Target Scope Recommendation

[ArtP88]

My adult son will be buying his first long range target rifle soon. I'm helping him pick an optic, but I haven't done much buying in the last couple years. We're looking for something that tops out at 18-24x, has a large objective, only for the forgiving eyebox (don't care about light gathering), costs $500-$800. Image/resolution are king as is the forgiving eyebox which I find eases eye strain. It should have re-settable turrets, zero stop is not necessary. Busy reticles are okay, but not needed, nor is 1st focal plane ranging important.

I have a Sightron SIII 6-24x50 I like a lot but perhaps we could do better. To me the market is always open and I try not to fall in love with a product and ignore newcomers or products I've yet to experience. At the same time I bought my Sightron, a buddy bought a Vortex Viper PST in the same configuration and I don't think as much of it (I have owned some low power Vortex models I regret selling). I'm not a Nikon fan either. I have enjoyed the better Burris models (the older ones), Leupold, Sightron.

I've been thinking about a used Leupold VX3 in 6.5-20x50. Any of the newer Bushnell worth looking at?

[MongooseV8]

Just a suggestion, but repeatable tracking is the first priority in long range shooting. Second is glass quality. Take a look at the swfa line, you can get some ffp HD glass for $800.

[ArtP88]

Thanks. Repeatable tracking is something I forgot to mention. I've been fortunate that all my better scopes have tracked well, especially Sightron. I took that for granted.

I usually buy scopes from SWFA, even if they are not SWFA branded. I have a fixed SWFA 20 in my safe. You have a particular SWFA variable you like?

[NorCalFocus]

Leupold scopes are over priced for what your going to get.

The Vortex Viper HS-T is a SFP, scope with a MOA reticle and turrets. The SWFA, line is also a great value.

[ArtP88]

I too have always believed Leupold is overpriced in the target world. Why I'm looking for alternatives. I did look through one (VX3 20x) in a gun store, a couple years ago, and the glass WAS something to write home about.

I was unimpressed with my buddies 6-24x50 Viper PST he paid close to $1000 for. Here's what I speak of:

http://swfa.com/Vortex-6-24x50-Viper-PST-30mm-Rifle-Scope-P67736.aspx

Allow me to backup and re-state what I said about Leopold being overpriced. It's said all over the internet they're overpriced and I tend to believe. But my actual real world experience says otherwise. I've not been disappointed in the few I've owned and still do, or others I looked through.

[MongooseV8]

You have a particular SWFA variable you like?

Myself I have come to really prefer fixed power scopes. A fixed 10x42 SWFA can get you out to 1k depending on your target and application. I shoot squirrels about the size of a playing card at 400+ yards with nothing more than a fixed 10x42.

[HK Dave]

Just a suggestion, but repeatable tracking is the first priority in long range shooting. Second is glass quality. Take a look at the swfa line, you can get some ffp HD glass for $800.

^^^This

I bet if you were patient enough, you could probably pick up a used, like new SWFA 5-20x50mm. They track well... and with your requirement of "glass is king", nothing can touch it anywhere near that price point. $800 might be difficult, but $900 shouldn't be too difficult. The glass will knock your sox off in comparison to the Bushie or Leupold.

[NorCalFocus]

Target Scope Recommendation

I know it's above your stated budget, but check out the Burris XTR. I know a guy that said he was able to shoot a mile with his.

The PST sure isn't the end all be all of scopes, but I'm just curious what you didn't like about it?

Here's one of the best FFP scopes under $800.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00X4MY570/ref=mp_s_a_1_10?qid=1454725582&sr=8-10&pi=AC_SX220_SY330_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=swfa+ss+10x42