High magnification scope for competition?

[Jasper1573]

Hello all,

I recently shot at 500 yards with my Bushnell 10x40mm, and the scope was sufficient at that range. However, eventually I will move on out to 1000 yards and am looking to purchase a scope with magnification that will be sufficient out to that distance.

I have looked at the "good" low end scopes like Mueller and Swift, the better scopes such as the Bushnell Elite 4200, and then some others that I would consider high end for me. So the low end are about $250, mids are ~$500, and high end for me up at $900.

Well, I am not going to spend almost $1000 on a scope for a hobby, but I am torn between the lows and mids. These scopes are all variable power up to 32x, and then I have considered something short of 32x, for instance 25x.

I have read many threads that say one doesn't need a high mag scope to shoot well, and that is true to some degree, but my Bushnell at 500 yards made it a bit difficult to distinguish the very center of the target when the crosshairs were on it (Bushnell has a 1 MOA crosshair I believe).

So I am considering buying the Swift, but am reluctant to purchase low price optics. Other option is to spend twice as much and go with the $500 Bushnell.

Any advice?

Jasper

 

[Soupy44]

I don't have any advice for you on specific scopes. From a coaching stand point, this would depend on how you are shooting: from a rest, or with a sling. From a bench, I have no experience, but I doubt a higher power would be a bad thing up.

My experience is with shooting with a sling. When doing that, most people don't get past 20-25X. Beyond that, there is so much movement, it'll just drive you nuts.

 

[Justin]

In order to get any useful advice on a rifle scope for competition, we'll need to know what kind of match you intend to compete in.

A rifle scope that's great for shooting 3 Gun would be a tremendously poor choice for shooting F-Class.

 

[Howard Roark]

The problem with a high straight power scope is not gun movement but mirage. You have to be able to dial down the power as the ground heats up. You might be able to start the day off at 32 power but when the target starts dancing around you will finish the day at about 16 power or less. Reducing the power reduces most all of the movement.

Fine duplex crosshairs or target dot is what you want. I've heard good things about Sightron but have not used one. The problems that you run into with the lower priced scopes are optical clarity and repeatability. A bunch of backlash in the windage adjustments at 1K on the f-class target will make you sad.

 

[twofifty]

It is useful to have magnification such that the crosshairs will clearly quarter the 10x zone at the range(s) you compete.

 

[Jasper1573]

Sorry for the lack of info on type of match I am shooting in...F class from bipod with rear bag rest, prone position. I thought I had put that in there.

Jasper

 

[PGG]

high power scopes

Jasper I have a Sightron 10x50x60 used it for the first time today. I already am looking into a Nightforce 12x42x56 as the Sightron was not clear enought to suit me. I have only read good things about Nightforce and now I guess I will have to see for myself. Good luck PG

 

[Jasper1573]

I suppose I will have to save my pennies and wait until I can afford some decent quality glass. Unfortunately, I cannot afford a Nightforce....I might be able to handle the sightron, but the NF is about 2-3 times more expensive, and that is beyond my willingness to spend.

Jasper

 

[Zak Smith]

If you are doing anything other than shooting at a single target from a bench at 1000 yards, I would recommend a lower magnification scope than 20x. I compete with a 3-12x50 out to 1000, sometimes further, on my .260, .308, and 7mm RM.


-z