New Glass for a new rifle...opinions?

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marksman13

marksman13

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Alright, so here's the deal. I've got a new Rock River Varmint A4 coming. It should be here in a month or so. It has a 20" stainless heavy barrel and my intention is to do some very long range plinking (think 600-900 yards, and yes I know this is outside the conventional range of a 223/5.56mm). The rifle will not be used for competition or hunting. It will simply be used to ring a gong.

I've started gathering different types of ammo. Now I'm looking at scopes and rings. I've pretty much decided on a Leupold Mark 4 scope and either Leupold or Badger rings. My stumbling block is what magnification to go with. I can get a 4.5-14x40, a 6.5-20x50 or an 8.5-25x50. The 4.5-14x40 would be about $300 less than the latter options. I like high magnification when it comes to target shooting, but I'm not convinced my money wouldn't be better spent on something else.

I toted a 4.5-14x40 all over Iraq and never felt like it wasn't enough scope, but it was a different application. I'm just worried I will get the 4.5-14 and then wish I had more magnification. What say us, THR?
 
i'd say it's all personal preference.

4.5-14 will get the job done. heck, guys shoot steel to 1k with fixed 10xs all the time. however, if you like more mag, why not choose the middle ground and go with the 6.5-20? that would be my choice.
 
YMMV. I have found that I cannot hold more than about 7 to 8x. If I am using a bench or a bipod I can do better, if the rifle is supported both front and rear. I guess if your experience is anything like mine, shooting from field positions or cross sticks or even a single bipod on the forestock, the lower edges of magnification can be important.

Good luck with your new broomstick.
 
stubbicat, are you saying that with a bi-pod from prone, or even shooting sticks and sitting, that anyting over 8x is too much for you?
 
4.5-14x40

Mirage on a warm or hot day will make any more power then that totally useless.

heck, guys shoot steel to 1k with fixed 10xs all the time.
Click to expand...
Thats because they can see clearly at 1,000 yards on a hot day.

1,000 yards divided by 10X is only 100 yards away.
1,000 divided by 14X is 214 feet / 71 yards away.
A young healthy man can probably chuck a rock 71 yards and put a knot on your head!

Clear sharp focus at 1,000 yards is way better then shimmering heat waves at 20X or 25X at 1,000 yards.

rc
 
A young healthy man can probably chuck a rock 71 yards and put a knot on your head!
Click to expand...
:D

i understand mirage can be an issue, but you can always dial down the mag, and still have it there if you need it, no?
 
rcmodel, that is my biggest concern. I live in Mississippi and mirage is a major issue. I'm leaning towards the 4.5-14 for that and the fact that it is $300 cheaper. I do like to be able to see little bitty targets from a long way off though.

Rifle will mostly be shot with bipod up front and sandbag under the butt stock.
 
in my experience, rifle scopes tend to end to get left on the highest magnification.

I'd get the 4.5-14. it's something you're familiar with, it's less expensive, and should do the job.
 
From what I understand from others (and I hate to contradict RC,) +20x would be helpful in reading mirage to determine wind downrange.
 
Chrome, the only issue I had with 20+ magnification is complete distortion of the target when it is muggy outside. I don't know why is didn't remember that before. rcmodel triggered that memory. I ordered the 4.5-14. Ow about rings? Badger or Leupold?
 
I'd say 4.5-14x is plenty. I personally wouldn't be able to justify $300 more for higher magnification than 14x. Not sure I'd even bother trying.
 
In mentioning a scope it's the lowest to highest power (i.e. 7-10) then you put a "x" meaning power (so 7-10x means "seven to ten power"). Last but not least you put the mm of the front lense so on a 50mm scope that is 7-10x you put 7-10x50. It irks me when people put 7x10x50 for a scope. Please learn the right way:)

FMJ Mike: how do you like that stock
 
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