Looking for optic suggestions?

[John Haberman]

I'm putting together an older savage 308 tactical rifle(110fp long action) where I can't put a whole lot of money in this thing I would like advice on picking out a scope. The following are the scopes I am currently considering.
1. Millet TRS2 10X50 side focus
2. SWFA 10X42 side focus
3. Bushnell 3200 10X40
4. Millet 4X16X50 side focus
Any advice you long range shooter can give is welcome.....John

[Stringer]

Out of those choices, the SWFA wins hands down.

You should check out the Vortex Viper lineup also. I'm gathering that a mildot or similar reticle and side focus are important to you. If that's the case, then the 6.5-20x44 would be perfect for your preferences.

If you want to go a bit cheaper, the 4.5-14x40 Nikon Buckmaster is pretty good. The glass they use in the Buckmaster provides about the same detail and clarity as the Monarch series--I can only really tell the difference when trying to pick details out of shadowed areas.

If I were you I'd get a Vortex, no doubt.

[John Haberman]

I was beginning to wonder if I even need a mil dot scope. My type of shooting will be 200-400yd targets and maybe a unlucky wabbit. How far will a 6.5X20X44 take me out? Thanks for your input...John

[Stringer]

20x is actually overkill for those ranges. Many long range shooters say 10x is sufficient for 1000 yards, provided you have enough elevation adjustability in the scope. So, the 6.5-20x44 could get you there, easy.

For paper punching I like to turn the magnification up, and if you are like me in that respect, 20x would be great at 200-400 yards. On the low end, 6.5x is probably OK for that unlucky wabbit, provided you are far enough away. If you plan on hunting within 100 yards, I think that 6.5x as a minimum magnification is too high. If hunting is on the agenda to any significant degree, I think a magnification range around 3-12x would be perfect.

BTW, hitting a rabbit with a ~150 gr. bullet sounds incredibly messy.

As far as mildots go, do you shoot--or do you plan to shoot--at unknown ranges? If you do, then mildots (or a similar reticle with easy-to-use subtensions) are the ticket. If you don't, mildots can still be useful-ish for holdovers, but not great. I personally like mildots and own a few, but let's face it, a duplex or German #4 is likely better for most real-life conditions. I have a soft spot for Leupold's elegant fine duplex, if not their scopes.

I also noticed you had some side focus scopes listed. I think parallax adjustability is a well-used feature at really long or really short range. However, if I were you, I'd handle the scopes first. In my experience, side focus can have slack in cheaper scopes, and can be excessively stiff in others. Don't shy away from adjustable objectives--they aren't convenient, but they feel mechanically better to me. Alternatively, SWFA SS has a rear focus which is rugged and proven. Try before you buy, if you can.

[John Haberman]

Thank You Stringer, I'm trying to keep it in the $400.00 range. I've gone back looking at the Bushnell 4200 series or something similar..but still looking...John

[Hoop]

Bushnell 3200 10X. It's a solid scope for very little money.

Variable power in that price range I would say Nikon Buckmaster or maybe the 5-15 Bushnell tactical.

[xibunkrlilkidsx]

i have the Nikon buckmaster listed above. i rarely change it from 12, that is the power that the mil dot is adjusted to. makes it easier to calculate adjustments. but i do go to 18x for 1000yds so i can get a better visual on the target.

[rksimple]

If you're going to limit yourself to those distances, the Nikon Buckmaster 4.5-14 mildot is your best bang for the buck. The Bushnell 3200 10x is a tried and true reliable optic. The glass may not be the best, but it tracks well, returns to zero, and does so reliably.

[ocabj]

I'd get the Bushnell 3200 10x fixed. I still have one on my Savage 10FP. I haven't shot that rifle since 2005, but when I was shooting it heavily the couple years prior, the scope held up great. It's amazing this scope works so well for only $175. This is one of those rare exceptions where low price doesn't mean low quality.

[LibertyOptics]

Nikon Buckmaster, Vortex Diamondback, Sightron SIII 10x42, the elite 3200 10x40 mentioned, all great choices

[Hoop]

Nikon Buckmaster, Vortex Diamondback, Sightron SIII 10x42, the elite 3200 10x40 mentioned, all great choices

How is the glass on the Sightron? Clear edge to edge, no haze?

[John Haberman]

I'm looking at the Nikon Buckmaster 4.5X14X40 BDC $, it appears to have the features I'm looking for...John

[rksimple]

I'm looking at the Nikon Buckmaster 4.5X14X40 BDC $, it appears to have the features I'm looking for...John

The mildot reticle is much more useful once you really begin to shoot at distance, with different loads and different atmospheric conditions. Much more versatile. Just something to think about.

[John Haberman]

Hey thanks, I was torn between the two. Is the magnification ok?

[rksimple]

Magnification range is great. Glass is excellent considering the cost of the scope.