Re: Explore Optics??
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: toyfreak</div><div class="ubbcode-body">what would your suggestion be jrose?
USO not out of my reach, just dont think it would be wise to put a 2 thousand dollar scope on this gun. I am very new to the LR game (not addicted YET) and not sure i will be playing a year from now. I know that i can sell what ever i buy, i just think bullets would be a better investment at this stage.
what about WOTAC? </div></div>
If you want my opinion it is this. Break the bank on optics and buy the best you can afford. Keep in mind that the "best you can afford" does not necessarily mean Put scopes in order from most expensive to least and let that determine the best scope. It means do some research, try to find people near you with scopes you can maybe shoot, find which reticle you think will suit you best, determine if things like SFP or FFP is something you have a preference for, etc, etc, etc....
Now, once you have an idea of your preferences, make a short list of scopes that satisfy those requirements. If there are scopes on there that you just can't afford, eliminate them. If there are some super cheap ones with bad reps, eliminate them. Find a few that are plausible purchases and then take some time to try to get all the info, as well as put hands on them.
If you can afford the nicest scope on your list, it might just take a little saving, then save. Instant gratification does not always gratify... Remember, every compromise comes with a price...
Now, you say your just dabbling right now, and may not want to get to far invested into something that you may not stay into. That's great that you have the ability to rationalize and recognize that, but getting ultra cheap optics that possibly will set you adrift on a tail chasing adventure is a sure way to turn you off to shooting. Think about how much wasted ammo, match fees, range fees, etc. it can cost you, not to mention the wasted money on the optic.
On the other hand, when you buy good equipment, as you've seen here, it tends to hold a high resale value. On this point I say take the advice of, while you're dabbling and unsure, pick up that good deal in the for sale section. You'll get that used price that will make it possible for you to move it later (if you so choose) for minimal loss, sometimes a slight profit...
Long winded but here comes my suggestion, and take it for what it's worth, because this is not all inclusive as I have not experienced every optic out there. Get a Sightron S3. Best bang for the buck IMO, and they're quality optics. If you want matching turrets and want to go the mil / mil route try the Super Sniper. You'll save a lot of money being a fixed power scope, it'll serve your purpose well, and you won't loose much on the resale. Now I've never owned a SS personally, but have a few buds that have, and shot with one. It did the job. Frank seems to think highly of the new ones, so that might be a good option for you.
Personally, I think you should try to find a used USO or NF myself. You won't loose much on the resale if you decide to get out of it, and if you stay in you have quality optics to last you a lifetime.
Remember, to me, the scope is the most critical part... I had a stock Rem 700P that consistently shot .5-.6 MOA with Black Hills ammo. That far exceeds the minimum requirement of "a rifle capable of at least 1 MOA" that is kinda the pre-req for most classes / matches, and it was the same Remmy action some others are building into these $4K + custom guns so I was fairly certain that the weapon itself was dependable. Why would I want to take a 1/2 MOA rifle, and top it with something shitty?
I have personally had 2 separate "cheap" optics fail me at a match, when I needed them the most, and I'm here to tell you, it sucks ass. 4 1/2 hour drive, hotel, gas, ammo, and other expenses wasted. Not to mention the fact that I wasn't able to enjoy the shoot.
Live and learn is the saying, just trying to help.
Jason