I am trying to choose an optic for my new rifle project. I just ordered a Remington 700 SPS Tac AAC-SD in .308. I also orded a bell and carlson stock for it, and 20MOA rail . I plan on modifying the rest of the rifle as I go. I now need to pick a scope. I am looking to spend up to $1000 on this scope. I have been reading and reading and there are just so many options out there I dont know what to do. I cant decide if a FFP is needed for myself or not. I do want a variable optic and not a fixed power. I would like to have some type of ranging reticle. I will be just starting out in this long range shooting. I live in the great state of Colorado. plenty of land to shoot out as far as I want to, although I plan on just practicing on 100-600 yards. This will be primarily just a target rifle but may see use as a coyote / Antelope rifle as well. Any help would be apreciated. I have been looking at the SS 3-9, the Weaver Tactical 3-15x50, the Vortex viper 4-16x50 SFP, and FFP, any others I should look at. I have a 1-4x24 viper PST on one of my AR's but I am not sure if one of the other brands would be better for me or not. Thanks for the help.
-
Having trouble using the site?
Contact support
Rifle Scopes Choosing a new optic and need a little help
- Thread starter rescue6
- Start date
Re: Choosing a new optic and need a little help
Well do you know the differences in FFP/SFP scopes? I take it that your new to the longer range side of the house is why I'm asking. What minimum power do you like to have for hunting? I noticed all of those start off in the 3-4 power and while it would give you a great FOV a FFP reticle would be quite thin. That would make illumination a definite need if your going to be hunting with it on those powers. The reticle would fade into the background too easily during the twilight hours, or wooded areas. If your not familiar with how they work just let us know and we can get you started off on the right foot. Good Luck
Well do you know the differences in FFP/SFP scopes? I take it that your new to the longer range side of the house is why I'm asking. What minimum power do you like to have for hunting? I noticed all of those start off in the 3-4 power and while it would give you a great FOV a FFP reticle would be quite thin. That would make illumination a definite need if your going to be hunting with it on those powers. The reticle would fade into the background too easily during the twilight hours, or wooded areas. If your not familiar with how they work just let us know and we can get you started off on the right foot. Good Luck
Re: Choosing a new optic and need a little help
I do know how they work to an extent. I know that the SFP scopes can only be ued for ranging on one power setting usually the highest power. The FFP can be used on all. Most of my hunting scopes for Big game are 3-9. looks like you are in the same area as me
I do know how they work to an extent. I know that the SFP scopes can only be ued for ranging on one power setting usually the highest power. The FFP can be used on all. Most of my hunting scopes for Big game are 3-9. looks like you are in the same area as me
Re: Choosing a new optic and need a little help
weaver tactical 3-15x EDMR with illumination.
About 700 bucks
weaver tactical 3-15x EDMR with illumination.
About 700 bucks
Re: Choosing a new optic and need a little help
I just got my sps tact aac-sd today. I'm looking going with the Leupold Mark 4 LR/T 6.5-20x50mm. It retails $1400, but I'm getting it for $960 because of a military discount. What brand 20MOA rail did you go with?
I just got my sps tact aac-sd today. I'm looking going with the Leupold Mark 4 LR/T 6.5-20x50mm. It retails $1400, but I'm getting it for $960 because of a military discount. What brand 20MOA rail did you go with?
Re: Choosing a new optic and need a little help
Is this scope going to be your sole way of ranging? If not...you might save some $$$ by going with a SFP scope with ranging reticle. Also, are you set in stone on buying new? If you have a couple of scopes in mind...don't mind waiting..you can often "Buy Up" with a used scope...meaning you can get more for $1K buying used over new. FFP and SFP have their places in shooting...you need to decide what your priority is.
Good Luck,
Wayne
P.S.
I find my laser range finder to be quicker and easier to find range. The reticles are my backup.
Is this scope going to be your sole way of ranging? If not...you might save some $$$ by going with a SFP scope with ranging reticle. Also, are you set in stone on buying new? If you have a couple of scopes in mind...don't mind waiting..you can often "Buy Up" with a used scope...meaning you can get more for $1K buying used over new. FFP and SFP have their places in shooting...you need to decide what your priority is.
Good Luck,
Wayne
P.S.
I find my laser range finder to be quicker and easier to find range. The reticles are my backup.
Re: Choosing a new optic and need a little help
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BLUKABLUKA13</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I just got my sps tact aac-sd today. I'm looking going with the Leupold Mark 4 LR/T 6.5-20x50mm. It retails $1400, but I'm getting it for $960 because of a military discount. What brand 20MOA rail did you go with? </div></div>
With your rifle and scope...pick a name brand..like EGW, Badger, NightForce, Ken Farrell. You won't be disappointed.
Wayne
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BLUKABLUKA13</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I just got my sps tact aac-sd today. I'm looking going with the Leupold Mark 4 LR/T 6.5-20x50mm. It retails $1400, but I'm getting it for $960 because of a military discount. What brand 20MOA rail did you go with? </div></div>
With your rifle and scope...pick a name brand..like EGW, Badger, NightForce, Ken Farrell. You won't be disappointed.
Wayne
Re: Choosing a new optic and need a little help
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: fdkay</div><div class="ubbcode-body">weaver tactical 3-15x EDMR with illumination.
About 700 bucks </div></div>
This. Use the money you save to buy a good set of rings and maybe a new trigger.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: fdkay</div><div class="ubbcode-body">weaver tactical 3-15x EDMR with illumination.
About 700 bucks </div></div>
This. Use the money you save to buy a good set of rings and maybe a new trigger.
Re: Choosing a new optic and need a little help
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BLUKABLUKA13</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I just got my sps tact aac-sd today. I'm looking going with the Leupold Mark 4 LR/T 6.5-20x50mm. It retails $1400, but I'm getting it for $960 because of a military discount. What brand 20MOA rail did you go with? </div></div>
I went with an EGW HD in 20MOA
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BLUKABLUKA13</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I just got my sps tact aac-sd today. I'm looking going with the Leupold Mark 4 LR/T 6.5-20x50mm. It retails $1400, but I'm getting it for $960 because of a military discount. What brand 20MOA rail did you go with? </div></div>
I went with an EGW HD in 20MOA
Re: Choosing a new optic and need a little help
I plan on useing the scope for ranging and getting a laser range finder in the future. I played with my viper PST 1-4x24 ranging targets with both 2x and 4x and it was pretty easy just had to remember what power I was on. It was very acurate as I actualy walked out to measure the targets in question. I worked my way out from 100-1200 yards measuring everything from tires, cars, fense posts, horses and a sign out at 1200 yards.
I plan on useing the scope for ranging and getting a laser range finder in the future. I played with my viper PST 1-4x24 ranging targets with both 2x and 4x and it was pretty easy just had to remember what power I was on. It was very acurate as I actualy walked out to measure the targets in question. I worked my way out from 100-1200 yards measuring everything from tires, cars, fense posts, horses and a sign out at 1200 yards.
Re: Choosing a new optic and need a little help
There are so many good scopes out there I think it is harder then buying the rifle? Weaver, Bushnell and Vortex are my favs. Vortex being the favorite! For me I like the 6-20 scopes it just seems to be a good happy medium?
Like you said on Vortex warranty the only two things they will not cover is theft and loss. That is a really hard one to walk away from! Good luck on your decision! I hope I didn't cloud the water more?
There are so many good scopes out there I think it is harder then buying the rifle? Weaver, Bushnell and Vortex are my favs. Vortex being the favorite! For me I like the 6-20 scopes it just seems to be a good happy medium?
Like you said on Vortex warranty the only two things they will not cover is theft and loss. That is a really hard one to walk away from! Good luck on your decision! I hope I didn't cloud the water more?
Re: Choosing a new optic and need a little help
If your going to be using it for ranging get the FFP. That way it's right no matter what power your on. Take some time and read through the getting started in long range shooting thread in the Bolt action rifles section. There's lots of good info in there. If I were you I'd go with the Vortex PST either the 4-16 or 6-24 would be good. Read through the reviews on both until you know for sure which one you want. Then when it comes time for that rangefinder look at the Bushnell Fusion's, or if you hit the lottery a Vector IV by Vectronix. Use this link to search the Hide
Snipershide full cavity search
If your going to be using it for ranging get the FFP. That way it's right no matter what power your on. Take some time and read through the getting started in long range shooting thread in the Bolt action rifles section. There's lots of good info in there. If I were you I'd go with the Vortex PST either the 4-16 or 6-24 would be good. Read through the reviews on both until you know for sure which one you want. Then when it comes time for that rangefinder look at the Bushnell Fusion's, or if you hit the lottery a Vector IV by Vectronix. Use this link to search the Hide
Snipershide full cavity search
Re: Choosing a new optic and need a little help
I vote PST. Best warranty and customer service. Great price. FFP if you need it, or save money with SFP if you don't need it. And the sheer number of features you get for that price:
Zero stop
Crisp turrets that track well
Illumination that is daylight-visible and night-vision compatible
Usable reticles
MOA/MOA or MIL/MIL options
Excellent manuals
I vote PST. Best warranty and customer service. Great price. FFP if you need it, or save money with SFP if you don't need it. And the sheer number of features you get for that price:
Zero stop
Crisp turrets that track well
Illumination that is daylight-visible and night-vision compatible
Usable reticles
MOA/MOA or MIL/MIL options
Excellent manuals
Re: Choosing a new optic and need a little help
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: fdkay</div><div class="ubbcode-body">weaver tactical 3-15x EDMR with illumination.
About 700 bucks</div></div>
X2
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: fdkay</div><div class="ubbcode-body">weaver tactical 3-15x EDMR with illumination.
About 700 bucks</div></div>
X2
Re: Choosing a new optic and need a little help
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Bedlam</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I vote PST. Best warranty and customer service. Great price. FFP if you need it, or save money with SFP if you don't need it. And the sheer number of features you get for that price:
Zero stop
Crisp turrets that track well
Illumination that is daylight-visible and night-vision compatible
Usable reticles
MOA/MOA or MIL/MIL options
Excellent manuals
</div></div>
+1 The only two things Vortex does not cover are theft and loss. You can't lose with a warranty like that!
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Bedlam</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I vote PST. Best warranty and customer service. Great price. FFP if you need it, or save money with SFP if you don't need it. And the sheer number of features you get for that price:
Zero stop
Crisp turrets that track well
Illumination that is daylight-visible and night-vision compatible
Usable reticles
MOA/MOA or MIL/MIL options
Excellent manuals
</div></div>
+1 The only two things Vortex does not cover are theft and loss. You can't lose with a warranty like that!
Re: Choosing a new optic and need a little help
definately go with a vortex! i like a lot of power so i went with the 6-24 ffp its badass. i mounted it with a egw base and vortex match rings i paid thats a little over 1000 for everything but u will not be sorry!
definately go with a vortex! i like a lot of power so i went with the 6-24 ffp its badass. i mounted it with a egw base and vortex match rings i paid thats a little over 1000 for everything but u will not be sorry!
Re: Choosing a new optic and need a little help
If you go with the 6-24 you don't have to use all the power if you don't need it. But if you need it and only have the 4-16 you're screwed. And its only 50 bucks difference
If you go with the 6-24 you don't have to use all the power if you don't need it. But if you need it and only have the 4-16 you're screwed. And its only 50 bucks difference
