600 YD OPTICS FOR 308

[lshel]

I want to explorer reasonably priced optics for a 308/7.62x51  out to maybe 600yds with most shooting at 100 yds. I want good quality glass and dependability for less that $400. I want to use my existing Burris QD Mount with 1" rings and keep my Troy flip-up sights. I have looked at Redfield Revolution, Vortex Diamongback and Viper , and Nikon M-308. I like the BDC recticle for hold over for the distances after zeroing at 100yds or 200yds. What do you use or your suggestions in this price range?

Edited February 7, 2014 by lshel

[atlas3025]

In that price range I have been impressed with the Nikon Monarch.  The glass is great!  I believe the M-308 is the same thing, I really like the Vortex Viper PST, but I think it is an entirely different piece than the diamondback.  It is in the $600 range, and 30mm.

[Lowpower]

I'm partial to the Swift 8x32x50. It allows me to clearly see any part of the X in the X ring at 600 yds. yet allows me to

dial out mirage if it gets too heavy. It's not a bright as a NightForce but for $249, shipped it's a fantastic bargain.

It has good eye relief and a sun shade. It's a 1/4 MOA scope ask each click = 1.5 inches at 600 yds. That can keep you in

the X ring which is in a 3 inch ring.

 

You will need to buy a 20 MOA scope rail to mount it. That will give you enough elevation all the way to 1000 yds. 

 

It also allows you to dial out parallax.

 

I shot mine in competition for about 4 years without any problems. I sold it on a rifle and wish I still had it.

 

http://www.eabco.com/images/SRP678M.gif

 

Hope this helps.

 

Lp

 

Edited to add: we shoot medium range over pretty much known distances which means we just dial in the come ups and adjust for 

windage. BDC's work fine but you must get one for a specific bullet type like your .308. Then it must be running with an average speed

in feet per second for the BDC to work. In other words, a .223 BDC scope running with a bullet at 2800 ft will probably have a different

drop over a given distance. Especially when you start talking 400-1000 yds. 100-300 yds and you stay in the ballpark. 

 

And...most of the scopes you mention, like the Monarch cannot give you enough clicks of up to get to 600 yds. without the 20 MOA rail.

Edited February 8, 2014 by Lowpower

[lshel]

Thanks Lowpower for very good information.

Edited February 8, 2014 by lshel

[DangerDanJD]

http://swfa.com/SWFA-SS-10x42-Tactical-Riflescope-P53712.aspx

I have been very impressed with the SWFA Super Sniper 10x. It is built like a tank and an excellent value at $300. You can google some reviews but they are very well thought of as a great budget scope in the long range community. The SWFA's have a lot of internal adjustment so you may be able to get buy without a 20MOA rail at least for shooting out to 600 yards, I'm not sure if it will get you to 1000 without a rail. You can get better quality glass by going with a fixed scope as opposed to a variable. The SWFA has a 30mm tube so you would need new rings but you could get a quality set and still be out under $400. 

 

Pros: You mentioned you are looking for a scope with "quality glass" and "good dependability." I suspect you cannot do better in those two areas than the SWFA.

 

Cons: Obviously, this is a fixed power scope which is only a con if you need something variable which really depends on the purpose of the rifle. Your Burris mount with 1" rings will not work with this 30mm tube. 

 

One final thing to consider. You mentioned you have a Burris QD Mount. If it is something like the PEPR, you need to verify that it has enough height for the scope you purchase, especially if you are running this on something like an AR10 platform. Some optics with larger diameters will not have enough room to fit over the handguard in a PEPR mount. 

 

EDIT: a quick google image search shows a number of AR15 and AR10 style rifles with the SWFA SS Scope in PEPR mounts with plenty of clearance. 

 

http://i.imgur.com/G7oYlUp.jpg

Edited February 10, 2014 by DangerDanJD

[enfield]

Take a look at the Leatherwood BDC scopes.

[crossfire]

I just received a add from SWFA showing this scope on sale, $100 off

http://swfa.com/Nikon-4-16x42-M-308-Riflescope-P51929.aspx

[JohnC]

I have 2 Nikon M-223 BDC scopes and love them.

I'd go for the M-308 4-16x42 BDC 800 myself.

SWFA has them for -$100 off. $449 for the scope and the mount! :up:

http://swfa.com/Nikon-4-16x42-M-308-Riflescope-P51929.aspx

[lshel]

Optics Planet also has for $449. The only thing about the Nikon M-308 is 40 MOA internal adjustment. Most longer range scopes are 57-60 MOA.  I know they have the 20MOA on mount, but I have a QD Burris mount that I like and want to use as mount on M&P10. I'm looking more at a Vortex or Redfield more MOA internal to start with then add a 20 MOA rail, but Vortex Viper PST out of by cash range.

Edited February 13, 2014 by lshel

[DAdams]

Agree with John C. Nikon M308 with base ain't bad. I found that it was a good value in the price range I was seeking. I wanted max eye relief for the high power on my AR10.

Edited February 15, 2014 by DAdams