Scope for Long Range Shooting?

[andrsnsm]

I am looking to buy a scope for my Remington 700 (.308 Win) that I plan to shoot 400 yards (potentially up to 600) but I am not sure what magnification range will work best. I have been looking at Nikon Monarch scopes including 4-16x, 5-20x, 6-24x, and 8-32x but I haven't figured out what range I really need. For the distance I plan to shoot what would you good folks suggest for the best zoom range? What are your thoughts on the Nikon Monarchs? Better suggestions than the Nikons for under $600?

Thanks in advance!

 

[MtnCreek]

I would go w/ 5-20 or 6-24. I have no exp w/ the monarch. You need a really high quality scope if you're using above 24 power.

 

[Art Eatman]

While more can be better, I had no difficulty in getting sub-MOA groups at 500 yards with 10X. No recommendation; just saying.

 

[Sheepdog1968]

Two thoughts to mind.

I did 400 yards with a 2.5x and was happy.

I talked to an instructor of a precision rifle class at FrontSight. He reccomended no more than either 10x or 12x.

If I were to be looking for an optic, I like the fixed 10x scope the Leupold sells that is the US Army's daytime sniper scope. If it's good enough for them....

 

[TonyAngel]

I shoot a 5.5-22X and like it. Although it might be overkill in terms of what is needed, the scope is almost the same physical size as the 3-15X, so I went with the higher magnification; but my rifle's intended purpose was to shoot farther than 400 yards.

I know that MANY more than get the job done with a good 10X. Have you looked at the Super Sniper and Vortex PST scopes?

 

[herkyguy]

I'm lucky to have good eyesight and 8x works for me just fine at 500 yds. keeps the cost down a bit.

 

[andrsnsm]

Thanks guys! I think I am good to go no, probably going 3-12x or 4-16x. I appreciate your input.

 

[rikman]

I use a Nightforce 5.5-22x50 …awesome glass, but, expensive.

 

[Jasper1573]

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=563849

There is a good discussion on THR at the link above on what scope to shoot at 600 yards. If the link doesn't work, search for posts by Clancy12. The name of the post is 600 Yard rifle scope.

 

[SN13]

Honestly, I can easily see targets at 565 with a 6x scope. MY bolt-action has a 6-18x and really, anything over 12x on it is un-necessary. If you want to shoot pieces of clay birds at 600 yards, then a 15x+ scope is nice. If you're shooting a 6-12" target, 10x is more than enough.

May I recommend the Nikon Buckmaster 4-14x .I have the 6-18 and it's a great scope but I think the 6-18 is a little bigger than i need.

 

[hardluk1]

I have a old 3.8-14 simmons atec on a custom ruger 7mm rem mag hunting rifle It work good for practical hunting distance with a longest shot at 380 yards and still I can shot 2" groups at 400 yards off the bench .