Looking for a good scope

[primalmu]

I'm looking for a good scope to slap on my Savage Hog Hunter .308. I want the ability to shoot 500+ yards, but still have the flexibility of shooting under 100 yards for hunting. I was thinking about a variable scope in the 6-14x range.

I definitely want a mil-dot reticle.

The upper end of my budget is $500.

Any suggestions?

 

[TPS]

check out SWFA.com. they are great to deal with and have very good sales staff and customer service. check out vortex for less expensive options. note i didnt say cheaper. iv got a 1in tube 50mm vari on a savage 10fp .223 that is as good or better at 350 yards than optics costing several times as much.

 

[primalmu]

I've been browsing SWFA.com all evening. There are so many options!

 

[adelbridge]

There are 3-12s and 4-16s. Get something with illuminated reticle for night hunting.
Check out the weaver Kaspa

 

[2ndtimer]

A Leupold VX-2 4-12X with long range reticle would work nicely for your needs. Even the 3-9X would probably work as well, either the VX-2 or Zeiss Conquest should fit your budget and work better on the more common hunting ranges.

 

[primalmu]

After much research I've ordered an SWFA SS 10x42 scope. I think this will work for me pretty well considering most of my shooting will be punching paper.

 

[ironworkerwill]

I wouldn't go with any thing less than a Redfield. You may be able to find a meopta at just above your budget. The Meopta has great glass and is very well constructed. I also think they make the glass for Swarovski and made in Europe but they don't have that big dollar name.

 

[R H Clark]

It's a good target scope but not for hunting.You need a little experience with what your actual hunting conditions will require to make an educated decision.

Where I hunt,99% of my shots will be moving and under 100 yards.I might rarely have a 200-300 yard shot.I prefer something like a Leupold VX3 2.5-8X36.I will keep it on low power for a fast shot and if I happen to get a longer shot there is plenty of time to turn it up and set up for the shot.

Someone out west where longer shots were the norm might want more magnification.Keep in mind though that it costs a lot more to make a good 6-18X scope than a 2-7X or 3-9X.The lower priced ($150ish) high power scopes will be little more than junk and some of the better mid priced like the Weaver V16 won't offer enough eye relief for most high power rifles.