Scope newb here, got some questions...

[jabberwock]

Hey guys, I recently picked up an M305 with a 18.6 barrel, I have been looking to scope it up. I have been talking to guys at work, I asked them what kind magnification would suit this length of rifle, they recommended me to invest in scopes with 2.5-10x. I have been doing some homework, but I can't justify paying 800 dollars plus for a 550 dollar rifle, my philosophy is to match the price of the rifle; possible under 600 dollars. My question is why are the 2.5-10x scopes are so expensive compared to a 4-16x scope?
Anyways, can anyone recommend a scope with such zoom and with mildot?
Thanks

 

[Clocked92]

You could also look at various levels of Leupold scopes in the 3-9x range. 3-9 is probably the most common variable out there so every scope manufacturer makes them at various price ranges.

 

[RMStyler]

Just use the 2.5-10x as a guide. Plus or minus a little isn't going to change much. ...you may even find you stick it on the highest zoom and leave it set there.

I don't want to intimidate you...but you also have quite a bit of other things to consider. Objective lens, tube size, reticle, MOA or Mrad, covered turrets or exposed, "tactical" or traditional(?). Then you have fancier stuff like parallax, first focal plane, lit reticle, zero return.

Watch YouTube vids. That will help.

...just don't get anything weird with say a MOA reticle but Mrad turrets.

For a beginner, I'd suggest two "options"

- Buy something cheap. Less than $200. It would let you see what you like. ...low zoom, high zoom or maybe fixed zoom. If you use your turrets a lot, or if exposed turrets are annoying cause they can spin accidentally. Do you like "inches" and yards, or mm and m. Hard math or easy. ...you can always sell it to recover a bit of cost and upgrade.

- Buy something mid range. Between $200 and $400. Do a bunch of research and do your best to get what you want. Make sacrifices to keep down price, and be reasonable about quality. ...and don't listen to scope snobs. You should be able to find something in this price range.