Setting up a Varmint Rifle

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meo1981

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I've just picked up a Tikka T3 Varmint and I'm wondering about what base/rings/optic setups there are out there (that happen to be working well).

Maybe this belongs in optics but I didn't want to hear people argue about which scope is goodbetterbest, I'm interested in how to go about setting up for midrange 200-400m shooting. I've played with a lot of optics but they've always been off and on affairs on a mil type semi. I'm looking for a good all around option that I will attach once and leave. Just getting into bolts so drop some knowledge my way if you can.

Mike
 
Your comment about not wanting to instigate a comparison of peoples 'flavour of the month' in optics will probably do just that! Having mounted several scopes on thes rifles - the Sako/Tikka Optilocks work very well. The turn-in front/windage rear mounts are also good but take 2nd place.
Leupold 6.5-20x40 or the LRT for optics. I would choose a variable as it will be more versatile in changing conditions. With many HP varmint rifles the tendency will be to try and stretch out your shots - zero for 200yd or possibly 250. You will be a better judge of distance up close than further out and most of the shots you take will probably fall in around 200. For close shots take a good 22RF and save the HP for the long reach. It'll provide a chance to give it a rest as well ! And start reloading - load for accuracy as most bullets will make ghosts of nearly any varmint just from the hydraulic shock let alone the disintegration of the projectile.
 
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I use a bushnell 3200 5-15x40 tactical mil-dot. It's a very good piece of glass for the price. Nice and clear. Rings and base I use are Leupold. Best quality you can get for the money.

There's better options out there and there's worse options of course. But, that's what I've got and I know it works for me.
 
Your set up

I have the southpaw version and it belongs in the precision section. 55gr vmax is what it likes. I have Burris XTR 2 piece bases with a Warne ring and a Nikon buckmaster 4.5-14 scope. How ever I have a new Zeiss 4.5-14 with Warne quick remove rings ready to go on when I get a chance to get out. I used the quick detach rings because I may move the scope to my other Tikka varmints in 204 and 260 as they also have Burris XTR bases.
 
Sako/Tikka Optilock rings and scope du jour.

If you're just varmint hunting, buy whatever you like; quality is never a bad choice, but it just doesn't matter - the worst thing than can happen is you need to take a second shot at your gopher. This forum is less about objective recommendations and more about validation of one's own consumer choices.
 
I like my Varmint scopes in the 4.5-14 or 6.5-20 range for mag. Not to high in the bottom end but still plenty of magnification for the long shots. If you want to shoot close and far away than a scope with adjustable parallax is your best bet. If you want to use it long range also than you might want to get a 20 MOA rail from companies like Leupold, Warne, Badger, Ken Farrel and a scope with target turrets. I would not go any cheaper than a Bushnell 4200 series. If you want to spend the big bucks get a Nighforce. If you want something better than a Bushnell but not as expensive as a Nightforce look at a Leupold VX-3 or Mark 4.
 
I like the VX3 4.5-14 or 6.5-20 Leupold's, with the varmint hunter reticule. Plenty of internal elevation if you want to go 800-900m (well with my 22-250 or 223wssm), and I have no problem using the hold over lines. Once you get your load figured out they work very well for shooting up close then far away without messing with the turrets.

If you are not worried about getting the top quality tactical scope (S&B=$$$$ and the 4 digits start with a 3...) and only want a varmint scope there are plenty of options in the $400-$800 range. There are a bunch of options from Bushnell elite 3200/4200/6500, Nikon Monarch's, Leupold VX2, Falcon, Vortex...whew there are alot of options. Personally I like the Bushy Elites for the money, hard to beat their 6-24 tactical for under $700, but if you have the budget the VX3 6.5-20 has a little nicer glass.
 
Obtunded said:
This forum is less about objective recommendations and more about validation of one's own consumer choices.
Click to expand...

"Precision Rifle" subforum comment of the decade. QFT.

Not sure about your budget and caliber, but there are some scope manufacturers like Zeiss and NightForce that have varminting-specific reticules that could help you with holdover and ranging (unless you've got a laser rangefinder).
 
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