Entry Level Scope for F Class

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I'm looking to build up my Remington .308 LH 700 SPS V to shoot some informal F Class, with maybe an occasional friendly competition. I'va had the action checked, and the trigger done, and it shoots under 1MOA with cheap Federal 180s.

I had a plan to purchase a Millett LRS-1 6-25x, and get a Robertson Composites TAC stock made for it, but the reality of my budget has reared it's ugly head.

Since I can't do both right away I'd like to ask what is going to give me the best return on my investment. I figured it would be the scope, but having never shot that far I figured I'd ask the question. The scope I have on it right now is a Bushnell XLT 4x12x40, but I find the crosshairs heavy, even at 300 yards.

Assuming the scope is the best investment, can anyone with some experience at that distance recommend a really good scope for under 1K? Ideally I'd like something variable up to 25x at a minimum, but I'd certainly listen to any suggestions. I've looked at Millett, Nikon, Bushnell Elite 4200, and Sightron.

Thanks!
 
I would say hold off on the robertson stock for now. Spend as much money on the glass as you can. If you absolutely need a new stock, look for a HS precision take off. Spend as much money on glass as possible. You don't notice the clarity difference until you compare glass on targets @ 1000 yards.
Those sightrons are supposed to be a great scope for the money.
 
Sightron SIII 8-32X56. Great glass, side parallax, 70 MOA of elevation and windage, 1/4 or 1/8 min clicks depending on model. Under $1000.00 I haven't used Millet or Nikon but I found the Bushnell 4200 series lacking in available elevation adjustments even though the glass was quite nice. This is the scope I chose for my entry level glass, but I don't see a need to upgrade anytime soon. It should suit it's purpose for some time to come. Talk to Mystic Precision or Hirsch Precision, both great to deal with.
 
Sightron SII Big Sky 36X w/ AO All the bells and whistles you could want and a great target reticles (FCH or target dot). Tracking has been superb and there is enough elevation to cover any F class chambering out to 1000yds.

Great optics too.

There is a mail in rebate that makes these even more affordable.

This scope was used on my backup rifle and helped a novice shooter place 3rds at the Frosty Farky at Kamloops last Sept.

From there you can work into the SIII LR line up. 1/8 min clicks become very important the further you go so the 8-32 w/ 1/8 clicks is the only options in this lineup.

I compete with the 10-50 and couldn't be happier. This one was designed from the ground up for Fclass comp. More then your budget but a scope you can use till you quit.

Precious few scopes in their price range offer the same features.

Let me know...

Jerry
 
Thanks very much for all the info! I think I'm leaning towards a Sightron as I have had a chance to look through one at the range and really liked it. Now I just need to figure out whether I can afford to buy what I want, or just what will work for now.

Out of curiosity, can anyone comment on whether I'd need a 20MOA base to get out to 1000y, and whether it will prevent me from zeroing at 100y? Finding one in a LH version has been a little tricky, so if I can avoid it I think I'd prefer that.

If it matters I'm just getting in to hand loading, and the two loads I'm planning on starting with are 168 SMKs or 167 Scenars, Lapua Brass, and Varget or VV N140. My barrel is a factory heavy 26" with a 1 in 12 twist. I haven't quite figured out how all the math works out with twist, velocities, and BC, etc., but I was advised that those loads would be a great place to start for my barrel. Any suggestions here would also be appreciated!

Thanks again!
 
I'm not sure how many of the respondents here actually shoot F-Class, but optics are important in F-Class. The major problem with the majority of low-end scopes is the reticle. F-Class is a 300-900M sport, with black targets, and very fine white lines. When you have long distance and mirage conditions, a low-end scope will be a real source of frustration.

I would suggest that if budget realities limit your purchasing power, get a fixed 25 0r 36X target type scope such as the ones from Weaver (The T-36) and Sightron. Above all, get a fine target dot of no larger than 1/8 MOA.

As someone that DOES shoot F-Class, I suggest you stay away from cheap variable power scopes.
 
Thanks Jordan! Someone once told me you you double the dot size for every 100 yds. Always thought it would get awful big at longer ranges, but never have had the oppertunity to try a scope with the dot reticle....Ken
 
Ken,

Rather than doubling the dot size for every 100 yards, you add the dot size for every 100. Your scope that has 1/4MOA clicks means that each click moves the reticle 1/4 at 100, 1/2 at 200, 3/4 at 300, etc.

Jordan
 
Jordan Smith said:
Ken,

Rather than doubling the dot size for every 100 yards, you add the dot size for every 100. Your scope that has 1/4MOA clicks means that each click moves the reticle 1/4 at 100, 1/2 at 200, 3/4 at 300, etc.

Jordan
Click to expand...

Umm... I'm no expert here, but I would expect it to double. Can you please explain why you feel you are correct on this? It really goes against what I'v believed since I shot with a scope the first time.

I'm down for learning if you're down for teaching.
 
Simplest way to remember:

Number of inches of change = MOA X per hundred yds

1" = 1 MOA X 1(00)yds
2" = 1MOA X 2(00)yds
3" = 1MOA X 3(00)yds

etc

It is not an exact measurement but close enough for bullets on target.

Also, remember that your are not moving a single point when you adjust your scope. You are moving a GROUP so you have to take into account your group size and the dispersion that will play out on your POI.

Jerry
 
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