Newb question about optics and magnification...

elicitone

elicitone

Regular
Rating - 100%
3   0   0
Location
Ontario
I am in the market for my first precision rifle and want a little guidance for the optics.

I am wondering what would be a rough range of magnification to be looking at? I have seen suggestions of everything from 9x to 40x ++ I am hoping to be shooting out as far as 600-800M eventually but realistically most shots will probably be sub 300m. Now I realize that optic quality makes a difference as well. But lets assume I will be shopping entry level quality stuff and I'm not looking to win any awards. Just want to go out and challenge myself.

Will most likely be picking up a Savage 10 FCP-K in .308 in the next week or so and would like to get a head start on pricing out some glass for it.

Thanks in advance..
 
Suputin and I represent the polar opposite's of the magnification spectrum as I would not use a 16X for shooting out past 200m if I had the option. I am of the opinion that more is better - so long as image quality remains clear - and so I use a 12-50x50 scope on both my F Class and Tactical Rifles. If that appeals to you consider the Sightron Siii which is 10-50x60 or if 50 sounds too much consider the Sightron Siii 8-32. While I no longer own Sightrons I still feel they represent great quality at an affordable price. Another excellent choice for you may be the Nightforce BR 12-42x56 - I have one on my F/TR - glass is excellent and the price is quite a bit lower than the more robust NXS series of scope.
 
Buy the best optics with the most magnification you can afford... you can always turn down the power if mirage becomes a problem. I wish I hadn't wasted money on poor optics
 
Best to indicate your budget FIRST.

Entry level to one may be $200. To another $2000.

Do you need to spend alot? No, kind of. You need to spend enough.

Scopes that have decent optics and tracking can be had for little money. The Elite 3200 10X is the best entry level scope I have used. Used scopes also offer great value - Bausch and Lomb 4000 and 4200 scopes are wonderful for the money spent.

All my competition rifles wear Sightron scopes.

So you have a massively open ended question. One way to help is to get to a range where you can see as many scopes as possible. maybe not so easy. If you are anywhere near an ORA range, you will get to see a great selection of scopes what work for us in precision and accuracy shooting. Then you can get a feel for what you like or don't

I hunt with a SIIB 3-9X42 and can resolve the grout lines on a Chimney at 700+ yds. I also compete with a SIII10-50X60 where I can adjust my aim 1/2" at 1000m. A wee bit of difference in these scopes but they both let me see and engage my target appropriate to their useage.

Figure out your budget, your goals and target. The scope is easy....

Jerry
 
The Elite 3200 10X is the best entry level scope I have used.
Click to expand...

X2...

It's a bit squishy in the turrents and im starting to find the cross hairs a bit thick but is very repeatable and its few shortcomings don't take anything away from what your getting at that price point...


For a "budget" scope I'd say a persons budget should be $800-1000... That puts you into the S111, leupold, Zeiss conquest ballpark... Both have excellent glass and gather tons of light... Make sure you try before you buy.
 
Bushnell elite tactical - viper vortex pst - sightron??? These are the 1000$ range go to scopes I like the 6-20 something with 30mm tube and 50mm lenses probably the most common for a .308 after the 20x-25x magnification it is my understanding that 1000$ scopes don't cut it the glass is not good for higher magnification
 
Suputin said:
I don't use anything higher than 16x because mirage becomes a problem with high powered optics. I've shot a 16x scope out to 2000 yds.
Click to expand...

I would classify mirage as a part of long range shooting, anyone shooting at distances in the heat will wanna learn to read it like the wind in either their rifle scope or a spotter
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom