[Ed from Maine]

just acquired a lightly used Savage model 12 Long Range Precision Varminteer in .204 Ruger. My club's rifle range is limited to 100 m; I am going to look into possibly joining a more distant club which has a 600 yd range. But figure I will be spending more time at 100, punching holes in paper.
Scope, rings, base...I think I want to stick with Leupold, and right now am looking at the FX-3 12x40 with adjustable objective. Don't want to get much above that, I see I can order on-line for $499. Not sure I see the advantage to a variable, but open to suggestion.
I have very little experience with target shooting with good optics, grew up with iron sights. However, my eyes are going on 71, so I could benefit from the experience of others. I have time for the decision, be a while before things warm up much around here.
Any comments or advice will be appreciated,
thanks, Ed

[Ed from Maine]

I slept on it, and the idea of trying to come up with $500 for a scope right now did not set well, I had better dial down my big plans. If I forget about an AO, figuring I will be doing just about all my forseeable shooting at 100 meters, so the pre-set parallax should be fine, and then re-think how much magnification I really need...???....at 100...maybe I can stay within Leupold line but a little less $, or maybe look outside Leupold...
Supposedly one advantage of .204 in a heavy rifle shot from a bench is that the recoil is so nominal that you can spot your own strikes as they happen, thru the scope...how much magnification do you need at 100 to do that?

[GURU1911]

50 years in the shooting sports has taught me a very firm mindset regarding "optical systems"---scope, rings, & bases----i will share with you---"the price of the optical system should equal or exceed the cost of the rifle or handgun"

burris is my #1 choice & the high-end simmons would be my second choice. Bases & rings---100% steel----see-thru mounts are a big no-no. Burris, leupold, or conetrol are my favorites.

Hope this helps with your decision.

[crimsoncomet]

Ed, I just bought a bushnell elite 4200 from midway. They have them on sale $150 off. It is originally 500 and on sale for 350. It is an AO scope 4-16X40. SIde focus! I havent shot with it yet, but it seems like a steal. Just passing the word along.

[sloppyjoe]

ed whatever you decide , dont skimp on base and rings the good stuff will range from 100. to 200 easily. mount scope close as u can comfortably can to bore .

[Ed from Maine]

I got a good deal on a Nikon Monarch 3-12 X 42 SF with BDC reticle, mounted on Leupold one piece base and Leupold medium height rings, went out in 20 degrees this morning and got it sighted in. So far I am happy!
thanks for advice and comments.
Ed

[dho3]

Ed, excellent choice. You will be very happy with that set up. Leupold make some fine scopes, but what you will find out is that they are over priced as compared to similar offerings from other companies and that sales of any significant nature come along rarely. I have to respectfully disagree with previous posters, I do not believe that you have to pay an arm and a leg for an optic, nor do you have to pay 100 to 200 dollars for bases and rings. There are so many great optics on the market, with so many sales, as you found that it is not necessary. Warne bases and rings are among the best, bar none and will not cost you 100 dollars. Leupold is reasonable. Let us know how the set up shoots.

[tman65]

Ed, excellent choice! you can never go wrong with nikon, and will never feel the need to apologize for owning one!!

[Polar Express]

Ed, good for you! Happy you found a solution that you are happy with.

PE

[BrocLuno]

Nikon is good stuff - have fun :)

Have you looked at their ballistics and trajectory software for getting initial ranges on the BDC reticle? If you do, please report back?