Precision Rifle Scopes -what is the basic to start?

[CS1983]

Is the capped turrets thing due to potential for knocking turret and "dialing"? Would a locking turret (such as razor II) change that requirement, since it would meet the mechanical onus?

[MarkCO]

Is the capped turrets thing due to potential for knocking turret and "dialing"? Would a locking turret (such as razor II) change that requirement, since it would meet the mechanical onus?

Yes.

The XTRII will very soon be available with an interchangeable turret system, and so you can run capped turrets. When that is out, I am considering changing out the FFII 3-9 on my 338-06 to an XTRII 2-10. With optic I am at 6.8 pounds right now, not sure if I want to go to 7.3 pounds for the mil reticle and better glass though.

[Erni]

Thanks for the input everyone.
I have to figure out if I get a fixed power scope now and start learning, or do I wait to get a better scope and delay learning for a while. Birds, bushes and all that.

(Unless someone is looking to trade some good optics for a Colt NM mkIV .... )

Also, would a 10x SS be too much magnification for a hunting scope?

[MarkCO]

Also, would a 10x SS be too much magnification for a hunting scope?

Of about 150 head of big game, I have shot exactly one above 10x. The vast majority at 1-3x, maybe 20 from 3-6x and maybe 10 at 7-9x. I have almost blown more shots with too much magnification.

So while I won't categorically say no, not even close to ideal. Fixed 4 or 6, might be okay.

[CS1983]

You mentioned a budget of up to 700 dollars. The 3-15 SS accomplishes a major % of your requirements within budget, and brings you up to 1k yard range when you are ready -- and may even keep you company for a few years until you decide to go with something else. Some of the other suggestions probably will do so as well.

I personally would not want to hunt with a 10x fixed.

To be honest, I'm not sure why you are chaining yourself w/ a 600 yard chain, when we live in a state with plenty of LR options. I would advise against getting some hybrid/low-ball scope no one really wants aftermarket as well. You're either planning to sell it or keep it, so get something you want to keep and which is a little easier to sell.

At the end of the day, you can do a LOT with some budget equipment. And really, you could probably do just fine with a 10x SS, but I don't understand the desire to compromise on all counts. A "hunting" scope will not be a good tool for LR precision shooting, but a LR precision style scope will be fine for hunting.

[MarkCO]

If you really can't go to an XTRII or SuperSniper, here is an option: http://mylucidgear.com/L5riflescope.php

I would actually take that over a PST.

[Erni]

The 10x for hunting was just curiosity. The one time I went elk hunting a 1-4x would have been ideal (looking at you MTAC).
I have an old Ruski 8x 56mm with a German fence post reticle on a back up hunting rifle. A bit much magnification, but even with the crappy glass it has better night resolution than a varix3. Plus the fencepost stands out like magic without ilumination, even when dark.

As for the 600yard limitation, I am being realistic about the next few years. Until my brood is older my range time is limited.

[Spdu4ia]

Come out to a match , check out some other rigs. I'm sure any of us would be more than ok with you checking out the difference in scopes. Caution though, coming out to a match will make you rethink what you think you NEED.

[Tim K]

There's a certain mystique to 1,000 yard shooting to those who haven't done it. It's not a big deal. Shooting 1K is just like shooting 600 except you put more dope on the scope. Don't let it get in your head. You don't need to master some esoteric set of skills at 600 before you can graduate to 1K. If you were on a 1K range and making hits at 600, you'd just dial up some more elevation and do all the same stuff.

I understand you don't have ready access to 1K and no plans to pursue it for a while. I just want you to understand that 1K is not some magical unicorn that only the select few ever get to see.

[Tinelement]

To add another factor to the discussion...

What are you guys liking for the reticles in a "basic precision rifle scope"?

Basic cross hairs, mil/moa dots or hash marks, Horus, etc.?

Lots of options just in the reticle department.

So in the $700-$1500 "glass" range, which glass and which reticle?