What power scope to use for SR

[artom.h]

I would like to participate in SR events this year with my AR, but I'm missing a scope.
I've read somewhere that there are scope limitation to 4x magnification.
Is that true?
What are people using generally? fixed or variable?
And what scope is a good choice for around $200-300.

 

[tiriaq]

No limit.
Most open class shooters use a variable.
If you want to use a fixed power scope, lower power is better. High power is a poor choice for the shorter ranges.
There are low powered variables in that price range. Something with finger knobs that can be rapidly adjusted would be a good idea.
Hope that a low priced scope will be dependable with repeatable adjustments, and no zero drift as the power is changed.

You are in Ottawa; if you want to shoot DCRA/NSCC, go to the DCRA website, and you can download the Service Conditions rulebook. You will find an extremely comprehensive description of the matches.
If you want to shoot the ORA Service matches, I have no idea where you could find a rulebook.

 

[Longshot]

Many a championship has been won with a 3.4 power elcan. With that said if you have the option a variable with a low end of 3 or 4 will work really well. I like to have a little more top end for 4-500m so I went with a vortex 4-16x44. Worked really well. But as tiraq mentioned adjustable target turrets are a must!

 

[Quiet]

4x is about perfect for a fixed power scope. With the lower power scopes it is important to have a fine reticle. Heavy crosshairs that obscure the target at 500m, Big dots or chevrons are not so good. I took a look at the new Bushnell 'AR' 1-4x scopes and am not impressed. I think the c79 Elcan reticle is still ideal.
Also, a BDC that actually matches your cartridge would be good, because counting clicks on the rundown can be problematic.

 

[Bolivar]

2.5-10 power optics are somewhat popular but everything varies based one what participants can find/afford/likes. I don't know of any in your price range though. I run a fixed 3x and it works well for me for SR.

In your price range I think you should look at consider Bushnell, Nikon, Vortex and possibly Leupold. I think the first two have AR type scopes in your price range, the others for just a bit more. I don't keep really up to date on optics prices because I am not in the market. Keep an eye on the EE for used options as well. For most scopes, you will probably want some type of cantilever mount to shift the scope forward for eye relief.

I agree that target turrets are your best bet but if can't find something you can afford right now, you can work with a BDC reticule. Regardless, plan on recording your zeros / hold overs for various distances we shoot at. You can then refer to these at subsequent events.

IMO - its better to get a less than optimal optic that you can afford and get into the sport sooner, rather than waiting for better/optimal equipment. You can always sell a scope if you decide you want something better later to help pay for your next purchase. During the season you can talk to other participants and check out what they are using. Most folks are very accommodating in helping each other out with stuff like that.

If you can, get an optic and get to the ORA SR clinic in Borden in April. It will give you a leg up on starting in SR regardless of the CofF used at an event. Not required but a benefit. I know it's a drive and all but I'm traveling from Barrie to Connaught 4-5 times this year for matches so it's totally doable.

Clinic or not, come on out and shoot the ORA matches at Connaught. Don't worry, nobody has gotten lost with the CofF yet.

 

[Gunnerlove]

I would like to participate in SR events this year with my AR, but I'm missing a scope.
I've read somewhere that there are scope limitation to 4x magnification.
Is that true?
What are people using generally? fixed or variable?
And what scope is a good choice for around $200-300.

I say the current classes need to be readjusted. Optic magnification should IMO be taken into account.
That said change seems to scare people, even if the current system is obviously not working.
Until then run what ya brung.

 

[greentips]

Let's be honest, 200 to 300 is not an adequate budget for a magnified vari power scope. May as well use the money to buy a half decent fixed low magnification prismatic sight by buris or vortex.

 

[sgmacken]

Does it need to be said? OK, I'll do it. Buy once, cry once. Get some decent glass that won't crap the bed and if you decide that you don't like competing in SR, then you can always resell in on the EE at almost the price you bought it for. What Bolivar and Greentips said.

 

[OldGravy]

Let's be honest, 200 to 300 is not an adequate budget for a magnified vari power scope. May as well use the money to buy a half decent fixed low magnification prismatic sight by buris or vortex.

I'm going to try a Vortex Spitfire 3x on an AR this year. It's a BDC reticle calibrated for 5.56 ball. Wind... will be a problem, I'm guessing.

Never shot SR before, so we shall see how it does! First time I'll be going off the bench and into the 'real world.'

 

[Bolivar]

I'm going to try a Vortex Spitfire 3x on an AR this year. It's a BDC reticle calibrated for 5.56 ball. Wind... will be a problem, I'm guessing.

Never shot SR before, so we shall see how it does! First time I'll be going off the bench and into the 'real world.'

I've seen it used with some success here in Ontario. Have at 'er and have some fun learning stuff.

 

[Gunnerlove]

Wind is always a challenge.

 

[Longshot]

I'm going to try a Vortex Spitfire 3x on an AR this year. It's a BDC reticle calibrated for 5.56 ball. Wind... will be a problem, I'm guessing.

Never shot SR before, so we shall see how it does! First time I'll be going off the bench and into the 'real world.'

Wind is a challenge of course! But with that said if you are shooting the BCRA matches there is very little wind. I don't think I've ever had more that 2 minutes on ever. Guys do just fine with 55 and 62 gr bullets.

 

[greentips]

I'm going to try a Vortex Spitfire 3x on an AR this year. It's a BDC reticle calibrated for 5.56 ball. Wind... will be a problem, I'm guessing.

Never shot SR before, so we shall see how it does! First time I'll be going off the bench and into the 'real world.'

Just aim off for wind. Had done that for years with ACOGs and Elcans.

Instead of dialing in the wind, practice judging the POI and quickly adjust fire.

 

[Gunnerlove]

I only dial windage when shooting movers.

 

[Magellann]

I installed a Vortex Strikefire on mine and am very pleased with with it. I can hit the bullseye at a 100yards with it.

 

[Mauser GDog]

I only dial windage when shooting movers.

Interesting, I stink at movers.

 

[OldGravy]

Thanks for the tips, guys.

Who's excited? I'm excited!

 

[Longshot]

I'm partial to dialing. I'll dial the mean wing I think will be needed and then hold off for any other little shifts during the match.

 

[norlandgeese]

Some are training to be effective with their service rifle (not DMR) as a fighting gun.
Some are maximizing points with their equipment as a sport.
Both are legit, one has to decide which is the objective.

 

[greentips]

My feeling about winddialing and open gating is mixed. It is like telling troops to take the Elcan off and put on the plastic sight when it is "urban ops" time.

No "infanteer" ( other than the DMR guy but there isn't one in the CF) dials the wind and uses open gate in actual fire fight, just like people don't say "stop! I need to remove the Elcan and put on the plastic sight" because I am just about to jump into a trench or enter a house. The same thing about using the 500m setting to shoot close quarter.

I like that the Australian would not allow sight adjustment during the match. I also like that they don't allow monopoding at distance less than 400m The fact is that rarely one can shoot prone and monopod the rifle out in the field in hasty positions.