Need some scope suggestions

[seramafarm]

It's for my Rem 700 in 308. Will mostly shot at 100 yards but will take it out to 1000 yards. I really like vortex but there's just so many options. My budget is 400 dollars for a scope. I'm open to trying any brand of scope.

[Bushwack44]

FWIW, I just came back using a Vortex 4-16x42 Diamondback HP for the first time (http://www.vortexoptics.com/product/...eticle/reticle). All my other scopes are Nikons but decided to try Vortex as they seem to get high praise for their glass. IMO, the glass is equally clear using a Nikon or Vortex (comparing competing scopes w/ similar features).

I'm not a scope snob and far from an expert marksman and their are definitely others on CG far more knowledgeable. But coming from a laymen's perspective (target shooting 2-3x/month at the range), you can either go fixed (i.e. SWA 12x42 - http://swfa.com/SWFA-SS-12x42-Tactic...pe-P53714.aspx) or variable like a Vortex or Nikon. *I* stay with variable scopes to keep my options open. If you can find a similar scope with a 4-16x42 (or 50) or 6-18x44 (or 6-25x50) from Vortex or Nikon, that should get you to 800 yards (not sure about 1,000). As I said, for me the glass is the same whether you choose Vortex or Nikon - I see no difference between the two. As for features, you'll need to decide what you need and Vortex does offer an unconditional warranty to the original owner of their riflescopes. So if you are a bit clumsy or lackadaisical in how you care for your equipment, Vortex may suit you best. But as for glass quality, I see no difference.

One more thing regarding a variable scope. Whatever the magnification is, you won't be able to use the highest setting comfortably. If you get a 4-16, 14 will be as high as you'll want to go and still feel good about your shot. But with a fixed, the glass is better as there are less moving parts (which isn't to imply using a variable scope is like looking thru old plastic - far from it). You can find a Nikon or Vortex in your price range and the SWFA is a great option.

Lastly, do what I did and go to the range and ask around. Don't be shy to ask someone if you can look at/through their scope. That's how I decided on my Vortex (also looked through an SWFA fixed which was nice. I just decided on going with a variable).

It's for my Rem 700 in 308. Will mostly shot at 100 yards but will take it out to 1000 yards. I really like vortex but there's just so many options. My budget is 400 dollars for a scope. I'm open to trying any brand of scope.

[ExtremeX]

The biggest limiting factor here is the budget... and if you want a proper target scope, with features that make a target scope a target scope, then you have a very limited set of scopes that would meet that criteria and still maintain a decent level of quality.

For that money, the only scope I would be comfortable buying for myself is the SWFA fixed 10x

If you want a variable scope, you basically need to start compromising. But there are plenty to choose from.

[Jeff213]

I just got the swfa 16x fixed and I am very happy with it. I can see bullet impacts with .22lr on paper targets at 100 yards, although not super clearly. the 12x would be a lot clearer, I would get the 12 over the 10, but I would definately buy the 16x again.

The mil quad reticle is awesome, I was able to zero the rifle with just a few shots using the mils on the reticle to figure out adjustments.

[JMP]

The biggest limiting factor here is the budget... and if you want a proper target scope, with features that make a target scope a target scope, then you have a very limited set of scopes that would meet that criteria and still maintain a decent level of quality.

For that money, the only scope I would be comfortable buying for myself is the SWFA fixed 10x

If you want a variable scope, you basically need to start compromising. But there are plenty to choose from.

That's about right; the budget doesn't allow much, unless you are shooting only at 100 yards and 1,000 yards and nowhere in between.

I just got the swfa 16x fixed and I am very happy with it. I can see bullet impacts with .22lr on paper targets at 100 yards, although not super clearly. the 12x would be a lot clearer, I would get the 12 over the 10, but I would definately buy the 16x again.

The mil quad reticle is awesome, I was able to zero the rifle with just a few shots using the mils on the reticle to figure out adjustments.

The SWFA 16x has a field of view that is too small for things like steel targets placed at intermediate distances as it is hard to watch the impact. It also may have too much mirage for longer distances. The SWFA 16x+ fixed scopes are okay for shooting on paper because you do not need to witness the impact since you can just look at the paper.

[ExtremeX]

Good points on the 16x...

Another thing to note about the SWFA scopes are the exit pupil size... the fixed 10x is pretty optimized for what it is. You have an exit pupil of 4.2mm, which is actually a pretty decent place to be. The image will appear bright and crisp and help you in less than ideal lighting.

The 12x has an exit pupil of about 3.5mm and its starting to get about as low as you want to go for an all around application scope.

The 16x (2.6mm) and 20x (2.1mm) suffer in that area... for that size scope, the image will appear darker and will be harder to use in various situations.

I do like the 16x and 20x as a spare scope, perhaps something to move around from rifle to rifle for load development.

One thing to note about exit pupil is as smaller is gets the darker the image will be, and the harder it gets to see the range clearly without eyestrain/fatigue. In fixed power scopes, often times, less is more. Plus you are going to start wanting better optical performance/glass quality as you get higher in that magnification range.

[seramafarm]

Fell in love with the Nightforce 4-14x56 SHV and bought it.

[ExtremeX]

What happened to the $400 budget?

Its just my opinion but for that much cash I would have bought something else... you had a lot more options if you were going to end up at a $1000 budget...

I would have looked for something with a FFP reticle at the least.

Which reticle did you get in that scope?

[seramafarm]

Went with the Moar. I ended up looking at a few just liked the clarity on it and everything about it.

[ExtremeX]

That's cool... the choice of scope really comes down with how you intend of using it. Steel, paper, groups, PRS, benchrest, long range, size of target may change the way you approach the scope selection.

If you are a hold over shooter then that scope being a SFP optic, the MOAR reticle will only be accurate at one specific magnification. If you want to increase your FOV by turning down the power, you cant accurately hold over for wind as you move though the power range. Which is why I mentioned FFP above.

You can just as well dial your correction, but the scope is setup with capped turrets which creates a minor inconvenience or opportunity to start loosing parts.

That model is kind of marketed towards the hunting crowd with the 56mm objective, its great if you often shoot in low light conditions but most target shooters who frequent the range don't really need it. With good enough glass for that magnification range it may not even be useful.

The SHV also comes in a F1 (FFP) version with a 50mm objective... if you wanted an NF and wanted to stay in the SHV family, that would have been the model to get.

There are other value propositions in that price range... like the SWFA 5-20x50 with AMAZING glass (On par with my Gen 1 Razor), a more useful mag range for long distance shooting, and about the same price. The downside being the parallax and zoom knobs are a bit stiff.

You mentioned Vortex, and a 4-16x50 or 6-24x50 FFP Viper PST models would have come in at around $800 leaving some cash on the table for other accessories.

Bushnell also makes a G2DMR in a similar price range which is very popular.

[Munny$hot]

IMHO for your budget a fixed power scoper will give you the best clairity vs a veriable optic. For 400/distance a SWFA SS 10X would be my suggestion with money left over for a good set of rings/mount etc.

[PrimaryArms]

Need some scope suggestions

This will let u grow as a shooter

http://www.primaryarms.com/primary-arms-414x44-ffp-scope-with-patented-acss-hud-dmr-308-reticle/p/pa4-14xffp308/