Help picking a scope

[ssapach]

I'm going to be in the market for a new scope and looking for a few suggestions or pointers.

First off a bit of info that may be useful. The scope will be for an Anschutz 1727F (17 HMR) that I intend to use for both targets and small pests like gophers and magpies.

Looking for something with a simple, fine cross hair. I'm not a big fan of scopes cluttered with elevation markers and dots all over the place, simple is better for me. I would, however, like something powerful in the magnification department so I can see holes from 100 to 200 yards, yet still zoom out enough to see and focus on closer targets around the 50 yard or less mark.

So, any suggestions? Any other info I should provide to help make good recommendations?

As far as budget, I'm not sure what to expect to have to pay for something like this, but $1k or more shouldn't be an issue.

After I get a few recommendations, I can do some checking online and see who has what around Edmonton. Just like to do my checking so I'm not wasting time running around from store to store to see what they all have. Naturally, I'd like to get something mounted asap so I can hopefully start shooting it asap.

 

[nevanevan]

You will probably hear this allot, but if you want an excellent scope and willing to spend $1000, I would suggest the Sightron 6-24 x 50 LRD (Long range dot). See below for website details.
http://info.sightron.com/Riflescopes/SIII-Series/SIIISS624x50LRD/

It will focus down to 40 yards and has excellent glass. I have the 8-32 x 56 variant and absolutely love the center dot in the reticle. If you click on the technical details on the website on the bottom left it will show you the reticle. If you decide to change calibers to something larger ie 223,308,338 etc this will serve you well out to just about any range you can manage as a shooter.

You won't find it locally in any store in Edmonton, however a couple sponsors above I'm sure can help you out such as;

Mystic Precision
Hirsch Precision

 

[cartwheel]

Seeing hmr holes at 200 will be hard without some big mag. I would keep it over 20x with quality glass. I have a Nikon prostaff5 that goes to 18x and if there isn't really good contrast, holes at range are impossible to see. I'd say you are looking at better glass than what I have however I do find my Nikon to be pretty serviceable and I'm happy with it.

 

[ssapach]

I've read a few suggestions on the forum about Sightron. I can't say I've ever handled one or used one yet, but have they been around a while?

I agree that I should be looking for 20 or more zoom, as the most powerful scope I have is only 15x. While it works for gophers and such at some fair distances beyond 50 yards, on paper a .22 cal hole is pretty small at 50 yards.

 

[P of PDent]

I have an Anschutz 1717 (17 HMR standard profile barrel). It is the most accurate rifle I own out to 150 yds. I put Leupold VX-III 6.5-20x40 AO with a fine duplex crosshair. This combo is deadly for targets and small game and most people who shoot the rifle/scope combo are blown away by the accuracy. The newer version of this scope (VX-3) is in the low $900 mark. Phil.

 

[nevanevan]

I've read a few suggestions on the forum about Sightron. I can't say I've ever handled one or used one yet, but have they been around a while?

I agree that I should be looking for 20 or more zoom, as the most powerful scope I have is only 15x. While it works for gophers and such at some fair distances beyond 50 yards, on paper a .22 cal hole is pretty small at 50 yards.

I am able to very easily see 22 caliber holes on white paper at 200 yards with my 32 power sightron. I think it might be a little bit heavy for your application but the mag is there if you ever wanted it. They also have a lifetime warrenty the same as Vortex.

 

[ssapach]

Thanks for the input Phil, I might try to stop by your store this week and have a snoop around for a scope. Sometimes the easiest way for me to decide if I like something is to actually handle it.

That being said, I do appreciate the input on the Sightron scopes and I'm still going to give their website a snoop to see if there is anything else that really catches my eye.