Getting first riffle - scope good enough?

[Fergie]

I am planning picking up a Remington 783 scoped. I still have not decided between the .223 and the .308

http://www.remington.com/products/firearms/centerfire/model-783/model-783-scoped.aspx

My question is the unbranded pre-mounted and bore-sighted 3-9x40mm scope good enough for the .308 round's longer distance capabilities?

My thinking is... if the scope is not good enough for distances greater than 200 - 300 yds then maybe I should just get the .223 version.

I gather from reading that the .223 ammo is half the price, but limited in range compared to the .308.

I just want to make a good decision since I do not get to buy a new gun very often. I am big guy and not worried about the kickback of the .308 round.

BTW I know nothing about scopes, I am cross eye dominant and just now getting into long guns.

edited...

I just found an article that said the scope is a Trijicon Accupoint, 3-9X

[John Browning]

The scope definitely isn't a Trijicon. That would run many times the cost of the package alone.

What do you want to do with it? If you tell us what you want to do with it, we can point you in the right direction. I'd start by telling you that I wouldnt' spend my own money on anything made by Remington these days. There older stuff is good, but the new stuff has problems.

[Waldog2]

Fergie, you gotta let us know what your intentions of use are with the rifle. Just poking holes in paper at the range and how far or desires to go hunting? Help us out, so we can get you squared away. I'd be willing to bet that the quality and optical clarity of whatever scope comes with it, will be sub-par if you dont know the specic model.

[NorCalFocus]

No matter what caliber you get, you'll want to replace that scope.

Also don't get a 783, get a Savage Axis II. Spend a few more bucks and get the heavy barreled model with the Accu trigger. That is the best of the entry level rifles out there. Yes you'll still want to replace the scope. You'll get by with it for a while, but save your lunch money and get a Primary Arms 4-14 and you'll have a decent setup.

[Kwikvette]

Being your first "riffle" big chances are that whatever you go with, the rifle will be more accurate than the nut behind the trigger.

Post your intended use with said rifle; if you're going to be hitting paper/steel you'll definitely want a heavy barrel.

[Kwikvette]

Oh and by the way, that's definitely not a Trijicon lol

I have a Trijicon Accupoint 3-9x and if you're local to me, you're welcome to try it out.

Here's that scope on an AR15 of mine -

[Fergie]

Thanks for the replies! Since I am new and not rolling in the dough, I only get to the ange about 4 times a year or so. I just moved closer to 2 outdoor ranges so I want to get a rifle and start exploring.

This will just be a range gun and for any needs around the house. We do live in coyote country.

If a new shooter will be in the 300 yds or less range for a few years, then I will likely get the .223 so I can shoot more. But if people get bored at closer ranges, then I want to get a rifle I can grow into.

I like practicing accuracy at the range - as opposed to some who get blow through rounds.

Thanks again....

[NorCalFocus]

Yup a .223 will serve you well. You can easily stretch that thing out to 600 yards and grow that way.

[ar15barrels]

I like practicing accuracy at the range - as opposed to some who get blow through rounds.

A heavy barrelled 223 sounds perfect for your needs.
The light barrels are no good for accuracy beyond about 2-3 shots.

[MrSam]

Funny, I have a scope that looks exactly like that. It was made by an airgun manufacturer (nothing wrong with that...those things can sure deliver a beating to any scope - FYI I'm not saying that the scope in the image you linked is the same one). Anyhow, upgrading the scope would be in your best interest. If you just want something that's clear and will "work" look at the Nikon Prostaff. I believe I picked one up from a member here awhile back, for $80.

[Fergie]

Sorry for the remedial question, but how do I know if the Remington 783 is heavy barreled?

With the Mossbergs they say so... 590A1 is heavy barreledb vs 500

[Kwikvette]

Sorry for the remedial question, but how do I know if the Remington 783 is heavy barreled?

With the Mossbergs they say so... 590A1 is heavy barreledb vs 500

Rifles aimed for 'hunter's are typically on the lighter-side (and lack a heavy barrel) because most hunters trek a good distance before setting up so weight is a big factor.

Question; are you buying this rifle at an LGS? Why specifically look at the R783 vs other heavy-barreled rifles available at a low cost?

[JMP]

My question is the unbranded pre-mounted and bore-sighted 3-9x40mm scope good enough for the .308 round's longer distance capabilities?

No, the free scopes that come in those packages generally do not have any hashmarks on the reticle and do not have turrets meant to be adjusted after it is zeroed. You'll want scope with turrets to dial the corrections. The scope that comes with it can probably be used fine for 300 yards before the bullet starts dropping fast. The most important thing, however, in cheap scopes is that they can track and hold a repeatable zero. Avoid the 3rd world optics like the made in China stuff and you should be okay.

[ar15barrels]

Sorry for the remedial question, but how do I know if the Remington 783 is heavy barreled?

With the Mossbergs they say so... 590A1 is heavy barreledb vs 500

The marketing speak will say that the gun has a varmint or target or heavy barrel.

examples:

http://www.remington.com/products/firearms/SMU/Centerfire/Model%20700%20ADL%20Varmint.aspx

http://www.tikka.fi/rifles/tikka-t3/t3-tac

http://ruger.com/products/m77MarkIITarget/index.html

[milotrain]

A .223 bolt rifle will teach you everything you need to know before spending big money on a custom rig for accuracy/longrange/etc. The .223 is very forgiving to reload, has a wide range of excellent target bullet choices and quality match ammo is disproportionally cheap compared to most other rifle calibers.

It is a great choice for most target shooting and most target shooters.