older 3-9x38 scope

[regal]

To preface I grew up in Indiana where centerfire rifles weren't allowed for hunting so I didn't grow up with scopes and long rang shooting other than playing cowboy with a Winchester 94.

I have a never used ukrainian made 3-9x38 scope. This optic is of fantastic quality, more than I could ever afford in a modern scope. As good as I would compare to todays $1000 scopes.

However the reticle is just an X. No hold over lines or anything. So to me its misfit: a higher powered scope that you really can't use over 300 yards unless you are very skilled and methodical.

I've been holding on to it, trying to think of a rifle to put it on.

Secretly wanted to build a budget SPR 18" AR or even an AR-10 for it, but I don't know if the scope is really battle rifle capable with the plain recticle.

Perhaps mount it on a Savage Edge .308? I mean you can adjust for bullet drop if you had a range finder and knew how many clicks to turn. It would just be slow. Enough practice with it and it could be a 600 yard rifle I imagine?

Or cut/turn down the bolt on my Mosin M38 and mount it on that, probably makes most sense. As the mosin isn't much more than a 200 yard rifle with its 4+ MOA, and the cartridge should have a straight tragectory under this distance, not requiring turning knobs, maybe a solid deer rifle?

Any thoughts on what to do with this scope?

 

[Jim Watson]

I would not have those worries.
I am not a good enough field shot to need a trick reticle for hunting at ranges above 300 yards.
For target shooting, I make the adjustment.

 

[savetheclaypigeons]

Rotate the scope 45 degrees and you get a cross

 

[rcmodel]

I agree with Jim Watson.
Just use it and learn to estimate range & holdover.

We didn't know what target dials and range marked reticules were when we were very successfully killing coyotes at 400 yards with a Weaver K-4 on a 30-06 40 years ago.

rc

 

[ranger335v]

"However the reticle is just an X. No hold over lines or anything. So to me its misfit: a higher powered scope that you really can't use over 300 yards unless you are very skilled and methodical."

Trust me, you can't hit anything over 300 yards away unless you are quite skilled and methodical. That reticle won't be much of a handicap to a qualified shooter.