low(er) budget scope for 308 ?
- Thread starter Slimshady
- Start date
Look for older models that companies want to move out of their storage. I got my local Vortex dealer to pick me up a Viper PST gen 1 for half off cause Vortex Canada wanted to make room for the Gen 2's that were inbound. Just look for scenarios like that and you can save big $.
Mumbles Marble Mouth
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
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- Lower Mainland
Yes the Bushnell AR will work for .308 but I do believe they sell it in a .223 retical and a .308 retical.
I’m also in the same boat as OP, looking for a scope for my xcr-m. After an awesome chat with one of the guys at P&D, my thinking went from 1-8 Power vortex/primary arms, to a Nikon or Steiner (2-10). I decided I’ll save a bit more, set my budget at 1,000 ish, at the most. But I want something that is durable and practical for the xcr-m at the closer to intermediate ranges.
With all of the recommendations for PA optics, I'd caution people on the 1-8X. I have the 1-8X Primary Arms SFP on a 308 (non Platinum) and it's pretty poor IMO, even considering the price. Shooting at 1X, it's perfectly fine and I'd say excellent for the money. However, once you use the zoom you notice the image blur significantly. At 8X the glass is among the worst of all of the optics I own, mediocre light transmission and a bunch of fisheye. Extremely tight eyebox at 8X makes lining up shots difficult unless you're bench shooting. And if you're bench shooting, I think the ACSS Chevron version makes it difficult to shoot with real precision, although it's great in other respects. I've also read the PA 1-6 is a much better choice or the 1-8 Platinum, although I've used neither.
Personally, I like a bit more zoom for a 308 than 1-4 or 1-6 but YMMV, in general my 308's are running lightweight optics in the 8,12,14 zoom range on the upper. Lots of great choices in that range even on a budget.
Personally, I like a bit more zoom for a 308 than 1-4 or 1-6 but YMMV, in general my 308's are running lightweight optics in the 8,12,14 zoom range on the upper. Lots of great choices in that range even on a budget.
This is concerning but also good feedback. If I'm spending 2+k on an optics it probably not going to be PA premium... 1-8 is a nice range but if the 1-6 doesn't have these issues it's an easy call. It's hard to get honest first hand opinions.
I found it interesting because the reviews on the 1-8 look positive overall but I wouldn't give it a better review than maybe a 5-6 out of 10, even considering the price.
On the other hand, I just picked up a Vortex Razor HD Light Hunter in 1.5-8X32 from Wolverine. It only weighs 13.4 oz and is very well built as part of the Razor HD line... extremely excellent glass and includes high end Razor HD features, on sale for $875. Variation of the German No 4 (which gives quick target acquisition) modified to include BDC and a fine point for precision. This one will either end up on my Stag 10 or one of the ATRS or MacDef precision builds.
I'm very picky on reticles and like ffp and illumination .. I'm still looking for the right optic in 2-10x or 1-8x.
Xdmer, What are your thoughts on a scope for 0 - 400 yards? (Magnification range, price point, brand etc) part of me wants to save for a Steiner 2 - 10 or a Leupold 3 -10 but I’m not sure what to do (Nikon falls in there also)
Nikon Monarch 3, 2-8 x 32 nikoplex mounted on an arms 18
probably getting close to 1000 rounds down range and zero problems
I have a Night force NXS 2.5-10x32 on the other and it's a fantastic piece of glass but not for those on a "budget"
probably getting close to 1000 rounds down range and zero problems
I have a Night force NXS 2.5-10x32 on the other and it's a fantastic piece of glass but not for those on a "budget"
Depends on the type of shooting you're looking to do really. I don't recommend BDC based reticles, (unless they're really good e.g PA, I use multi cal rifles), 2-10 covers that range well for a few different uses, otherwise 2-7/8 or 1 - 6/8, really even a good 3x prism optic can be great for 400. I looked at the Steiner 2-10 before but the reticle wasn't for me. Price points and brands are all over the map, look for something with great warranty 500-1500 range. Doesn't help much because that covers a lot. I've been on the fence for Burris XTR II 2-10 for a long while.
This x2
