Which scope for long-range 223?

[Subotai]

So, I have the shorter rifle for close in with reflex sight. The medium range with Leupold 3-9x40 Tri-MOA. Now I want to outfit my Savage 10 223 as the long-range shooting iron. Currently it sports a VX 1 3-9x40 duplex.

My criteria:
1. Good range scope, see 100 yd target hugely. At 9x, the target is so-so big. I want the new scope to get me in real effin close. Like I could almost touch the target.
2. The criteria above means I can easily put one between the eyes of a squirrel at 100 yds. assuming I do my job.
3. It would be nice if it dialed back to 3x or 4x.
4. Wouldn't mind trying 500 or more yds one day.
5. Optionally, I'd like to have fun dialing in, but not required depending on the scope. My Tri-Moa is great for holdovers so that's fun too.
6. Depending where I retire, it will be used to hit varmints.

Price - 500 to 800 buckolas.

What scope would you buy for a long-range 223? Partial to Leupolds and the Tri-MOA reticle, if that helps. But will consider others.

[The War Wagon]

My SPR wears a Vortex Viper PST Gen.II 1x6. That would meet all your criteria, including price, for a good used one.

A newer 1x8 model would work well also.

[jwfire25]

Also agree on PST Gen II. You can find the FFP 3-15x44 for under 800 online. If you wanted that high of magnification.

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

[Cowboy T]

How about the new VX-Freedom AR 3-9x40 with the TMR reticle? That sounds like it meets your requirements, and also costs a lot less at $249 street price. TMR reticles, like standard mil-dots, are good out to 1,000 yards, so your 500+ is well within its capabilities.

[FeuerFrei]

My coyote rifle (AR) will do 600yds easy and I use a Leupold mark AR 4x12x40 on it. It has been knocked around and hit the deck with no damage beyond the scratches.
No kid gloves needed.

New model is https://www.leupold.com/scopes/rifle...reedom-4-12x40

Big zoom for bench shooting is one thing but plugging varmints in the field really doesn't work as well as it sounds. YMMV due to subjective experience.

[Subotai]

My coyote rifle (AR) will do 600yds easy and I use a Leupold mark AR 4x12x40 on it. It has been knocked around and hit the deck with no damage beyond the scratches.
No kid gloves needed.

New model is https://www.leupold.com/scopes/rifle...reedom-4-12x40

Big zoom for bench shooting is one thing but plugging varmints in the field really doesn't work as well as it sounds. YMMV due to subjective experience.

Thanks guys. I'm going to go with this one.

[Peahi2]

Look at Athlon scopes too. Very nice. I'm sure you would like a Midas Tac. Seriously nice stuff.

I think the 6-24x50 will do exactly what you want. Sounds like you want good magnification and clear glass.

[Subotai]

That's true. But, FeuerFrei had a good point about bench shooting being different than plugging varmints. I'll take a look at what you recommend too. Thanks.

[Preston-CLB]

One thing to look at is your eyes aging over time. If your eyesight is weakening, a scope with higher maximum magnification may be a better solution for you.

I have a Leupold VX3 4.5-14x40mm with a varmint reticle on my Savage .223. I can easily see the holes at 100 yards. If I had to do over, I would have opted for a 16 or 18 max magnification for longer distances, but I got a good deal on the scope that I have.

Hope you find one that works well for you, Frank.
-P

[Subotai]

One thing to look at is your eyes aging over time. If your eyesight is weakening, a scope with higher maximum magnification may be a better solution for you.

I have a Leupold VX3 4.5-14x40mm with a varmint reticle on my Savage .223. I can easily see the holes at 100 yards. If I had to do over, I would have opted for a 16 or 18 max magnification for longer distances, but I got a good deal on the scope that I have.

Hope you find one that works well for you, Frank.
-P

Thanks. Yeah, that's part of it. Just turned 60. Eyes aren't the same.

[Boarhuntor]

Thanks guys. I'm going to go with this one.

This one is not gonna put you "in real effin close. Like I could almost touch the target."

[Subotai]

Ya, rethinking which to purchase. That Athlon is nice.

[Subotai]

Actually that's nice too

[sigstroker]

Read reviews. Strike Eagle is so-so.

[Peahi2]

Cameraland in NY has great pricing on so many nice Athlon scopes. They are well regarded dealer on Snipershide and rimfire central. You can even call them with questions and to see if further discounts are available. Doug is the guy on the forums. If I was in your position with your needs I would buy a solid Athlon.

If you can save up or wait a bit, the Cronus (Japanese glass) would be a good pick. Next level down, is Ares, still good, but glass is Chinese (if it matters to you). And like I recommended the Midas tac and other model that are in your price range. A review on the Midas tac: https://opticsthoughts.com/?p=2681
Some other place to look at deals are Sport Optics and Eurooptic.

Remember you gotta get some good rings too. The places above are good about pricing and helping you out with a deal to include rings too.

Lastly, if you're not n a hurry, I recommend taking a deep dive into the snipers hide forum. There is SO much solid info there. I think with this big of a purchase, you owe it to yourself to figure out the ins and outs of the options out there.

The market is so competitive and there are so many solid options for all price ranges.

You wanted clear glass with power in a certain price range, and a good reticle. I think with some more research you get exactly what you want. First focal plane, Christmas tree reticle or even more advanced reticle, illuminated reticle, side parallax adjustment, clear glass, locking turrets, caps, all that jazz, etc.

************
also if you can swing it, illumination would be nice. I was out at range this am, shooting at 100y and it would have been nice to have illuminated reticle instead of the small black cross on black target.