Affordable long range scope?

nosman

CGN Regular
Rating - 100%
2   0   0
I recently purchased a Ruger precision 338 Lapua because I want to get into long range target shooting. I’m having a hard time figuring out what scope to purchase that will match what I’m looking for. I want to target shoot from 500-1000 meters. Looking for a somewhat affordable scope that has everything I’ll need to achieve this. Can anybody recommend a good one that should do the job? Thanks to all that reply.
 
You might consider Element from Airgun Source.

There are 3 price points to choose from, and each are available in MIL or MOA versions. Depending on model the price ranges from about $600 to $900 to $1800

They are clearly a better choice than Vortex for the money.

The only real downside is the parallax dial on all of them is geared for short range and lacks the fine tuning for precision at extended distances. Most shooters would not notice the difference, but I would not recommend it for F Class. PRS NRL style shooters would probably not notice.

A couple points I really like about Element is they have no locking turrets and the zero stop does not have to be set to zero. I like to allow myself some latitude below zero for certain situations. They also require no tools to reset the turrets, which is convenient.

All reviews suggest the optics are rated above the price point and they have a solid warranty.

Not sure what affordable means to you, but Nightforce NSX is always a solid choice if you would spend a bit more.

Burris XTR2 is a decent way to go as well as a mid priced option.
 
Last edited:
A budget would be a good place to start!
But I personally think vortex has a line for every budget!
I prefer FFP scopes in the 5-25 power range
Dimondback tactical (low end budget)
Strike eagle (low to mid)
Pst gen 2 (mid range)
Viper gen2 (high end)
I have personally own all but the strike eagle (but have some time on one) and all have there good points! But my pick is the pst gen 2
 
Why .338 Lapua? Overkill for 500-1000m. The cost of the ammunition is going to be significantly higher than any number of other cartridges that would perform just as well.

Anyway, you could look for something like a good used Leupold Vari-X 3, 6.5-20 with target knobs, adjustable parallax, etc. These do turn up from time to time.
 
Sightron makes good stuff for your price range, or look for a second hand Nightforce. I run a 6-24 Vortex Viper on My .308 for long range and it's been good so far (5 years, 2 different rifles and almost 1000 rounds). There are lots of other options previously mentioned, just find a reticle that suits your application and make sure you have enough elevation adjustment range based on the distances you plan on shooting to.
 
Rangeview had Bushnell XRS 2s with the tremor reticle on sale yesterday or the day before for $1700. Glass on par with a razor, lifetime warranty, bombproof. I can't think of anything that compares for that money, even used.
 
Back
Top Bottom