Basic scope question

[sghart]

Hello neighbors,

I am looking for a scope for my Ruger American Ranch rifle. To load test I have been using an old Bushnell 4X that I have had for many years. Made in Japan with great optics.

I have a couple of AR style scopes, one Bushnell and one Nikon. Both are 1-4X variables with BDC's.

I don't care for either one. The lines of the reticles are much too big and heavy and they distract from the target.

Can you guys recommend a scope that has lighter(finer?) reticles? I don't necessarily need a BDC as I rarely shoot past 200 yards.

A 1-4X or 1-6X would be okay. FFP or SFP, doesn't necessarily matter. Just a simple, usable scope in the $400-$500 price range.

I have looked on line until I my head hurts.

Thanks in advance for your time.

[kcheung2]

The 1-4x and 1-6x types are more of the tactical types for ARs, and that doesn't seem to be what you're looking for.

A 3-9x or a 4-12x with duplex reticles seems more like what you're looking for. Leupold, Vortex, or Primary Arms if you want to shrink your budget.

Another option is a fixed 10x from SWFA.

[Zenderfall]

Repeating exactly what he kcheung2 said:

1-4, 1-6, 1-8x scopes are for the "tactical" short-mid distance shooting (and running) crowd, not for precision distance shooting. Leupold & Vortex are the "get more for your money" scopes, I have examples of both, and like them both, although not equally. 3-9, 4-12, 6-18, or stepping up to 3-12, 4-16, or more would be preferred, although the bigger range multiplier, the higher the cost.

I really like Vortex's Diamondback series with FFP.

[boltstop]

Do you shoot ar variable distances - 25 yards, then 200 yards, then point blank, then 50 yards etc i.e. tactical shooting? Or do you sit at at the bench a plug away at a fixed target distance?

[smoothy8500]

Or do you sit at at the bench a plug away at a fixed target distance?

This being Calguns, 99.72% of shooting is from the bench…

[Preston-CLB]

I have a Leupold VX3 4.5-14x40. I like it a lot. You might be able to find a used one for not a lot of money. You can't beat Leupold's lifetime warranty.

I also have a Nikon 3-9x40. Very nice glass, and not too heavy. Nikon is not selling scopes any longer, but you might be able to find one Amazon or E-Bay.

One of my friends has had to return various higher-end Vortex scopes for repair. He prefers Leupold or Night Force. He does bench shooting, and also hunts. I trust his opinions.
-P

ETA: Be sure to figure in the cost of mounts and rings. Obtain the best you can afford. A nice scope in cheapie rings that won't hold zero will be frustrating. Also, if you have a friend/local smith with a mandrel and jeweler's rouge, have them lap the rings for a good scope-to-ring fit. Be sure to torque the rings to the specs given. You'll thank me later.
-p