Optics suggestions for 30.06 Ruger American Rifle

[kwag77]

Thanks in advance to any suggestions! I am new to THR.
I have a Ruger American Rifle in 30.06 and wanted to try shooting at longer distances (600-1000 feet) than I am used o with my M4.
To be honest I am not even sure the gun is fully capable but here is to hoping!
I have been reading a lot of great reviews on the Nikon Buckmasters scopes for the sub $500.00 price range and wanted to see if I am in the right area or where I should be as well as the best specs for the caliber. (3-9x40)?
I will be using production match bullets as I do not have a hand loader.
I know it is a cheap rifle but this is just as a beginner project to see if I like it. If I do, then I will build a different rifle but that is another topic entirely.
Any advice is appreciated!

 

[HOOfan_1]

1000 feet is 333 yards I hope it is capable of that, or did you mean 1000 yards?
If 1000 yards, depending on what you plan to shoot, I would get at least a 12x scope.....maybe up to 24x

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I like Nikon and higher end Bushnell scopes. I agree for 1000 yard shooting you might want to buy a scope with 12X or 16X power unless you are very young with very good eyes.

I have a 4X16-44 scope on my "long distance" rifle and that works well for me. You can do worse than buying a Nikon scope. This is a nice Buchmaster for under $300.

If you can go $20 over your $400 mark you can get a VERY GOOD Nikon Monarch 4X16-42 scope that you will really like!!! (also with the BDC retical)

If you can find a now out of production Bushnell 3200 scope that is the line that used to be the old Bausch & Lomb line of scopes...

 

[kwag77]

My bad. I meant yards.
Thanks to both of you! I think I have what I was looking for here.
Think I will be going with a Nikon 4.5-14x40 BDC scope.

 

[ford8nr]

From what I've read about the American is it's somewhere just north of moa. Some tests with the right ammo had it right at moa. Impressive for a $350 rifle.

 

[Abel]

Best sub $500 scopes, IMO, would be Zeiss Conquest or Leupold VX-2, either in 3-9x40mm.

 

[RioShooter]

Jeff Quinn at Gunblast

Jeff Quinn at Gunblast reviewed the Ruger American with a Redfield scope. His results were very impressive.

http://www.gunblast.com/Ruger-American.htm