Scope for Ruger American Rifle 30.06

[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!

 

[slowr1der]

There are lots of great choices in the sub $500 range. While the Buckmaster certainly isn't a bad scope by any means, there are others I prefer. When you say shooting longer distances are you looking for a BDC style reticle, or do you plan to twist the turrets? That makes a big difference in what you would want from a scope. In the $400 range, the Zeiss Conquest is a great option. If you wanted something a little cheaper the Vortex Vipers are a good choice. IMO the step down from there is the Burris FFII. It's got better glass IMO and a better all around scope than the Nikon Monarchs I have, the Leupold VX-II's I've had in the past, the Bushnell Elite 3200's, and pretty much everything else in that range that I've used.

That said, I've got a FFII 3-9x40 Tactical model right now that I'm going to sell if you are interested. I've got a couple of other FFII's I use on other rifles, but I bought this tactical model used with plans to put it on a gun, but ended up with a 4.5-14 FFII on it.

 

[readyme]

I too am looking to see what is out there. I recently acquired a Remington 700 30-06 that has an old Leupold 3-9 on it. Other than the magnification I know nothing else about the scope.
3-9 seems pretty popular, and Leupold has a great reputation, but I am out to learn more.
Any more info somebody can pass on I would appreciate...slowr1der, you sound like you have some experience.