Long range scopes?

[ducksoup]

I'm wanting to get a new scope for my 7mm08 that I can hand adjust the turrets and easily return to zero and lock. Not wanting to shoot 1000 yards, maybe 400 to 500 yard shots. I'd like to keep the price around $400 if possible. The ones I've looked at have those Christmas tree reticles that look way to confusing to me! I'd think they'd be easy to make a mistake in the excitement of the moment with a large buck in view! Any suggestions on a brand and model that would quickly allow for windage and elevation adjustments, has side focus adjustments and a solid lock and return to zero capabilities but with a more basic duplex type reticle in my price range? I'd appreciate any suggestions.
Thanks!

 

[LoonWulf]

Ive been really happy with, and would recommend, Athlons at or above the Argos range and Bushnell Forge or Nitros.
CameralandNY has an Athlon Ares 2 2.5-15x50 for 549 which is a damn good price for that quality of optic. I also really like the Athlon Midas HMR, and the Argos HMRs...both have similar capped low rise turrets that IMO are pretty bloody nice. Nitros both SFP and FFP are on sale, and really good values, the Forges are a step up and come with MUCH nicer turrets.

Ive got a Sightron Stac, and a couple PFIs to coming also that might make the list of recommends, but haven't got em yet.

If simply wanting to point and click, the Burris E1s have pretty decent bdc reticles for use up to around 500yds...the turrets weren't fantastic but better than a lot of other scope in the range.

 

[Txhillbilly]

$400 isn't going to get you much of a "Long range scope", but then I don't consider 400-500 yards long range.
For hunting, I prefer to use SFP reticles. A FFP reticle in most scopes is too small to actually see the lines in detail until you dial the magnification up to 6-10x depending on the scopes magnification range.

The Sightron S-Tac 3-16x42 would be a good choice with the Duplex reticle. The MOA-3 reticle is too thin and disappears in a busy background. I recently bought one and returned it because of this.

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1648335683

The Bushnell Nitro 4-16x44 is another to look at.
I don't know how good these are at being twisted often, but I bought two of them for a couple rimfire rifles. The glass and reticle is very good for the price, and they have covered target turrets.

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/102005477

I wouldn't suggest any Vortex scope unless it's in the Razor HD series. All of the cheaper lines are prone to having issues / breaking.

 

[carsten1911]

Howdy,

i can´t talk from experience, but the SWFA SS series offer a reportedly very solid quality prduct in your price range.
They come with rear or side focus ....later beeing more costly.
There are quite a number of configurations to choose from.
https://www.swfa.com/swfa-ss-10x42-tactical-30mm-riflescope-3.html
[Edit: The above link is just one example, this line of scopes comes in different magnifications, knobs, ranging systems etc.)

Greetings from across the pond!
Carsten

 

[Walkalong]

The Sightron S-Tac 3-16x42 would be a good choice with the Duplex reticle. The MOA-3 reticle is too thin and disappears in a busy background. I recently bought one and returned it because of this.

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1648335683

Agreed, that would be a good choice and a good value, my son has that one and a friend has the 4-20x50. Keep in mind they are second focal plane vs 1st.

 

[rkittine]

I have a number of Sightron's and like them as much as my NightForce scopes. Bob White at the Shooter's Corner usually has great inventory and prices.

Bob

 

[IALoder]

Vortex diamondback 4-16ffp is right there in your price range, and is a solid scope for the $. I have 2, and have shot out to 800 with both no problem! I have shot with an Athlon Argos I believe it was(a buddies) and was awful impressed with that as well.

 

[jmr40]

This is something fairly new, and I think a good choice for someone who is primarily wanting a hunting scope that can do double duty for moderate range target shooting. It has a simple duplex reticle

Buy Leupold 3.5-10x40 VX-3i Riflescopes at SWFA.com - SWFA Outdoors

The elevation turret is adjustable, but it also locks. And unlike most dedicated target scopes it is still very lightweight and compact. Most target scopes have turrets that protrude so far from the scope that they get in the way. The fixed power SWFA scopes are fantastic scopes for the money. But are heavier and larger than I'd want on a rifle that I also wanted to hunt with.

A local gun shop had one of these priced at $399 OTD a couple of months ago. I bought it and have liked it so well that I went back for a 2nd one. I still haven't figured out which rifle I want to put the 2nd one on and won't mess with it until after hunting season.

They have all been $500 everywhere else I've seen them so it may be over your budget. I still don't know how the guy sold me 2 of them at that price.

A good pic of the locking mechanism. You have to depress the silver button to move the turret. No worries about it moving inadvertently.

 

[Stevel]

Howdy,

i can´t talk from experience, but the SWFA SS series offer a reportedly very solid quality prduct in your price range.
They come with rear or side focus ....later beeing more costly.
There are quite a number of configurations to choose from.
https://www.swfa.com/swfa-ss-10x42-tactical-30mm-riflescope-3.html
[Edit: The above link is just one example, this line of scopes comes in different magnifications, knobs, ranging systems etc.)

Greetings from across the pond!
Carsten

Yeah, that's what I was going to say. SS 10X. Frankly for 400 yards a 6x would work well too, and be more appropriate if used for hunting.

 

[Sniper66]

Here you go. $424 shipped. Will do everything you are asking for and does it very well.. The reticle design will work for you.. Mine is on a 6.5 Creedmoor

https://tractoptics.com/all-products/response-4-16x42-bdc-308-7-62-ar-rifle-scope