I have a Vortex 5-25 Gen II on it now but looking for a bit more power to go to 1100 or 1200. Have been shooting 500 regularly with 6.5 Creedmore and like the Vortex scope, but at 1000, things get really small. Budget is under $1700 if possible. Also plan on shooting coyotes and sitting for them during the day and some limited bench shooting so weight is not a problem. Maybe even like to compete if I get good enough.
Rifle Scopes Recommendation for Ruger Precision rifle scope
- Thread starter wildman2
- Start date
Lots of opinions on scopes. Especially on this forum. I would not recommend anything more powerful than 25x for shooting that distance, and with that rifle. It is very hard to get a second shot off with more than 25x.
If you like the Vortex PST-II, keep it. If you are looking for something different, maybe a Leupold Mark 5 in the 5-25x would be good. Possibly a NF NXS 5.5-22x. Other option would be a used Razor HD high magnification scope. Starts to get very heavy on that rifle, though.
If you like the Vortex PST-II, keep it. If you are looking for something different, maybe a Leupold Mark 5 in the 5-25x would be good. Possibly a NF NXS 5.5-22x. Other option would be a used Razor HD high magnification scope. Starts to get very heavy on that rifle, though.
I have that same scope (Viper PST 5-25x50). I also have two Razors (Gen-1 5-20x50, Gen-2 4.5-27). I agree with Longshot's assessment.
High magnification at longer range is fine if you have all day to find your target and are set in concrete to hold steady on that target. That doesn't happen in hunting, - or competition. You'll seldom run over 12-15x because your field of view is so narrow at higher magnification that locating any target, let alone the right target in a narrow field, takes forever. You don't have forever. Ask me how I know. That was the biggest lesson of my first match.
You don't say if your current Viper is first or second focal plane. If it's FFP, I'd say stay with it for that rifle for awhile. If it's SFP, it will be very difficult to use the stadia marks on your reticle for "hold over" targeting. Whatever you upgrade path becomes, FFP is the way to go.
Regarding competition "if you get good enough" - "good" is relative. When I started clay target competition decades ago, I already had years of experience and a bad round was less than 95 targets out of 100. Most casual skeet shooters would dance for joy with a 95 - but a 95 was, and remains, a disaster for top-rated shooters. Everything changes when there's a ref with a score sheet in one hand and the pull cord in the other hand, looking at you, waiting for your call. The earlier you get used to it, the better.
I've only been doing competitive rifle 18 months, and the principles are the same. If you enjoy the sport, get a good footing in the fundamentals and attend a match. Enjoy and learn. It's fine to ask questions. Everything changes when the clock is running and hits are counting. Get used to it early, and you'll progress all the faster.
High magnification at longer range is fine if you have all day to find your target and are set in concrete to hold steady on that target. That doesn't happen in hunting, - or competition. You'll seldom run over 12-15x because your field of view is so narrow at higher magnification that locating any target, let alone the right target in a narrow field, takes forever. You don't have forever. Ask me how I know. That was the biggest lesson of my first match.
You don't say if your current Viper is first or second focal plane. If it's FFP, I'd say stay with it for that rifle for awhile. If it's SFP, it will be very difficult to use the stadia marks on your reticle for "hold over" targeting. Whatever you upgrade path becomes, FFP is the way to go.
Regarding competition "if you get good enough" - "good" is relative. When I started clay target competition decades ago, I already had years of experience and a bad round was less than 95 targets out of 100. Most casual skeet shooters would dance for joy with a 95 - but a 95 was, and remains, a disaster for top-rated shooters. Everything changes when there's a ref with a score sheet in one hand and the pull cord in the other hand, looking at you, waiting for your call. The earlier you get used to it, the better.
I've only been doing competitive rifle 18 months, and the principles are the same. If you enjoy the sport, get a good footing in the fundamentals and attend a match. Enjoy and learn. It's fine to ask questions. Everything changes when the clock is running and hits are counting. Get used to it early, and you'll progress all the faster.
Unless you feel the need to stick with your current scope...very capable. If you really want a new scope and need an excuse the Sightron S3's or a Athlon Cronus would be a real option ...Ares ETR are reported to be very excellent as well...Call Doug at Cameraland....can never go wrong talking with him and seeing what deals he can find for you!
It would be our pleasure to discuss different options with you. I am in today till 5 and back tomorrow morning around 8
Doug
516-217-1000
Doug
516-217-1000
I have the Razor Gen 2 4.5 x 27 and used it to 1,200 yards without any issues. Perhaps the better choice would be to save a few more dollars and that way there will be more options.
I agree with what the guys say about better glass. My suggestion is to save a bit more and get some Euro glass (Kahles for example) or try getting behind a scope with decent Japanese glass like the Vortex Razor or perhaps a Nightforce.
In the PX you can find a Razor gen II for close to your price range, or a gen I in your price range. Athlon Cronus BTR is around your range and a great scope.
With all the info of the Burris XTR III coming out, if you aren't in a rush you may want to wait on it. Should be in your price range and early info/reports are that it's going to be a real winner. But it won't release until SHOT and even then, demand will be very high, so it will probably be hard to get one any time soon.
With all the info of the Burris XTR III coming out, if you aren't in a rush you may want to wait on it. Should be in your price range and early info/reports are that it's going to be a real winner. But it won't release until SHOT and even then, demand will be very high, so it will probably be hard to get one any time soon.
This is exactly right.
PST Gen 2 is a very decent scope. Assuming you have the eyepiece set up correctly and all that, if it is not doing it for you, look for higher quality, not higher magnification.
At $1700 or so, your best options are probably Athlon Cronus and Delta Stryker HD.
ILya
I have taken 10x well beyond the ranges you are talking about without issue on steel. I could only imagine needing more power than you have if shooting groups on paper.
