Need help with optics

[Volphin]

Hi Guys,

 

I'm shopping for a scope for my new 308 Bushie.  My normal shooting distance is from 100 to 250 yards, but I may want to go out further as well.  Anyone have any scope suggestions for this platform?  PS: Not looking to spend a ton... but want good quality and dependability.

 

Ideas?

[RichardR]

What is the intended purpose of the rifle? Just punching paper or is it going to be used for hunting?

For target shooting magnification & clarity at high magnification is key, for hunting you'll want less magnification, a wider field of view & more light gathering ability & illuminated recticles are what you'll want.

[Volphin]

Thanks Richard, it will be used for target shooting.  I've always used iron sights and I literally know nothing about scopes and optics, as I've never bought one.  I'm reading as much as I can here to figure out what would be best.  I actually feel a little embarrassed about not knowing alot about them, but I'm getting older and irons are getting blurry... LOL

[RichardR]

Nikon 4-12x 40mm Prostaff is a good entry level scope, they run about $200 & should be plenty of magnification for 100-250yds.

[Il Duce]

SWFA SS fixed power. run $299 but they are priced WELL below what they should be. They give scopes 3x the price a run for the money.

Edited March 27, 2013 by Il Duce

[wareagle]

I agree. The super sniper is awesome. It's a $700 scope or $300. It's great for target, but it is rather slow for target acquisition due to FOV.

[Kopis]

Hit up http://swfa.com. I had a Nikon buck master on my AR, sold it and got a Nikon monarch which was a noticeable improvement. Swfa got it to me for almost the same price as the Monarch. I put a sightron Siii on it last year and it makes the monarch scopes look cheap! If you hunt around around I think the monarch is the best bang for your buck under 350-400 though.

[Magiccarpetrides]

I really like the newer weaver scopes and have a 1.5-8x on my MEGA 308

[RichardR]

Some good suggestions so far, really would depend on what he's got budgeted though & I usually don't recommend fixed power scopes for any intended ranges closer than 400-500 yards because of their more limited FOV.

Anyway I just thought of another good entry level scope, the Burris 4.5-14x 42mm runs about $100 more than the Nikon Prostaff 4-12x 40mm but I like Burris recticles a little better than Nikon's.

If you get the chance stop at a shop or sporting goods counter & ask to look through a couple, make sure to check things like eye relief, clarity at full-magnification, style of recticle, etc before plopping down the coin for one.

If you were closer I'd be happy to let you peep through some of mine to see which ones you'd like but maybe one of these other guys who live closer will hook you up.

[KaNaPaPi]

I have 2 Bushnell banner 3-9X40 scopes.  They are $79 at Walmart, Academy or online.  No, they don't have all the features of $200+ scopes.  The work, and work well. 

[smithra89]

Vortex makes good scopes for the money....I've had experience with the Vortex Viper PST and Vortex Crossfire. I also have a Nikon Monarch. For your range I think a 3X9 or 4X12 would be more than enough. Good luck with the search!

[RichardR]

I have 2 Bushnell banner 3-9X40 scopes. They are $79 at Walmart, Academy or online. No, they don't have all the features of $200+ scopes. The work, and work well.

Yup I like Bushnell Banners, especially the Dusk to Dawn series, but I use mine for hunting, not target shooting.

Great hunting scopes though.

[Volphin]

Wow!  Thanks for all the great replies!  I took an hour and went over to Academy Sports and did some "peeping".  Saw plenty of optics from $99-$499 or so.  I'm thinking I would like mil dot recticles, but didn't see any on the display.  I'll continue the hunt.  Thank you all for the help!

[Guest ConstantChange]

Here is a scope buying guide that might help make sense of a few things.

Scope Buying Guide

 

I'm a fan of Nikon's.  

[trevorst]

Bushnell Tactical 10x is very good for the money and sits on one of my .308s(occasionally Bushnell will run $50-75 rebates on their tactical line that makes these walmart scope cheap).  Vortex viper is the best glass I have looked through not named Nightforce for realistic money.  

[Backon4]

Primary arms scopes are one of the best buys out there. I've got one of their older 4-12 scopes and it is extremely nice for the money. They have a 4-14 mil dot for under $200 with an awesome warranty.

[Romad7]

Wow! Thanks for all the great replies! I took an hour and went over to Academy Sports and did some "peeping". Saw plenty of optics from $99-$499 or so. I'm thinking I would like mil dot recticles, but didn't see any on the display. I'll continue the hunt. Thank you all for the help!

If you are looking at the Mil-Dot reticle check out the Mil-Quad reticle on the SWFA SS, it was a big selling point for me.


Edited April 2, 2013 by Romad7

[Guest Msavard]

Here is a scope buying guide that might help make sense of a few things.

Scope Buying Guide

 

I'm a fan of Nikon's.  

 

That has me seriously considering the Nikon ProStaff 3-9 x 40  at $150 shipped for my AR-15. 

 

What mount would you guys suggest for a picatinny rail on a flat top AR like the Colt LE6900? 

Thanks in advance
 

[Guest Averhoeven]

I like Nikon stuff as well and it fits well with my photography hobby too

[Guest LittleBear571]

If you want a good mildot scope that's priced well under what it should be, check out the Mueller tactical scopes.

[BC in TN]

It would be hard to go wrong with Nikon or Leupold.  I'm a firm beliver in the adage to buy all the scope you can afford...

It is not unusual for the optics to cost more than the firearm.

Good luck & good shooting with whatever you choose.

[smith braver]

Personally I prefer nikkon. ıt has really good features and quality.And one of the best scope brand.with some research you can find good one.here is a good site which has important reviews.    http://www.shootingandsafety.com/best-rifle-scope-reviews/

Edited May 2, 2016 by smith braver