Rifle Scopes Which Scope?

[Jim C]

Hi All. I'm new to this site and have been reading through a ton of posts - I'm impressed at the amount of information that is available and how knowledgeable the posters are. I'm looking to get into long range shooting, but am having difficulty in sifting through all of the information out there and deciding what equipment might be best for me. I'm interested in getting a rifle and scope for long range shooting, with a top end budget of $3000. I'm retired and on a fixed income, so $2500 would be even better.

My community has it's own range, and I have distances available from 100-300 yards. Living in Texas, I also have access to other local ranges with longer target distances. I don't hunt, and plan on pretty much only shooting paper, but with an eye to the future would like to get a rifle scope that would let me reach 1000 yards with a high level of accuracy.want to be able to advance to competitive shooting.

I'm leaning towards getting the Bergara HMR in 6.5 Creedmoor, and am trying to figure out the best scope option to go with it. I've been leaning towards the Vortex Viper PST Gen II 5x25. But iIn another post here I saw reference to a Burris XTR II 8x40 that looks interesting. Never having shot long distances, I'm not clear on how important magnification is at the longer distances - especially with my old eyes.

I'd appreciate any advice or recommendations you all might have to help me get started. Thanks for any input you might have.

-jim

 

[gr8fuldoug]

Welcome to the 'hide
It would be my pleasure to discuss different options with you if you have a few minutes to give a call, 516-217-1000
Doug

 

[Fig]

I think you’re on the right track. With your budget the Bergara with the Vortex would be what I would pick.

 

[bourbonbent]

@Jim C, are you a veteran?

I ask, because many scope companies have direct purchase programs for vets that are awesome.

If not, the Vortex is a great option. Even the cheap Vortex I have tracks and has decent glass.

What part of the country are you in? Filling out your profile a little will help folks get an idea, and you might have folks in your area that’d be willing to let you test drive some scopes.

 

[Jim C]

@Jim C, are you a veteran?

I ask, because many scope companies have direct purchase programs for vets that are awesome.

If not, the Vortex is a great option. Even the cheap Vortex I have tracks and has decent glass.

What part of the country are you in? Filling out your profile a little will help folks get an idea, and you might have folks in your area that’d be willing to let you test drive some scopes.

Thanks. I finally figured out how to update my profile. And no, I am not a vet.

 

[Jim C]

I think you’re on the right track. With your budget the Bergara with the Vortex would be what I would pick.

Thanks. I'd love to be able to spend more, but with a limit on the budget and just getting into LR shooting, I don't want to go crazy. But I do want to make sure I have equipment that will let me be successful in shooting accurately at a distance.

 

[slowlearner]

For the money, Vortex has some great options, like the PST Gen II you mentioned. Finding a used Razor would be a great choice, and possibly even snagging a Razor gen II could fall within your budget as well.

Welcome to the addiction, and in no time clay pigeons will be simple at 300 and you will figure out ways to visit other longer ranges.

 

[Jim C]

Welcome to the 'hide
It would be my pleasure to discuss different options with you if you have a few minutes to give a call, 516-217-1000
Doug

Thanks for the offer. -jim

 

[GIXXER2000]

In that price range Vortex 4.5x27 and dont forget the mount. You should be able to get both on sale for about $2000. Call Eurooptics, Sport Optics, Milehigh Shooting and CST. Ask what their best price is for scope and mount.

 

[Jim C]

For the money, Vortex has some great options, like the PST Gen II you mentioned. Finding a used Razor would be a great choice, and possibly even snagging a Razor gen II could fall within your budget as well.

Welcome to the addiction, and in no time clay pigeons will be simple at 300 and you will figure out ways to visit other longer ranges.

Thanks! -jim

 

[Jim C]

In that price range Vortex 4.5x27 and dont forget the mount. You should be able to get both on sale for about $2000. Call Eurooptics, Sport Optics, Milehigh Shooting and CST. Ask what their best price is for scope and mount.

I'll check them out. Thx. -jim

 

[Spblademaker]

My buddy has the 6.5 HMR topped with a Midas TAC, and it’s a fantastic combo. @gr8fuldoug will most definitely take care of you. As will everyone from Cameralandny

 

[Jim C]

My buddy has the 6.5 HMR topped with a Midas TAC, and it’s a fantastic combo. @gr8fuldoug will most definitely take care of you. As will everyone from Cameralandny

I'll look into the Midas TAC. Thanks. -jim

 

[acudaowner]

@ 1580 something per on sale online 5x50x56 34mm delta stryker hd nice range , clear glass it is sfp and not a lot of ret choices but the 1.8 mill mill or moa moa . Not as much elevation as the night force but but its less money . at least something to look into . Had to get mine from optics trade but it was on sale then think its 1610 on there page only took me 12 days from purchases to get mine shipped over .

 

[Jim C]

@ 1580 something per on sale online 5x50x56 34mm delta stryker hd nice range , clear glass it is sfp and not a lot of ret choices but the 1.8 mill mill or moa moa . Not as much elevation as the night force but but its less money . at least something to look into . Had to get mine from optics trade but it was on sale then think its 1610 on there page only took me 12 days from purchases to get mine shipped over .

Thanks. I think I can stretch to that price for the right piece of equipment. I'll check it out. -jim

 

[Kwmtnbiker]

For a rifle have you considered a Tikka CTR? I love mine. It’s getting topped with a Steiner p4xi 4-16 which @gr8fuldoug has a great sale on. This setup would come in under budget and get the job done well. Doug is great. He could have sold me more expensive optic.

 

[garandman]

Leupold's have always been good to me.

No.... they are NOT exclsuively a FUDD scope maker. FFP scopes, with very clear glass, true 1/4 MoA clicks, MilDot options, zero stops, same stuff the "cool" makers make.

And a stellar reputation (yes, I'm sure someone has a horror story)

Leup Mk4 FFP 6.5 - 20x ER/T 30mm tube

MK6 3 - 18x 34mm tube FFP

 

[Jim C]

For a rifle have you considered a Tikka CTR? I love mine. It’s getting topped with a Steiner p4xi 4-16 which @gr8fuldoug has a great sale on. This setup would come in under budget and get the job done well. Doug is great. He could have sold me more expensive optic.

I haven't looked too hard at Tikka. I've seen threads where some people seem to really like them, but I've never looked at one in person. I've handled the Bergara and loved the feel of the trigger, which is what really got me focusing there. But I'll take a closer look at Tikka. I'm not discounting any options within budget at this point. Appreciate your input. Thx, -jim

 

[garandman]

leaning towards the Vortex Viper PST Gen II 5x25. But iIn another post here I saw reference to a Burris XTR II 8x40 that looks interesting. Never having shot long distances, I'm not clear on how important magnification is at the longer distances - especially with my old eyes.

I'd appreciate any advice or recommendations you all might have to help me get started. Thanks for any input you might have.

-jim

In a recent thread that I asked, lotta folks who I trust here said you can reach out to 1000 y on torso sized and 18" round steel with an 18x with more than enuf magnification.

Far more important is the clarity of the glass.

 

[Jim C]

Leupold's have always been good to me.

No.... they are NOT exclsuively a FUDD scope maker. FFP scopes, with very clear glass, true 1/4 MoA clicks, MilDot options, zero stops, same stuff the "cool" makers make.

And a stellar reputation (yes, I'm sure someone has a horror story)

Leup Mk4 FFP 6.5 - 20x ER/T 30mm tube

View attachment 7095836


MK6 3 - 18x 34mm tube FFP

View attachment 7095837

I have looked at Leupolds. My only issue with them is that the scopes that I felt i would be interested in were way out of my budget. I could get serious about a Leupold that fits my needs and that I can also afford. I'll take another look at their offerings. Thanks for the suggestion. -jim

 

[garandman]

Both about $1K.... both of which I own and can recommend:

Leupold VX-3i LRP Rifle Scope 30mm Tube 6.5-20x 50mm Side Focus First

When long range hunters, shooters, or precision rifle competitors need extreme accuracy, the VX-3i LRP (Long Range Precision) delivers. The Twilight Max...

www.midwayusa.com

Leupold Mark 4 Long Range Tactical M1 Rifle Scope 30mm Tube 8.5-25x

Specifically designed for military and law enforcement applications, the Leupold Mark 4 Long Range Tactical M1 Rifle Scope was designed with added...

www.midwayusa.com

 

[Jim C]

In a recent thread that I asked, lotta folks who I trust here said you can reach out to 1000 y on torso sized and 18" round steel with an 18x with more than enuf magnification.

Far more important is the clarity of the glass.

To be honest, that's part of my confusion. As I've been researching, I've also seen a lot of comments from people saying they don't ever go above 18x. That being said, a friend of mine who is the most knowledgeable gun guy I know recommended 24x minimum, with 40x or better being better. Hence, I'm a little conflicted as to what magnification I should be looking at for distance target shooting. I use a Nikon 4x-12x on my Ruger 10/22 shooting at 100 yards, and I'm having a problem thinking that 18x would do me and my old eyes at 1000 yards. Thanks! -jim

 

[Jim C]

Both about $1K.... both of which I own and can recommend:

Leupold VX-3i LRP Rifle Scope 30mm Tube 6.5-20x 50mm Side Focus First

When long range hunters, shooters, or precision rifle competitors need extreme accuracy, the VX-3i LRP (Long Range Precision) delivers. The Twilight Max...

www.midwayusa.com

Leupold Mark 4 Long Range Tactical M1 Rifle Scope 30mm Tube 8.5-25x

Specifically designed for military and law enforcement applications, the Leupold Mark 4 Long Range Tactical M1 Rifle Scope was designed with added...

www.midwayusa.com

Thanks a lot. I'll take a closer look at these. Appreciate your assistance! -jim

 

[garandman]

In this thread..... rydah posted a vid on magnification that might help....

https://www.snipershide.com/shooting/threads/3-18x-leup-mk6-enuf-scope-for-224v.6947556/

 

[Luvman]

There’s a lot of good info advice so far.

My $.02

The vortex PST Gen 2 would be my choice with your budget. They are FFP scopes and have built in zero stops. I would recommend the MiL version. Mil is more common in the precision rifle world.

The Bergera is a solid choice as well. The only other rifle I would consider in your budget would be a Tikka.

Don’t skimp on mounts for your chosen optic. A scope base with 20moa of forward cant built in is a good choice. As well as high quality rings.

After that spend as much time shooting and working on fundamentals as you possibly can!

 

[Jim C]

In this thread..... rydah posted a vid on magnification that might help....

https://www.snipershide.com/shooting/threads/3-18x-leup-mk6-enuf-scope-for-224v.6947556/

Very interesting! Thanks a lot for that link! -jim

 

[pewpewfever]

I’ve shot a few PRS type longrange matches recently, and it seems like everyone is either running the Vortex 5-25 you mentioned, or a Vortex Razor, Nightforce, Schmidt, or Kahles with similar features but better glass. I think the Vortex is the entry level scope for that type of match.

If you are planning to shoot F class or another long range target sport shooting at known ranges without time pressure, SFP scopes at much higher power are more common.

For an entry level PRS match type rifle, I initially looked at the Bergara, but all the locals I asked steer people towards the Ruger Precision Rifle in that price range. My friend got one and I think he made the right decision for him. Grabagun has the gen 2 for $795. He put that exact Vortex on it too. Well within your price range, with enough left over to add an ARCA rail, ARCA adapter, and Atlas Bipod. Plus the timney trigger upgrade, if you want.

 

[Jim C]

There’s a lot of good info advice so far.

My $.02

The vortex PST Gen 2 would be my choice with your budget. They are FFP scopes and have built in zero stops. I would recommend the MiL version. Mil is more common in the precision rifle world.

The Bergera is a solid choice as well. The only other rifle I would consider in your budget would be a Tikka.

Don’t skimp on mounts for your chosen optic. A scope base with 20moa of forward cant built in is a good choice. As well as high quality rings.

After that spend as much time shooting and working on fundamentals as you possibly can!

Thanks for your input! -jim

 

[Jim C]

I’ve shot a few PRS type longrange matches recently, and it seems like everyone is either running the Vortex 5-25 you mentioned, or a Vortex Razor, Nightforce, Schmidt, or Kahles with similar features but better glass. I think the Vortex is the entry level scope for that type of match.

If you are planning to shoot F class or another long range target sport shooting at known ranges without time pressure, SFP scopes at much higher power are more common.

For an entry level PRS match type rifle, I initially looked at the Bergara, but all the locals I asked steer people towards the Ruger Precision Rifle in that price range. My friend got one and I think he made the right decision for him. Grabagun has the gen 2 for $795. He put that exact Vortex on it too. Well within your price range, with enough left over to add an ARCA rail, ARCA adapter, and Atlas Bipod. Plus the timney trigger upgrade, if you want.

Very interesting. I looked at the Ruger but moved on. I'll have to go back and revisit that one and take a closer look. Thanks so much for the info - I appreciate it! -jim

 

[pewpewfever]

Very interesting. I looked at the Ruger but moved on. I'll have to go back and revisit that one and take a closer look. Thanks so much for the info - I appreciate it! -jim

Regarding the RPR, I think the main limitation is choice of triggers. The Timney is available with total pull weights as low as one pound, but there is no single stage trigger available. You just have the factory trigger and the Timney.

My friend shoots 1/4 moa groups with his RPR and 1/8 MOA groups with my custom rifle that cost 5 times as much. Not sure if it’s the rifle or the scope, as I have a Schmidt with thinner reticle lines. Meanwhile, I shoot 3/4 MOA groups with his RPR and 3/8 with mine. He doesn’t even even free recoil. It’s maddening. Stupid army sniper training.

 

[Jim C]

Regarding the RPR, I think the main limitation is choice of triggers. The Timney is available with total pull weights as low as one pound, but there is no single stage trigger available. You just have the factory trigger and the Timney.

My friend shoots 1/4 moa groups with his RPR and 1/8 MOA groups with my custom rifle that cost 5 times as much. Not sure if it’s the rifle or the scope, as I have a Schmidt with thinner reticle lines. Meanwhile, I shoot 3/4 MOA groups with his RPR and 3/8 with mine. He doesn’t even even free recoil. It’s maddening. Stupid army sniper training.

Haha. Reading about the RPR right now. Thanks! -jim

 

[pewpewfever]

I just checked grabagun and I don’t see any gen2s available for $795. Looks like the gen 3 is $1,175 or so.

 

[Jim C]

I just checked grabagun and I don’t see any gen2s available for $795. Looks like the gen 3 is $1,175 or so.

Wow. Doing my job for me. lol That's still within my budget. I'll check it out. Thanks for looking. -jim

 

[Jim C]

Just wanted to thank everyone for all the great comments and info. I've got a lot to look into and consider. Thanks so much for all the assistance.

-jim

 

[seansmd]

Saw the APO snipershide edition up close in Frank's class, if this was a year ago I would have gone that way instead of the RPR.

It has been great, but the APO SHE takes care of all the upgrades you would need, and still very reasonable. The viper pst 5x25 is more than enough scope for what you outlined out past 1k. 18x is perfect for targets and having fov, but 25x on paper for groups is very nice. Available now for less than $800 new though hide suppliers.

 

[deersniper]

Regarding the RPR, I think the main limitation is choice of triggers. The Timney is available with total pull weights as low as one pound, but there is no single stage trigger available. You just have the factory trigger and the Timney.

My friend shoots 1/4 moa groups with his RPR and 1/8 MOA groups with my custom rifle that cost 5 times as much. Not sure if it’s the rifle or the scope, as I have a Schmidt with thinner reticle lines. Meanwhile, I shoot 3/4 MOA groups with his RPR and 3/8 with mine. He doesn’t even even free recoil. It’s maddening. Stupid army sniper training.

Posts like this give people an unreasonable expectation of accuracy. Let's see some 5x5 groups that are less than 1/2".

You can't come to Snipershide and spout a bunch of bs. This isn't fudds.com

 

[deersniper]

OP, take a look at the new Nightforce 2.5-20s and 4-32s

Also you can pick up NXS 5.5-22s for $1500 or less in the for sale section. You can also find gen 1 atacr 5-25s for $1900 or less

 

[garandman]

OP, take a look at the new Nightforce 2.5-20s and 4-32s

Also you can pick up NXS 5.5-22s for $1500 or less in the for sale section. You can also find gen 1 atacr 5-25s for $1900 or less

That's gonna bust his 2500 - 3000 budget. Hey...I get it. Sometimes all you can spend is ALL youcan spend.

I generally advise "Spend the same $$ (or more) on the scope as you spent on the rifle."

 

[Spblademaker]

All that quality glass and gun are useless if you get shit base and rings. Don’t forget to add that into the budget.

 

[Fig]

I don’t want to fight with Gman, but use the search to see what SH thinks of Leopold. I own several on hunting rifles, but would not buy a turret scope from them. There’s a reason SWA and Athlon own that price point in long range scopes.

 

[garandman]

I don’t want to fight with Gman, but use the search to see what SH thinks of Leopold. I own several on hunting rifles, but would not buy a turret scope from them. There’s a reason SWA and Athlon own that price point in long range scopes.

I don't want to fight with you either. ?✌?

 

[deersniper]

That's gonna bust his 2500 - 3000 budget. Hey...I get it. Sometimes all you can spend is ALL youcan spend.

I generally advise "Spend the same $$ (or more) on the scope as you spent on the rifle."

$1000 for the rifle should be plenty.

Gotta go trough the for sale sections.

 

[Lapuapalooza]

Begara HMR, Nightforce NXS 3.5x18, Nightforce Rings, Harris Bi-pod.

Go shooting.

The HMR is a fantastic rifle at the price point. I chose it over the Tikka due to the cost of additional magazines.

 

[powdahound76]

I found a Tikka in a Mcmillian with cdi for very close $ so went Tikka vs Bergara.
I am running a bushnell LRHS 3-12 on it.
A hair over 2k all in with sling and bipod, LRHS are cheaper now so easy to save more $.

Lots of great options beyond if you are willing to buy used.
There was just a Vortex PST II 5-25 for $825 on the PX.

I would choose several of the optics in that price range before a Leupold.
Thats from a guy who had some mk4 scopes early on when I started, lost $ in resale, and then bought what i wanted within my own budget (3 kids.....)

 

[pewpewfever]

Tikka is the step up from entry level. I know one builder who buys Tikka, throws the stock and barrel away, and puts a chassis on it plus his hand lapped barrel. Fully upgrade able except you can’t put a heavy contour barrel on it.

I just don’t see how the OP can stay on budget buying a Bergara or a Tikka. I’d avoid a used rifle in the price range in creedmoor, because you never know for sure how many rounds have gone down the barrel, and creedmoor barrels are only good for about 2k rounds, and usually less. I’d also avoid buying a used scope in that price range. Tracking issues, though rare, are more common in the lower end scopes, and the bad ones tend to get sold on to the unsuspecting. A new RPR and a new Vortex get it done on budget with good scope rings and bipod. I just don’t know how else to get there on the OPs budget.

 

[Rthur]

Tikka is the step up from entry level. I know one builder who buys Tikka, throws the stock and barrel away, and puts a chassis on it plus his hand lapped barrel. Fully upgrade able except you can’t put a heavy contour barrel on it.

I just don’t see how the OP can stay on budget buying a Bergara or a Tikka. I’d avoid a used rifle in the price range in creedmoor, because you never know for sure how many rounds have gone down the barrel, and creedmoor barrels are only good for about 2k rounds, and usually less. I’d also avoid buying a used scope in that price range. Tracking issues, though rare, are more common in the lower end scopes, and the bad ones tend to get sold on to the unsuspecting. A new RPR and a new Vortex get it done on budget with good scope rings and bipod. I just don’t know how else to get there on the OPs budget.

Is the hand lapped barrel done by this guy or his source?

R

 

[pewpewfever]

Is the hand lapped barrel done by this guy or his source?

R

It’s his own barrel, and he sells a lot of his barrels to other builders. He also does fully custom builds, but his builds based on the Tikka action and trigger are popular because of price and performance.

 

[Rthur]

It’s his own barrel. He also does fully custom builds, but his builds based on the Tikka action and trigger are popular because of price and performance.

Interesting, fyi most all aftermarket barrels are hand lapped.

R

 

[deersniper]

I have a threaded 20" 700 LTR in magpul stock. Very accurate low round count $750. .308 so will get you to 1000. You don't want a 6.5 to learn on unless you like spending money on barre replacement

 

[Long Range 338]

There are a ton of good options now for quality rifles and optics. Many available here on the PX for reduced price just make sure to buy quality gear from reputable smiths/manufacturers.

Your thread is specifically about scopes so I'll address that first. I would spend more on a good scope then on the rifle. Guys shoot to 1000 yards with 10x optics so you can make just about anything work, but make life easy on yourself and success is that much faster. Standard 5-25 scopes are very popular and easy to find. You could get it done with a 3-15 as well. Personally not a big fan of Vortex but they do very well. As mentioned you can do Burris, Bushnell, Sig, Athlon, and don't forget the Nightforce SHV. Don't get overly obsessed with the glass as that will bust your budget in a real hurry. Find a good useable reticle and a scope with a good reputation for reliable turret adjustment. I would forego the Leopold stuff in your price range, there is no reason to go back to the 1980s when we have better options for less money with current tech.

The Bergara and RPR are great options and very popular as well. I would consider them heavily due to the aftermarket support and the price of replacement barrels is ridiculously low. Obviously guys are very successful with anything from Tikkas to Savage and upgraded Rem 700s . You need to go get your hands on a few and see what you like and what fits you well. Some guys love stocks and others love chassis systems. Something in a Rem 700 footprint is going to give you the most options in the future.

This isn't a one and done, once you start shooting you're going to be back here figuring out the details so get it put together, get some rounds downrange and report back!