New to shooting, would like some assistance with optics

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N_W77

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Hey everyone, I just recently got my PAL, and have decided on my first rifle. Going with the Savage Arms 10 FCP- SR 20" barrel (the 24" was sold out wherever I looked). I'm interested in medium to long range shooting, targets/precision to start off with and maybe try going out hunting by next year. I know that good glass is what will make a world of difference but I'm stuck on what I should be looking for. Of course, the larger the lens, the more light is permitted to enter but I don't really plan on doing too much low light shooting so I figure around a 42mm is good.
I've been looking at Nikon, Leupold, Bushnell, and Burris sights... Over $400 yet under $900, any information would be greatly appreciated!
 
My advice would be to start with something OK, middle of the road for features, and easy to re-sell.

Whatever you buy now, once you know more about what you like, you won't like your scope.

Get a used Leupold VX-2 3-9x40, shoot that for a year or two, then sell it (that'll take 5 seconds), and buy something that suits your educated tastes.
 
Redfield optics (Made at Leupold Factory) are a great place to start as well.

I absolutely love my Redfield Revolution 3-9x 50mm, I got that scope in.......2010-2011 and it has been through all weather, dropped more times than I'd like to admit and besides a few scuffs it is still going strong.

Found it on a site sponsor so I can link ya directly to it's info.
http://frontierfirearms.ca/optics/redfield-3-9x50-revolution-rifle-scope-accu-range.html

I've had it mounted on everything..........22's, lever actions, 12 gauge shotguns, AR's, SKS's, Mosin's and more.

I'll be getting a new scope soon and it will likely be this sucker.

http://frontierfirearms.ca/redfield-battlezone-riflescope-line-with-6-18x44mm.html
 
Wow, thanks for the input really appreciate it. So far the Nikon Monarch 3 set at 4-16x42 is looking like the one I'm leaning to. I haven't checked out Redfield yet, but I'll do that tonight!
Also the Leupold VX 2 is a runner up on my list.
 
N_W77 said:
Wow, thanks for the input really appreciate it. So far the Nikon Monarch 3 set at 4-16x42 is looking like the one I'm leaning to. I haven't checked out Redfield yet, but I'll do that tonight!
Also the Leupold VX 2 is a runner up on my list.
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Just remember to consider resale value.

Leupold is easy to resell for a significant fraction of the original price. Nikon or Redfield, you're going to take a bath. Not because they're bad scopes, but just because of how people think. I don't like Redfield. They're ugly, and the finish is cheap and scratches too easily. Totally just my opinion.
 
Bartledan said:
Just remember to consider resale value.

Leupold is easy to resell for a significant fraction of the original price. Nikon or Redfield, you're going to take a bath. Not because they're bad scopes, but just because of how people think. I don't like Redfield. They're ugly, and the finish is cheap and scratches too easily. Totally just my opinion.
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ive never heard anyone say anything bad about Nikon scopes personally I think Nikon scopes are under rated and imo some of best optics for the price.. I have a Nikon 3-9x40 prostaff imo nothing compared in that price range..
 
I think the Nikon is a good scope for the money. Don't get TOO hung-up on the resale value aspect, as lots of people buy Nikon/Busnhell/Redfield scopes and keep them forever. CGN is an awesome site, but there is a climate of buy/sell/upgrade that is a little more accelerated than people who DON'T hang around on web forums. Glass quality is important, and will likely become MORE important the longer you shoot. I'm living proof of that. Doesn't mean I don't have guns with $150 scopes on them! :)
 
I'd skip Nikon based solely on the limited windage/elevation travel. Sightron is just a bit above your budget but not by much. Many options in the $900 range and could be had for a bit less used. They hold their value and sell quick on the EE.
 
Hey N_W77,

This is one of my favorite subjects to talk about with people because there are so many great options available, which makes finding the perfect scope for you a lot more achievable. Typically, the features you want to focus on in a scope are glass quality, magnification range, eye relief, and overall build quality. In the $400-$900 range, you can be into a scope with high density glass (as opposed to standard glass), which is a much higher quality produced glass and will increase the clarity and brightness by a great amount. Another useful feature is an adjustable parallax, which will allow you to focus your reticle to the target at any range and eliminate any parallax error. These are a few things to look for, but we offer a large array of Vortex, Leupold, Burris, and Bushnell options in this price range, so if you would like to chat with me or one of our associates, please feel free to give us a call at 1-877-547-6873 and we would be happy to help you find an option that would best suit your needs.

Best regards,
Anthony Haines
Online Sales Specialist
 
A Bushnell Elite , such as a the 4200 to 6500 series should have something suitable in your price range. These are really nice quality scopes for the money, and have a lifetime warranty.
 
I'd watch the EE for a couple of weeks for a name brand used scope and if you don't see a good candidate buy into the upper price range if possible but with the dollar the way it is look for older stock
 
I actually bought the same rifle. And I bought a 6-24 Vortex PST of Amazon for 900$. Like the reticle and the options, and the warrenty. But I heard so much about Sightron I emailed Jerry at Mystic Presicion. Ended up spending a lil more and got the Sightron Stac 2.5-17.5-56. WoW. That thing is an amazing scope. The resolution is unreal. The glass is better than any other scope I've looked through. Although I haven't seen through any top of the line Euro glass. And the thing is built like a tank. The PST felt like a normal scope. Don't wanna be to rough with it. This Stac feels like if I ran out of ammo I could bludgeon a damn beer to death.lol. 1200$ though plus tax and shipping. But for only 300$ I feel it is a huge step up over the PST. Maybe check out Hirsch Presicion or Mystic precision. They got lower priced sightron scopes too. But to each his own. I was just extremely impressed with Sightron. Maybe e mail Jerry at Mystic and just tell him what you're looking for. Great guy, he'll give you some good ideas as well as the other gentlemen offering their services. But I'll tell you. A good dependable scope with good glass is just as important as the rifle.
 
colonelangus said:
ive never heard anyone say anything bad about Nikon scopes personally I think Nikon scopes are under rated and imo some of best optics for the price.. I have a Nikon 3-9x40 prostaff imo nothing compared in that price range..
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I like Nikon too. All I'm talking about is resale value, not initial purchase value. Leupold, Zeiss and Swarovski are names to conjure with. They hold their resale value incredibly well.

$429+tax Leupold VX2 3-9x40s sell for $400 routinely.

Bushnells depreciate 50% before you open the box!
 
colonelangus said:
ive never heard anyone say anything bad about Nikon scopes personally I think Nikon scopes are under rated and imo some of best optics for the price.. I have a Nikon 3-9x40 prostaff imo nothing compared in that price range..
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There is an old saying in Photography is if you want a good lens buy from a lens manufacturer so Nikon would be in my list
 
Welcome to CGN! I think the Nikon Monarch is a really good bang for the buck scope in your price range. I'd try and buy off the EE for the rifle and scope. Get a 308 or 30-06, put a 3-9 or 4-12 nikon monarch, Bushnell 4200 or Leupold vx2. Get out with a mentor and learn to shoot. Practice lots, go hunting next fall. And if you still want to do long range shooting put on a higher power scope or put another gun together.
 
the 4000 series bushnells have served me well on anything from .220 swift to .378 weatherby. Usually a little cheaper than the leupolds but can handle recoil and gather light at last call very well.
 
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