn't nice, just n ot "premium". It works well. One other I'd suggest would be the Bushnell 3200 10X, which is $199. at midway, for example. Fixed power for simplicity and ranging, saves on cost. The cons would be a but too much in my view for under 500 yards but still doable. Would also take him to 1000 yards.

Nice rifle, BTW. I had one and it liked it. Past tense only because Gulf Coast Florida has minimal 1000 yard shooting opportunities. Has (or at least used to) Walther barrels. Ammunition cost is frightful unless one reloads. It also helps if he has long arms because the pull of the rifle is quite long. It was perfect for me but unless one has long arms.... But, love the rifle.

 

[Tulie]

Re: Best mid-price optics for an AR30 .338 Lapua?

In my opinion I would agree with the Viper's. I have 2 and really like them. That being said, I am not a Burris fan and have had several bad experiences with them. I am selling my last Burris scopes right now and have had a couple of Black Diamond's that just didn't work for me at all. Maybe it was just me but the BD's seemed less clear, less consistent and much less robust than the Viper's. As for Leupold, some people have had issues. I have had to send a few of their scopes back for service but their CS is top notch or has been for me and I am currently considering a Mark 4 or a Viper PST in the near future.

Just my 2 cents.

 

[suebaby]

Re: Best mid-price optics for an AR30 .338 Lapua?

Wow, thanks so much, everyone! I really appreciate all of you, taking the time to help with my decision, and also to educate me as to the true potential of this weapon. It's also a huge relief to hear that this is a great gun, from people with real-world experience with it. While familiar with guns, I'm clearly not too well-versed in this particular weapon - but am learning mighty quickly, thanks to great guidance such as this. What a well-mannered and courteous forum this seems to be; a rare gem indeed in this roughshod day and age. You folks are the best!