looking for high quality first scope

[timbo399]

I've always just plinked with iron sights on all my ARs and AKs, as well as my M1A I've owned for 10 years.

I have a BNIB Remington 700 AAC I bought years ago sitting in my safe and 2k rounds of match grade 168 gr .308 ammo.

I wanted to buy a scope for my Remington 700 AAC.

Application for scope would be--
-shooting at Angeles out to 600m
-possible use for hunting if ever get asked to go with friends etc- even though never been hunting I'd still like a bolt .308 to be ready

I have a nice set of 30mm rings so would like scope to be 30mm tube, I prefer MOA/MOA over Mil, and thinking 3-15x, 4-16x but open to suggestions.

I'm willing to spend $800-$1200 or so. I was looking at the Nightforce SHV 4-16 MOAR reticle -- they have it for around $1250 on a couple websites.

I would greatly appreciate any suggestions for a beginner like myself who has never scoped any of my rifles before who's looking for a scope for my Rem 700 AAC with clear glass, 30mm tube, preferably MOA reticle and turrets. I always thought I wanted FFP but not sure for my simple applications of plinking out to 600m at Angeles and possibly hunting w it if FFP is needed? I'd like to take some long range precision classes possibly as well w this rifle/scope combo.

What's good out there for my price range?-- I know I can get a Vortex PST 4-16x for $600-$700 but I want better glass and willing to spend more to get that.

Thank you in advance for any guidance for this scope newb!!

[FishnHunt]

look up tract optics. factory direct only. no middle men. some great reviews and awards last few years.

[tony270]

For your budget, I suggest a VX-5HD
3-16x44 CDS -ZL2

https://www.leupold.com/scopes/compact-scopes/vx-5hd-3-15x44mm-cds-zl2?selectedSku=171714

Have it customize here:

https://customshop.leupold.com/configure/vx-5hd-3-15x44mm-cds-zl2/?s=878&f%5B%5D=116&r=2&aw=5&ae=27

[Dirtlaw]

Timbo,


I'm an older guy. Hunting is on my bucket list. Maybe we have common interests.

[Ki6vsm]

With that budget and usage estimate, I'd get two scopes.

For the range, this one is great, especially if you want to learn to use the turrets. Very simple, no gadgetry. Straight 10x, which is all you need out to 600yds. (I've used mine out to 1000 yds):

https://www.swfa.com/swfa-ss-10x42m-tactical-30mm-riflescope-6.html

It's MOA/MOA. And it has 120 MOA of total elevation, so it's very doubtful that you'd ever have to switch to a 20moa mount/rings.

For hunting later on, heck, take your pick of many great 3-9x hunting scopes with a more simple reticle and good glass. Leupold etc. I'm thinking 1" tube would be fine for hunting at normal hunting ranges. And these scopes are definitely lighter to carry around than the 30mm tactical/precision types.

You'll get lots of different opinions. LOL This is one of mine.

Actually, one other option would be to get a Vortex Razor 2-10x Hunting scope. Interesting reticle choices. And they are also lightweight. 1" tubes:

https://www.swfa.com/vortex-2-10x40-razor-hd-lh-rifle-scope.html

EDIT: Just noticed those Razors have been discontinued and are in dwindling supply. Bummer. I would like to check one out one day.

.

[Jeepergeo]

This thread hits on answers to your questions.

https://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?p=22673284#post22673284

[Jeepergeo]

Common scope issues that I see are buying too low end and buying too high end. On the low end, the scope will likely have significant color abberation and minimal adjustability, and at the too high end the scope is just way more than needed for the shooter and gun. Over magnification is an issue too that is seen quite often.

Long used rules of thumb make good sense for buying a scope. Most shooters will do well with a scope that costs from 50% to 150% of the cost of the rifle, with 75% to 125% being a good target.

But hey, if one thinks one can make a $500 .308 rifle shoot better with a $2000 scope, by all means please help keep those scope makers in business, it certainly won't make that rifle shoot worse (assuming one did not go with excessive magnification).

[tony270]

[Guns and guitars]

I can tell you that you cant go wrong with the Nightforce SHV F1 scopes.
EXCELLENT for long range shooting.
Great for hunting if that arises.
And clear, durable, repeatable and a solid optic.

I have one on my Target AR, one for my Varmint AR and one on my 7mm elk rifle.
The F1 is a great aspect because it lets you use the full magnification of grouping at 400-500 without losing to much FOV or obviously not changing point of impact.

For $1200 its a really nice scope.

[Bicky]

SWFA is solid and not too heavy

https://www.swfa.com/swfa-ss-3-15x42-tactical-rifle-scope-11.html

[Gunsrruss]

Scope

Just remember Timbo, "Expensive is cheap and cheap is expensive" I would go with the Nightforce. The fact that I have four 5 x 22 x 56 scopes doesn't sway my thinking a bit. In the end you will just need more power. Yesterday at the range I got to look through an Actare Nightforce 5 x 25 x 56, it's $2700. I'm going to buy one for my latest build. If you buy a cheap scope you will just have to replace it sooner or later. Buy quality

[kenl]

Since you're thinking about hunting, you might want to consider weight. Do you really want to lug around a 2+ pound scope when you're a distance from the road or camp? Nightforce makes excellent scopes, but they're heavy. Leopold also makes excellent scopes, but they tend to be lighter. 50mm lenses are great for gathering light, but they're also heavy. IMHO 40 mm will work for anything that we can do in this state.

In hunting situations, a 2-7, 3-9, 2-10, or 4-12 scope should work on your 308. At the range where weight isn't a problem, the field is wide open

[edgerly779]

I have a leupold VXII 4-12x 50 MM with AO put on rifle new couple boxes ammo thru it. Mounted on custom mauser 7mm mag. Whole rifle %650 scope $325

[Ki6vsm]

SWFA is solid and not too heavy
https://www.swfa.com/swfa-ss-3-15x42...-scope-11.html

I'd thought of recommending this scope. But since the OP will mainly be using it for a shooting range out to 600 yds, I suggested getting their 10x. A variable isn't necessity. The 10x has the same reticle as this scope, but the 10x is slightly lighter. And way cheaper. You pay a LOT more for the variable-ness.

And I don't think this scope would be very good for hunting. 24oz isn't all that light compared to many of the fine sub-16oz hunting scopes available. And with being front focal plane, that fine-lined reticle (almost too fine for hunting even at 10x I think) would pretty much disappear against any background if you cranked down the magnification to the 3-6x range.

.

[timbo399]

OP here. Thank you very much for all your excellent responses. A lot of great ideas.

As a few people have mentioned, yes for hunting I agree that weight and simplicity should be considered. I do not plan on becoming some super long range precision shooter w this rig. Main objective is to have some more fun at the range and to have a .308 bolt rifle laying around in case I ever am asked to go on a hunt with friends.-- Which is something I think would be fun to do for my first time ever.

I have also looked at the Trijicon Accupoint 3-9x40 TR20 w very simple crosshair reticle. I like this scope for a few reasons-- illuminated center dot for lower light conditions, very light (13 oz), pretty decent glass (I assume this cause it's Trijicon).

For hunting w that .308 rig, I don't see myself ever taking over a 200yrd shot- I know some of you do take much longer shots but w my .308 I just don't see taking a shot over 200yrds-- so that means simplicity and light weight, and good glass to me.

Only issue w the Trijicon Accupoint TR20 is the 1 inch tube. I already bought years ago a Nighforce rail as well as Vortex Precision 30mm rings and the rings cost me $120 and are 30mm-- so I'd like to get 30mm scope if could.

Anyways, great suggestions and helps me a lot-- thank you very much!!