First bolt gun, trying to select a scope

[dyst0pia]

I imagine this question comes more than once a day, but I'm hoping to get some opinions for my first .308 bolt gun. I just got a Remington 700P on my 10-day wait, and I'm looking to spend somewhere around $1000 for the optics, though I'm willing to stretch to $1500 (or $2000 if there is a really compelling reason).

It'll primarily be for paper targets at 100 and 200 yards, though I'm hoping to be able to use it for longer shots as well once I get competent with the weapon. I'd hope not to have to replace it for hunting in the future, but for now, I would prioritize target as I do not hunt at present. From my reading, it sounds like I would prefer FFP over SFP, but it's not a huge priority.

I think I've narrowed it down to the Burris XTR II 5-25x50, the Burris Eliminator III 4-16x50, the Zeiss Conquest HD5 5-25x50, or the Leupold Mark 4 6.5-20x50 ER/T. Does anyone have any opinions on these choices? I of course welcome other recommendations as well; I am not afraid to admit that I am completely new to this stuff.

[MongooseV8]

I suggest getting an SWFA SS 10x42mm mil/mil. They are $300 and excellent scopes especially to start out with. Use it for a while, then you can use it to help decide what do or do not want in a scope. You can always sell it later and get almost all your money back.

You can't know everything about scopes before you get some time behind them first. So if you spend $1200 on a Bushnell starting out you might find some regret later. I'm talking mainly about specific features and not necessarily brand quality.

[FMJBT]

Can't go wrong with any of the Burris XTR II scopes, although for your application I'd suggest going with the lower magnification 3-15X50 or even the 2-10X42. The glass on the XTR II scopes is clear enough that I doubt you'll miss the extra magnification, and the weight savings will be nice if you ever do decide to take it hunting.

[Kwikvette]

^+1

I was on this boat 2 weeks and I made the jump to the Burris XTR II 3-15x50 for my Remington.

Have yet to use it but overall; it feels indestructible, glass is crystal clear, turrets have a solid feel to them, awesome reticle.

[thegamettt]

I made this decision last week. Deciding between vortex 6-24x50 ffp and bushnell elite tactical 3.5-21x50 ffp. Went with the bushnell based on some experienced members advice. out of your choices, I think the burris is the best for the buck.

im completely new to magnified scopes and long range as well.

[Strongisland]

Burris XTR II 5-25x50 in whatever magnification you're looking for.

Hard zero stop
Solid turrets
Illuminated turrets
Very clear glass
34mm tubing

By far the best bang for the buck. If you're going to get the Voretx Viper, if take a serious consideration at the Burris for a few more bucks

I was in the same boat as you a few weeks ago, and ultimately ended up with the Burris after hours upon hours of research. I have zero regrets about choosing it over the Vortex

[billped]

Excellent approach here. When you upgrade, you can also move this scope to a lesser platform as a plinker.

I suggest getting an SWFA SS 10x42mm mil/mil. They are $300 and excellent scopes especially to start out with. Use it for a while, then you can use it to help decide what do or do not want in a scope. You can always sell it later and get almost all your money back.

You can't know everything about scopes before you get some time behind them first. So if you spend $1200 on a Bushnell starting out you might find some regret later. I'm talking mainly about specific features and not necessarily brand quality.

[dyst0pia]

I suggest getting an SWFA SS 10x42mm mil/mil. They are $300 and excellent scopes especially to start out with. Use it for a while, then you can use it to help decide what do or do not want in a scope. You can always sell it later and get almost all your money back.

You can't know everything about scopes before you get some time behind them first. So if you spend $1200 on a Bushnell starting out you might find some regret later. I'm talking mainly about specific features and not necessarily brand quality.

Fair point; I had not thought about this. I'm so used to the "buy once, cry once" mentality that I did not even bother to consider scopes under the $1000 price point.

[MongooseV8]

Fair point; I had not thought about this. I'm so used to the "buy once, cry once" mentality that I did not even bother to consider scopes under the $1000 price point.

Nothing wrong with the buy once cry once approach, I usually subscribe to this strategy. However that only works when you know what you are getting into.

[bug_eyedmonster]

Out of your options, which reticle works out the best for you? Shooting paper vs. shooting animals at varying distances is very different. If you factor in size, weight, and magnification for the potential areas you plan to hunt, does it narrow down your options? I asked about the reticle because some people have certain preferences, such as BDCs, Mil/MOA, FFP/SFP, etc. When I was trying to decide on an optic, this is what helped me, hopefully it helps you as well.


Jerry

[Fjold]

If you are ever going to hunt with it then do not go with a high power, variable or fixed power scope.

You will need lower power for hunting more than you need higher power. The variables that start with a low power at 3X or less are the better choice.

[Cowboy T]

Fair point; I had not thought about this. I'm so used to the "buy once, cry once" mentality that I did not even bother to consider scopes under the $1000 price point.

Nothing wrong with the buy once cry once approach, I usually subscribe to this strategy. However that only works when you know what you are getting into.

It also assumes that you're already a good shooter. At 100 to 200 yards, I personally wouldn't go more expensive than a VX-1, or a Revolution, in 3-9x40. They're both $199, shipped, they're easy to use, the glass is pretty darn good, and they're durable. What's not to like?

If you want a tactical style, then consider the Revolution TAC-MOA. I really like this scope's reticle, especially for $279.

With any of these scopes, within 500 yards if you do your part, venison's on the dinner table. Especially with a rifle like a 700P.

[dyst0pia]

Based on what I'm seeing here and elsewhere, I think I'm going to probably go for a VX-2 for now, and save the $1500-range scopes for when I'm actually competent enough to use them. My initial fear was "ruining" such a nice rifle by putting a cheap crappy scope on it, but I guess the more reasonably priced scopes are probably going to out-shoot me anyways.

Does anyone have reservations about getting a VX-2? What I mean is, is there something significantly better to be had by spending another hundred or two?

To be honest, the Eliminator III was only in the running because the electronic reticle sounded so interesting. But I don't think I'm going to be shooting far out enough to need it yet anyways.

[MongooseV8]

The Leupold are really nice scopes, no issues starting on one. I'd still say get an SWFA though since it will have a couple features you will need to get used to when shooting further. Repeatable finger turrets and a parallax adjustment are pretty awesome.

[Horrendo Revolver]

The VX-2 would be great for you in my opinion.