Rifle Scopes Is 1.25-4x24 scope enough for 300-500 yards?

[Scouter19D]

Looking for something to put on my Sadlak mount sitting atop an M14 N.M. All shooting is 500 yards or less, most targets in the 100-300 yard range. So having used a 3x ACOG in the past, and loving it, looking at Trijicon's AccuPoint 1.25-4x25. The aforementioned targets are all large. No "shootin groups" at 500 yards, we're talking real world targets. (hog silhouettes, human stand ups, whatever) No need to see down to the inch there. Having never used a 4x, not sure if thats enough. I know 3x is great on 300 yards, so the 4x is definitely in the comfort zone there. Afraid that down the line I'll be wanting more optic at 400-500 yards than a 4x will give. Is this possible, or any other similar optics to be recommended? Thanks in advance.

 

[fdkay]

Re: Is 1.25-4x24 scope enough for 300-500 yards?

Yes, 4x will make it, though the "rule of thumb" seems to be 1x for every 100 yards/meters.

Weaver has a very nice 1-5x tactical scope, I believe midway has them for about 650. Advantage: FFP

Review:
http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=3&f=18&t=533391

Nothing wrong with the trijicon though.

 

[00bullitt]

Re: Is 1.25-4x24 scope enough for 300-500 yards?

A low power variable is great for hitting 3-4moa targets out to 600 yards. The problem lies within the trajectory of your ammunition if you do not have a drop compensated reticle or the ability to dial adjustment for dope. Guessing holdovers past 300 yards is not easy.

 

[TonyAngel]

Re: Is 1.25-4x24 scope enough for 300-500 yards?

How often are you going to be shooting at 100 yards or less? That general rule of 1X for every 100 yards is pretty much on for practical types of shooting, but still, when I ran low power variables, I almost always found myself wishing that I had more power on many occassions.

Since having a 1 or 1.5X on a .308 really isn't that important to me, I moved to using scopes in the 2.5-10X range. I really like the Nightforce offering. It's actually pretty compact for what it is. The .308 is a pretty flexible round. I feel that the glass should be as flexible.

 

[Chiller]

Re: Is 1.25-4x24 scope enough for 300-500 yards?

How large of a target?

How tight do you have to shoot?

BAsed on what you said a 4x will do it all day long. Look at the guys who shoot Plama.

 

[Scouter19D]

Re: Is 1.25-4x24 scope enough for 300-500 yards?

Size of target, never smaller than 12"x12". That's as tight as I'd ever NEED to shoot to hit something, but of course would like to be more accurate than that. Not looking at sniper-type shooting with a bunch of holes touching each other at 500 yards. I'd be happy with 8" spreads across the farther targets, and perhaps 3-4" close up. The gun can do it, for sure. Just gotta find an optic that facilitates me doing it, without having overkill.

 

[felderthewelder]

Re: Is 1.25-4x24 scope enough for 300-500 yards?

That is plenty of magnification. I use an ACOG calibrated for 5.56 on my 6.8 SPC. It is only 4x and I can hit the steel targets at 600 yards every time. I don't bother to pay attention to groups with that rifle though. For that type of shooting I use a bolt gun with a high power scope.

 

[tylerw02]

Re: Is 1.25-4x24 scope enough for 300-500 yards?

I've never had a hunting scope and wished it were lower power except at extremely close range. Depending what what I'm hunting,I like 4.5-14x/3.5-15x.

For varmint hunting I prefer 6.5-20x or 8.5-50x.

 

[Scouter19D]

Re: Is 1.25-4x24 scope enough for 300-500 yards?

Thanks Felder, that was really what I was looking for. Real world utilization of a similiar kit. The Weaver seems like a viable option, but having used Trijicon in the past, I'm comfortable with their quality more so than Weavers. Just don't know much about them. But looking at the "1x for every 100 yards", perhaps it would be a better fit, with a better reticle. Time to do some exploring... thanks for all the answers guys.

 

[david777]

Re: Is 1.25-4x24 scope enough for 300-500 yards?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: fdkay</div><div class="ubbcode-body">

Weaver has a very nice 1-5x tactical scope, I believe midway has them for about 650. Advantage: FFP

</div></div>

+1 on the Weaver price/performance....... Scott @ Liberty has them as well.

 

[felderthewelder]

Re: Is 1.25-4x24 scope enough for 300-500 yards?

I had a weaver. was a very nice scope. sold it to a friend though because it fitted his application a bit more than mine.

 

[HillbillyfromAL]

Re: Is 1.25-4x24 scope enough for 300-500 yards?

Personally I'd suggest something with the low end of 3-5 and high end of 9-15. You'll never regret having extra magnification on a variable scope.

 

[JRose]

Re: Is 1.25-4x24 scope enough for 300-500 yards?

1-4's are great for AR's and M1A's. I plan on putting a 1-4 on my M1A scout.

 

[Prairie Dog Dundee]

Re: Is 1.25-4x24 scope enough for 300-500 yards?

I do the kind of shooting your talking about with a SWFA SS 1-4X24 HD. In this case I was using a Colt 6920 and handloads. Top target was 500 yards, then 600 yards and then 700 yards. I prefer my 3-9 SWFA SS past 600 yards but it can be done with a 1-4. There is a groupe buy going on this scope, free mounts etc. Check the group buy section.

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