New Marlin XS7 .308

[compujas]

I just ordered my first rifle, a Marlin XS-7 in .308. It was a tossup for a while between the XL-7 in .30-06 or the XS-7 in .308. I chose the .308 because I plan to reload so I figured components might be slightly cheaper (or at least use less powder), plus I've read that the .308 was more efficient. Really it was 50-50 so I just picked one. Dick's Sporting Goods near me had it available for order for $299.99, so I went for it and should have it in a few weeks.

Anyway, being my first rifle, I really know next to nothing about scopes, rings, bases, and whatever else I need to know about. I'm having trouble sorting through the vast amounts of information and it's making my head spin. My main question really is what the heck do I need?

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe the gun comes with a base (not sure what type but I think it's Weaver?). Then I'll need a set of rings that fit both the base and the scope that I choose. How do I know what height rings to get? I know that they typically come in either 30mm or 1" but that's the diameter of the ring which needs to match the diameter of the main tube on the scope, right?

Also, what type of scope should I look at? I don't intend to hunt with the rifle. It'll be used for target shooting, and the range that I plan to join near me I believe has 100-, 200-, and 300-yard ranges, though I'll mostly stick with the 100-yard range probably. I'm not looking to spend a lot, and since it's only going to be a target gun, I figure that's ok since I don't need anything fancy. I'd like to keep the scope to under $100, so I was looking at things like Bushnell, mostly 3-9x40 (or 32), but I'm not really sure what's best for my situation, or what brands are decent. I know Leupold and Nikon are supposed to be top of the line, but I can't afford them, so I'll settle for something else. I don't need crazy low-light capability or anything.

Any information that you folks can provide would be great, or at least just point me in the right direction with links to read. And I apologize if this has been posted before, but I was having trouble finding anything concise without having to read through hundreds of posts to find the one sentence.

Thanks in advance.

 

[bad_aim_billy]

My XL7 came with the base if I recall. I threw some inexpensive Weaver rings on it, medium height, and a new $125 Nikon Prostaff 3X9, which is a bit more than you're looking to spend, but it's a nice scope for the money. For under $100, the Bushnell Banner might be fine for 100-200 yards.

 

[WYcoyote]

The new Redfields are getting some good reviews, the price is under $150.

 

[rangerruck]

I would look real close at vortex, air force, Weaver(japanese glass), nikon, pentax, and for a cheapy, Mueller. throw in with a bushnell 3200 series.
All the above scopes can be had for 200 or less, and all will be quite nice.
I would look good and hard at the Weavers...

 

[Arkansas Paul]

For under $100, I'd go with a Bushnell Banner. My dad has one on his .30-06 and he likes it a lot. You can get one in 3x9x40 at Midway USA for $79.99.

 

[Uncle Mike]

A good set-up for little cash, probably a little bit more than you indicate your wanting to spend, but it is going to be really difficult to do any good with a hundred dollar scope!

If at all possible, try to make it to at least $200 on the scope, you have a descent enough rifle,don't handicap it, and yourself with less than adequate glass.

I should think the Banner Model by Bushnell to be the minimum in quality to consider, the Banner has been around for a long time and is a good scope for what they cost, but there are better out there. Take a look at the Weaver line, specifically the 44/40 models, also the Redfield Models are a good $200ish scope.

While I wont go into the tricks to figure ring height, I'll say that with the Weaver rails on the rifle now, if you limit yourself to a 40mm objective, and you want lesser costly rings...Weaver 'Sure Grip' rings, medium height, matte blue finish, aluminum body, steel top strap, p/n 49163...you should be able to find some of these for around $25.

Don't go less than a 40mm Objective on the scope.

 

[chains1240]

I just picked up a 3-9x40 Buckmaster on e-bay for $175 delivered, new in the box, full US warranty.

 

[homers]

Natchez Shooters Supplies has some decent prices on refurbished Nikon's you might want to check out. I agree, normally a sub $150 scope causes more troubles and reduces the enjoyment of the gun that I'd stay away from them.

from Natchez's email:

Nikon Refurbished 3-9x40 ProStaff Riflescope Nikoplex Reticle Matte
Reg $159.95
Sale $99.99

Nikon Refurbished 3-9x40 Buckmasters Riflescope Nikoplex Reticle Matte
Reg $199.95
Sale $139.95

 

[compujas]

Thanks for the advice so far everyone.

I had been looking at the Bushnell Banner 3-9x40 since I wasn't sure if I wanted to spend the $150 on the Nikon ProStaff. But now that home mentioned Natchez (which I'd never heard of before, but from the suggestion I assume they're a decent company to deal with?), that might be my best bet to go with one of the two refurbished scopes he mentioned. Now if only I could figure out the difference between the Buckmaster and the ProStaff and whether it's worth the extra $40.

By the way, is a 3-9x good enough for 100-300 yard target shooting?

 

[stsimons]

I would try swfa.com. I have had excellent results with them. Look at the the new bushnell trophy series in 3x9x40... but if you are seriously thinking about shooting 300yds I would consider something with a higher power. The Redfield 12x is a good scope by all accounts. I would also consider the Vortex 6x24x50... if you can find one!

 

[grubbylabs]

I just bought a new marlin XS7 308 and I really like it. I topped it with a Vortex 4-12 I really like it so far. I was about 140 for the scope. And it did come with a base and I bought Weaver rings for it. Although I kinda wish I had bought the taller ones since it does rub the scope a little.

I am really happy with it. I load 165 BTSP with 43grns of IMR 4064 and it shoots really nice. I could not be happier with the set up.

 

[KingMedicine]

I picked up a Nikon 3x9 Prostaff for 119 bucks off amazon.com on a 1 day sale. So good deals are around for the Nikon's. And they are pretty dang good scopes for the price.

Heck, i threw it on my Marlin XS7 .308 too!

 

[ojibweindian]

Your new XS-308 is accurate enough to deserve a scope better than a Banner. Do yourself a favor; spend a bit more for a Bushnell Elite 3200, Leupold VXII, Nikon Buckmaster, or some other scope in the $200-$300 range.

 

[Arkansas Paul]

I had been looking at the Bushnell Banner 3-9x40 since I wasn't sure if I wanted to spend the $150 on the Nikon ProStaff.

I mentioned the Banner for under $100 since you said you didn't want to spend more than one Benjamin on a scope, but if you're willing to spend a little extra, the Nikon is worth it. I have a Prostaff and love it.

An old man told me once that you should spend at least half of what you paid for the rifle on the scope. I know many will not agree with this philosophy for one reason or another, but I've tried it and it works for me. It's something to think about anyway.

And yes, 3x9x40 is plenty for 100-300 yd shots.

 

[Oregun89]

With optics, you ALWAYS get what you pay for.

Personally I won't buy a scope for less than $199, it's nothing but downhill in quality at that point.

 

[compujas]

I just found the Bushnell Trophy 4-12x40 on sale for $130 at MidwayUSA. Which would be the better buy, the Bushnell or the Nikon ProStaff/Buckmaster?

 

[colonelhogan44]

http://www.overstock.com/Sports-Toys/Bushnell-Elite-4200-3-9x40mm-Rifle-Scope/3415038/product.html

 

[backwoodzboy]

I purchased an XS7 in .308 about the same time you did. With the factory base that comes with the rifle, you should have no problems using med height rings with any scope with a 40mm objective, 50mm would be one of those things you would wanna check out in the store. I actually am using a Winchester short-action 1 piece base by Leupold, with med height Millet rings. With the Burris Fullfield scope I have, I get just enough clearence. I like my scopes as low as possible. I am going to agree with these guys on their scope recommendations, get the best you can afford and about the 200 dollar range you will really be doing good, I hear good stuff out of the Prostaffs, and some places can get you in one very reasonably. I think you would be pleased with a Nikon Prostaff or if you wanted to go a little more the Buckmaster, and if you stay with the plain "nikoplex" reticle, that will keep costs down a little. I actually traded a Versa-Pod and like 50 bucks to a buddy of mine for a "used" Burris Fullfield. Trading is fun!!!! I hope you find what you are looking for and it is what you need and are happy with, and most importantly, enjoy your rifle!!

 

[compujas]

I actually purchased the Weaver Sure Grip medium height rings ($22) and a refurbished Nikon Prostaff 3-9x40 ($100). The sad part is that I still don't have my rifle. Already over 4 weeks since I placed the order. I'm starting to get antsy.

 

[slowr1der]

Under $100 I'd look at a Simmons. However, you can step up to the $170-200 range and get a Burris Fullfield II that's a much better scope. IMO it's one of the best scopes in that price range. The other scope that's supposed to be slightly better is the Vortex Diamond Back. I've never personally used one, but they get amazing reviews. I'd go with one of those over the Nikon Pro Staff. The Nikon Team Primo's is another great scope as well as the Bushnell Elite 4200 from Amazon for slightly over $200. There are a lot of great choices in the $200 range. Not so many in the $100 and under range.

Then there are fixed power scopes like the SWFA Super Sniper. That would be my choice for a target only gun. They have a variable power one but it's a lot more expensive. These scopes get amazing reviews and just seem to be one of the best buys for the money. Now not everyone wants target turrets and mil dots. So it may not be what you want. It's just what I'd want.

Here is a great write up on scopes in the $200 range and under. It lists the reasons why I'd chose one of the others over the Pro Staff. Not that the Pro Staff is a bad scope. There just seem to be better options for a similar price.
http://opticstalk.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=21176