Rifle Scopes Scope for R700 Tactical, $2500 budget

[Hatny]

I've done hours and hours of reading and hit analysis paralysis. Looking for recommendations for optics:

* Rifle: Remington 700 SPS Tactical AAC-SD, 1/10 twist, .308 Winchester
* Budget: Up to $2500
* Purpose: 60% hitting paper 100 to 300 yards, 20% target 300 to 1000 yards, 10% deer hunting 50 to 300 yards, 10% varmint hunting
* Skill level: Newbie

 

[Quickdraw40]

Steiner 4-16x50. $2,300 MAP.

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[Chris@InterstateGuns]

Vortex razor would be nice, Steiner would fit the budget. NF f1, NF 5.5-22 w/ zs, all kinds of options

 

[Hatny]

They wouldn't be over-scoping the rifle? Was worried about that when my shortlist had that sort of quality.

 

[Quickdraw40]

No such thing as over-scoped!

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[Hairball]

I just put a Bushnell HDMR on a new 700P I put together. A lot of scope for the money at $1,600 and as 70 percent of your shots will be within 300 yards its a good option or you could go with the ERS or LRS if you want a different reticle

 

[sam626]

Go with a Nightforce 3.5-15 and spend the grand you have left on a can.

 

[mwroseberry]

USO 1-10x decked out however you want it for that price range.

 

[427Cobra]

Vortex Razor with EBR3 reticle, 10 mil turrets.

 

[Redmanss]

Zen Ray - CameraLand NY

Discounted to within budget, plenty of magnification for varmints and paper, dial down to 5x and illuminate the reticle for low light hunting in a treeline.

 

[kvwpwr]

NF F1 seems like it would be a good fit. I you are going to hunt I don't think you should go to high on the low end and 15x will be enough to get you to 1k.

 

[scudzuki]

March 3-24x42 FFP non illuminated comes in under $2500.
Lugging around a Razor, Steiner, or Bushy DMR on a hunting rig doesn't sound appealing.

If weight is no object, then get an open box Steiner 5-25 from Doug at CameraLand if you or sacrifice illumination but save $1200 or more and get the Bushy DMR w/G2 reticle from Scott at Liberty Optics.

Joe

 

[Hatny]

Yeah, the hunting leads me to want to get down to 3x, precluding the Vortex Razor. Great suggestions so far everyone, thanks!

 

[gafferq2xl]

My percentages are different but top of my list will be the March 3-24. I built a do-it-all rifle and I wanted the best glass I could get for it, IMHO.

 

[sch2046]

Call chris at sportoptics, I was also in the market for a new scope, he directed me to a great option and a great price. Great to deal with and great customer service, I had a bunch of questions too, he straightened me out.

 

[libertyman777]

Steiner 4-16x50. $2,300 MAP.

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1+ on the Steiner.

 

[Hatny]

What about Premier Light Tactical? Should that make the shortlist?

 

[kvwpwr]

I said F1 before but forgot about the march 3-24. That would be a good candidate

 

[calling4life]

March 3-24 sounds right

 

[redneckbmxer24]

IMO nightforce F1 is a great choice for all round use. It makes a great hunting scope with the reticle post design and illumination. I set the illumination low to aid in picking up the reticle at low magnification in low light. I find a illuminated reticle an absolute must have on a FFP scope if it will be used for hunting.

Those recommending a 3-24 or 3.5-21 FFP must have never hunted with one. Those reticles are near invisible at low magnification even with an illuminated reticle which isn't even an option on the bushy.

 

[Quickdraw40]

The NF F1 is FFP.....

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[Sako man]

Steiner 4-16x50. $2,300 MAP.

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+1 on that. Great optic.

 

[broylz]

for 2500 I would probably go with a NXS 2.5-10x42 and then spend whats left over on a manners t2a. but im a newbie myself.

 

[roggom]

NF 2.5-10x42

 

[redneckbmxer24]

The NF F1 is FFP.....

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And your point is?

 

[Redmanss]

What about Premier Light Tactical? Should that make the shortlist?

Very difficult to find right now.

 

[Hairball]

I still don't get it. Why would you put a 2,500 dollar scope on a 600 dollar rifle that is going to be used most of the time at 300 yards or less? Take 1k off of the scope budget and spend that on ammo. As you classify yourself as a "newbie" I think you are making a mistake but I know its your money and you will spend it how you like but I am just saying....

 

[Quickdraw40]

I'd rather have $500 of ammo to practice with a quality scope than$1,500 to practice with a scope that doesn't hold zero, doesn't track, etc. If you are going to do this seriously, buy the best scope you can afford.

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[scudzuki]

IMO nightforce F1 is a great choice for all round use. It makes a great hunting scope with the reticle post design and illumination. I set the illumination low to aid in picking up the reticle at low magnification in low light. I find a illuminated reticle an absolute must have on a FFP scope if it will be used for hunting.

Those recommending a 3-24 or 3.5-21 FFP must have never hunted with one. Those reticles are near invisible at low magnification even with an illuminated reticle which isn't even an option on the bushy.

My March 3-24 FFP reticle is quite visible at 3 power, even more so if I turn on the illumination.

Joe

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[Hatny]

I still don't get it. Why would you put a 2,500 dollar scope on a 600 dollar rifle that is going to be used most of the time at 300 yards or less? Take 1k off of the scope budget and spend that on ammo. As you classify yourself as a "newbie" I think you are making a mistake but I know its your money and you will spend it how you like but I am just saying....

The second thing I said was that I was worried I might be over-scoping the rifle; only one person responded, saying I wasn't. Now you've offered the opposite opinion.

 

[Hairball]

That's a good one "if you are going to do this seriously" when you are talking about using a 700SPS as a "serious" platform. The OP is just starting out and while I am sure we are all capable of spending the OP's money for them, he does not need a 2500 dollar scope for what he intends to do with the rifle and to imply that only top shelf scopes are capable of holding a solid zero is not remotely correct.

 

[Hairball]

That's the problem with forums, everyone is going to have their own opinion. As you are just starting out, you have selected a rifle that many choose as their first introduction to LRS. It is my opinion, and mine alone, that you do not need a 2,500 optic on that rifle to learn how to shoot. Again, some always argue that you should buy the best scope you can but I don't follow this paradigm. That's like saying I have a pump 22 that needs a scope, I better get a S&B on that thing just to make sure. I have a large number of rifles that are used for different purposes and each one has a scope that corresponds to that requirement. I have been shooting for over 40 years and while I started out with the tasco specials back then, you can find very good optics in the 1.5k range that will do everything you need. Sure I have S&B, USO and others but I use them on higher quality rifles that are built for ranges well beyond what you have planned. In the end it's your choice but I think you won't tell the difference between a 1500 dollar scope or a 2500 dollar scope other than the name on the side of the tube.

 

[Hatny]

I appreciate it. I'm looking back through lower cost options again.

 

[scudzuki]

That's the problem with forums, everyone is going to have their own opinion. As you are just starting out, you have selected a rifle that many choose as their first introduction to LRS. It is my opinion, and mine alone, that you do not need a 2,500 optic on that rifle to learn how to shoot. Again, some always argue that you should buy the best scope you can but I don't follow this paradigm. That's like saying I have a pump 22 that needs a scope, I better get a S&B on that thing just to make sure. I have a large number of rifles that are used for different purposes and each one has a scope that corresponds to that requirement. I have been shooting for over 40 years and while I started out with the tasco specials back then, you can find very good optics in the 1.5k range that will do everything you need. Sure I have S&B, USO and others but I use them on higher quality rifles that are built for ranges well beyond what you have planned. In the end it's your choice but I think you won't tell the difference between a 1500 dollar scope or a 2500 dollar scope other than the name on the side of the tube.

While this is all true, it's not like the scope will be welded to the rifle; a high end scope purchased today could find its way onto a GAP or AI down the road.

Joe

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[Hairball]

Yes, you can take the scope and eventually put it on another rifle but scopes are becoming like computers, every other year something new comes out that makes the old ones not seem as nice so people will often gravitate to the latest and greatest. Just a simple reticle choice could mean the difference between something worth keeping or something that may be relegated to the gun safe in place of something else. In a few years when the OP is ready to upgrade, they may want an entirely different scope. Its one thing to have purchased many scopes throughout the years and learned what works for you and what does not but the OP is a brand new shooter. Look at how many people are dumping their older NF for something with zero stop. At the end of this year I would argue that all sorts of folks are going to drop what they have and try to buy a NF BEAST just because it does things that others don't. The older scopes are still good but the new ones are that much better. I just hate seeing people when they first start out shooting that are directed to equipment that they really are not ready for and have yet to even commit to the long term goal of learning how to shoot.

 

[Night Eagle]

I think u should buy a used nf f1. There are several here on the hide for sale right now for around 2k. This wil allow for hunting target shooting and you can even hammer shit with it if u need to. The new bushnell ffp scopes are also very fine and well priced below 2k. But if u buy it used u won't have the devaluing of a new scope and if u do want to sell it u will be able to and not lose much

 

[Hatny]

Here's my current shortlist:

* $300 SWFA SS 10x42 -- Mil/Mil, Mil-Quad (fixed mag)
* $800 Vortex Viper PST 2.5-10x32 -- Mil/Mil, FFP, ZS, Illum, EBR-1
* $1450 Bushnell DMR 3.5-21x50 -- Mil/Mil, FFP, G2DMR (34mm tube)
* $2250 March-F 3-24x42 -- Mil/Mil, FFP, ZS, FML-1
* $2500 Nightforce F1 3.5-15x50 -- Mil/Mil, FFP, ZS, Illum, MLR2.0

I'm vacillating between the low and the high end with the March ("investment in quality") and the SS ("get out and shoot") leading the pack. I appreciate all the help, and this great community.

 

[Hairball]

For your specific requirements, you already know which one I would pick, the DMR with a set of USMC M40A3 standard rings: 34mm Scope Rings | Badger Ordnance and a good base. Whatever you decide, good luck and let us know how it all came together.

 

[sib1948]

For your stated purposes, the Vortex Viper 2.5-10 32mm in mil/mil mentioned above would be perfect and can't beat the quality or warranty for the price. The March F 3-24 42mm would also be perfect due to optics and weight, but overkill for your rifle and needs and illuminated version, which most people want for hunting, would be over budget!

 

[scudzuki]

For your stated purposes, the Vortex Viper 2.5-10 32mm in mil/mil mentioned above would be perfect and can't beat the quality or warranty for the price. The March F 3-24 42mm would also be perfect due to optics and weight, but overkill for your rifle and needs and illuminated version, which most people want for hunting, would be over budget!

True that, illumination is a very expensive option on the March.

Joe

 

[Prophet78]

$2500? Seems like a high budget. I wouldn't spend $2500 on a scope if you are just starting out. There are plenty of "cheaper" scopes that will do the same as a $2500 scope for you. The $2500 scopes and most $1K scopes are precision tools. Not just something to look through to put the cross hairs on target.

Do you know how to use the tool? If not, learn before you drop big money on a scope. Why not buy a good used scope, learn to use it, find what you like and don't like. When you are done with it, send it back on its way to another owner who can learn to use it. Then spend big money on a "Big Money Scope".

-JD-

 

[rspeer]

Here's my current shortlist:

* $300 SWFA SS 10x42 -- Mil/Mil, Mil-Quad (fixed mag)
* $800 Vortex Viper PST 2.5-10x32 -- Mil/Mil, FFP, ZS, Illum, EBR-1
* $1450 Bushnell DMR 3.5-21x50 -- Mil/Mil, FFP, G2DMR (34mm tube)
* $2250 March-F 3-24x42 -- Mil/Mil, FFP, ZS, FML-1
* $2500 Nightforce F1 3.5-15x50 -- Mil/Mil, FFP, ZS, Illum, MLR2.0

I'm vacillating between the low and the high end with the March ("investment in quality") and the SS ("get out and shoot") leading the pack. I appreciate all the help, and this great community.

Lots of great advice here, and I was in a similar place as you a couple months ago. I have a Rem 5R in .308 and ended up going with a 12x42SS to get up and running. I do plan to go with, most likely, a NF at some point, but I'm happy with the SS so far. If you're willing to scratch the "deer hunting from 50-300 yards" requirement for a bit, I think a nice SS off the Sample List would be a good choice. Then maybe move to a higher-end variable after you've put some rounds thru your rig and see how things are working out. At least that's the approach I'm taking. If you absolutely must use it for hunting, I think your other choices will do what you want; pretty much comes down to the $.

 

[fdkay]

I don't agree with that statement.
If you can afford top tier glass, then by all means, get it.
IOR makes some very fine FFP scopes, illuminated with one of the best hunting/tactical reticles on the market.

Personally, I would lower the budget on the scope for no other purpose than to upgrade the stock (unless you have already figured that in).
Put that rifle in a decent stock or chassis, like the XLR, McCree, AICS or several others and top it with a weaver 3-15x illuminated EMDR, SS 5-20, IOR illuminated 3-18x42 or a SFP Nightforce.

 

[Eric B.]

RETICLE CHOICE MATTERS

Determine the reticle you want. Some scopes you may like will not have the reticle you want. I wanted a Horus H59 reticle and, not wanting to go over $2000. for a Leupold Mark 4, I got a Bushnell Elite Tactical ERS 3.5 - 21 X 50mm for around $1,700. for my HS Precision/Rem action .300 Win mag.

I gotta say, I am VERY impressed with the ERS quality, the H59 reticle and the scope's zero stop feature for that price. Just a really good buy.

But that Steiner is a great scope. Excellent glass compared to the ERS' "very good" glass.

 

[762forlife]

you could do what i just did, SWFA 5x20 SS and Manners t4a with Mini chassis and if you go non ill 200 dollars for ammo lol

 

[RHutch]

I don't agree with that statement.
If you can afford top tier glass, then by all means, get it.
IOR makes some very fine FFP scopes, illuminated with one of the best hunting/tactical reticles on the market.

Personally, I would lower the budget on the scope for no other purpose than to upgrade the stock (unless you have already figured that in).
Put that rifle in a decent stock or chassis, like the XLR, McCree, AICS or several others and top it with a weaver 3-15x illuminated EMDR, SS 5-20, IOR illuminated 3-18x42 or a SFP Nightforce.

Sound advice and add a trigger job. And I'll add that chassis are not for everyone so I would suggest you get your hands on a few and feel them up before you get balls deep in that investment.

 

[jtrax]

Since you will be using this rifle not only to become acquainted with long range precision shooting, but also hunting, I would look towards which scope has the best low light capabilities in your stated price range. Most, if not all, of the scopes mentioned in this thread would suffice for your application(s). However, Some are better than the others at some things. For instance, as great as the Nightforce NXS is (I've owned many, including the F1), contrast, micro-contrast, and low light capability is somewhat lacking when compared to some of the other scopes. NF NXS/F1 are great scopes and I'm not saying the glass is poor. In fact, NF has always optimized their scopes to maximize resolution. For your application I believe you should consider some of the other choices.

Steiner:

The Steiner mentioned earlier would be a good choice. I had the 5-25x56. Steiner is producing some very nice scopes.

March:

March has excellent glass. However, the 3-24's 42mm obj may be on the small side when considering exit pupil size and light gathering. That said, the power range is ridiculous and for hunting you could just turn the mag down. There is no doubt as to the glass quality of March scopes. I had the 3-24x42 but I do not need a scope to be that small so I sent it back in exchange for another FX FFP 5-40x56. In addition to March scopes, I own and run S&B & Premier. Overall my first choice in optics is always S&B. However, in terms of glass quality, March glass gives up nothing to Schmidt or Premier. That said, the March would be an excellent choice.

SWFA SS HD 5-20x50:

This may be the best scope in terms of the overall package in the under $2,000 price range. This scope has damn near alpha glass. Great low light performance regardless of price range. Large amount of adjustment. Very robust. This scope is priced too low for what it is in my opinion.

YMMV.

 

[Cncjerry]

Unless your have big plans for the scope in the future, as in swapping out all but the action under it, there are a number of scopes in the $1k range that will give you more than adequate service.

 

[Pinecone]

I second the recommendation to talk to Sport Optics. Great people.

You could also get a Vortex Viper PST 6-24x and put the money saved into ammunition and maybe a long range class or two.

 

[Drifter™]

March FFP 3-24 without illumination would serve nicely and fit the budget.