Rifle Scopes new guy with a scope ??

[gostr]

Hello,

Looking for some help finding a good rifle scope or will the one I have be ok for what I would like to do. First let me tell you a little about what I am looking to do.

I just moved to northern Vermont a few years ago (4 miles from Canada) Last year I met up with a few guys who do a lot of target shooting from 100-700+ yards and a little hunting. I went out a few times with them and really enjoyed it and was pretty good at it. Last year I got my first vermont buck at 350 yards. I was using there guns but just got one myself (can't wait for the snow to melt) Here is what I have and what I am going to use it for. This is just my starter rifle and I am sure there are bigger and better things to come. Anyway here it is
I have a tikka 300 wsm with a simmons aetec scope model 2014 3.8-12x44 is what it says on the scope. What I want to do is 90% target shooting (we use 8" targets)from 100 yards up to 700 yards maybe more if I an find the space. Mostly in the 500 yard range seeing that my feild is just over 500 yards. and 10% hunting. Do you think the scope that is on the gun is good enough? If not what might be a good choice under $500

Thanks

 

[TonyAngel]

Re: new guy with a scope ??

Under $500? Vortex Viper 6.5-20X50. Not many choices to shoot at MOA targets at 700 yards for that amount of money.

 

[redirt78]

Re: new guy with a scope ??

Get really good with what you have, save up for something really nice. Double your money, then start shopping hard. The Aetec is actually a decent scope for the money they cost but 700 is a pretty good stretch.

I would not spend your $500, I think you should wait until you have more $. Plenty of mamals have died at long range with far less than what you have. Just my 2 cents

Maybe keep an eye out for something used from someone you trust BUT keep saving up $

You will get a lot of feedback on other ways to spend your $500 too I'm sure haha

I have the same scope on a Ruger compact 7mm08 and have never had a single problem with it. I do not use it for long shots (headshot does at 200 + on the reg haha) but on a rifle more suited for long range it would work fine... not the best by any means but deffinitely not the worst either.

 

[slothlacrosse]

Re: new guy with a scope ??

save a couple hundred more and get a weaver tactical 3-x15x50. i've been very impressed with mine (i have the "older" one with the 1/4 MOA knobs and no illumination).

if you're hot to trot for a mil/mil setup, they just came out with one.

i'd imagine that the glass is just as good as on the model i have.

the sightron SIII line of scopes are also very good (but don't have an FFP reticle, but that doesn't matter to some).