Rifle Scopes Optic for .204 Ruger AR

[Cbmax]

Hi,

I have a .204 Ruger AR on the way that I would like to use on Prairie Dogs. Rifle will sport a 24 inch heavy barrel.

I am trying to pick a good scope. I know I want exposed turrets and side focus paralax. I'd like a reticle that isn't too busy. My budget is approx. $1,500.

So far it looks like the IOR Valdada 6-24X50 with MP8 reticle is my top choice. My reservations are the 50 inch front objective. Some say this will cause too much glare. Others say you don't need more than 18x magnification. My feeling is it better to have too much magnifcation and not use it than to have not enough and wish you had more.

Can anyone provide any advice? I am willing to consider other scope recommendations too!

CB

 

[Diablo]

Re: Optic for .204 Ruger AR

Sounds like a varmint rig to me.

The 6-24X50 ought to be OK for varmint hunting.

I've seen several with Leup. 6.5-20s and 8-25s.

Mine (24" bull barrel) has a Leup. 6.5-20.

I like the .204, it's almost as much fun to shoot as the
.22-250AI and Swift.

As for glare, screw on a tube extention (sunshade).

 

[jdwelch10]

Re: Optic for .204 Ruger AR

If you like the IOR then get it and put a sunshade one it. I wouldn't think the glare would be that big of a deal.

 

[Big_Daddy]

Re: Optic for .204 Ruger AR

Everyone here seems to think highly of Nightforce (as do I) but I haven't seem mention of their benchrest/varmint scopes on this site. I have one with the illuminated mil-dot and it is pretty impressive IMO. Mine is the 5.5-22x56 Varminter. Great glass and I like having the illuminated reticle. I got it a few months ago from a guy that mounted it on a rifle and never shot it. I haven't mounted it yet to use it either but playing with it around the house and yard it impresses me.

As much as I am impressed with the NF I may drop quality on my varminter down to a Leupold w/ varmint reticle that I have laying around as I may sell the NF. I want to raise some money to put towards a S&B PMII I am jonesing for only because around my parts I don't have any varminting I can do far enough to where I need the magnification of the NF 5.5-22. I'm sure I'll regret it though, LOL.

 

[bohem]

Re: Optic for .204 Ruger AR

I agree with Mr. Denny, the BR series scopes from Nightforce are top notch.

You can't get them with an NP-R1 in it, but you can get it with the NP-R2. A friend of mine shoots one and it's a really nice scope, especially clear even for a Nightforce. You can also get them for less than $1500.

In fact, you can probably get rings and the scope for that budget.

 

[Cbmax]

Re: Optic for .204 Ruger AR

Gentlemen,

I like Nightforce Scopes. I actually have a NF 12-42 Benchrest Model with the NP-2DD reticle on my .308 Bolt Action rifle which I use for F-Class target rifle.

On this rig, I don't want a 56mm front objective. I also don't really like Nightforce's reticle choices for a varmint rig. I am a little on the fence about a 50mm objective but it seems like all the scopes in the higher magnification range have at least a 50mm front objective.

Other scopes I have considered are:

1) Zeiss Conquest 6-20 with reticle #43
2) Leupold MK 4 6.5-20 with TMR reticle
3) Trijicon Accupoint 5-20 with green dot cross hair or amber Mil-dot.
4) Burris Black Diamond 6-24 Mil-dot.

I am more than happy to consider any additional opinions.

Thnaks again.

CB

 

[Blackstone]

Re: Optic for .204 Ruger AR

On my .204 Ruger I have a 4-16X Horus Falcon FFP with the H25 reticle.
They run around $1,500 but are often available used for closer to $1,000.00.
I use my LRF and Kestrel (on P-dogs) and hold elevation and wind per my ballistic program.
The Horus reticle allows me to spot my first shot and make precise corrections on my follow up shot, if needed.