Rifle Scopes Hunting and target scope - help

[txgolfer45]

Background: Looking for a scope for hunting and long range shooting (targets or varmints like coyotes or hogs). My rifle is a Savage 10 Precision Carbine in .308. It won't be going on missions overseas. Shooting will be at a variety of distances not just one distance. I have a good rangefinder.

I want a variable scope with either mil/mil or moa/moa. I've been researching the following (yes, I've used the search function extensively):

Vortex Viper PST 4-16x50 FFP variety of reticles (new models)($850)
Sightron SIII 3.5-10x44 LR IRMAO or MD/CM (new models)(guessing $999 for IRMOA and $750 for MD/CM)
Nightforce NXS 3.5-15x50 (zero stop? TMR, mil/mil or NP-R1 moa/moa?)($1500 - 1800 depending upon options)

The Vortex are just now coming into dealers hands after a delay due to problems with the first batch last summer. That makes me a little leery. Vortex CS has excellent reputation.

Sightron has an excellent reputation. But, these are new models. Availability is 60 - 90 days out per Sightron USA.

Nightforce is available now. For my purposes, should I get the zero stop? Since I have a good range finder, I could save some money by going with moa/moa instead of mil/mil (not a significant amount).

Based upon research here, I've left off Leupold due to numerous comments about price for what you get.

Help!!!!!

 

[shooter19802003]

Re: Hunting and target scope - help

First narrow down the recticle you want and if want a lit recticle or not. That will narrow down the choices a bit.

 

[txgolfer45]

Re: Hunting and target scope - help

I'm leaning towards MOA/MOA. That would knock out the Sightron MD/CM and reduce the cost range on the NF.

 

[reylor]

Re: Hunting and target scope - help

I was in the same boat but in the end went with the Trijicon 5x20x50 with mildot. Pricewise its right in the middle, but I honestly couldnt see a clarity difference in it and the nightforce so I opted to save 600 bucks. Plus the illuminated reticle for critters is awsome. just my 2 cents

 

[eleaf]

Re: Hunting and target scope - help

Bushnell Elite 4200 3-12x44 ffp mil/mil

On sale at Midway for $5xx. Perhaps the best scope under $1000.

Check out Lowlight's video review. It's tough as nails (he blew it up - literally - as well as banged the hell out of it on a fence post and it continued to function.

 

[txgolfer45]

Re: Hunting and target scope - help

I decided to go with the Nightforce NXS 3.5-15x50 NP-R1 with HS and ZS. Can't wait to get it mounted and out to the range.

Thanks for everyone's input!

 

[bshooter]

Re: Hunting and target scope - help

I have A NSX and a Zeiss and love both of them , but wanted something different to hunt with and went with the Trijicon 232 yellow dot and absolutely love it for hunting!I got it last summer and have used it this hunting season. It is a quality scope just like the the others I own. The 5X20X50 is perfect for hunting up close or as far as you want. The yellow dot is quick to the eye and finding your target. If you want to shoot nothing but paper, you might want something else. For hunting or target practice the mechanics and glass is spot on bshooter..