rifle scopes

[Ridgeway]

I recently got fed up waiting (closing in 3 months) for my 9mm Oly Arms AR-15, so I canceled that order.
I am now thinking of using that $ on a remington 700.

So, I have been looking @ scopes (btw currently own no scoped rifles). I've spent a fair amount of time looking @ the Leupold line of scopes.
But I must admit that I'm rather confused now.
I can't see a huge difference between most of the scopes, especially with the vast diversity in prices- I've seen some as cheap as $299 and others other $1k.

As far as range, I don't think I'd shoot past 300 yards, so take that into account. I just didnt know if there is much of a difference between the scopes- ie if the $300 scope will serve me just as well as one 2x the price.

<b>Second question</b>: is there any reason not to buy a scope with the most magnification? Are there any reasons that an individual would want a scope with a lower magnification? I believe I saw dif. models that were the same/a similar price but with different levels of magnification.

ty

 

[BillL223]

Leupolds are decent scopes. The more you pay, generally, the better the glass. A VX3 is better then a VX2 etc. I have both and can see the difference in clarity. I have an Bushnell 3200 10 x 40 fixed with target knobs which is fine @ 300 and can go to 600 with my old eyes. This scope is < $200.

 

[GunGoBoom]

recently got fed up waiting (closing in 3 months) for my 9mm Oly Arms AR-15, so I canceled that order.
I am now thinking of using that $ on a remington 700.

Sounds like an excellent re-deployment of resources.

But I must admit that I'm rather confused now.

Join the club - optics are an incredibly large can o' worms.

I can't see a huge difference between most of the scopes, especially with the vast diversity in prices-

The general rules are (1) you get what you pay for - i.e. more expensive scopes definitely ARE better, but (2) you get diminishing returns the higher up you go - they get better and better, but not as much better proportionally as the price.

I just didnt know if there is much of a difference between the scopes- ie if the $300 scope will serve me just as well as one 2x the price.

Yes, it probably will - I'd stay away from the sub-$75 scopes though. There are many factors/features/benefits to look for including: eye relief generosity, fully multi-coated lenses (or lack thereof), size, weight, objective lens size, magnification range, target turrets (finger vs. screwdriver/dime adjustable), adjustable objective or other focus, like an ocular bell fast focus, or lack thereof, general construction/quality, reticle type, warranty or lack thereof, fogproof coatings, etc., etc.

is there any reason not to buy a scope with the most magnification? Are there any reasons that an individual would want a scope with a lower magnification?

Absolutely, yes! Many reasons, like a clearer image, larger exit pupil, less size and weight, avoiding mirage effects, and most importantly, quickness of target acquisition at close ranges - the lower the power the better for quickly acquiring your target in the sight, which is very important for hunting or a self-defense rifle let's say. You usually want lower powers for the vast majority of hunting applications (1-4, 1.5-4.5, 1.5-5, 1.75-6, 2-7, fixed 4, or maybe 3-9 or 2.5-10). You'll want mid-range magnifications for hunting rifles in open fields/longer ranges (3-9, 2.5-10, 4-12, fixed 6, etc.). Then you'll want higher magnifications on rifles you don't have to lug through the woods, for applications like target shooting & long range competitions, varmint rifles, as well as rimfire rifles, which which you need precision because your target/kill zone is small. (4-16, 5-15, fixed 10, 6-18, 6-20, 6-24, etc.). Having said that, I have 2 rimfires with a 1-4, and 1 rimfire with a fixed 4, so I suppose it's not fair to say that all rimfires need higher magnifications, because hunting .22s are also better off with lower powers.

I'd recommend you do a lot of shopping/browsing, a lot of asking, and most importantly, a LOT of reading dozens upon dozens of old thread on the subject of good scopes. There are some gems out there and some gilded turds too. Just to get you started, some of the makes & lines that are alleged to be particularly good values are Weaver Grand Slam, Swift Premier, Bushnell elite 3200 and elite 4200, Leupold VX1 and VX2, Sightron S2, Muellers - but there's a bazillion good scopes out there. Just stay away from BSA, and spend a little..... $150-$200 plus on a scope for a rifle with full recoil, and you should be fine. I really like the Bushnell Elite 4200 2.5-10x40mm for an all-purpose hunting rifle, as well as some 2-7s like the Bushnell elite 3200 and Leupold VX1, Weaver classic "V", and also the Burris 1.5-5x20mm Fullfield II for a short to mid-range hunter, like muzzleloader, .45-70, shotgun, etc. And there is a reason that the 3-9 is by far the most prolific/popular magnification - it's the most useful and versatile in the most situations, but a lot of people like me prefer to be able to dial down to 1.5 or 2 in brushy areas.

And then there's those crazy bastages whose eyes are good enough to use iron sights.

 

[dolanp]

I suggest you check them out at the store before you get one online (if you're considering that). The glass will be better the more you spend, and light transmission and clarity, etc, etc. However at a certain point the cost-value ratio really goes up and you are just splurging on something you don't need.

I looked through a $50 scope at Cabela's then picked up a $300 one and I couldn't really tell a difference. The $50 scope probably will be less sturdy and not hold zero so I wouldn't recommend getting one that cheap. However something in the middle will probably serve you well.

 

[Ridgeway]

extremly helpful, thx

 

[Sleeping Dog]

I recently got fed up waiting (closing in 3 months) for my 9mm Oly Arms AR-15, so I canceled that order.

Hop in the car, drive north to Camp Perry, OH. Shops on Commercial Row will have plenty of ARs to choose from, and enough accessories and ammo to empty your wallet. Shops will be there until the national competition is over.

"The shopping mall from hell". Great fun.

Regards.