Scope choice to learn with

[Stevenvalleyky]

After the crosshair decided to break on my POS Bushnell Sportsview, Im in need of a new scope. Ive only ever had cheap hunting type scopes, looking for something a little different.
I really want to learn to shoot at longer ranges than the 300 yards I currently shoot. Because I'm specifically wanting to learn to read the wind and be a better shooter, not get the best scoring possible , this will be going on a 308 instead of one of my flatter shooting rifles. I'm sure I would shoot better long-range groups with one of my 243s but since I want to learn instead of just shoot the best possible groups right now, I'm going with the most lollipop shooting rifle I have. There are a few features that I really want and a few others that I would like if budget allows. I'm not too picky about reticle since I'm wanting to learn to dial for range instead of compensating with the reticle. I know the PRS guys are going more towards that and away from turning turrets but Im determined to make myself a better shooter..more knowledge for me. This rifle will likely spend 2-4 days a year in a treestand or shooting blind to shoot a couple deer but will get much more time at the range. Seems Im looking for a tactical type scope that can do double duty in the deer woods if needed.

1.It MUST track well, obviously this is important since Im insisting on dialing range instead of using hold with the reticle. My best scope is a Leupold VX2 4-12x50. Its clear and bright and awesome for a deer rifle where shots rarely go over 200 yards. But, it doesnt track real good shooting a box test plus the capped turrets make that a PITA.

2. Must have a 0 stop. Gotta have some way get back to my zero without going ovrr.

3. Must have a minimum magnification of no more than 5. I only have 3x9s and 4x12s now. Ive had issues finding a deer in the scope with the magnification at 6 or 7 accidentally. 5 would be about the highest I would feel comfortable trying to find a deer in the scope up close. I'm thinking a 4-14, 3-15, 4-20,or 5-25 would be best.

4. Must be 1st focal plane as I want the subtensions to be accurate at any magnification.

5. Must have a Parallax adjustment since I'm wanting to learn to shoot 1000 yards or hopefully even more one day.

6 Now the kind of hard part. I have a budget that I want to keep under $500 but that I must keep under $800. Wife would probably kneecap me if I spent $800 on a scope, but she would lose her mind if I spent more.
Features I would like to have but not sure it can be in the price range would be a nice ranging reticle of some type that will give me the option of dialing or using the reticle once I've become more proficient turning the turrets and getting hits way out there..Illuminated reticle would be nice as well as super clear, bright glass at maximum magnification.

I've picked out a few although I'm not sure any of them check off every box of things I need. I'm definitely open to any scope suggestions within my price range as well as suggestions about things that are going to be a requirement I might not have listed or maybe you can give me a good reason why I don't really need one of those things said it must have. Maybe I can be convinced that I dont need a zero stop or dont need 1st focal plane. Im open to being schooled.
The scopes I have included to look at so far are
Vortex 4-16x44 Viper HS-T 30mm
Sightron 3.5-10x44 30mm
Athlon 2.5-15x50 Ares BTR 30mm
Burris Veracity 3-15x50 30mm
Maybe 4-20x50?
Open to experiences with any of these scopes or suggestions of other scopes.

 

[troy fairweather]

if you really want to learn get a swfa ss scope.

 

[Stevenvalleyky]

if you really want to learn get a swfa ss scope.

I wasn't aware they made variable power scopes. I thought they were all fixed power which just won't work for me for this gun. Thanks, I'll check them out.

 

[mdThanatos]

I have had good experiences with both Vortex and Sightron, and would look at them.

Edit:

There have been quite a few sales recently with Vortex models that fit your requirements. I think eurooptic has had the most recent but I could be wrong on that.

 

[LoonWulf]

https://cameralandny.com/shop/tags/...9b1c-0135-02e8-00163ecd2826?variation=1799348

checks the boxes

Ive got the 2.5-15x50 and really like it, ive also got 3 other athlon scopes im happy with.

 

[peels]

Take a look at the vortex viper pst gen 2. It's on sale at euroopic for 699 +9.99shipping + tax (if applicable). Look in the vortex closeout section. The normal section list it as 999. No kneecapping if you buy the closeout

 

[Walkalong]

That Athlon looks like a great deal and as @LoonWolf posted, it checks off all of your boxes.

Take a look at the vortex viper pst gen 2. It's on sale at euroopic for 699 +9.99shipping

I just bought that one and it is very nice, I can highly recommend it. Yes, it is more money than you want to spend, but it's a great deal and will work well for you long after the strain of the cost wears off.

 

[mdThanatos]

Here is a 4-16x50 FFP PST Gen 1 for $499. https://www.eurooptic.com/vortex-viper-pst-4-16x50-ffp-rifle-scope-ebr-1-moa-pst-416f1-a.aspx

 

[Stevenvalleyky]

Gentleman I really appreciate the replies. They did however bring on to more questions for me.
First question: what's the difference between the Viper PST gen 1 and the Viper PST Gen 2? That price for the Gen 1 is really nice but makes me wonder what I would be missing that might be on the Gen 2.
Second question: on the Athlon, I looked at some other model of that salons and seemed like they had like a one year warranty. I kind of just assumed that most Scopes these days over $400- $500 would include a lifetime warranty. Does the Athlon Aeras BTR have a lifetime warranty or a shorter one like the cheaper models? If it's not a lifetime warranty, that lifetime warranty with Vortex maybe the deciding factor for me, maybe not. I'll try to do some research and find out the answer to that question but with work I'm busier than a one-legged man in a butt-kicking contest so I can probably get the answers to these from one of you guys quicker if you are all already know the answer. If not, I'll try to look it up before I go to bed tonight.
I need to buy a scope before I spend the money on another gun, reloading components, or something. It's hard for me as it is to I try to stay off all the AR-15 threads with Gunny since I already have a shooting, a range scrounging, as well as a reloading addiction.
Appreciate the help guys.

 

[LoonWulf]

That Athlon looks like a great deal and as @LoonWolf posted, it checks off all of your boxes.

I just bought that one and it is very nice, I can highly recommend it. Yes, it is more money than you want to spend, but it's a great deal and will work well for you long after the strain of the cost wears off.

I wanna try one of those. I wasnt impressed with the gen1s, but everone who has the gen2 seems to really like it.

 

[Stevenvalleyky]

Okay had a minute to do some research and answered both of my questions already. Now I just have to decide. By the way, the Athlon has a lifetime warranty, and on the Vortex, there were a number of upgrades that probably would be worth paying more money for on the Gen 2 Vipers.

 

[LoonWulf]

Okay had a minute to do some research and answered both of my questions already. Now I just have to decide. By the way, the Athlon has a lifetime warranty, and on the Vortex, there were a number of upgrades that probably would be worth paying more money for on the Gen 2 Vipers.

ive used Athlons warranty for an Argos and something i screwed up, new scope in a week no questions. As far as i know athlon offers full warranty on all their scopes, but that may have changed with the release of the newest models, i i dunno.
Vortex performed similarly for a pair of vipers a friend sent back.
honestly, id suggest picking which ever one has the features you like best.

 

[Hookeye]

If size and weight not an issue, SWFA 6X for a hunter.
Shim kit for the zero stop.

 

[Varminterror]

Vortex Viper, either PST or HSLR, are about the only ones on the market which are FFP and in the hunt for what you want/need. The Nightforce SHV F1 is a better option, but I think they run $900 street if I recall correctly.

 

[Stevenvalleyky]

I went ahead and ordered the Viper PST gen2 5-25x50. It's too late now to really change anything but I had a brief thought of something that may or may not be a problem. This scope will not see too many shots at Deer but if a deer steps out at 20 yards, am I going to be able to see the crosshairs well enough since Im assuming as FFP , the crosshairs will be pretty small or should that not be a problem? I've heard someone say that they can't see the crosshairs any smaller than 10x which made me wonder if I'm now going to need to carry a pistol with me for the close shots.

 

[Varminterror]

Don’t sell yourself short by believing everything you hear without assessing it for yourself.

It’s not so difficult to locate and shoot game, even moving game, at short distances with higher magnification optics.

I shot this guy two winters ago, twice at 30-35yrds with a Vortex Viper HSLR set on about 18x. He started to my NE beside a pile of rock dug up 20yrs ago to create a pond. After the first shot which ripped his heart in half, he ran in front of me, almost straight across, and I shot him again at my NW, a neck shot on the run, kneeling, supporting the rifle on a Primos trigger stick monopod. Both shots at ~18x, and both at a lasered 30-35yrds.

If I can do it, anyone can.



You’ll also note, on this particular rifle, there’s a red dot site hanging on a 45degree mount as well. I didn’t ever use it while I had the rifle in my custody, but the kid who built it in my class thought it might be necessary. Options exist. But shooting with both eyes open and letting your brain do what it does best is pretty simple.

 

[LoonWulf]

I went ahead and ordered the Viper PST gen2 5-25x50. It's too late now to really change anything but I had a brief thought of something that may or may not be a problem. This scope will not see too many shots at Deer but if a deer steps out at 20 yards, am I going to be able to see the crosshairs well enough since Im assuming as FFP , the crosshairs will be pretty small or should that not be a problem? I've heard someone say that they can't see the crosshairs any smaller than 10x which made me wonder if I'm now going to need to carry a pistol with me for the close shots.

they work fine as simple crosshairs, just ignore the fact its got little marks on it.

or as VT said just leave both eyes open and practice making quick shots with thr power turned up.

 

[Walkalong]

I've heard someone say that they can't see the crosshairs any smaller than 10x

You can see them, even at 5x, they are just a bit finer than one would pick for a dedicated hunting scope.

Asking a scope to go from thick crosshairs/low power for hunting to high power/FFP reticle for long distance shooting is asking a lot, there will be compromise.