Optic for 308 bolt gun

[samson7x]

Santa decided I was good this year and brought me a Remington 700 chambered in 308.  Barrel is threaded 16.5" with 1:10 twist and will be wearing a suppressor when I get my stamp.

 

I'm looking for a decent optic for $1500 or less for ranges up to 600yds.  I want first focal plane with mildot reticle.  I have been looking at the SWFA SS 5-20 for $1300 and the vortex pst 6-24 for $900.

 

Do any of you have experience with either?  Or can you provide another option I need to look at?  Thanks.

[StPatrick]

Were I you, I'd look for dedicated long-range shooting forums and see what responses you get.  You will get hits from TGO eventually, but you're asking for detailed info on a type of shooting most TN residents don't have access to.

 

Guys - any recommendations for good sources of information on long-range rifle shooting?

[z0mbies fear me]

I have been thinking about getting a Vortex pst 6-24×50 for my savage 308 model 10 fcp-sr. It has a 24" 1:10" twist threaded, fluted bull barrel.
I have a cheap $200 Vortex 4-12×40. I have only shot it out to 300 yards so far but I love the Vortex. As soon as I have the extra money I'm going to order the 6-24×50

[dats82]

I have heard great things about Vortex.  My buddy has one on a .308, but I am not sure which scope it is.  Either way, he highly recommended Vortex.  They all seem to have great reviews, and I think I'm going to pick up one of the more budget friendly models. 

[atlas3025]

I have a Vortex Viper PST 2.5-10 x 44.  It has the illuminated reticle.  They are really nice scopes with great glass.  I think I paid around $600 for it?  I think you'd benefit from more magnification, though, as Zombies suggested..  You can also get the matched mil ret and mil adjustments, or MOA/MOA, I believe.  They have shims so you can set a zero stop.  Mine is NOT FFP, but I think that is in an option.

 

You can get a lot of scope for your budget. 

 

The Nikon Monarch's are really nice too and are a little less expensive than the Vortex.  They can be had with side parallax adjustment which is nice. 

[Guest carter]

check out vortex...they have some nice glass... 

[samson7x]

I ended up finding a good deal on a like new SWFA SSHD 5-20 that I couldn't pass up.  I should have it next week sometime and hope to shoot it next weekend.  I'll update when I get a chance.

[mikegideon]

I just got a PST 6-24 x 50 FFP. Haven't had a chance to shoot with it yet, but it's some nice glass. I got the MOA version.

[MikeW]

As others have said the Vortex PST FFP is hard to beat for the money. FFP, Zero stops, and ok optics.

 

Sightron also makes a good LR scope in your price range.

 

best of luck

[Father Goose]

At that price range, there are so many options. Aside from what others have mentioned, you could also look at Zeiss, Nightforce, and Leupold.

[satalac]

Went through this about the same time too. Ended up getting a Vortex Viper PST 4-16x50 FFP MRAD. Haven't shot it yet, but like what I've seen so far.