Rifle Scopes Struggling with scope options: fixed, var, cheap, midrange?

[SpookyPistolero]

Hi folks

I apologize for starting a thread for what is surely a common predicament, but I've hit a wall regarding current scope options. I've read a few hundred threads on these topics but have hit a crossroads.

I'm currently hunting for glass on a Rem 700 SPS in .308. I am new to precision rifles but not to shooting (several AR, pistol classes,idpa,uspsa etc). In the same vein, I'd like to develop a skill set with a precision rig. I'd like to learn the mil/mil system in particular. I want to develop with this tool for the same reason I train with my handguns.

My current range allows access to 300 yards. I'm not sure when I'll have access to longer distances but I'd like to be prepared for that opportunity. Of course, I have no idea if I'll even be keeping it on paper at 300. I do not entertain the notion of hitting zombie gnats at one billion yards, or some other arbitrarily large distance.

I still have a stock and lots of ammo to buy, so I'd like to keep the cost conservative if possible. That said, if it takes $800 then so be it.

1) Would a SWFA SS10x be a simple way to meet my needs? (Mainly 100-300 yards). I also like that this option avoids the costs of FFP. And would a 12x model work better or worse? Or is even ten too much at this range?
2) Would a variable power work better for some reason? A reason worth the costs?
3) Is the large price increase from the SWFA10x to the HD model worth it, especially given my needs? I want good glass but I'm also a novice. And for the $800 price tag of that model, is a step to a variable power Vortex better? I feel like I might not be maximizing my money getting a fixed power scope for that kind of green.

Thanks much for any thoughts! I'm anxious to get my feet wet in this area, but don't want to waste money along the way.

 

[SaepeExertus]

I wouldn't waste your time with a fixed power scope (I've shot from 50-1300 and a single power doesn't cover all ranges and situations). Before finished reading your post I was going to say take a loot at vortex. My most recent project I finished with a vortex viper PST. Excellent glass for a reasonable price. My suggestion is going with something like that (specifically the 4-16 power with MRAD adjustments). One of the biggest mistakes people make when getting into precision shooting is skimping on their glass. For all my rifles I have glass that's close to equal to the price of the rifle itself. Buy once cry once is a good way to look at purchasing glass.

 

[melloyello]

If you are going to ONLY shoot 100-300yds then a swfa 10x will definitely fit that need and cheaply. A 6x or 8x would be even better to me. There are plenty of people out there shooting to 1000yds with a 10x scope and if the military doesn't have a problem with it why should we? Some people think you need really high magnification scopes to shoot short distances. I don't understand it and never will.
If you decide to go with a variable power scope I would say get a FFP model but prepared to pay for it. But, for 300yds or less you probably won't be doing any range estimation so the FFP/SFP shouldn't be a real issue so long as you don't get a BDC reticle. Someone out there is going to try to talk you into spending $600+ on a scope when you can get by perfectly fine with a $300 scope. I prefer the old K.I.S.S. method myself.
You don't even need mil-dots or a true tracking scope for 100-300yds. Zero it at 200yds and it will be a couple inches high at 100 and a couple inches low at 300. I could walk into Wal-Mart and buy a scope that would get this done for less than $150.

 

[TwoNiner]

I've had both the SWFA 10x42 HD and the Vortex Viper PST 6-24x and wasn't impressed with either of their glass. I think I read too many hyped reviews about them. I'd say set your expectations low unless you've got the $2500+ to plop down.

If you don't plan on ranging with your reticle at your range then your options open up with SFP scopes. I've been happy with the value of bushnell scopes for the $$.

 

[Finris]

I guess for most situations 6X42 fixed has done every thing for me. I do not shot with that rifle over 600 meters. The vast majority of your shooting at 300m will be quite within the abilities of a fixed power 6X or 8X42. If I was going to shoot further I would most definitely get a variable power scope going up in range. I paid $400 dollars for a Doctor optics 6X42. I know I didn't get the USO $4000 dollar scope. I would buy what I liked if some thing like this isn't what that is, at the end of the day it is your rifle and you have to be happy with what you have. Go look through some glass and see what and how it does for you.

 

[SpookyPistolero]

I guess I'm still left at the following:

Go 'low': SWFA SS10x or maybe the SWFA SS3x9

Go 'big' (for me): SWFA 10xHD or Vortex PST 4-16

 

[Goin'Hot]

A 10 or 12 x super sniper will serve you well.

 

[E. Bryant]

Another option would be the Midway-exclusive Vortex Viper HS 5-15x44mm. Mil-dot reticle, 1/10-mil adjustments, zero stop (crude, but works), and very acceptable build quality for $500.

 

[SpookyPistolero]

Another option would be the Midway-exclusive Vortex Viper HS 5-15x44mm. Mil-dot reticle, 1/10-mil adjustments, zero stop (crude, but works), and very acceptable build quality for $500.

That model is sfp though, no? Even though I'm shooting on a static range I'd like to study up to ranging targets at unknowns.

 

[SpookyPistolero]

A 10 or 12 x super sniper will serve you well.

Even then, is HD worth that much scratch?

 

[Goin'Hot]

I see no reason to upgrade to HD model right now. Pick up the straight 12 and you'll be set to shoot much further than 300.

 

[SpookyPistolero]

I see no reason to upgrade to HD model right now. Pick up the straight 12 and you'll be set to shoot much further than 300.

Thanks much for the wisdom. So you think move to the 12x? Think that will be too much at 100yrds?

 

[Goin'Hot]

If you'll be shooting paper and steel, 12 will be fine. Not ideal for squirrel hunting in the woods but, that's not what you're doing with it.

This scope will do a fine job out to 1000 so there's no need to buy another scope if the distance becomes available. No sense blowing your wad to see if you want to do this. The cost of the super snipers make them easy to move if you decide it's not for you.

 

[rcmigpilot]

That model is sfp though, no? Even though I'm shooting on a static range I'd like to study up to ranging targets at unknowns.

You can still range with a SFP scope, its just that ranging with a SFP has to be done at a specific magnification, unlike FFP where it can be done at any setting.

 

[SpookyPistolero]

You can still range with a SFP scope, its just that ranging with a SFP has to be done at a specific magnification, unlike FFP where it can be done at any setting.

Is the reticle essentially decoration at any other power though? Meaning you couldn't accurately perform leads or hold overs?

 

[ddavis]

Is the reticle essentially decoration at any other power though? Meaning you couldn't accurately perform leads or hold overs?

The reason I like FFP isn't for ranging, it's because I can hold for wind at any magnification. I have a 6-24x Viper PST FFP. When I shoot at 1000 yards, I am typically between 12x and 18x. I would be quite content with a maximum magnification of 16x. In fact I think the Midway special 3-10x Weaver mil/mil will be my next scope for a hunting rifle. 10x is enough for steel at 1000 and under, and you won't need to use wind hold offs at anything less than 10x anyways. A fixed 10x would be fine if you are not hunting or shooting at less than 100 yards.

 

[RobG]

10x will work for what you want and all the way to 1k, although not optimal. Any of the low priced SS, Bushnell fixed 10x will work. I would not drop 800 on a HD super sniper when that money could be better spent on a Vortex PST or the like. And I certainly would never drop money on a scope that does not track even for 1-300 yds. You really need a set price to receive solid recommendations.

 

[thezoltar]

Most shooting enthusiasts own more than one firearm (as their finances allow) so I can say with some certainty that most long gun enthusiasts will end up owning more than one scope. A 10x scope will meet your current needs at a relatively inexpensive entry price. Use it, learn it, decide if you really need or want more or less. Don't stress over the process. You may at some point have a scope or two laying around not always being used.

 

[Win308]

The cost of grinding variable scope lenses properly is what drives the cost of producing them way up. A fixed power scope gets you higher quality scope for a reduced cost. SWFA markets their own scope products which also reduces the cost of their scopes while still delivering an even higher quality. That said, any of the SWFA fixed scopes will suit you fine. I had a SS 10x42M model which I sold to upgrade to mrad turrets. Just before I bought the new scope, I found a 10x42 HD model here on the Hide classifieds. I bought it and found the scope had a problem. Long story short, SWFA's excellent customer service replaced the used scope that I bought with a brand new one. I couldn't be happier. There was nothing wrong with their non-HD versions. SWFA's HD scopes do deliver higher quality glass that compare with high end scopes that cost more than twice the cost of the HDs, and have internals that are beefed-up, also.
You can't go wrong with a SWFA scope, but there are many other experts here that might disagree and steer you toward something else, and they surely have more experience than I do.

http://opticsthoughts.com/index.php...iews/72-high-end-tactical-scopes-east-vs-west