help me make up my mind!

[destroyer85golf]

I am currently building two rifles, a .22 CHeetah, and a 6.5x284 lapua. they are mainly going to be used once a year to go prarie dog hunting. Question to you guys is which scope should I be looking at? Last year I bought a Redfield revenge, and that was a huge mistake! At low power it looked like I was shooting through a fish bowl. I will say that the scope was repeatable but the view was terrible at lower powers. I have been looking at vortex and they look like they are priced pretty decent. But I would like to have someone's first hand experience with them rather than some random people's review. Im almost 2K deep in these two rifles and I haven't even got the glass yet for them! id like to be around 400 dollars per scope. thanks for any suggestions in advance!

 

[MtnCreek]

Decent glass, repeatable turrets and (I assume) variable power does not equal $400. Might want to list the features in order of importance and go from there. JMHO.

 

[destroyer85golf]

when I said 400 dollars I should have clarified, I get most scopes at dealer cost and the markup is pretty substantial. so realistically im looking in the 650 to 800 dollar range. I don't want a fixed power scope, the guy I went with last year had a fixed 20 power wever. While it was a great scope it was difficult to locate a dog with the bino's and get on him with the scope. im not 100 percent sure on what I need that's why im here!

 

[MtnCreek]

What ranges do you shoot them?

Vortex has a HS line that's supposed to be decent. I have an old 5-15 that's similar to their current HS scopes. It's a decent scope. Glass is great compared to low end scopes, but shows why I bought it for ~$500 when comparing side x side to better scopes. I'm not sure what all is available in this line.

The pst is a good scope IMHO. Glass reticle, ill (not that you need that). I have a 6-24 that's a good scope. It's a ~$1000 scope that can be had used for ~$800. A friend knows a Vortex rep and gets the same sort of deal you're talking about. He bought one in 2-10 for <$600 if I remember correctly.

Are your at cost deals just for Vortex?

 

[Gordon]

Another vote for Vortex HS or PA lines. Look for 6-20x or so. A 4-15x also very usable. I have .243 AI and .22-250 IA quick twist and .264 Win Mags with variations of above. For Varmint shooting ill. is not required .
Here is a good deal (has a 25% off coupon!)
http://www.opticsplanet.com/vortex-riflescopes-vpr-m-06fp.html

 

[TTundra]

If you get dealer costing, check out Burris. Their dealer pricing is ridiculous. The XTR II is a fantastic scope with great glass. 3-15's retail at 1000 and at dealer cost can be had for half that or better.

 

[MtnCreek]

If you can get a XTR II for your budget, go for it. I have a 3-15 SCR mil and really like it. If you want to hook someone up, shoot me a pm and I'll cover part of your purchase if you can get me a deal on a 5-25 scr mil.

 

[destroyer85golf]

the 5x25x50 xtr is 947.52 plus shipping, unfortunately they don't have it in stock it says MSRP is around 1800 though.

 

[MtnCreek]

That's a good deal. They supposedly sell for ~$1300, but nobody has them in stock.