Rifle Scopes Need Scope, Base, Rings Recommendation for Newbie with Remington 5r MilSpec X-mas Gift

[IndianaRem5r]

The wife bestowed upon me a really nice .308 24" Rem 5r for XMas, totally to my surprise. I am a long time recreational shooter (rifle and pistol) but no real precision/long-range rifle experience. I am a mechanical engineer by education and career, so I am capable of technical understanding, but have much to learn.

I do want to get shooting the 5r and don't need the best build starting out. I am okay with a fixed power scope and want mil/mil. I want to spend about $500 for scope, base, and rings. I realize I will be upgrading this firearm as time (and my learning) goes on.

I need the help of the more experienced shooter who has been down this road before. BTW, this is my first post and I have just started to enjoy the forum.

Thanks for your input in advance.

 

[dannyr3_8]

if you do a search on the subject i think you would find that the majority would recommend the weaver t 36 for fixed long range

 

[IndianaRem5r]

36X is more than I need starting out. For a fixed, 10-16X would be fine.

 

[Crosshair]

Very cool Xmas gift, hi-five the wife!

The industry standard for budget mil/mil is the good ole SWFA SS 10x. If you're one who tends toward higher magnification, the 12x would be great too. The 16x and 20x models are more for deticated target setups and will be noticably dimmer. I'm of the option that if you want much over 15x in a tactical scope, you'll want to save up some more money.
For a variable, the Weaver 3-10x from midway is hard to beat, and also the Leupold Mk AR series have been very good for me. If there is a Sportsman's Warehouse around you, check out the Burris MTAC 4.5-14x42 they are having on clearance (normally $550, down to $350).

 

[918v]

I vote Badger rings and 20 MOA rail. Then sell a couple guns and buy a decent scope.

 

[lawman29]

Sightron SII series of scopes: 4x16x42 MD AO for $353 : Sightron SII 4-16X42MM Mil Dot AO Scope SII416X42MD
6x24x42 MD AO for $397: Sightron SII Series Scope 6-24x42mm SII624x42MD

Leave $100-$150 for pic rail & rings.

 

[IndianaRem5r]

Thanks for the great response!

Very cool Xmas gift, hi-five the wife!

The industry standard for budget mil/mil is the good ole SWFA SS 10x. If you're one who tends toward higher magnification, the 12x would be great too. The 16x and 20x models are more for deticated target setups and will be noticably dimmer. I'm of the option that if you want much over 15x in a tactical scope, you'll want to save up some more money.
For a variable, the Weaver 3-10x from midway is hard to beat, and also the Leupold Mk AR series have been very good for me. If there is a Sportsman's Warehouse around you, check out the Burris MTAC 4.5-14x42 they are having on clearance (normally $550, down to $350).

 

[Kirkd]

I don't have the SWFA 10x scope, but I'm told it is a really good bargain for $300. That leaves you $200 for a good base and rings, which would get you quality.

SWFA SS 10x42 Tactical Riflescope

What sort of distance are you shooting?

 

[Kirkd]

I don't have the SWFA 10x scope, but I'm told it is a really good bargain for $300. That leaves you $200 for a good base and rings, which would get you quality.

SWFA SS 10x42 Tactical Riflescope

What sort of distance are you shooting?

Here is a link to a review

REVIEW - SWFA Super Sniper 10X - SNIPER 101 - YouTube

 

[IndianaRem5r]

I plan to shoot 100 - 300 yds. initially.

 

[Don-n-Texas]

I got the same rifle with a 20" threaded barrel for Christmas. The first thing I did is install a new trigger (Timney 510) I would advise getting a new trigger soon. The next thing I did was install a new Seekins 20 moa base.
I had a 10x Sightron lll so I put it on. I very happy with the set up.

Welcome to the hide
PS I recommend Seekins base and rings

 

[MoBoost]

TPS base and rings. SWFA or Bushnell 10x.

 

[jtrax]

Crosshair gave you sound advice. The SWFA 10x is a great choice in a fixed.

Another option to consider but slightly more expensive (although worth it in my opinion) is SWFA 3-15 FFP. The 10x will serve you well. However, many find that they want more mag as they progressively begin to shoot longer distance.

 

[Bugguy]

Vortex makes some nice lower end scopes that won't break the bank.

 

[madAB]

I would go with Seekins 20MOA base, Seekins rings, and a Bushnell Elite Tactical (LRS) 10x 40. There are cheaper rings and bases, but Seekins is top quality, and won't need to be replaced when you upgrade the scope unless you need taller rings.

 

[hermanow]

I have one with the 20" threaded barrel. I'm going to try this mount. The only downside is you have to get one that is the same size as the tube diameter of your scope. DNZ Game Reaper 30mm Scopemount

 

[Pinecone]

I would say, REALLY consider spending a bit more and getting a nice variable.

Fixed works fine. But a variable gives you more options.

The old Buy Once, Cry Once.

 

[hermanow]

I went with the SS 3-15 on mine and am happy with it.

 

[ocelot45]

For the money you can't go wrong with a swfa fixed 10 scope, egw base and seekins rings. All in all it will stay in the budget that you have. You have what we call a keeper for a wife.

 

[sawman556]

The SWFA SS 10x is impossible to beat in your price range. Save up your money for a better scope down the road.