Help me choose a scope

[OK Bowhunter]

Ok here's the skinny, I would like to set up a rifle for long range shooting(600 to 800 yrds max)mainly just for target shooting (I am not a sniper wanabe). Mainly looking to get a scope with mildots and learn how to use them. I would like to keep it around 700 to maybe 800 dollars max I may spend a little more if I can find a deal (Someone has to make a quick sell on a Nightforce scope for diapers LOL). I planed on buying a Remington 700 SPC Tactical 308, but after some of the commits on my other post I believe that getting the scope now and the rifle later would be the better way to go for now. I have a Tikka 30-06 that has been shooting great so I plan on upgrading the optic on it with a mildot adjustable turret scope and use my Tikka as a platform to learn the new scope. Currently I have a Nikon Buckmasters Scope (sucks in low light)it has the BDC reticle but I want something better. Well any suggestions on brands, models, and more specifically what specifications to look at will help out.

 

[pyplynr]

After I get my 7mmRM built I plan on putting my Nightforce on it and getting a Vortex Viper PST SFP 4-16x50 for my 700 .308. What ever you choose do yourself a favor and make sure the reticle matches the turrets. mil/mil or moa/moa. I like moa so when I'm shooting with someone else that doesn't have matched turrets (normal is mil reticle and moa knobs) I can spot for them and they can dial it right in.

 

[OK Bowhunter]

pyplynr I have been looking at the Viper have you used one yet?

 

[pyplynr]

No I haven't. But I have read a lot of good reviews so I'm gonna give it a try. I have a regular Vortex Viper and I am really impressed for $400. I just wish it had matching and non capped turrets. ChrisC has a PST. Maybe he can chime in and tell you his review. Plus you can't beat Vortex's warranty if something were to happen.

 

[Ksmirk]

Ok I might get flamed for saying this but do yourself a favor and go MOA-MOA reticle! I shot Mil-MOA for a long time and when I went with MOA-MOA it's like the sun got a little brighter and the winds didn't blow as hard. There is another scope besides Nightforce in the long range shooting world and common Joe's with blue collars can afford them, they are WoTac scopes, some folks might say they are cheap but I'd prefer a good bargain. Matt makes them in Glenpool and they have a lifetime warranty. I have 3 now and while they are not a Nightforce or Leupold MK4 they work very well. If you'd like to look one over just let me know I'd be glad to show ya one.

The 30-06 is a good round nothing wrong with it for shooting out to 1K! a 175gr SMK would work wonderful. Does your rifle have a heavy barrel? if not heat could become an issue after a few rounds downrange which could give you a little greif or upset ya but that can be worked around.

I'm going to offer this information about a rifle, take it for what you wish but it has worked several times and won't break the bank. Find an older Savage rifle with a .473 boltface, the ones with the old action bolt spacing, it doesn't have to have a heavy barrel! buy it cheap and stash it in the safe. Save you some pennies and purchase a Ken Farrell +20MOA scope base, SSS trigger, and a Bell and Carlson Medalist Varmint/Tactical stock and oh yeah get with Kevin Rayhill for a tactical bolt and bolt lift kit and some Warne medium 30mm rings, get with McGowen and order a 26 or 24" 1-10 twist Douglas 7-W contour threaded for the Savage action you bought chambered in 308 and when you get everything in a big pile you can put it together you can take a few monthes to do this OR just pull out the plastic that is your choice, BUT when everything is done you'll have a rifle that will shoot lights out and didn't cost you near as much as you would think plus you can say you built it cause you can!

Good luck with you and what you decide to do but the first thing to remember is you don't have to spend a ton of money! you DO need to spend a mess of time at the range though UNLESS you are going to make this your life then I would recommend doing things a little differently. Later,

Kirk

 

[ChrisC]

I have the pst in the 1-4x24 flavor and a 6-22x50 on order. I have only read reviews and hoping it is comparable to the Nightforce. We shall see.

 

[KillShot]

There's a topic on Sniper's Hide (trying to locate it now) that contains through-the-scope images comparing NightForce NXS, Vortex Viper PST, and the Leupold glass. From what I recollect, the clarity was very good. As soon as I can find the images, I will post them here.


Vortex Viper PST