Rifle Scopes Scope Advice

[chrisfs]

Hi Everyone,

Hoping for some advice from you folks if you have a minute... I'm picking up my first bolt-action and am going to go with the Rem 700 SPS with the 20" heavy barrel. I plan to eventually change out the trigger and put an aftermarket stock but for now will run it as is. The area I'm not as well versed as I'd like to be is optics. I was given advice to look at this one " SWFA-SS 3-15x42 " which I plan to look at. I'll give you guys background on useage also so it makes it easier to give an answer. A new range in my area is being built with lanes out to 500 yards, so the majority of shooting will eventually be 200 to 500 yards with the occasional shots at 100 yards. Pure target shooting and, ideally, tight groupings but I would imagine that part depends on me. Can you guys recommend a scope to learn on, pref under 500 if possible that will give good enough performance out to 500 yards to shoot tight groupings ? I know I won't be able to do that right off the bat, it would be nice to have a scope I can learn on and not spend a fortune on that is capable of doing this at a reasonable price. Later on I'm sure I'll end up throwing down money on good glass, prob a new rig or some customization and re-loading gear etc. Anyway, looking forward to all your insights guys, thanks in advance.

Chris

 

[slm9s]

Pure target shooting to 500 yards. Budget of:
$325 weaver t36
$850 sightron 10-50x60
$1600 nightforce 12-42x56
$$$$ march 8-80

 

[garandman]

I've always had good experience with Leupold at every price point.

 

[Downzero]

Don't rule out the Bushnell Elite 3200 10x scope. It's well within your budget and will do exactly what you ask of it.

For your use, I probably wouldn't buy a sub-$500 variable.

 

[velillen]

I have a vortex viper 6.5-20 that has been awesome. I'm super happy with it and its the clearest scope I own. It's only around $450 on amazon

 

[Crosshair]

I'll second the Vortex 6.5-20x, probably the best high powered glass under $500. Since you're shooting at known distances and only out to 500, FFP isn't necessary. Also, in your budget, matching ranging reticle/turrets aren't a must, but would be a nice perk. Another idea if a fixed power would work for you, is the SS 16x. It's very solid for the money.

 

[chrisfs]

Thanks guys! The Vortex sounds nice from what I'm reading. The one concern I have about not using a variable scope would be the days that I can only make it out to the 100yd range and it's set for 500, I feel like the 100 yd target would be way too close and not fun to shoot at. That's if I'm understanding the concept of fixed vs variable accurately.

 

[Quarter Horse]

A third vote for the 6.5-20 Vortex with either 44mm or 50mm objective. Decent glass, good turrets, 65MOA elevation travel and the best CS around. I bought one a couple of years ago and between three of us, that hunt varmints together, there are now five. Check with Doug at Cameraland, a hide sponsor, for new ones. Don't be afraid to buy used as the Vortex warranty applies regardless.