Rookie Scope question

[Ziggy1]

Hey folks,

Being a rookie with scopes and just using iron sights to its maximum potential, I was wondering if I can get some knowledge on scopes here from the most knowledgable group of shooters there are.

I plan on getting a remmy 700 for hunting in a .308 and wanted to get a scope for it as it would definitley help with getting accurate at a far distance (and the remmy doesnt have iron sights to begin with). My question is what do the ZxY determine when choosing a scope? I see all kinds of different sizes of scopes out there and need clarification on what the measurements mean; iex 9x32, 10x40 and so on and so forth. What does it mean? what is best for good clear optics out at 600 yards?

If I get something that is great at 600 yards, does it mean that at around 200 we are golden and can see the boogers on the animals nose?

Any recommendations on optics around the $500-$800 range for the type of shooting I will be doing? I would like something that I can move from rifle to rifle with just incase I need too. Also, what do they mean when they say rings? And what do they mean the better the glass the better the optics?

I did a search and its confusing as there is nothing much about getting down to the basics of how to weed out the millions of optics out there for hunting and long range shooting.

Thanks in advanced!

[BSlacker]

With scope nomenclature the first number or numbers such as 3X indicate magnification or another way to look at it is something at 30 yards would appear as if it was at 10 yards. This would be for a fixed magnification scope. For variable mag scopes it looks like this 3X9 where the lower number is the low mag and the highest number is the highest mag. If you hunt at varied distances then a variable might be the ticket. Hunt at 500 yards and you will want all the mag you can get.
The last number 3X9X42 (42mm) is the objective lens size this is the big lens at the far end. The larger it is the more light it can allow. Also the field of view will be affected by the objective. Get at least 42mm more is better.
In tube size the most common American tube is 1". 30mm is out there and is more common in high end scopes.
Rings mount the scope to the rail mounted to the receiver. They must match the tube size and match the type of rail or mount on the receiver. It all bolts together to get the correct eye relief and objective height over the barrel.
Before you pay 800 on a great scope get yourself a cheap scope and learn to shoot at 200 yards or so then you will know what is important to you and can better judge how to get it. Better to make mistakes at a lower level. To just walk out in the woods and shoot at game at 500 yards is very difficult. Aim small miss small.

[Ziggy1]

Right on BSlacker! Its a start. So in your example if looking at 300 yards would be mag'd to 100 yards? Whats the significant difference between fixed magnification and variable magnification? So the 3x on your example for the variable mag would be the on the near side of the scope and the 9x would be in the middle of the scope and the 42x would be the far end? Will take your advice on the cheap scope first to get used to it first before taking it out to the woods.

Any recommendations on low end scopes that are decent to start with?

[Ziggy1]

any one else on here with some input that they can share?

[Afterburnt]

"3-9x 42mm" does that make more sense?

http://www.opticsplanet.net/how-to-choose-riflescope.html

[freonr22]

whats your purpose and budget? Nikon Monarch in the $300-$400 range is awesome??

also

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=263710

and www.samplelist.com

[Divernhunter]

Put a Leupold 3X9X40 non-AO Duplex reticle scope on a hunting rifle such as you describe and you will be set for life. You could use a Leupold 3.5X10X40 non-AO also. You do not need anymore power than that except on a varmit/target rifle. Always hunt with it on the lowest setting or it will someday cost you a shot. I have at least 15-20 of them and have taken game from 6 feet(really) to over 600 yards, which should not be done unless you have to.

Use the KISS princple and you will be a better hunter and wound less game. I have never lost one and have many, many to my name. The less dial and knobs to fool with the better you are. Also do not use flip-up scope covers as sooner or later they will cost you an animal. Carry a lens pen and you are good to go. I have even used my shirt but that is not the best. TP will do the job also. As for mounts the redfield/leupold are really good. Weaver mounts will also work fine. Never use see-thru mounts as they are a sure sign of a newbie or a fool. Use only BLUE locktite NEVER RED on mounts or rings. Mount the scope as low as possable to the bore. I have one that only a business carn will fit inbetween and it is the best pointing rifle I have. It is my go-to rifle when I have to kill something.