Rifle Scopes New to scopes... was my purchase a wise one?

[Amerigo]

I've been a lurker for a while trying to gain some knowledge from you all. I decided to finally join!

I just made my first scope purchase. Scopes are totally new to me, and I am relatively new to shooting as well. I was wondering if you guys could let me know if my purchase will work for my purposes.

I have an AR15 with a removable carry handle and a standard FSB (I know - not the best long-distance firearm). My purpose is strictly target shooting at the range. I'm a beginner at marksmanship, but I'd like to eventually get up to 400-500 yards or so. I'm currently in grad school, and this will be my way of blowing off some steam on the weekends. I'll be competing against myself.

I just ordered a Burris Fullfield II 4.5x-14x-42mm, with the Burris AR-PEPR Quick Detach mount. I don't have a spotting scope, so I thought having a higher magnification would help me see where my shots are hitting, even though I might have gotten by with less mag.

Will this suit my needs? Would something else work better? (I could still cancel my order if I needed to). Is there anything I'm overlooking? (For example, will I need to get a cheek riser for my standard AR stock?)

Thanks for the help!

 

[head2h2o]

Re: New to scopes... was my purchase a wise one?

You will probably be okay without the cheek riser. I would not bank on being able to see bullet holes at 400-500 yds. You are going to need more than 14x for that unless you are shooting steel. Then you will be able to see hits, just not likely on paper. The PEPR mount is not a bad mount. I have 2 and they have been dependable.

 

[Amerigo]

Re: New to scopes... was my purchase a wise one?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: head2h2o</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I would not bank on being able to see bullet holes at 400-500 yds. You are going to need more than 14x for that unless you are shooting steel. Then you will be able to see hits, just not likely on paper. </div></div>

What magnification in a spotting scope would I be looking at to be able to see bullet holes at 500 yards? (Assuming I'm using "shoot and see" targets)

 

[frankythefly]

Re: New to scopes... was my purchase a wise one?

I have yet to find a cheap scope that will allow you to see .22 caliber holes at 500 yards. I would just shoot steel.

here is a article that you may like to read:
http://www.accurateshooter.com/optics/spotting-scope-1000-yard-performance/

 

[gtriever]

Re: New to scopes... was my purchase a wise one?

That's a good link, and mirrors my experience with a Zeiss 85T*FL scope. Thanks for posting it.

 

[OpticsPlanet]

Re: New to scopes... was my purchase a wise one?

That is a good place to start. Burris makes a quality scope and the PEPR mount is a great AR mount. The only other scope I would recommend taking a look at is the Nikon M223.
Nikon M223
For a good spotting scope i would recommend the Bushnell 20-60x80 with the ED glass. I was able to see .222 holes in paper targets at 300 yards with ease. I have not tried it at 400 yards yet, but am confident in its ability. Keep in mind, at these distances environmental factors will play a large role in sight distance. Heat distortion, haze, ambient lighting conditions... These will all have an effect on the dynamics of using a spotting scope.

Chase B.

 

[head2h2o]

Re: New to scopes... was my purchase a wise one?

I can share with you my experience looking through various grades of scopes while shooting F class matches at 600 and 1000 yds. For the most part you are going to be able to see the spotting disc, but the actual bullet hole, forget about it. Even seeing the bullet hole at 300 can be a challenge here in TX when the temperatures are in the 90's and 100's. However, the vapor trail is usually phenomenal.