Rifle Scopes First (big) optics purchase

[RancidSam]

Hey guys I'm seeking a bit of advice. I'll be receiving my RRA LAR8 elite operator soon (16in .308 AR platform). I'd like to get a scope that will allow me to engage targets out to 5-600yds but still be practical up close. Besides a second hand Leupold 4x (that I saved all summer for as a kid) that I mounted on my 10/22 this is my first time purchasing optics. I am currently leaning towards an SWFA 1-6x, I've heard almost nothing but good so far about this scope but am unsure as to it being enough at 5-600 yards. I've never shot any considerable distances with optics, although I have shot out to 500yds with my Garand. Any advice and insight is greatly appreciated.

 

[jasonZ]

Personally I'd look at the new 3-15 or at least something that was 2.5-10 power. You'd be surprised what 600yds looks like even when it's magnified.

 

[Crosshair]

It purely comes down to budget. There are some good $300 scopes, all the way up to the crazy money $3500 options. If you can afford the $1000 mark for the SS 1-6, that is a killer scope, as well as several others in that price range. I love the 3-15 mag range, 3x on the low end is still low enough to shoot with both eyes open, at least for me. The 5x and 6x ratio scopes out now rock pretty hard for versatility, especially with Front focal plane getting more popular. The new Vortex PST 2.5-10x32 would be amazing on that rifle also. If you will be spending more time past 300 yards, I'd go for the SS 3-15 or Viper FFP 2.5-10. Or if under 300 yards more frequently, the SS 1-6 is probably the scope to beat in its price range. You might find a few deals on the SS 3-9 now that the 3-15 is out, it is still an excellent scope.

 

[slm9s]

Do you want first focal or second focal plane?