Looking for a scope recommendation for under $1000 CAD

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Awareness

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Beautiful day! I may be beating a dead horse here, but im also working towards my 3 posts in 3 days to get access to the marketplace, so here we are.

I am looking for a first "budget" scope recommendation for my Tikka T3X CTR in .308 thats $1000 CAD or less.
This is purely a range setup, I dont hunt right now as im just getting into the sport and would like to clean up my shot and learn a few things first.

I have a local range I go to that has up to 900m targets, and I dont see myself ever going further than that with this rifle so it would be nice for the scope to see at that distance.

Many thanks in advance for the guidance and recommendations!
 
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My vote is a 4.5-14 Leupold VX-3 with 30mm tube . They can be had for under 1000 used easy. It’s got to be the most versatile choice for a do all optic.

The 6.5-20 line can be had with more availability if you don’t have much for hunting needs, the extra mag range is nice.
 
Get a first focal plane scope in Mils with a quality reticle so you can make adjustments as needed. The arken sh4 or ep5 are popular as well as the Athlon Midas TAC line. Don't get a leupold with a simple cross hair reticle. It makes no sense for your intented use.
 
Hard to go wrong with a Leupold, though a new one will be at the top of that budget. I'd look for a used 2.5-8.
 
I wouldn’t for a pure range set up… paying more for big paper larger targets to be able to POA for small groups when using low magnification ranges.

For hunting… yes. Hard to beat that optic.
 
Look at the specs on a SWFA 10x. I have several SWFA scopes and can say they are durable and track as a scope should.

Our range is 1400m and a 10x is not a handicap on steel at that distance, is more magification better? Sometimes but also the higher the X's mirage becomes an issue depending on the conditions.

Anyway the 308 Win is billed as an 800m cartridge in the military, although longer shots are made.
 
Awareness said:
Im really liking the reviews on this one over the Arken. Theres a couple used ones near me for around $800 CAD.
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They are great for what they are. I have far nicer scopes but still have 2 of the midas TAC. I have the 6-24X50 and the 5-25x56. They track great, the floating dot reticle is one of my favorites and the glass quality is good enough for your intended purpose. I have used my 6-24 out to 1400 meters and it tracked fine and I was able to see my splash for corrections. Forget the leupold recommendations unless you are getting a mk5 or something.
 
Do you have any experience with a Bushnell MPED 5-30x56? Im trying to find a comparison between the two as they both seem like awesome choices.
 
I don't have experience with the match pro. I have the XRS3 which I like alot but is above your budget. Just look at the features between the 2 and pick the reticle you like more. You honestly can't go wrong between them and they both have lifetime warranties
 
I just checked out that XRS3 and although it is a bit more than id like to spend, it too seems to be a wicked recommendation. This would be my first scope on my first bolt action so wanted to keep it a tad more "budget friendly", but likely once I learn a bit ill go for something like that XRS3 and a better rifle.
I very much appreciate the feedback, will be checking out the reticles, features, and seeing which one suits my fancy. Cheers and happy shooting in 2024!
 
Just remember that what you buy now isn't what you'll use forever. I started with factory rifles and vortex scopes. I don't shoot factory rifles anymore and don't own vortex scopes. It's all progression and dependant on your funds and level of interest in the sport. The midas tac and match pro won't hold you back with what you have listed as the purpose. Both scopes would be well suited to slide into your 22 trainer if you ever get one. Or a 223 rig. Or whatever.
 
For under $1000 I have been very pleased with the Athlon Helos BTR Gen 2. It’s 4x20x50, FFP, accurate tracking and controls. I have 3 of them. Used them on 22LR, 223 rem and 6.5 CM.
 
BCBRAD said:
Look at the specs on a SWFA 10x. I have several SWFA scopes and can say they are durable and track as a scope should.

Our range is 1400m and a 10x is not a handicap on steel at that distance, is more magification better? Sometimes but also the higher the X's mirage becomes an issue depending on the conditions.

Anyway the 308 Win is billed as an 800m cartridge in the military, although longer shots are made.
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In terms of reliability and accurate tracking, it's hard to fault the SWFAs. I have a 6x, 10x, and 3-9HD, and all have been excellent.
 
Thanks for the recommendation. I have a 6.5 Creedmore that I need to upgrade my scope on. I have what it came with, a buckmaster II, 4-12x40, but I like to be able to shoot out to 800+m
 
Arken EP5, Discovery ED PRS 5-25 , and the lesser known target orientated Discovery ED 5-40x . Different pluses and minuses. I have all three. For budget options they are good.

The Arken EP5 is the most compact. It also costs more than the other two. The Aken halo rings I really like and even use them on other scopes.
 
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