Budget optic choice for M305 with casm mount?

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Rossiter93

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Hello all.
I'm just curious what you folks would recommend as a budget optic on an M305. It'll be on a CASM mount. My budget is between $200- $300, and I know the rifles are known to be rough on optics which is why I can't make a decision. I'm looking for something variable power, as it will be a still hunting gun as well as a range gun. 3x9 is probably the lowest I would want to go.
Is there a particular optic I should keep an eye out for on the EE, or can you recommend something new in my price range? Warranty is a huge plus.
Thank you in advance!
 
Bushnell 3200 and Redfields are good value too.If on the range a lot I highly recommend the Bushnell fixed 10x with the target turrets . Great scope for the money .
 
Thanks for the replies guys! I was looking at the bushnell fixed 10x, and I've heard nothing but good things about it, I was just concerned that it may be a bit too much for the hunting side of things, it's pretty dense here in NS. Although I suppose I could mount it in QD rings and have a lower power scope handy just for hunting season
 
I have one of those 10x Bushnells which has spent time on 3 different M305 rifles, probably surviving a total of 400+ rounds on them...and make no mistake, the M14 design is a scope-eater. I used it for awhile on each one while experimenting with loads and other improvements, but honestly, these guns just are not accurate enough to need 10x for the kind of shooting I do (300 yards and under).

Since you want to use it for hunting as well as target, I would just watch the EE for a good deal on a 3-9x Leupold and call it good. In fact, personally I'd probably go with a 2-7x or something similar.

Just remember that you will probably shoot hundreds of rounds at the range for every one you shoot hunting...but none of those target shots will be important do-or-die remember-it-forever shots. The one hunting shot might be, so make sure your scope is suited for it.
 
chalkriver2 said:
Bushnell 3200 and Redfields are good value too.If on the range a lot I highly recommend the Bushnell fixed 10x with the target turrets . Great scope for the money .
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X3

I have a Redfield that has close to 800 rounds testing customer rifles. It's sitting on a Basset Machine mount.

I wouldn't bother with vortex in that price range, unless you like send scopes in for warranty.....

John
 
Would the revolution series of Redfields be sufficient? Or would I have to go up considerably in price there as well? It's looking more and more like I should sit and wait for an EE deal
 
X4

I have shot my M14 out to 1000y using this scope. Didn't do too bad either IIRC I had a 20" 10 shot group.The scope has lots of elevation adjustment, accurate clicks and bright optics. You can't beat it for value. Here's a pic of it on my M14:

NorincoM14a.jpg
 
x5

I picked up a lightly used Bushnell for mine (3200 Tactical 10x40 if you're looking for the specific model) a year ago, settling with Leopuld rings and an ARMS #18 base. Never had an issue with it losing zero or coming loose.

2016-12-21%2016.31.05_zps8bgg2tq6.jpg
 
Rossiter93 said:
Would the revolution series of Redfields be sufficient? Or would I have to go up considerably in price there as well? It's looking more and more like I should sit and wait for an EE deal
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I use a Refield Revolution 4-12x40 for function and base accuracy testing. $3-400 at most retailers.

IF you are planning on twisting turrets to shoot at varying ranges, the Bushy Elite Tactical series (current line up) is pretty hard to beat. New production models are available in that $500-$1300 range. The 10x40 fixed that most of the postes here are showing are no longer in production, but were in that $300-$500 range when new. Used prices on the EE range in the $250-$400 area an are a great value for the cash.

Another "only used available" option is the Tasco Titan line of scopes. They are no longer in production, but still offer a great value for a robust scope that can and will handle the recoil impulse from an M14 pattern rifle.

John
 
m14medic.ca said:
The 10x40 fixed that most of the postes here are showing are no longer in production, but were in that $300-$500 range when new. Used prices on the EE range in the $250-$400 area an are a great value for the cash.John
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The original 10X40 is indeed no longer available but the replacement scope, LRS 10X40, is pretty well identical. The turret adjustment range however is not as good as the old model. IIRC, the adjustment range on the old scope was 80MOA while the new scope has a range of 50MOA. Still a good deal unless you want to shoot at ranges over 800y, then you need an offset scope base or Burris Signature rings with offset inserts. Higginsons sell this scope currently for $310.00.

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Thanks folks. I ended up getting a Redfield revolution 4-12x40 with the accu range reticle off the EE for a pretty good price. All I need to do now is settle on what rings to order (leaning towards Warne low permanent as I have warne rings on another rifle that have done me well) and I'm set.
 
Rossiter93 said:
Thanks folks. I ended up getting a Redfield revolution 4-12x40 with the accu range reticle off the EE for a pretty good price. All I need to do now is settle on what rings to order (leaning towards Warne low permanent as I have warne rings on another rifle that have done me well) and I'm set.
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I'm partial to Burris Signature "Z" rings. They're steel and have a plastic insert to protect the scope tube. They've never disappointed me. Also, they come with offset inserts to allow for elevation offset from the scope center for long range shooting. Having said this, any good quality steel rings are going to work just fine.
 
So I have a question. Has anyone tried a Primary Arms scope on the M14? My son was eyeing one up for his M14 but I have not found out much on how well they handle the recoil on the M14's.
 
x2 on the Burris signature zee rings ...They make Signature XTR rings like them now too with the inserts . Millett angle locs work well too.
If you went with ARMS 22 throw lever rings you could remove them and use your iron sights if you wanted but they aren't cheap.
Mine are on an ARMS 18 mount which is lower than your CASM so your rear sight will clear the scope bell.
 
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I can't imagine hunting with a fixed x10 power scope.
I'd look for a variable 1-4 power, but not sure if that can be had in your price range.
 
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