Optic for 700 SPS 20"?

[JWHuey]

I'm leaning heavily towards a SWFA SS 3-15x42 for the 700 sps in .308 I'm picking up Saturday.
Is this a decent choice? Anything else in the $500-$700 price range I should be considering?

Range use only (mostly to 300 at SBRG, with possible trips to shoot further at Pala occasionally).

I'm new to this game, & am TOTALLY overwhelmed with the whole optic thing.

I really don't wanna spend over $700 on a scope...

[NorCalFocus]

The SWFA isn't a bad choice. But I like this choice better.

http://www.opticsplanet.com/vortex-viper-hs-t-6-24x50mm-riflescope.html

A little advice on what you need to look at for a scope for your use....matching turrets and recticle, either MOA/MOA or MIL/MIL, you most likely won't need a illuminated reticle, tactical style target turrets, good tracking.

[russ69]

The Vortex is a good scope for the money.

[TygerAR]

I was going to recommend something like a Leupold, gut that Vortex looks like a really good deal. I'd definitely pick that up if it's in your price range. That 25X is hard to beat. I'd get the MRAD version. Also, it's very important that you pick up good rings and a base. I recommend Seekins Precision. They are the best value.

[JWHuey]

The SWFA isn't a bad choice. But I like this choice better.

http://www.opticsplanet.com/vortex-viper-hs-t-6-24x50mm-riflescope.html

A little advice on what you need to look at for a scope for your use....matching turrets and recticle, either MOA/MOA or MIL/MIL, you most likely won't need a illuminated reticle, tactical style target turrets, good tracking.

Ok. What's the differences between MRAD & MOA reticles?

[NorCalFocus]

MRAD is milradion and MOA is minute of angle. Either works its just personal prefrence to what you use. I like MOA because I can relate to it easier. 5 inches at 500 yards is 1 MOA. If my impact is 10" low, I know I need to move 2 MOA up. Again thats why you want the reticle and turrets to match. You can read the distance with the reticle, then make the change with the turret.

Reading the description it looks like the turrets only come in 1/4 MOA. Your much better off getting the MOA reticle then

[JWHuey]

MRAD is milradion and MOA is minute of angle. Either works its just personal prefrence to what you use. I like MOA because I can relate to it easier. 5 inches at 500 yards is 1 MOA. If my impact is 10" low, I know I need to move 2 MOA up. Again thats why you want the reticle and turrets to match. You can read the distance with the reticle, then make the change with the turret.

Ok. I understand.
Thank you so much for the advice. Looks like I'll go with the Vortex.

[trailtundra]

You should join the caprc.com forum and check out all of the information under "Training and Techniques" on "Understanding MIL vs. MOA" and "How to use your scope". They have posted so much useful information there on getting started.

I'm looking in the same price range and models as you. What has me leaning towards the SWFA right now vs. the Vortex is the eye relief and the mil/mil turrets/reticle.

[Yreka]

http://www.primalrights.com/articles/rifle-sighting-systems-part-1-moa-iphy

http://primalrights.com/articles/rifle-sighting-systems-part-2-angular-mil

[sintax]

I just picked up a Rem 700 20" sps tactical I plan to use the Vortex Viper PST 4x16 FFP MIL/MIL

http://www.vortexoptics.com/product/vortex-viper-pst-4-16x50-ffp-riflescope-with-ebr-1-mrad-reticle/reticle

Realistically most of my shooting will be done in the 200-600 yard range, so the 4x should be a little more 1-200 yard friendly.

[HK Dave]

Personally as a learning tool, I'd go with the SWFA over the Vortex, simply because it's FFP. It will allow him to learn holds properly at any magnification.

Either that or spring for the Vortex Viper FFP version.

[FMJBT]

The Burris 2-10X42 XTR II falls in your price range. For the range that the 308 is capable of shooting, 10X magnification coupled with the exceptionally clear glass on the Burris should be enough to get the job done. It's 34mm tube will also give you a very large internal adjustment range for dialing in the longer shots.

http://www.burrisoptics.com/scopes/xtr-ii-riflescopes-series/xtr-ii-riflescope-2-10x42mm

$678.84 here:

http://www.thedigitaloasis.com/Burris-201020-Bur-Xtr-Ii-2x-10x-42-G2b-Md-201020_p_28710.html#.VQBw1-GSDIU

Another option I'd look into is the Bushnell Elite Tactical 3-12X44 with G2DMR reticle. The Glass on the Bushnell is on par with the Vortex PST scopes in terms of clarity, but not as good as the Burris XTR II scopes. The reticle in the Bushnell however is one of the best long range holdover type reticles currently available. The Bushnell also has pretty decent turrets so you have the option of dialing in or using the reticle for holdovers at distance.

http://www.bushnell.com/tactical/rifle-scopes/elite-tactical/lrs-3-12x-44mm-illuminated-mil-dot#

$737.23 here:

http://www.thedigitaloasis.com/BUS-ELITE-TACT-3-12X44-G2-DMR-Bushnell-ET3124FG_p_18051.html

[JWHuey]

The Burris 2-10X42 XTR II falls in your price range. For the range that the 308 is capable of shooting, 10X magnification coupled with the exceptionally clear glass on the Burris should be enough to get the job done. It's 34mm tube will also give you a very large internal adjustment range for dialing in the longer shots.

http://www.burrisoptics.com/scopes/xtr-ii-riflescopes-series/xtr-ii-riflescope-2-10x42mm

$678.84 here:

http://www.thedigitaloasis.com/Burris-201020-Bur-Xtr-Ii-2x-10x-42-G2b-Md-201020_p_28710.html#.VQBw1-GSDIU

Another option I'd look into is the Bushnell Elite Tactical 3-12X44 with G2DMR reticle. The Glass on the Bushnell is on par with the Vortex PST scopes in terms of clarity, but not as good as the Burris XTR II scopes. The reticle in the Bushnell however is one of the best long range holdover type reticles currently available. The Bushnell also has pretty decent turrets so you have the option of dialing in or using the reticle for holdovers at distance.

http://www.bushnell.com/tactical/rifle-scopes/elite-tactical/lrs-3-12x-44mm-illuminated-mil-dot#

$737.23 here:
http://www.thedigitaloasis.com/BUS-E...G_p_18051.html

Ok. I'm confused again...Lol

What about the MTAC scopes from Burris?
Also, the FFP vs SFP thing is throwing me off. I understand it has to do with reticle size, but, why & how does that make a difference?

[NiteQwill]

Ok. I'm confused again...Lol

What about the MTAC scopes from Burris?
Also, the FFP vs SFP thing is throwing me off. I understand it has to do with reticle size, but, why & how does that make a difference?

I'd take a SWFA or Vortex over any similarly priced Burris any day of the week, including holidays.

FFP allows allows you to use the scope at ANY magnifications while maintaining the real spacing between the reticle [subtensions] and the object downrange.
Example: You're magnified to 20x power and send your shot. You notice it hits 2 MRAD to the right. You dial your scope 2 MRAD left and hit your target.

SFP, the reticle remains the same while magnification increased. You must dial in for the difference when shooting long range.

[GJC]

Ok. I'm confused again...Lol

What about the MTAC scopes from Burris?
Also, the FFP vs SFP thing is throwing me off. I understand it has to do with reticle size, but, why & how does that make a difference?

Alot of great info here

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=295218