Help deciding on Scope

[Merciless]

Hi. My name is Ben, and I am currently 15. My grandfather said I could have one of 2 guns. A Remington 600 .308 or a Winchester 70 .308. I chose the 600, but it has a Bushnell 2.5x Scope Chief on it, which I guess was pretty awesome.... 40 years ago. In addition to that it is sitting on a Weaver Pivot-Mount so you can use iron sights by UNSNAPPING THE SCOPE FROM THE MOUNT. You can tell by looking at it that you would be lucky putting out 6 in. spreads at 100 yds. I would like to put a whole new optics system on it, but cannot decide on the scope. I use it for deer hunting in Wisconsin. So my shots are usually 25-100 yds, and occasionally 50-300 yds. at my uncle's farm. I would like a scope that would be good out to 400-500 yds, which is basically the rifle's maximum, accurate range to my understanding. So I think I am looking for a 3-9x40, or something in that range. So first I would like to show you guys what I have chosen for mounting eqiupment.

Here is the base-
http://www.opticsplanet.net/leupold-std-1pc-1-piece-bases.html

Here are the rings-
http://www.opticsplanet.net/leupold-std-rings.html

And I was thinking just some Butler Creeks for covers.


I am pretty sure I got that stuff down, but any advice, suggestions, and/or experience is greatly apprieciated.

Now for the scopes-

1. Redfield Revolution 3-9x40 $150
http://www.opticsplanet.net/redfiel...e-matte-finish-4-plex-accu-range-reticle.html

2. Burris Fullfield II 3-9x40 $149
http://www.opticsplanet.net/burris-3-9x40mm-fullfield-ii-rifle-scope.html

3. Vortex Diamondback 3-9x40 $189
http://www.opticsplanet.net/vortex-riflescopes-dbk-m-01p.html

4. Bushnell Elite 3200 3-9x40 $189
http://www.opticsplanet.net/bu3el32hascw.html

5. Vortex Viper 2-7x32 $200
http://www.opticsplanet.net/vortex-riflescopes-vpr-m-02p.html

6. Leupold Rifleman 3-9x40 $220
http://www.opticsplanet.net/leupold-rifleman-3-9x40mm-rifle-scope.html


So I already told you guys what I am looking for in range. As for other priorities, I am looking for a largish objective (~40mm) and good light transmission (92% or greater preferably) because Whitetail activity in the first and last hour of the hunt are like 156,345,123 times greater than anytime else. The 600 and its 18' barrel make for some recoil so I would like some eye relief (at least 3.5 in. is what I was thinking). I was also thinking of a scope to match the 600's most important traits- its light-weight and accuracy. Another big thing for me is FOV, which is where the 2-7 comes in with the 3-9's.

I personally am really, really liking the Redfield and Burris. Then after that it would be the Diamondback and Elite 3200.

I don't have a local shop where I can compare these, so I wondering what you guys thought as far as "on paper specs". My budget max. is really 200 for the scope alone, but it would have to have to be quite a bit better than the $150 I have selected.

Any and all recommendations/advice/critism are welcome.

Thank you for your time

 

[esheato]

First off, welcome to THR.

You are quite knowledgeable and well versed for a young man. You'll fit in around here just fine.

Of your options, I like the Redfield, Bushnell Elite and the Leupold (I've looked through them, but don't have much experience behind them).

Leupold and Redfield (being manufactured now by Leupold) have fantastic customer service. Something to think about if on a hunting rifle.

Vortex is making quite a name for themselves, I would expect a quality optic from them.

Five hundred yards is not childs play and will require some knowledge and/or a reticle for that distance. I know Redfield makes a reticle for that purpose and most of the others make a mil-dot that would get you some hold points for those distances.

Realistically, most people shouldn't take shots on game past 300 yards. If you want to shoot animals at 500, you better be practicing....a lot.

Again, welcome...

 

[1prcntr]

FWIW I hear Bushnell is discontinuing the 3200 and 4200 after the first of the year so you might find a good deal on one. I just purchsed a Bushnell 3x9-40 3200 Elite at my local Academy Sports for $139. However, any on your list will do well. Welcome and good luck!

 

[Chainsaw2]

You sound like an intelligent young man and you've taken the time to do some proper research. A bit of advice from an oldtimer: Whatever scope you choose, zero that carbine for 2" high at 100 yds and practice diligently with that before you expand your horizons. This will allow you at least a point blank range of 200 yds, and will make you into a good shooter Do not shoot further than you can hold a 6" group under the worst conditions.

You will improve beyond this in time, and find something that works very well for you.. Good luck!

jim

 

[Merciless]

Thank you very much for all the advice thus far. I have compared all the scopes so far, and am now pretty set of the Viper 2-7x32. It is light and short, with a massive FOV and eye relief. I hear the glass is outstanding, and I like the reticule. I can get it for 170 at SWFA, and my dad and myself are hopefully going to check it out in person tomorrow. The thing I like the msot about it is, that although it is 32mm, it is still running a 95% light transition. Looking at the rifle, which has a 20mm on it, a 40 would maybe fit. I think a 32mm is the best of both worlds. I think this scope is the best fit for my budget, application, and most importantly, my rifle.

What do you guys think as far as the actual brands and warrenties?

Just

Bushnell vs. Leupold/Redfield vs. Burris vs. Vortex

Also, does my mounting equipment look good?

I heard that you shouldn't cheap out on your mount, so I stuck with pretty much all Leupold stuff.

Lastly, would you recommend me mounting the whole set-up or have a gunsmith do it?

 

[slowr1der]

I think the Viper is the best deal going right now. That being said, I have a Burris FFII an love it. I've also had a couple Leupold VX-I's and both have had problems. Even when they are working, the glass is not nearly as good as the FFII. I can't imagine the Redfield being much better than the VX-I, but I could be wrong. Another thing about the VX-I that's horrible is the friction adjustments. They don't track anywhere close to accurately, and they are hard to get a rifle sighted in. The Vortex Diamondback gets slightly better reviews on OpticsTalk.com than the FFII, but I've not used it, so I can't tell you how it is. That being said the Burris FFII in 3-9x40 is also on sale for $119 right now at SWFA.

As for mounting equipment, Leupold stuff is decent, but after using a set of Burris Signature Zee rings I'm hooked. They are the best I've used under $100. I really like the plastic inserts. You don't have to worry about lapping the rings, if you need to shim the scope you can get offset inserts, and best of all, the rings don't leave ring marks.

That being said, while I don't think the Leupold rings are quite as good, they are pretty good too and I wouldn't hesitate to use them if you already had them.

 

[Sheepdog1968]

For the distances you mentioned shooting, a fixed scope in 2.5x or 4x would work just fine. That is all I have on my hunting rifles and I personally feel that is more than enough scope for an accurate shot out to 300 yards. Fixed scopes tend to be more rugged and often cost a bit less.

In terms of brands, you can never go wrong with a Leupold as they have a lifetime guarantee and they are a good quality scope. The Redfields are made by Leupold as well and are an excellent quality for the money. If it were me, I'd consider either the Leupold or Redfield in either the 3-9s that you mentioned or a 2.5x or 4x.

Good luck and great post by you.

 

[Walkalong]

Vortex Viper or Bushnell 3200.

 

[788Ham]

Merciless,

Welcome youngman! You definitely know what you want, at 15 I wasn't much beyond where you are, congratulations on your rifle choice. I've never had the opportunity for the choice of scopes you're looking at, I'll stay on the sidelines and listen/watch what happens! Again, welcome and hope you get settled on your choice and get to shooting soon.

 

[brandon_mcg]

i have the redfield revolution 4-12 x 40 and they are great scopes for the money.
the bushnell is also a great scope for the money.

personally, i would throw out the leupold rifleman if you are considering the redfield as the redfield is made by leupold and has better features than the rifleman at a lower price.

 

[Merciless]

I have decided on the Vortex Viper 2-7x32. Thanks for all your advice and suggestions. It really helped me with the choice.

I only have two questions left.

1. Should I mount the scope and rings/base myself or should I have a gunsmith do it?

2. Any other recommendations as far as mounting equipment?

I just saw the Leupold name, and the fact that they have a base that fits the 600. That's how I came about chosing the Leupold base and rings.

I just want a reliable, cheap Mounting set-up. Looking for the most accurate set-up for the money, and I don't want to spend more than 60. It also has to fit the Remington 600.


Thanks again!

 

[brandon_mcg]

merciless,

i have always mounted my own base and rings. go ahead and set the scope in as well to wear it is the appropriate distance from your eye when you shoulder the rifle.

my local gun shop will bore sight my rifle for free.

 

[Walkalong]

I have decided on the Vortex Viper 2-7x32.

I just ordered the same one last night. Planning on putting it on my 336 in .35 Remington in place of the K4.

 

[SwampWolf]

In addition to that it is sitting on a Weaver Pivot-Mount so you can use iron sights by UNSNAPPING THE SCOPE FROM THE MOUNT. You can tell by looking at it that you would be lucky putting out 6 in. spreads at 100 yds.

Don't be too quick to dismiss the Weaver Pivot-Mount. I've had one on a Savage 99, chambered in .358 Winchester for the past three decades or so and it has never lost its zero in spite of what appears to be a rather tenuous purchase on the mounting surface. The system does offer a viable iron sight option in the event your scope becomes disabled (fogging, snow/rain on the lens, etc.). You might want to try it at the range before you arbitrarily reject it out of hand.
And a hearty welcome to The High Road!