Hello, I just joined this site a couple days ago and have been reading as much as I can. Recently I purchased a Savage 10FLCP-K bolt action rifle chambered for a .308. I thought doing the research on finding the rifle I wanted was crazy and now I am lost in the world of optics. I've shot .22s all my life but just with the iron sites. What I'm trying to figure out is if I should go for a cheap scope like the "Bushnell Trophy XLT," or just lay the money down for a Weaver 3-15X 50mm." I'm interested in long range shooting but completely new to the sport. Could someone with little to no experience benefit from a more advanced scope or do you start with a lesser model and work your way up? I see the difference in quality between the 2 scopes mentioned but don't know if I will be able to utilize all the features of the Weaver. Any help is appreciated. Thank you.
Rifle Scopes Doing it right the first time
- Thread starter Russell3812
- Start date
Re: Doing it right the first time
You are approaching this logically. There are a dozen brands to choose from.
I suggest you stick with a scope that supports LR shooting. That means variable power - 18x-25x would be a nice top end magnification, Mil retical, and easily adjustable turrets.
Don't get the Weaver. Follow through on Bushnell, but look at their Elite Tactical line. Also, nothing at all wrong with buying a quality used scope, to stretch your pennies.
You are approaching this logically. There are a dozen brands to choose from.
I suggest you stick with a scope that supports LR shooting. That means variable power - 18x-25x would be a nice top end magnification, Mil retical, and easily adjustable turrets.
Don't get the Weaver. Follow through on Bushnell, but look at their Elite Tactical line. Also, nothing at all wrong with buying a quality used scope, to stretch your pennies.
Re: Doing it right the first time
it all depends on what you want to do with the rifle.
what distances do you realistically think you're going to be shooting your rifle at? that's a good place to start.
i think 18-24x is complete overkill for a 308 IN MOST cases, and there's nothing wrong with the Weaver.
I've been running a 3-15x50 on my 308 for about a year and it's held its zero and been nothing but reliable.
I also have a 4-20x50 on a 300WM since Oct-2010 that's still holding zero despite the claims it's not rated for magnum calibers.
it all depends on what you want to do with the rifle.
what distances do you realistically think you're going to be shooting your rifle at? that's a good place to start.
i think 18-24x is complete overkill for a 308 IN MOST cases, and there's nothing wrong with the Weaver.
I've been running a 3-15x50 on my 308 for about a year and it's held its zero and been nothing but reliable.
I also have a 4-20x50 on a 300WM since Oct-2010 that's still holding zero despite the claims it's not rated for magnum calibers.
Re: Doing it right the first time
If you go cheap, you'll eventually be upgrading later.
Personally, I don't think that's so bad at all, and suggest that the cost factor for your first riflescope should be geared toward getting you out and shooting with the minimum delay.
Improvement can wait until your experience and ability justify additional expenditure.
Features; at least 40mm objective, adjustable objective, finger adjustable sight adjustment knobs, a practical magnification range (I find that 6-24x works under essentially all conditions. Mirage may restrict the upper magnification limit to about 18x at extreme distances, but as distances shrink, more magnification can be used effectively). More adjustment range is helpful.
I use the Tasco Varmint/Target 6-24X42 MilDot scope. Lists around $80. it does all the things you need, focuses down to 15yd, and has 75MOA+ of adjustment range. Model number VAR624X42M. Note that in 2008 Bushnell bought Simmons, which already owned Tasco.
It will get you up and running like <span style="font-style: italic">now</span>, will serve later as a good backup scope, and works very well with a rimfire. I have four and one serves as my 1Kyd F Class scope. It's not the best under dim lighting, but otherwise, its clearly adequate.
"Adequate"; keep that word in mind as you develop your skills.
Greg
If you go cheap, you'll eventually be upgrading later.
Personally, I don't think that's so bad at all, and suggest that the cost factor for your first riflescope should be geared toward getting you out and shooting with the minimum delay.
Improvement can wait until your experience and ability justify additional expenditure.
Features; at least 40mm objective, adjustable objective, finger adjustable sight adjustment knobs, a practical magnification range (I find that 6-24x works under essentially all conditions. Mirage may restrict the upper magnification limit to about 18x at extreme distances, but as distances shrink, more magnification can be used effectively). More adjustment range is helpful.
I use the Tasco Varmint/Target 6-24X42 MilDot scope. Lists around $80. it does all the things you need, focuses down to 15yd, and has 75MOA+ of adjustment range. Model number VAR624X42M. Note that in 2008 Bushnell bought Simmons, which already owned Tasco.
It will get you up and running like <span style="font-style: italic">now</span>, will serve later as a good backup scope, and works very well with a rimfire. I have four and one serves as my 1Kyd F Class scope. It's not the best under dim lighting, but otherwise, its clearly adequate.
"Adequate"; keep that word in mind as you develop your skills.
Greg
Re: Doing it right the first time
Look at the Vortex Viper. It is in between the two scopes you list in price.
I have one on my Savage 308 and have been happy with it. It is not mil/mil, but it does track well and hold zero and the glass is decent.
Also, if you decide later you want to upgrade you should be able to sell/trade a Viper no problem.
I bought mine from Scott at Liberty Optics.
Look at the Vortex Viper. It is in between the two scopes you list in price.
I have one on my Savage 308 and have been happy with it. It is not mil/mil, but it does track well and hold zero and the glass is decent.
Also, if you decide later you want to upgrade you should be able to sell/trade a Viper no problem.
I bought mine from Scott at Liberty Optics.
Re: Doing it right the first time
Go with the Vortex Viper. I had 2 of the Tasco 6-24 Varmint scopes fail (the original and its replacement)to hold zero after 20+ rounds.
Go with the Vortex Viper. I had 2 of the Tasco 6-24 Varmint scopes fail (the original and its replacement)to hold zero after 20+ rounds.
Re: Doing it right the first time
Super Sniper 10x42.
http://swfa.com/SWFA-SS-10x42-Tactical-Riflescope-P499.aspx
BMT
Super Sniper 10x42.
http://swfa.com/SWFA-SS-10x42-Tactical-Riflescope-P499.aspx
BMT
Re: Doing it right the first time
Greg,
Read the reviews on Midway USA. There are quite a few. Some positive, some very negative. That is what I like about Midway, they will show both the good and the bad reviews.
Greg,
Read the reviews on Midway USA. There are quite a few. Some positive, some very negative. That is what I like about Midway, they will show both the good and the bad reviews.
Re: Doing it right the first time
Thank you, I just did. Very informative.
I have owned 4 since early 2006, and have yet to make any of them fail. My experience says they were money well spent.
Greg
Thank you, I just did. Very informative.
I have owned 4 since early 2006, and have yet to make any of them fail. My experience says they were money well spent.
Greg
Re: Doing it right the first time
If you want to shoot out to 1000 yards you need a scope with enough elevation adjustment. Figure on having 35moa (40 would be better) of UP elevation. On a flat base you would need a scope wit 70moa or more travel (the other half is down elevation). Most put their long range scopes on a 20moa base which gives 20 more moa. So if you put it on a 20moa base you need at least 30 moa of total elevation (most of us would prefer a little more). Put a 30 el scope on a 20moa base and you will have ABOUT 35moa of up adjustment. Just barely enough for most 308's to shoot out to 1000 yards.
Other decisions you will have to make is moa or mil elevation adjustments? Second focal plane or first focal plane? Do you need a lit reticle? Do you want matching reticle and elevation knobs?
Basically the more you pay, the better you get.
If you want to shoot out to 1000 yards you need a scope with enough elevation adjustment. Figure on having 35moa (40 would be better) of UP elevation. On a flat base you would need a scope wit 70moa or more travel (the other half is down elevation). Most put their long range scopes on a 20moa base which gives 20 more moa. So if you put it on a 20moa base you need at least 30 moa of total elevation (most of us would prefer a little more). Put a 30 el scope on a 20moa base and you will have ABOUT 35moa of up adjustment. Just barely enough for most 308's to shoot out to 1000 yards.
Other decisions you will have to make is moa or mil elevation adjustments? Second focal plane or first focal plane? Do you need a lit reticle? Do you want matching reticle and elevation knobs?
Basically the more you pay, the better you get.
Re: Doing it right the first time
I honestly think that if you start with either the Weaver 3-15 or the Viper PST, you will be shooting for a very long time before you feel the need to upgrade, if ever.
What would most likely happen is that you get bitten by the bug and decide to go custom on your next rifle and decide to put 2500 dollar glass on your 3500 dollar rifle.
My first FFP scope was a Falcon, which I still have and use, but I now run an IOR. If the PST or illuminated Weaver had been available at the time, that is what I would have gone with. I love my IOR and it was money well spent, but it put a hurtin' on my meager pocketbook (to the tune of about double what the weaver costs)
I honestly think that if you start with either the Weaver 3-15 or the Viper PST, you will be shooting for a very long time before you feel the need to upgrade, if ever.
What would most likely happen is that you get bitten by the bug and decide to go custom on your next rifle and decide to put 2500 dollar glass on your 3500 dollar rifle.
My first FFP scope was a Falcon, which I still have and use, but I now run an IOR. If the PST or illuminated Weaver had been available at the time, that is what I would have gone with. I love my IOR and it was money well spent, but it put a hurtin' on my meager pocketbook (to the tune of about double what the weaver costs)
Re: Doing it right the first time
I have a USO on my Savage 3.2x17 and personally I feel it's a bit over kill. (Thinking about trading it for something not so huge) I also have a Millet 10x trs-2 on my r700 which I love. The scope didn't break the bank by any means I think I paid 300 for it. If I do get rid of the USO chances are I'll just put another one on my Savage 10BAS b/c of the quality of the one I currently own. Breaking the bank isn't a must but that bug they speak of can and will get the best of you.
I have a USO on my Savage 3.2x17 and personally I feel it's a bit over kill. (Thinking about trading it for something not so huge) I also have a Millet 10x trs-2 on my r700 which I love. The scope didn't break the bank by any means I think I paid 300 for it. If I do get rid of the USO chances are I'll just put another one on my Savage 10BAS b/c of the quality of the one I currently own. Breaking the bank isn't a must but that bug they speak of can and will get the best of you.
Re: Doing it right the first time
Wow, I just opened this today and have been reading all your responses. Thank you. I have quite a few suggestions here and will look into all of them. I just picked up the rifle last night and itchin to get a scope on it before the weekend. Really appreciate all the suggestions.
Wow, I just opened this today and have been reading all your responses. Thank you. I have quite a few suggestions here and will look into all of them. I just picked up the rifle last night and itchin to get a scope on it before the weekend. Really appreciate all the suggestions.
Re: Doing it right the first time
If you settle for a scope that costs less you will more than likely be upgrading to a more expensive one later, I did. I would spend the extra bucks for quality piece of glass, then you won't be kicking yourself later for not doing it in the first place. The more reputable, quality scopes hold their resale value too.
If you settle for a scope that costs less you will more than likely be upgrading to a more expensive one later, I did. I would spend the extra bucks for quality piece of glass, then you won't be kicking yourself later for not doing it in the first place. The more reputable, quality scopes hold their resale value too.
Re: Doing it right the first time
doing it right the first time makes life so much easier, when it comes to rifle builds. trial, and error will happen... thats just the nature of things, lessons will be learned. youve come to the right place, there is so much info here, it will make your brain pan hurt. good luck! =)
doing it right the first time makes life so much easier, when it comes to rifle builds. trial, and error will happen... thats just the nature of things, lessons will be learned. youve come to the right place, there is so much info here, it will make your brain pan hurt. good luck! =)
Re: Doing it right the first time
Get a solid reliable scope tha does not break the bank. THe SS10X above is a good choice.
Shoot 1000-2000 rounds and you will know what you want/need. It may surprise you to find that that may not be whatever koolaid is being swigged down currently.
Get a solid reliable scope tha does not break the bank. THe SS10X above is a good choice.
Shoot 1000-2000 rounds and you will know what you want/need. It may surprise you to find that that may not be whatever koolaid is being swigged down currently.
Re: Doing it right the first time
I've been shooting with the SS10X for about a year and it's a reliable and tough scope. It has served me well from 100 out to 500yds and in time I'm sure I can get out to 1k. Price of the scope isn't too heavy which let me buy a lot of ammo to shoot. Maybe next year I'll upgrade to a vortex PST.
I've been shooting with the SS10X for about a year and it's a reliable and tough scope. It has served me well from 100 out to 500yds and in time I'm sure I can get out to 1k. Price of the scope isn't too heavy which let me buy a lot of ammo to shoot. Maybe next year I'll upgrade to a vortex PST.
