Help! Long range rookie looking for scope recommendations.

coyoteking

coyoteking

CGN frequent flyer
Rating - 100%
33   0   0
Location
SW Sask
This online scope shopping is making my head hurt!

I just bought a RPR in 6.5 cm and am looking for a good scope for under $2000.00.

Some of the features I’d like are;

-Reliable,repeatable adjustments
- zero stop
- sfp
-moa/moa
- something around a 5-25 or 8-32 variable

I’ll be using this outfit for plinking, paper punching, ringing gongs and maybe someday a local meet. I keep gravitating to the Nightforce line but anything they sell with my requirements are $500-$1000 over my budget.

The lower I can keep my optic purchase the more $ I’ll have to spend on other accessories, but I don’t want to cut corners either.

I’m open to any Brand.

Thanks;
CK
 
What range are you hoping to shoot out to? Leupold makes a very nice LR scope, amazingly clear glass. Also vortex viper pst 6.5x24, had one on my 22-250, was smokin gophers at 700+ yards on a normal basis. Both well under $2000 and amazing scopes, but it all depends on what range your looking at reaching out to
 
laker415 said:
Sightron S3 is worth looking into. For that budget I would avoid vortex...and I own a lot of vortex.
Click to expand...

I’m leaning that way, hoping to hear from some Sightron owners. The only thing that makes me leary of them is a few reviews I’ve read say they have mushy turrets. I’m going to have to get my hands on one and see for myself.
 
Newfietwitch said:
What range are you hoping to shoot out to? Leupold makes a very nice LR scope, amazingly clear glass. Also vortex viper pst 6.5x24, had one on my 22-250, was smokin gophers at 700+ yards on a normal basis. Both well under $2000 and amazing scopes, but it all depends on what range your looking at reaching out to
Click to expand...

As far as a 6.5 cm will reach.
 
Look for a used nsx 5-22, I had one great scopes i got rid of mine like a idiot with rings for less than 1500$ would rather a good used scope vs new junk.
 
The new Athlon Ares BTR would meet your needs and is in your price range. Go big tactical has a demo one for sale right now for $700. Tough to beat.
I also like the Vortex PST for that price range. I have an original PST and it has been great
 
coyoteking said:
I’m leaning that way, hoping to hear from some Sightron owners. The only thing that makes me leary of them is a few reviews I’ve read say they have mushy turrets. I’m going to have to get my hands on one and see for myself.
Click to expand...

I sold all my warrantyVIP... err Vortex. Scopes went down too many times. Lifetime warranty is great, but when your scope dies in a hunt or at a match, its not worth it.

I have changed to ALL Sightron now. S3 FFP 6-24, the S3 8-32SFP, and hopefully a 10-50 soon.

Given your wants/Needs, I would also look at the Athlon lineup. Reviews so far are good, and very feature rich. Good as Sightron? I don't know. I have a hard time buying anything else now because of their rock solid reliability, and phenomenal glass.
 
Last edited:
Fore300 said:
The new Athlon Ares BTR would meet your needs and is in your price range. Go big tactical has a demo one for sale right now for $700. Tough to beat.
I also like the Vortex PST for that price range. I have an original PST and it has been great
Click to expand...

Thanks Fore300! We do have a like new Argos BTR trade in MOA that is a great deal. In that price range the Ares BTR and ETR (we have MIL coming this week, and are waiting for new on MOA) also offer excellent features and value (FFP though)
 
Personally, I'd go with something that has a proven track record for durability and tracking accurately over the long term. Thinking SWFA SS series or the higher-end Bushnell Elite Tactical stuff.
 
Get a Sightron Slll 8-32x56 second hand.They come up often. You can get them for about $950 used. I have owned several. You won't beat it a that price. They are not worth the "new" price though.
I have owned the 6-24, 8-32 and 10-50 . The 8-32 was by far my favourite.
 
Save your pennies and buy a scope you won't outgrow or be unhappy with few months down the road.
 
coyoteking said:
This online scope shopping is making my head hurt!

I just bought a RPR in 6.5 cm and am looking for a good scope for under $2000.00.

Some of the features I’d like are;

-Reliable,repeatable adjustments
- zero stop
- sfp
-moa/moa
- something around a 5-25 or 8-32 variable

I’ll be using this outfit for plinking, paper punching, ringing gongs and maybe someday a local meet. I keep gravitating to the Nightforce line but anything they sell with my requirements are $500-$1000 over my budget.

The lower I can keep my optic purchase the more $ I’ll have to spend on other accessories, but I don’t want to cut corners either.

I’m open to any Brand.

Thanks;
CK
Click to expand...

As others have said, I would also recommend the Sightron SIII family to fit what you want... If you are not F class shooting, you may find the 6-24 all the mag you need. The 8-32 is one of the most popular but quite a bit bigger, if that matters.

In the FFP world, I can recommend the Athlon Ares BTR and ETR family and I have an ARES BTR MOA demo here.

All the above will fit your budget with the Ares BTR the least expensive option.... I have run the Ares scopes on 2 rifles all year and their tracking has been spot on.

PM or email if I can help.

Jerry
 
I won't get into the MOA vs Mil argument but I'm curious why you'd prefer SFP to FFP? Not trying to pot stir, just curious (all my long range scopes are Mil, FFP)?
 
rugbydave said:
I won't get into the MOA vs Mil argument but I'm curious why you'd prefer SFP to FFP? Not trying to pot stir, just curious (all my long range scopes are Mil, FFP)?
Click to expand...

Good point. Guess that rules out the Bushy Elites I recommended. Reading comprehension is hard for me. Haha.
 
rugbydave said:
I won't get into the MOA vs Mil argument but I'm curious why you'd prefer SFP to FFP? Not trying to pot stir, just curious (all my long range scopes are Mil, FFP)?
Click to expand...

I’ll be dialing up for all of my shooting rather than using the reticle. I’m not totally opposed to the idea of FFP. The one ffp scope I have I find the reticle covers up too much of the target at higher magnification at closer ranges. I could be wrong here, but I find them less desirable for bullseye shooting.
 
coyoteking said:
I’ll be dialing up for all of my shooting rather than using the reticle. I’m not totally opposed to the idea of FFP. The one ffp scope I have I find the reticle covers up too much of the target at higher magnification at closer ranges. I could be wrong here, but I find them less desirable for bullseye shooting.
Click to expand...

I can see where you're coming from but I find that what makes FFP so critical isn't holding over for elevation as that's pretty much only necessary when under time constraints, but being able to hold for wind irrespective of magnification. With a SFP scope, your reticle sub tensions are only correct at one magnification (usually max magnification) and I've found that when shooting at distance, mirage often makes it less than desirable to be at max magnification. You can always dial on your wind but I've found it to be much easier to hold for wind as it's dynamic and always kinda changing. Just my 2 cents
 
rugbydave said:
I can see where you're coming from but I find that what makes FFP so critical isn't holding over for elevation as that's pretty much only necessary when under time constraints, but being able to hold for wind irrespective of magnification. With a SFP scope, your reticle sub tensions are only correct at one magnification (usually max magnification) and I've found that when shooting at distance, mirage often makes it less than desirable to be at max magnification. You can always dial on your wind but I've found it to be much easier to hold for wind as it's dynamic and always kinda changing. Just my 2 cents
Click to expand...


Good points.
 
coyoteking said:
I’ll be dialing up for all of my shooting rather than using the reticle. I’m not totally opposed to the idea of FFP. The one ffp scope I have I find the reticle covers up too much of the target at higher magnification at closer ranges. I could be wrong here, but I find them less desirable for bullseye shooting.
Click to expand...

Reticle style and subtension are changing constantly. There are some FFP reticles I can offer which I consider too thin at lower mag... ideal with mag is cranked up.

Have a look at the new Athlon Ares ETR Mil reticle... that central dot is ubber smaller. At the upper mags it is a very nice precise aiming dot.... I can't see it at lower mags.

So with anything, there are plenty of options. Both styles (sfp and ffp) can work for you.

Jerry
 
rugbydave said:
I can see where you're coming from but I find that what makes FFP so critical isn't holding over for elevation as that's pretty much only necessary when under time constraints, but being able to hold for wind irrespective of magnification. With a SFP scope, your reticle sub tensions are only correct at one magnification (usually max magnification) and I've found that when shooting at distance, mirage often makes it less than desirable to be at max magnification. You can always dial on your wind but I've found it to be much easier to hold for wind as it's dynamic and always kinda changing. Just my 2 cents
Click to expand...

Actually, they are always "correct"... you just need to know what the value is. Of course, I understand what you are refering to :)

Most F class shooters do not adjust their mag often.. in fact, many use the change in subtension to their advantage. I set mine so that it spans a 2mph change in wind speed. What the absolute value is, really doesn't matter... I just know to move that much when I see a change in velocity/direction.

That sure helps when you are working with a difficult range and quickly varying conditions.

Jerry
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom