Ruger American .223 Newcomer

[Anthony_C]

Hello everyone,

I have purchased a Ruger American .223 and am still a relatively new shooter, especially for bolt action rifles. I have purchased a temporary scope for my rifle for a range day coming up soon. I purchased Simmons scope combined with UTG HP rings. Reason I cheaped out is because I don't know for sure if this will be my main range firearm, I am considering it, due to many points.

1. Cheaper to shoot
2. More challenging
3. Only person in my family to have a bolt action

So I ask this, if I do in fact get into more bolt action rifle platforms, what scope's would you recommend, what would be a good step up for the near future if I should take up more of this style of shooting. Or would a AR-10 be more of a versatile option.

[Ki6vsm]

I'm curious about your reason #2. More challenging? Than what? What kind of setup are you used to shooting?

As far as the scope question goes, this answer from another thread by another member said it pretty well:

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showpost.php?p=19576062&postcount=7

"Your question is akin to asking, "I want to buy a car, I've heard Toyotas are good, what should I get?" with no other information.

What's your price range? How far do you intend to shoot? What's the primary purpose? (and don't say "maybe hunting, possibly home defense, occasionally shooting target long distance, and just general purpose shtf" That's not a primary purpose) Will you be shooting at known distances at a range, or carrying it around? Will you be shooting at dawn/dusk? Is there a specific reticle you like? Turret? Do you need first focal plane or are you fine with 2nd focal plane?

The more specific your answers, the better the suggestions will be. Otherwise it's just people suggesting random scope brands & models which may or may not suit you."

[Ki6vsm]

Hope you understand Anthony, I wasn't trying to sound like a jerk. Your question might be a bit premature though. You should probably take your new setup to the range a few times and get used to it. See how you do. Maybe check out what other shooters are using. Then you can decide if your setup adequate for your general needs. And if not, in what areas might you want to make improvements.

[diverwcw]

Awesome! Bolt actions are great! Not much can go wrong with them and I have yet to see the California state legislature go after them. Besides that, there is nothing wrong with getting equipment that is easy on your pocket book. As far as the scope goes, I prefer the ones with the finger adjustable towers but that usually adds a bunch of money to the price.

Instead of looking for more do dads and gizmos, spend your money on ammunition or start getting set up for reloading. Lee Precision makes a whole line of value based, high quality reloading gear.

I don't know where you are located, but I go to Front Sight Firearms training frequently. It is located in Pahrump, Nevada. They offer a two day rifle course that is primarily designed for the AR15 platform but they teach the use of virtually every rifle; semi auto, bolt action, lever action, etc. I have some free training certificates if you are interested.

[stevebla]

Nice rifle you should have a lot of fun with it. I would get a .22 with that same stock. If it was my rifle I would mount a 3x12, 4x12 or 4x16 Vortex Leupold or Nikon scope with objective no bigger than 42mm. I would get lower rings.

[FishnHunt]

I wouldn't even open the scope and the rings and send back.
for just a little more you could get a nikon scope and some decent rings and you'll be set for a long time. you can use low mounts up to 42mm
nikon, vortex, burris, $90-120? quality rings $40. buy once cry once.
I HATE cheap glass. plus you can't give them away.
to each his own.

[Oceanbob]

Welcome Anthony.....!

Great Rifle, not thrilled about the scope.

However, I must admit I have a bunch of crappy scopes....haha.

Just run it and have fun. Practice practice practice.......expect the spend $ on
Ammo. Be sure and RATHOLE ammo for the future. There is an ammo storm coming.

Eventually you'll want to reach out further with more punch, so expect to move up to a larger caliber.....

It's only money

Be well

Bob

[Divernhunter]

You do not state where you are located but if near me I can help you set up your rifle.
You have a good rifle. I would mount the scope as low as possible for a better cheek weld. I would stay with the bolt actions myself.
Once you get use to the rifle I would get a better scope especially if you want better shooting.
Take it out and shoot it. Then you will be better off in deciding what you like and dislike about all aspects of the rifle/scope/mounts/ammo and such.

[TomReloaded]

I cheaped out on my scope. It was about 50 bucks on clearance. I don't even remember the brand. I put it on Leupold rings.

It's uhh... Perfect. Holds zero indefinitely. Perfect range scope for short range with a 223. Glad I didn't spend a penny more, as there's nothing more to gain at 100 yards.

Once you're trying to adjust the scope at all, like compensating for drop and wind, then these cheap scopes are garbage. You've got no drop at 100, and wind doesn't matter.

[stevebla]

My son used to play pirate with my only Simmons scope, Ebay $8.00 wasn't worth it.

[JackEllis]

Get yourself one of these: http://www.ebay.com/p/Vortex-Diamond...cope/140900184 Plenty of magnification, easy to use, reasonably priced.

Without going into detail, really cheap scopes are a really bad idea, especially when they fail during an elk hunt (or during a competition).

[bman940]

scope

For under $200 Nikon offers you a number of different options. Right now the P-223 3-9 BDC 600 is on sale which makes it even more attractive. Add in the fact that it's built around the .223 round and comes with a lifetime warranty I'd say it's a great little scope. One of my favorite features is the quick focus eyepiece to make sure your target is crisp and bright to your eye.

[russ69]

Awesome! Instead of looking for more do dads and gizmos, spend your money on ammunition or start getting set up for reloading...

Although I remember when I got my first rifle it was a long time ago. I remember that I could barely afford to shoot. Go shoot what you have and have fun. You can upgrade your scope later.

[Anthony_C]

More specific.

I'm curious about your reason #2. More challenging? Than what? What kind of setup are you used to shooting?

As far as the scope question goes, this answer from another thread by another member said it pretty well:

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showpost.php?p=19576062&postcount=7

"Your question is akin to asking, "I want to buy a car, I've heard Toyotas are good, what should I get?" with no other information.

What's your price range? How far do you intend to shoot? What's the primary purpose? (and don't say "maybe hunting, possibly home defense, occasionally shooting target long distance, and just general purpose shtf" That's not a primary purpose) Will you be shooting at known distances at a range, or carrying it around? Will you be shooting at dawn/dusk? Is there a specific reticle you like? Turret? Do you need first focal plane or are you fine with 2nd focal plane?

The more specific your answers, the better the suggestions will be. Otherwise it's just people suggesting random scope brands & models which may or may not suit you."

Hello,

Yeah my apologies, like I said before, that scope was easy on the wallet for the time I needed by. I don't want to shoot the ruger with no sights

I am trying to stay under 200$, of course I am hitting the range this upcoming week on Monday and will get a feel for my rifle then. I am new to bolt actions and pretty much guns in general.

By my meaning of 'more challenging' I wanted to obviously site my rifle then after a few rounds take it a bit further and start going for some more distant shots for the heck of it. The only set up I really had in terms of ownership was a barebones AR.

Hope this cleared up my post.

[Anthony_C]

Thanks for all the feedback!

You do not state where you are located but if near me I can help you set up your rifle.
You have a good rifle. I would mount the scope as low as possible for a better cheek weld. I would stay with the bolt actions myself.
Once you get use to the rifle I would get a better scope especially if you want better shooting.
Take it out and shoot it. Then you will be better off in deciding what you like and dislike about all aspects of the rifle/scope/mounts/ammo and such.

The reason why I am asking for recommendations so early on, is just to have it on a wishlist per say, and if by any chance while I get adjusted, I see the scope I was recommended on sale or for a cheaper then MSRP. I would like to nab the best deal.