3-12x 42mm OR 4-16x 44mm?

[brian5271]

Looking to buy a scope for my Remington 783 chambered in 223. I would like to improve my 100 yard groups on paper, but beyond that distance will be just shooting steel for fun. All of the shooting will be bench rest and not under any time constraint. No hunting, just targets.

So should I go with the 3-12 or the 4-16?

I am a little worried that pushing a budget friendly scope to higher magnification will result in poorer optical performance. Is this a valid concern?

The scope I have chosen is the Bushnell Engage series (http://www.bushnell.com/hunting/rifl...age/ren31244dg) and is a SFP scope which I actually like even though it is not the popular thing. I also
like the reticle design and that it is an MOA/MOA set up. I have found many great reviews from consumers and youtuber’s alike. I take good reviews with a grain of salt, but surprisingly, I have found no bad reviews at all.

[Divernhunter]

Target, bench shooting I suggest the 4-16.
Buy better quality if you can. You will not regret it.

[Horrendo Revolver]

Between the two zoom ranges I don’t think it matters much.

[Paul_R]

Have you considered one of SWFA's fixed power scopes? I have many variable scopes and the only one that doesn't just stay at one power is my 1-6x. All of my higher power scopes stay about mid range, 10 to 12 power unless I'm using it as a spotter.

[God Bless America]

Higher mag for bench.

[brian5271]

Thanks for all the replies; I ended up purchasing the 4-16x for $369. Hopefully this scope lives up to all of the great reviews I have seen for it. The scope should be delivered next Wednesday; I will let you all know what I think of it when I get.