Precision Rifle Scopes -what is the basic to start?

[Erni]

I would like to dip my toes into precision shooting, and I am not sure if I want/can do it full bore. I figure I will start with a few guns in my stable and spend the money on ammo and practice. But I know that all my scopes are crap, so a new scope is needed. I read a few articles here and there and if I could spend a bunch of money and get all the features a Vortex HD is what I would probably get. Since the $2.5k is not in my budget I want to figure out what is a basic scope needed to start and not suffer the frustration of crappy equipment. My club has steel out to ~500yrds so that is the max distance for now, but would like to do a precision match too. I want to get a mil/mil scope and learn to dial in for shots. I assume parallax adjustment is needed. Variable power would be nice, but is it required?

I am looking for a little guidance here as the various choices and opinions are overwhelming.

Thank you.

[Joe_K]

- Establish why you need what you need

- Determine what you WANT.

- Set yourself a budget range, say $200 - $1,000.

- Look at SWFA, Primary Arms, Vortex, Burris, Bushnell and compare similar optics.

- Either buy one that's at the lower end of your budget, OR set aside some dough every month for 6 + months and get something at the high end of your budget.

Velocitas, Opprimere,
Violentia Operandi

[CS1983]

What's your budget? I'm a fan of Vortex's line, as they have the uber good lifetime/fully transferrable warranty thing going on. Their lower-level models will definitely fill your needs. Hard to recommend anything without knowing budget.

[Delfuego]

Budget is needed.

Variable (3-15 or 5-20), First Focal Plane, matching turrets & reticle (mil/mil or moa/moa).
Good rings and base for sure.

These would all be entry level scope for long range matches. You will get almost all the feature and they are reliable and with good tracking and usable reticles.

Burris XTR II
Gen 1 Razor
SWFA HD
Bushnell DMR

[Marine24]

- Establish why you need what you need

- Determine what you WANT.

- Set yourself a budget range, say $200 - $1,000.

- Look at SWFA, Primary Arms, Vortex, Burris, Bushnell and compare similar optics.

- Either buy one that's at the lower end of your budget, OR set aside some dough every month for 6 + months and get something at the high end of your budget.

Velocitas, Opprimere,
Violentia Operandi

Good advice here. You could spend a lot of time and money chasing scopes, but setting a budget is the first step and look for recommendations at the local PRS matches. Most shooters are happy to talk about their scope, likes/dislikes but keep your budget in mind.

I like the 3-15x/3-18X range for distances out to 1000 yards. I prefer mil/mil and FFP.

SWFA or Weaver Tactical's 3-15X scopes are very good and I've used both getting out to 1000 yards on a Savage 10 in 260 Remington.

One to keep an eye on is Athlon. I haven't used one yet, but strongly considering their Midas BTR in 2.5-15x50 for a budget varmint rig

[J]

Schmidt or bust!!!!


But Sr. Fuego has lined up some good options for you. You could add a PST, or Bushnell Elite tactical for more entry level options as well.

I've won a couple of matches on SWFA SS FFP scopes, they are good value for dollar.

[smchop]

I'd keep it in the 5-25, 6-24 magnification range. Just because you have it doesn't mean you need to use it, but when you need it, it's there. Find a Vortex PST FFP in the 6-24 mag range and you'll be good to go. If you decide to move up, you can always resell it for close to what you bought if for second hand. They have everything you need, FFP, matching turrets, Paralax adj., Most of us can't run out and drop $3K on a scope on any given day, so we work our way up just as you're planning on.

[jmg8550]

Check out Athlon as well. Fairly new company, but they're getting pretty good reviews.

Also, you can pick up a first gen Steiner Military 4-16 used for around $1k. Awesome scope for the money. Burris XTR2.is another good choice. I like Vortex as well. I have a Razor 2, and a Viper PST.

[Madusa]

I've had good luck with Vortex and Bushnell's made in japan models, they aren't at the highest price. Also I like a high magnification of 20-25. I like to see mirage, some guys don't.

[Delfuego]

You can almost always see mirage I think lower power with better glass wins out. most lower end scopes get real dark above 18x or so.

I dont think the PST can hold a candle to the burris/swfa/razor. Much better scopes and not much more dough.