I'm looking for a scope and I Need Help!

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Tophernj

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So I finally purchased a mid-to-long range rifle. It's the Ruger MK77 Varmint/Target. Salt and pepper laminated stock with matte stainless action and barrel. The barrel is a 26" heavy barrel. I picked it up the other day from my LGS and I have to say that I am very pleased with the fit, feel and finish. It's a gorgeous rifle in my eyes. I do realize that the rifle is just the beginning of this journey, however. First up on the check list is glass(bi-pod, bags, etc. will come later). I am betwixt and between several scopes at this time but am very open to suggestions.

This rifle will be an intermediate to long range target/bench gun. I am going to join a range with a 300 yard range and will be taking a trip to PA next year to stretch it to 500-600 yards. I'd like to take a crack at 1000 but that will need to wait a bit. Anyway...

I am looking at the:

Weaver 3-15x42 with the EBX reticle. Model number 800335. SWFA price $582.
It has a 1" tube, target turrets and side focus.

Vortex HS-LR 4-16x44 with the Dead Hold BDC Reticle. Model number VHS-4305-LR. Street price (Optics Planet, I think) $599. It has a 30mm tube, exposed target turrets and side focus.

Leupold VX-2 6-18x40 with the Long Range Varmint reticle. Model number LEU114412. SWFA price $549. 1" tube, adjustable objective, target turrets with Custom Dial System.

Again, I am open to suggestions however please save your typing fingers and my eyes by refraining from telling me how I should just save up and get a Schmidt and Bender or a Nightforce. I won't as they are unrealistically expensive for me at this time.

Thanks to any and all that take the time to respond.

Christopher
 
My vote would be the Vortex. I've got a Viper PST and still can't get over at how clear the glass is. Plius some of the features Vortex throws into their scopes you usually don't find in scopes at the same price point
 
SWFA SS 10x42 or their 10x42M (side focus) for $300 or $400 respectively. It will be a more durable scope than the listed ones, and cheaper. I had their 3-9 and it was really a good $600 scope, sold it only because I didn't have a need for it, NOT because I was disapointed.

There are MANY positive reviews of the SS 10x42 riflescopes, and its easily the best 3/400 dollar riflescope being currently produced.

What caliber? How do you like the action?

All in my opinion, and you forgot the pictures of your new baby! :)
 
Tophernj;

I'll vote Vortex, and tell you why. My son built a total custom long-range rig, which cost a fair (or more than fair) amount of money. Defiance action, Lilja long barrel, Jewel trigger, Accuracy International stock, and paying the gunsmith to put it all together correctly. At which point he ran out of money. Enter the buck-fifty Vortex Crossfire scope mounted on the gun.

I saw him pop a 2-liter plastic pop bottle at 1240 yards with the rig and the cheap Vortex glass. He wasn't dialed in on that range at that distance, so it took him five shots to do it. Impressive to me nonetheless.

That was last year. Now the gun wears proper glass for the job, but it's still Vortex glass and I can see why.

900F
 
P.B.Walsh- thank you for the recommendation. I've heard good things about the SWFA house branded scopes, however I feel I need a variable power scope as my eyes are not what they used to be.

CB900F- that is indeed a great recommendation for the Vortex lineup. They seem to be getting great reviews. Thanks.

MilsurpShooter and Kahr33556, thank you as well.

C

Edit to add: I took a look at the SWFA scopes, the 3-15x42. It seems nice, however there is very little windage/elevation adjustment built in. Only 32 MOA. Blah... It could work, just need to be conscious of the changes.
 
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I have a Leupold 3.5-10 on my old Ruger 77. I bought the rifle new in '74 and the scope new in '78. Never had a problem with the Leupold. I have bought several since then. My son like the vortex stuff, but when I buy a rifle, it gets a Leupold. I do have an old 24X Weaver that I use for load development, but when I get done a Leupold gets bolted on.
 
Tophernj said:
I took a look at the SWFA scopes, the 3-15x42. It seems nice, however there is very little windage/elevation adjustment built in. Only 32 MOA. Blah... It could work, just need to be conscious of the changes.
Click to expand...

It could be that scope is using a larger diameter erector set which will limit the adjustment range, but passes more light
 
Beware Too Much power for 1,000 yards!

Mirage can give you fits if you have too much scope power.

rc
 
Hopefully I can help. I have a Rem PSS in 308. Great rifle! I bought a Horus vision Predator several years back. In my opinion, for best accuracy you need that type of reticule or a good quality scope with adjustable turrets.
Things I would look for in a long range scope would be
1- good glass.
2- turret or reticule system that works for you.
3- enough magnification (15-25 power). I can see .30 cal bullet holes at 400 yds with my Horus in the right conditions. Saves some walking.
4- great warrantee.
5- focal planes, first, or second?

I just spent two grand on a NF. Now that I have shot it, I'm not so sure it was the right move for me. I love the zero stop, the turrets work perfect, I didn't notice much difference in the glass. I'll have to do a side by side comparison between that, the Horus, and my two conquests.
Keep in mind, there are some 2.5x10 N.F.s out there for around $12-1300.
But I would look at the Vortex viper PSTs. $900-$1000ish. Very good reviews.

Hope I helped.
 
I recently purchased a Vortex Viper HST. I am very happy with it. Shop around,I got mine for about $400,as Cabelas had them on sale.
 
Just be aware that with longer distances the 308 Win is going to need lots of elevation. Most 30mm tubes are going to offer more adjustment over a 1" model. A scope base that offers an additional 10,20+MOA etc will be your friend. I don't know what's available for Rugers though.
 
dubbleA said:
Just be aware that with longer distances the 308 Win is going to need lots of elevation. Most 30mm tubes are going to offer more adjustment over a 1" model. A scope base that offers an additional 10,20+MOA etc will be your friend. I don't know what's available for Rugers though.
Click to expand...
That's one issue with Rugers... Very little aftermarket.

I was just at a gunsmith/world class bench rest shooter's shop. Oy. If I had been there a week prior. He has a beautiful 21" barreled Remmy, in a HS Precison stock, all done up. I is about what I paid for the Ruger. Oh well. Live and learn.

He also had a Sightron SIII in stock. I like. A lot. Any thoughts on these.

C
 
Leupold 6 to 18 is a good mag range; I keep meaning to try it one day. I have several 6.5 to 20 by 40 which I like.

The varmint reticle is handy, I have several.

I think for quoted prices, you are very close slightly better scopes on the used market.
 
If you decide to go with a varmint or hunter reticule, please check out Zeiss Conquest. Great glass! Just remember second focal plane means the ele lines somewhat line up with your cal and load at one magnification.
2-300 yds, no big deal. 5-700 makes it harder.
If you would like to give me $2000 for my 4 day old NF scope, I would buy 2 PSTs.
 
I've been a big fan of Leupold for many years, never had problems with their products that wasn't my own fault.

Over the last couple years I've been giving Vortex a trial run, but so far I'm not sold on them. The glass is very clean, but I've been having problems with them holding zero and lens getting knocked out of alignment, something I never experienced with Leupold. I like their spotting scopes so far, but I haven't developed any confidence in their rifle scopes.

BTW, I have a the 4x16x44 BDC reticle, it's already been sent back, they sent a new one back, no questions asked. But that's the 3rd Vortex I've had to send back, none have been the same model. So I'm gonna stick with Leupold optics from now on.

GS
 
GS, you have had to return three Vortex scopes? Can I assume they weren't the low end scopes? I have read a lot about them and a lot of reviews. Looked through several including a great spotting scope!
Maybe I should be happier with my NF and not recommend scopes I haven't spent a lot of time with.
Sorry all.
 
One thing I've read about the Vortex line-up is that their customer service is very good. Which is good as it seems to be active. I've read about durability issues with the scopes. I guess folks don't get too PO'd as they price point is good.

I've come across another scope, the Leupold 4-16x40, fine duplex. 30mm tube. No. 55640. Midway has it for 679. Any thoughts?

Any thoughts on Sightron?

C
 
You are not that far from NF SHV. and I think you can have it for under $1000. 5-20 x 56 with 30 mm tube. Your rifle has NF written all over it ... Come on :0)
 
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