Hello again. As I have said in a few other posts, I'm pretty new to long range shooting. I am buying a Remington 700 SPS Varmint .308 to start out with, as many of you guys have approved of. Of course over time I'll be improving the rifle, but I know for a fact that as is the rifle will definetly out shoot me for a good while. So that leaves me a little more money for my scope. I've been told by some local long range shooters that I can get a scope for about $220 that will be good for me, for now at least. I don't know much about scopes but the more I look I know I wan't a MilDot. I've heard that some of the scopes are designed for the .308 (i.e. bullet drop), but I've only heard this. Im going to increase my budget up to $500 if absolutely neccesary. What do you guys recommend I get?
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Rifle Scopes First long distance scope
- Thread starter tanda10506
- Start date
Re: First long distance scope
Start looking on the Optics for sale section for a Super Sniper, buy a MDM, and use a ballistics program to figure out your drop tables. JAA
Start looking on the Optics for sale section for a Super Sniper, buy a MDM, and use a ballistics program to figure out your drop tables. JAA
Re: First long distance scope
this scope http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productnumber=129037 and a Mildot Master will set you up. And later you can get a better scope and put this on a 22 rifle
this scope http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productnumber=129037 and a Mildot Master will set you up. And later you can get a better scope and put this on a 22 rifle
Re: First long distance scope
While the scope Pat M linked to is a solid choice, I would go with the fixed power SWFA SS 10X rear focus scope.
They are both reliable (and the best IMHO) entry level scopes, my preference for the Super Sniper is the ability to focus from 30ft on out......
While the scope Pat M linked to is a solid choice, I would go with the fixed power SWFA SS 10X rear focus scope.
They are both reliable (and the best IMHO) entry level scopes, my preference for the Super Sniper is the ability to focus from 30ft on out......
Re: First long distance scope
That looks like a nice scope, but I would like to get one that isn't a fixed magnification. Is there a similar one with adjustable magnification or another one you would recommend? I would like the scope to be able to shoot to 1000 yards, even though for a good time I won't be. I'm going to sound like a total noob, but what is a Mildot Master?
That looks like a nice scope, but I would like to get one that isn't a fixed magnification. Is there a similar one with adjustable magnification or another one you would recommend? I would like the scope to be able to shoot to 1000 yards, even though for a good time I won't be. I'm going to sound like a total noob, but what is a Mildot Master?
Re: First long distance scope
Yes there are better scopes than what was suggested. I am not a fan of fixed power scopes either, but for some reason lots of people on this forum are so very quick to reccomend them to people. I suppose everyone has their own preference, but fixed power is not the way to go (my opinion).
Ok...you got $500 to work with. There are a number of scopes in this price range that can get you out to 1000 yards.
1. Bushnell 3200 (varible power)
2. Vortex Viper
3. Nikon BuckMaster 6-18X44
4. Falcon Menace
5. Vortex Crossfire
There are lots of scopes that wil work for what you want. Most likey you will want something in the area of 5-20 or 6-22 power with some target turrets. You will find that some of the scopes listed above are "lower" end and they will have a Adjustable Objective (AO) instead of a side focus knob, but that is just the way it is in lower end optics with higher magnification.
On my first long range rifle I set up I used the Nikon Buckmaster 6-18X44 scope. It has three sets of turrets with two of them being target turrets, it has a side focus knob, it has really clear glass, it tracks very well, you can get it in a Mil-Dot recticle, and it can get you out to 1000 yards. I had this scope on a .300WSM so it can handle recoil. Its a great scope for the money and Midway usually has them on sale.
Good Luck,
Yes there are better scopes than what was suggested. I am not a fan of fixed power scopes either, but for some reason lots of people on this forum are so very quick to reccomend them to people. I suppose everyone has their own preference, but fixed power is not the way to go (my opinion).
Ok...you got $500 to work with. There are a number of scopes in this price range that can get you out to 1000 yards.
1. Bushnell 3200 (varible power)
2. Vortex Viper
3. Nikon BuckMaster 6-18X44
4. Falcon Menace
5. Vortex Crossfire
There are lots of scopes that wil work for what you want. Most likey you will want something in the area of 5-20 or 6-22 power with some target turrets. You will find that some of the scopes listed above are "lower" end and they will have a Adjustable Objective (AO) instead of a side focus knob, but that is just the way it is in lower end optics with higher magnification.
On my first long range rifle I set up I used the Nikon Buckmaster 6-18X44 scope. It has three sets of turrets with two of them being target turrets, it has a side focus knob, it has really clear glass, it tracks very well, you can get it in a Mil-Dot recticle, and it can get you out to 1000 yards. I had this scope on a .300WSM so it can handle recoil. Its a great scope for the money and Midway usually has them on sale.
Good Luck,
Re: First long distance scope
So far out of the one's mentioned, I like the Nikon Buckmaster. 6-18x is enough magnification right? What would an Adjustable Objective be for?
So far out of the one's mentioned, I like the Nikon Buckmaster. 6-18x is enough magnification right? What would an Adjustable Objective be for?
Re: First long distance scope
Well, if you're considering the Buckmaster and you have $500.00 to play with, why not step up to the Monarch for $449.00 and get better glass IMHO. I put this scope on my Winchester 300wsm Coyote Light and couldn't be happier. Now keep in mind this is just my hunting rig, but it has gotten me to 625yds.
Nikon Monarch 4-16x42 Mil-Dot
or
Viper Vortex 6.5-20x44 for $479.00
Vortex Viper 6.5-20x44
Well, if you're considering the Buckmaster and you have $500.00 to play with, why not step up to the Monarch for $449.00 and get better glass IMHO. I put this scope on my Winchester 300wsm Coyote Light and couldn't be happier. Now keep in mind this is just my hunting rig, but it has gotten me to 625yds.
Nikon Monarch 4-16x42 Mil-Dot
or
Viper Vortex 6.5-20x44 for $479.00
Vortex Viper 6.5-20x44
Re: First long distance scope
Why budget only $550 for your scope? There is RAMAN! Raman for a month or two and you can buy an $1000 scope. I'm just sayin...why go small when the possibility is there to go bigger and better
Why budget only $550 for your scope? There is RAMAN! Raman for a month or two and you can buy an $1000 scope. I'm just sayin...why go small when the possibility is there to go bigger and better
Re: First long distance scope
Buy what you want bro....people on here always seem to think you got to have atleast $1K tied up in glass. I have no idea why, but that's the bandwagon lots of folks are riding around here.
I have a $1800 NightForce on my .300wsm and I've got a $99 Crossfire on my .223 and I've got a few nikons and leupys in between so I can speak for both ends of the spectrum. If I laid both guns down side by side I'd be able to shoot 1000 yds with the crossfire just as easy as I could with the NightForce. Is there a difference in the two....Hell yes!! And you pay for it too, but as a guy that wS just starting out don't let yourself get wrapped up in the hype of having to buy the latest and the greatest gear or worrying about what you can and can't afford. Your got into shooting for fun remember!! So get your stuff set up and shoot! You can always sell what you get, save up, trade up, upgrade, or buy again down the road. Too many people get caught up in the aquisition of "top line" gear and forget what their original purpose was....just to be able to shoot.
There are people on here that have a a really nice rifle in a really nice stock with really nice set of rings on top holding a $1000-$2000 scope on a really nice bipod with a really nice hard case and a really nice sling......but some of these people have never fired that rifle! However it looks really pretty sittin on their dinning room table or in front of their fire place. They prolly don't live anywhere close to a range, but they will tell a new guy they got to have a "XYZ" brand scope or they will regret it down the road.
Nikon Buckmaster or Vortex Viper.....either one would work just fine. It's a scope....it can't do shit by itself....your the operator.
Buy what you want bro....people on here always seem to think you got to have atleast $1K tied up in glass. I have no idea why, but that's the bandwagon lots of folks are riding around here.
I have a $1800 NightForce on my .300wsm and I've got a $99 Crossfire on my .223 and I've got a few nikons and leupys in between so I can speak for both ends of the spectrum. If I laid both guns down side by side I'd be able to shoot 1000 yds with the crossfire just as easy as I could with the NightForce. Is there a difference in the two....Hell yes!! And you pay for it too, but as a guy that wS just starting out don't let yourself get wrapped up in the hype of having to buy the latest and the greatest gear or worrying about what you can and can't afford. Your got into shooting for fun remember!! So get your stuff set up and shoot! You can always sell what you get, save up, trade up, upgrade, or buy again down the road. Too many people get caught up in the aquisition of "top line" gear and forget what their original purpose was....just to be able to shoot.
There are people on here that have a a really nice rifle in a really nice stock with really nice set of rings on top holding a $1000-$2000 scope on a really nice bipod with a really nice hard case and a really nice sling......but some of these people have never fired that rifle! However it looks really pretty sittin on their dinning room table or in front of their fire place. They prolly don't live anywhere close to a range, but they will tell a new guy they got to have a "XYZ" brand scope or they will regret it down the road.
Nikon Buckmaster or Vortex Viper.....either one would work just fine. It's a scope....it can't do shit by itself....your the operator.
Re: First long distance scope
Trevor, well said. I like the looks and features of the new Vortex 4x16 PST with the SFP reticle. It's supposed to sell for about $700.
Trevor, well said. I like the looks and features of the new Vortex 4x16 PST with the SFP reticle. It's supposed to sell for about $700.
Re: First long distance scope
I'm sure the Buckmaster would work perfectly. If a scope is night and day better then I could see paying more for it, but I'm not going to pay more for a scope that is a fraction better then one thats $150 less. The monarch has the same reticle, same name brand, and less magnification. Our local gun shop owner usually win's the long shoots at the local gun club and he's using a $600 scope. He shoots way better then I will after probably years of practice, so honestly I don't think I would ever see a reason to buy anything more then what he's using. It's nice to have top of the line, but not necessary, at least not right now.
I'm sure the Buckmaster would work perfectly. If a scope is night and day better then I could see paying more for it, but I'm not going to pay more for a scope that is a fraction better then one thats $150 less. The monarch has the same reticle, same name brand, and less magnification. Our local gun shop owner usually win's the long shoots at the local gun club and he's using a $600 scope. He shoots way better then I will after probably years of practice, so honestly I don't think I would ever see a reason to buy anything more then what he's using. It's nice to have top of the line, but not necessary, at least not right now.
Re: First long distance scope
I have a SWFA Super Sniper on my rimfire. It is a great scope for the money and I think you can get one used for about $250. My only complaint is the mil/moa setup which confuses me sometimes. For hunting, the 10x is a bit much as well.
I have also heard some great things about the Bushnell Elite 4000/4200 line. They also have mismatched reticles and knobs though.
The new SWFA SS can be found for $550 slightly used and has MIL/MIL knobs and a reticle that can be used at any power setting. If you want to learn to shoot long range at unknown distances it might be good to bite the bullet and start with the new MIL/MIL SWFA and forget about all the MOA/MIL conversions.
Here are some articles that will make your choice that much harder.
http://demigodllc.com/articles/practical-long-range-rifle-shooting-optics/
http://www.longrangehunting.com/articles/long-range-rig.php
I have a SWFA Super Sniper on my rimfire. It is a great scope for the money and I think you can get one used for about $250. My only complaint is the mil/moa setup which confuses me sometimes. For hunting, the 10x is a bit much as well.
I have also heard some great things about the Bushnell Elite 4000/4200 line. They also have mismatched reticles and knobs though.
The new SWFA SS can be found for $550 slightly used and has MIL/MIL knobs and a reticle that can be used at any power setting. If you want to learn to shoot long range at unknown distances it might be good to bite the bullet and start with the new MIL/MIL SWFA and forget about all the MOA/MIL conversions.
Here are some articles that will make your choice that much harder.
http://demigodllc.com/articles/practical-long-range-rifle-shooting-optics/
http://www.longrangehunting.com/articles/long-range-rig.php
Re: First long distance scope
Why does he have to have matching recticle/turrets to be able to shoot long distance??? I'm just gonna guess here but I'd imagine that upwards of 75% or more people on this forum don't have matching recticle/turrets. Yes it would be neat and nice I agree, but why would you make this statement to a new guy? Distance is distance....learn to use the tools you have and it's not a problem. I have a mil recticle and moa turrets on my NF and I've taught myself, with the help of readig on this board, how to mil/range my targets and then make the appropriate adjustments needed just fine.
Why does he have to have matching recticle/turrets to be able to shoot long distance??? I'm just gonna guess here but I'd imagine that upwards of 75% or more people on this forum don't have matching recticle/turrets. Yes it would be neat and nice I agree, but why would you make this statement to a new guy? Distance is distance....learn to use the tools you have and it's not a problem. I have a mil recticle and moa turrets on my NF and I've taught myself, with the help of readig on this board, how to mil/range my targets and then make the appropriate adjustments needed just fine.
Re: First long distance scope
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: tanda10506</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'm sure the Buckmaster would work perfectly. If a scope is night and day better then I could see paying more for it, but I'm not going to pay more for a scope that is a fraction better then one thats $150 less. The monarch has the same reticle, same name brand, and less magnification. Our local gun shop owner usually win's the long shoots at the local gun club and he's using a $600 scope. He shoots way better then I will after probably years of practice, so honestly I don't think I would ever see a reason to buy anything more then what he's using. It's nice to have top of the line, but not necessary, at least not right now. </div></div>
Just wondering if you've compared the Buckmaster and Monarch side by side? It's not like i was telling you to go out and spend tons of money. But, not to bicker about something that doesn't really matter in the long run, a Buckmaster is no Monarch. And if giving up 2x is that important, then the Buckmaster is the one for you
And just because the local gun owner shoots better than you, doesn't necessarily mean he's good. Just Sayin!!
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: tanda10506</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'm sure the Buckmaster would work perfectly. If a scope is night and day better then I could see paying more for it, but I'm not going to pay more for a scope that is a fraction better then one thats $150 less. The monarch has the same reticle, same name brand, and less magnification. Our local gun shop owner usually win's the long shoots at the local gun club and he's using a $600 scope. He shoots way better then I will after probably years of practice, so honestly I don't think I would ever see a reason to buy anything more then what he's using. It's nice to have top of the line, but not necessary, at least not right now. </div></div>
Just wondering if you've compared the Buckmaster and Monarch side by side? It's not like i was telling you to go out and spend tons of money. But, not to bicker about something that doesn't really matter in the long run, a Buckmaster is no Monarch. And if giving up 2x is that important, then the Buckmaster is the one for you
Re: First long distance scope
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Jick42</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: tanda10506</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'm sure the Buckmaster would work perfectly. If a scope is night and day better then I could see paying more for it, but I'm not going to pay more for a scope that is a fraction better then one thats $150 less. The monarch has the same reticle, same name brand, and less magnification. Our local gun shop owner usually win's the long shoots at the local gun club and he's using a $600 scope. He shoots way better then I will after probably years of practice, so honestly I don't think I would ever see a reason to buy anything more then what he's using. It's nice to have top of the line, but not necessary, at least not right now. </div></div>
Just wondering if you've compared the Buckmaster and Monarch side by side? It's not like i was telling you to go out and spend tons of money. But, not to bicker about something that doesn't really matter in the long run, a Buckmaster is no Monarch. And if giving up 2x is that important, then the Buckmaster is the one for you
And just because the local gun owner shoots better than you, doesn't necessarily mean he's good. Just Sayin!! </div></div>
Well he's the best at the gun club which consists of about 500 people. He was on the SWAT team also, so I think he shoots alright. Like I said, I'm new and I don't know much about scopes. That's all that stood out to me between the buckmaster and the monarch. I'm definetly open to spending the extra cash for the monarch if it's alot better. What is better about it?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Jick42</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: tanda10506</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'm sure the Buckmaster would work perfectly. If a scope is night and day better then I could see paying more for it, but I'm not going to pay more for a scope that is a fraction better then one thats $150 less. The monarch has the same reticle, same name brand, and less magnification. Our local gun shop owner usually win's the long shoots at the local gun club and he's using a $600 scope. He shoots way better then I will after probably years of practice, so honestly I don't think I would ever see a reason to buy anything more then what he's using. It's nice to have top of the line, but not necessary, at least not right now. </div></div>
Just wondering if you've compared the Buckmaster and Monarch side by side? It's not like i was telling you to go out and spend tons of money. But, not to bicker about something that doesn't really matter in the long run, a Buckmaster is no Monarch. And if giving up 2x is that important, then the Buckmaster is the one for you
Well he's the best at the gun club which consists of about 500 people. He was on the SWAT team also, so I think he shoots alright. Like I said, I'm new and I don't know much about scopes. That's all that stood out to me between the buckmaster and the monarch. I'm definetly open to spending the extra cash for the monarch if it's alot better. What is better about it?
Re: First long distance scope
Want to here something funny I own a Zeiss 3x12x56 conquest,900.00 also own a Tasco Target/varmint 6x24x42 100.00 no doubt Zeiss far better scope but Tasco's been mounted on everything from 22-250 to 300wsm never failed great second plane mildot recticle,should what you can afford right now and dont listen to everyone keeping up with the jones's upgrade when you can.If the right mans behind the trigger he can get the job done with a 100.00 mosin nagant and a 50.00 scope.Just keep shootin.
Want to here something funny I own a Zeiss 3x12x56 conquest,900.00 also own a Tasco Target/varmint 6x24x42 100.00 no doubt Zeiss far better scope but Tasco's been mounted on everything from 22-250 to 300wsm never failed great second plane mildot recticle,should what you can afford right now and dont listen to everyone keeping up with the jones's upgrade when you can.If the right mans behind the trigger he can get the job done with a 100.00 mosin nagant and a 50.00 scope.Just keep shootin.
Re: First long distance scope
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: tanda10506</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Jick42</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: tanda10506</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'm sure the Buckmaster would work perfectly. If a scope is night and day better then I could see paying more for it, but I'm not going to pay more for a scope that is a fraction better then one thats $150 less. The monarch has the same reticle, same name brand, and less magnification. Our local gun shop owner usually win's the long shoots at the local gun club and he's using a $600 scope. He shoots way better then I will after probably years of practice, so honestly I don't think I would ever see a reason to buy anything more then what he's using. It's nice to have top of the line, but not necessary, at least not right now. </div></div>
Just wondering if you've compared the Buckmaster and Monarch side by side? It's not like i was telling you to go out and spend tons of money. But, not to bicker about something that doesn't really matter in the long run, a Buckmaster is no Monarch. And if giving up 2x is that important, then the Buckmaster is the one for you
And just because the local gun owner shoots better than you, doesn't necessarily mean he's good. Just Sayin!! </div></div>
Well he's the best at the gun club which consists of about 500 people. He was on the SWAT team also, so I think he shoots alright. Like I said, I'm new and I don't know much about scopes. That's all that stood out to me between the buckmaster and the monarch. I'm definetly open to spending the extra cash for the monarch if it's alot better. What is better about it? </div></div>
Like i said earlier, i have the 4-16 Monarch on my Winchester Coyote Light, which is my hunting rifle. One of the guys i shoot with has a 7mmRUM and he put the Buckmaster 6-18 just like your talking about on it. Now, yes we were both hitting our intended steel targets at 625yds. But the clarity diffence, and the brightness of the Monarch were both superior. Now, i would say this was just my opinion, but he looked through it as well, and said there was a noticable difference in clarity.
I wasn't trying to be an ass, i was just trying to help you get the most for your money, but i also think you should seriously look at the Vortex Viper. You can get the Viper for $479 from Liberty Optics.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: tanda10506</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Jick42</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: tanda10506</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'm sure the Buckmaster would work perfectly. If a scope is night and day better then I could see paying more for it, but I'm not going to pay more for a scope that is a fraction better then one thats $150 less. The monarch has the same reticle, same name brand, and less magnification. Our local gun shop owner usually win's the long shoots at the local gun club and he's using a $600 scope. He shoots way better then I will after probably years of practice, so honestly I don't think I would ever see a reason to buy anything more then what he's using. It's nice to have top of the line, but not necessary, at least not right now. </div></div>
Just wondering if you've compared the Buckmaster and Monarch side by side? It's not like i was telling you to go out and spend tons of money. But, not to bicker about something that doesn't really matter in the long run, a Buckmaster is no Monarch. And if giving up 2x is that important, then the Buckmaster is the one for you
Well he's the best at the gun club which consists of about 500 people. He was on the SWAT team also, so I think he shoots alright. Like I said, I'm new and I don't know much about scopes. That's all that stood out to me between the buckmaster and the monarch. I'm definetly open to spending the extra cash for the monarch if it's alot better. What is better about it? </div></div>
Like i said earlier, i have the 4-16 Monarch on my Winchester Coyote Light, which is my hunting rifle. One of the guys i shoot with has a 7mmRUM and he put the Buckmaster 6-18 just like your talking about on it. Now, yes we were both hitting our intended steel targets at 625yds. But the clarity diffence, and the brightness of the Monarch were both superior. Now, i would say this was just my opinion, but he looked through it as well, and said there was a noticable difference in clarity.
I wasn't trying to be an ass, i was just trying to help you get the most for your money, but i also think you should seriously look at the Vortex Viper. You can get the Viper for $479 from Liberty Optics.
Re: First long distance scope
I didn't think you were being an ass and I appreciate the help. That is what I'm looking for, the most for my money. I will be using this scope for a while so I want to get a good one. The Monarch isn't to much more then the Buckmaster. If I go with the Nikon I will probably get the Monarch now, it seems like your sure it's worth it. Another person recomended the Viper and I didn't get a chance to look at it till late last nite. It looks like it's really good, but then again, I don't know to much of what to look for. The 6x-24x50 is the one I was looking at, it's just over $500 and I'm fine with that if you guys think it's worth it.
I didn't think you were being an ass and I appreciate the help. That is what I'm looking for, the most for my money. I will be using this scope for a while so I want to get a good one. The Monarch isn't to much more then the Buckmaster. If I go with the Nikon I will probably get the Monarch now, it seems like your sure it's worth it. Another person recomended the Viper and I didn't get a chance to look at it till late last nite. It looks like it's really good, but then again, I don't know to much of what to look for. The 6x-24x50 is the one I was looking at, it's just over $500 and I'm fine with that if you guys think it's worth it.
Re: First long distance scope
If I was brand new I would want someone to tell me to go mil/mil on a scope.
If I was brand new I would want someone to tell me to go mil/mil on a scope.
