Scope opinions?

[ColoWyo]

While no doubt fundamentals are extremely important, the fact of the matter is, cheap shit will break. I've seen guys with the most expensive gear finish very poorly in many competitions. But what I haven't seen is guys with cheap set-ups finish near the top.

While yes, you obviously need to be able to drive the rifle. Your equipment still needs to be up to snuff. I think the quote "buy once, cry once" is really quite valid when it comes to the long range game. Especially in regards to glass.

[lifeon2]

I agree that cheap shit will break but you can get gear that doesnt cost 2 arms a leg and you first born. How is a mid level optic like the ones I listed considered "cheap shit" for folks that are learning? I have owned burris and nikon optics and spent plenty of time behind a vortex as well and other than the eye relief seeming a little touchy on the vortex they have all functioned quite well. You might also note that cfortune mentions that this is his first bolt action rifle thus stating that he is a beginner. He is looking at spending 8-9 hundred not 2 grand. as I read his post I geared my response for a beginner. I also kept my advisement loose as we dont know if his first bolt rifle is a 50 bmg or a 22 short. Once you are competing then of course equipment is going to count for more. However he is a novice so IMHO fundamentals will do him more good than busting out the credit card and driving himself into debt so that he can have several thousand dollars worth of gear for something he may decide as he learns just really isnt for him. Lastly he hasnt made a post since page 1 of this discussion so arguing on the internet and all that.

I suppose I just come from the old school of learning when you started with standard irons then moved up to peeps and then magnified optics to make sure you had actually spent the time to develop skill.

[C Ward]

Auto spell sucks .

Look back at the posts where I was talking about shooting errors typically being blamed on the shooter which may not always being the case .
Last year I fought a USO that wasn't tracking properly and shifting zero . For 4 months I wrote it off to shooter error because my practice had been severely limited at the time . Skipping to the end after the big match the it went on the gun for I went out and box tested it and it went back to them and they replaced it with a new one . The moral of the story is two fold it isn't always the shooters fault and every scope needs to be verified .

There are certain pieces of equipment that have a reputation both good and bad for performance which is pretty well defined and it makes no sense to me to limit your performance because " most people can't shoot up to the capabilities " . Every one of these recommendations is from seeing what does and doesn't work .

[sneakerd]

I totally agree with lifeon2. Absolutely NO reason for a beginner to spend big money on equipment before he knows how to use it.

[hatidua]

I totally agree with lifeon2. Absolutely NO reason for a beginner to spend big money on equipment before he knows how to use it.

....or before he knows if he's going to stick with it.

I thought the LR thing would be fun to get into and moved from various Remington 700's to Sako TRG's, replete with the requisite glass on top of them, etc. Then, after years of tossing .308 at distance I tried shooting rimfire out past 400 and sold all the LR centerfire rigs...as well as the uppity glass on them.

An S&B scope is nice....if you plan to stay with the hobby a while. You won't recoup MSRP if you decide to sell it (or any other brand)

[banks74]

....or before he knows if he's going to stick with it.

An S&B scope is nice....if you plan to stay with the hobby a while. You won't recoup MSRP if you decide to sell it (or any other brand)

I will if they keep raising their MSRP every year the way they have been!

[islandermyk]

Just buy a S&B or a USO or a Premier already...

you won't regret it...

... well, make sure you get a reticle you want too

I kid... but for sure, you do get what you pay for.

As ColoWyo has said "$200-$300 on an optic would probably end up being a frustrating endeavor"

.. but with luck and patience, and a lot of trial and error you need to start somewhere just as I have with a budget. Have to learn how to use the darn thing first, right?

Choices of Mil or MOA reticles (I prefer Mil reticles)... I would stay away from the BDC reticles.

If you know your gonna get hooked into this... I would suggest putting aside money now for a really pricey glass while your going through your learning curve with a $200-$300 scope... $3500 would get you there for a S&B

Believe me... there is a world of difference

[ColoWyo]

First of all, I don't think anybody participating in this thread is "arguing". Simply expressing their opinions. I know for a fact that a couple of guys in this thread have extensive experience in long rage shooting and competitions.

Nobody on here has said to go out and spend $3500.00 on an S&B, U.S. Optics, or the like.

The point is, anybody starting out in long range shooting would be well advised to spend as much as they can on the glass. Be that $500, $1000, or $3500 on an S&B. With the exception of the Super Sniper, spending $200-$300 on an optic would probably end up being a frustrating endeavor. Fortunately the OP said he has a budget of $800-$900, which is a good start. One can certainly get a decent scope for that amount.

People might not agree with this, but this is MY experience with shooting long range competitions and seeing new shooters become frustrated with their set-ups and not being able to put rounds on target.

Spending a little more on equipment out of the gate on a rifle, rings, and especially glass could really save some frustration in the long run.

In my opinion, hedging your bets by spending more up front is simply the best way to go. Chances are, it will lead to less frustration and a far more enjoyable experience.

[mrfish83]

FYI - I have a NightForce for sale in the firearm accessories for sale section. It's a great scope...

[xring]

Ill express a OPINION

First the tool must fit technique.

Everbody is dialing for elevation holding off for wind.

wind changes too fast to dial.

range is a constant dial it and forget about it till you break the shot

The scope must be capable of going from zero to whatever is max range and back to zero over and over and over...

the scope must have a calibrated reticle for wind hold off.

The bushnell 3200 10x mil dot does this. $200

For a hundred dollars more the SWFA SS does it better get the mil mil

The SS have 15moa elevation per revolution, (sorry old dude thinks in minutes)that gets you to 600 plus from a hundred zero.

Mirage is easier to read with higher mags thats why i like the 16x.

Just buy the freakin SWFA SS 16x mil mil

spend the rest on the gas to raton for sporting rifle

If your in the field and a coyote poops on your optics you will only cry a little

http://swfa.com/SWFA-SS-16x42-Tactic...pe-P53715.aspx