Rifle Scopes Varmint rifle budget scope

M

matt z

Private
Minuteman
Dec 24, 2010
2
0
34
United States
#1
Hello all,

I am building a 20" varmint AR (.223), and am struggling over what kind of scope to get. Im only going to have $750 in the gun itself, so any scope over $400 or so would just seem like overkill.

Ive been looking at a Nikon M223 3-12 power with the rapid action turret. They yardage turret is based on using a 55gr round. But the problem im having, is what if i dont want to use a 55gr round? Anything heavier (or lighter) would throw off the calibration.

One of my buddies recently bought a Nikon Monarch 4-16 power with Mil dots. That is a NICE scope. So that got me thinking....

Anyone have any experience with a Nikon m223? Or have any other $400 scopes in mind? Any thoughts about mil dots for a .223 round?

Thanks,
matt z
 
#8
Re: Varmint rifle budget scope

yeah - i think it will work well - you may find the mildot to be more all around - as far as estimation goes, the bdc is quicker but i forget what grain it is set for. Obviously, the bdc matched for your weight will be the quickest point and shoot. I've prairie dog hunted with a 3-12 (not the m223) and i thought it was enough scope for about 250 - 300 yds out. after that, those prairie dogs got pretty small. But that's me... i personally have a 5-25x scope for dog hunting, just for zooming when they're not upright and they are around the brush. I was out in CO though too.
 
#9
Re: Varmint rifle budget scope

If you're limiting your budget to $400 due to the cost of the rifle, I don't agree with that logic. Accurate rifles are a dime a dozen, figuratively speaking; but good scopes aren't.

Still, if you budget is $400, the only scope that stands out in my mind at that price point is the Vortex Viper. Just choose your magnification range.
 
#11
Re: Varmint rifle budget scope

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: TonyAngel</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If you're limiting your budget to $400 due to the cost of the rifle, I don't agree with that logic. Accurate rifles are a dime a dozen, figuratively speaking; but good scopes aren't.
</div></div>

+1 on that. A good rifle is a good rifle no matter what the cost. So why put poor glass on a good rifle just because it didn't cost you a lot? If anything you should be thankful to have a good rifle at a low cost.
 
#12
Re: Varmint rifle budget scope

matt, I actually thought about this and something occurred to me. Many here and on other sites really get hung up on the whole "tactical" aspect of the equipment that we use.

If you are just going varminting and/or know your terrain (or use a range finder) AND can get away from the "tactical" theme, it might open up your options a bit.

I know more than a few guys shooting 600 yard matches with Weaver scopes. Plain jane reticles, but really nice glass. If my concern was shooting at small things, I'd take a Weaver over any bargain priced "tactical" scope.

I shot a Sightron SII Big Sky on my short AR for a good while. Nothing tactical about it, but the glass was very clear and the adjustments were dead on and repeatable.
 
#13
Re: Varmint rifle budget scope

matt Z,

I have made shots about 500 yards with a 6-24X Tasco on two different rifles. I suggest you get one for about $100 bucks and go play. Keep your eyes open for a great deal and save till you see one. I saved untilI had enough to get a Swarovski for my hunting rifle. You may not want to spend that much, but maybe a 6500 or Vortex would work.
 
#14
Re: Varmint rifle budget scope

Nikon Prostaff 4-12 mildot reticle for $165.
http://www.midwayusa.com/Search/#nikon%20prostaf%20mil____-_1-2-4_8-16-32

Learn how to do ballistic charts and you are all set. No BDC reticle will work right. Besides even if the elevation is right there is no windage on the reticle at all! Whole concept is bogus and useless.

Go to JBM ballistics and learn how to use the excellent ballistics software there. Website for that is:
http://www.jbmballistics.com/cgi-bin/jbmtraj-5.1.cgi
 
#15
Re: Varmint rifle budget scope

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Old man now</div><div class="ubbcode-body">matt Z,

I have made shots about 500 yards with a 6-24X Tasco on two different rifles. I suggest you get one for about $100 bucks and go play. Keep your eyes open for a great deal and save till you see one. I saved untilI had enough to get a Swarovski for my hunting rifle. You may not want to spend that much, but maybe a 6500 or Vortex would work. </div></div>

Boy you were locky with the 6-24 Tasco. I had the same scope replaced 3X. None would hold zero. Bushnell actually does the replacement work and they were so tired of dealing with me they let me upgrade to a Bushnell 3200 at a very nominal cost.
 
#16
Re: Varmint rifle budget scope

Santo,

There was a guy at the range who has a Savage 7 Mag with a trajectory Tasco on it. He showed up, set up on the bench and hit a empty 2 pound propane tank 590 yards away. The he dialed it back and put on in the "X" at 100 yards. He looked around and asked if anyone wanted to have a shooting contest.

I have confidence in my Savage, but.....
 
#18
Re: Varmint rifle budget scope

i got a millet buck gold 4-16 x 56 for just over 300 shipped from midwayusa, i was suprized at the clarity for a sub 300$ scope and its got the tactical turrets you are looking for

here it is on my RRA .308

P2210002.jpg


P2210001.jpg


i think you will be pleased witth this one if you get it, it comes with the sunshade, caps, and a felt like cover (reminds me of a crown royal bag)
 
#19
Re: Varmint rifle budget scope

If compelled to get something "new", the suggestion about the Bushnell or the SS would be my choices.

Personally, I'd shop around for a used Leupold (prefer made before about 2007) in 6.5-20 with target turrets and either fine crosshair or target dot.

Or the Leupold 6.5-20 Varmint which has a target turret for elevation (standard for windage).

I've done this with a 16" SS bull barrel .223 AR (it has an older Leupy 6-20 target dot) and a 24" heavy barrel .204 Ruger AR (has an older Leupy 6-20 varmint). Got both scopes used for 400-450 each.

Maybe add a 4" sunshade and you'd have some decent prairie dog smokin glass.

Plus, the scope would probably continue to hold it's value if you decide to trade up in a few years (unlike some of the newer, cheaper stuff that are basically throw-aways).
 
#20
Re: Varmint rifle budget scope

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Diablo</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
Plus, the scope would probably continue to hold it's value if you decide to trade up in a few years (unlike some of the newer, cheaper stuff that are basically throw-aways). </div></div>


So what brands are you refering to as" newer, cheaper stuff that are basically throw-aways)" anything under the $1,200 price tag? just curious and which brands have you experienced and concidered bad or throw away?




 
#21
Re: Varmint rifle budget scope

I have a buckmasters on mine. If you can find a nikon monarch UCC then I'd get that, they are a little bit better than the current nikon offerings.

I would not blow money on a used leupold 6-20 unless you get a screaming deal.

Made in China tacticool scopes = throwaways.
 
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