Best scope for $1,300? Newbie needs advice!

[Erud]

You guys are killing me.

What don't you understand about the original post? The man asked "What scope do you like in the $1300 range for 700-1000yd target bench-rest work and possibly some hunting?" Why is that such a hard question? Here is my answer: the Nightforce and Leupold scopes that I have handled in this price range were very impressive. I don't think you can go wrong with either one. I am currently waiting on delivery of a NXS 3.5-15x56 with NP-1R reticle that will be used on a long-range target/varmint rifle. Prairie dogs get real hard to see at long distances - especially on hot days. IMHO, good glass is the best place to spend your budget if you are serious about long-range shooting. Those of you knocking the original poster's budget - have you done any shooting at the ranges he's talking about? It's not easy, and it's certainly not like shots on deer at 100 yds. Your average hunting scope will not get you to 1000 yards. The Burris Fullfield II is a fine scope for the money - my dad has one on a .22-250 and I've shot it quite a bit. That said, I don't think it's quite up to the task of a 1000yd shot. I don't even think it's up to the task of a 400yd shot. Coyote at 200 yards? No problem, but thats not what he was asking, now was it?

Erud

 

[atblis]

I think

the concensus was Zeiss. Try putting up a poll.

 

[RugerOldArmy]

What don't you understand about the original post? The man asked "What scope do you like in the $1300 range for 700-1000yd target bench-rest work and possibly some hunting?" Why is that such a hard question? ...

He's right.

I'd go for Nightforce as a sure thing. (They're heavy though).

I don't see Leopold being the value they used to be any more, and just went with a Nikon Tactical over a similar LR Leopold (no option for as high a magnification as Doc wanted on the Nikon) with no regrets. I've seen posts (Benchrest.com? 6mmbr.com?) about problems with the Leopold LR.

One interesting scope I'd like to know more of is the IOR 'Valdala'. Saw one that was very nice.

I can't speak to Zeiss

Why no S&B or Us Optics? (Over $1300)?

 

[Chris Rhines]

~$2000 is the cover charge at club S&B/US Optics. Awesome scopes, but way over the quoted budget.

- Chris

 

[Freelance Tax Collector]

He's right.
One interesting scope I'd like to know more of is the IOR 'Valdala'. Saw one that was very nice.

I have a IOR valdada scope sir. It is a 10x56 mounted onto a Remington 700P in .300 win mag. To say it straight and simple, I love this scope. Its the first "tactical" scope Ive owned, and the best scope that I do own.

The things I don't like about the scope can be features of really any scope on the market. For example, I realize that I like smaller than 50mm objective sizes, but otherwise, there is nothing I don't like about the scope.

I highly recommend IOR valdada scopes to anyone serious about accurate shooting. There are IOR bashers out there, but IMO, in most cases, they don't really know what their talking about when it comes to optics. I guess it all comes down to personal preference.

 

[Molon Labe]

I'd go for Nightforce as a sure thing. (They're heavy though).

I have a NF on my Serbu .50 BFG.

Yep, it's a heavy scope. But it's heavy for a reason.

 

[USSR]

Ah, optics. The most argued about topic on most gun-related sites.

Don

 

[atblis]

I wouldn't say the most argued

45 v. 9mm
Why 10mm?
Glocks suck
5.56 is a varmint round and has no place in our military

Those are the ones that come to mind

 

[USSR]

atblis,

I frequent LR rifle sites, so pistols and poodle-shooter rifle cartridges don't even warrant a conversation.

Don

 

[atblis]

I am talking about this sight

How could I forget AK v. M16?
Should be site not sight.

 

[pete f]

I ask this: what is the intended usage?

the reason i ask is based in this, I hunt prairie dogs a lot, When we go a lot of the talk is based on gear discussions, we are often shooting 300 to 650 or more yards. What we have decided is that EMPERICALLYthere is very little difference between the 600 to 800 dollar Leupolds Burris class and the higher dollar us optics, night force, etc scopes, WHEN USED FOR PRAIRIE DOGS. that is shooting in day light, in warm weather, with mirages and wind, on a rifle that will be cased in a hard case, not dragged about or banged around in a tactical situation. THAT is my experience.

Now this is based on maybe ten years and fifty trips to Dakota or montana, and maybe 80K rounds of high power. If you get over 30X we tend to see too much distortion and mirage, 24X seems to be just fine on most scopes out to 650 yards, maybe a bit farther. the New long range scopes from both Burris and Leupold have lots of elevation adjustments. they seem to be very good in the optics, side by side with a US optics they were very very close. the US optics DID have better feeling knobs movement etc.
the last burris i handled had very good knob feel, nice clear and sharp clicks make it easy to count out your drops and windage. Leupold seems to be contiuning as very good. We have several of the VX3 8.5 X 25 Long range, mil dots on the PD rifles, these have compared very favorably to what we have seen on other guys guns.

I think the biggest difference if reduction of slop in the works, physical toughness, ( us optics look and feel like you could drive a truck over it.)
and the small quantity of production.

If you are just shooting doggies and paper for FUN, then i think the burris and leupold will be great choices. You break a leupold, they give you another one or fix yours and they do it fast. burris is a bit slower, from what i have seen with others, night force and us optics CAN be slow. othertimes it is shocking how fast stuff gets turned around. Good freind had a Nightforce that some how jammed the adjuster, have no idea how, but he sent it in and it was ba k in less than ten days door to door. sent another one in for what he thought was gritty feel in the focus adjuster and it took two months to get it back. US optics from what i have heard will stay up all night to fix a officers or soldiers scope, but civilian warrantees may be put on the back burner. NOW that is hearsay, but from a reputable source.

If the newby is an experienced shooter, only a newbie to here, then he needs to base his choice on his use. If I was shooting in hostage situation, then i would want a us optics, or a night force or a S&B. If i am not doing that, then i will stay with my Leupolds and Burris's