Optics recommended for a .308 w/ 18" barrel

[zoglog]

Hey guys,

So getting started in the long range game and building up a POF .308
so far the biggest purchase I haven't decided on yet are the optics + optics mount.

Right now I'm aiming for the Viper PST 6-24x50 FFP

http://www.vortexoptics.com/product/vortex-viper-pst-6-24x50-ffp-riflescope-with-ebr-1-mrad-reticle

However the $899 price tag is a bit steep. So the question is if there's a comparable cheaper alternative or do I just need to man up and get this one?
Need something variable that I can start off with and that won't require me to get a new scope as I go towards longer ranges of 500 yards shooting steel.

For reference here's what I've decided on so far

POF .308 upper Lower + MRR
DMPS .308 SASS 18" barrel
Magpul PRS stock
RRA 2 stage trigger
ERGO Tactical Deluxe Large Frame Grip

[Black Majik]

Call Scott at Liberty Optics and tell him you're a Calguns Member.

[ronas]

Right now I'm aiming for the Viper PST 6-24x50 FFP

You pretty much get what you pay for with a scope. I have a FFP scope that makes me look like I'm a good shooter. I previously was using another scope and QR mount with a 2.5-10x32 on my TRG-22. That scope was not powerful enough for me at 800 yards and I had to mount it way to high.

My rifle cost less than my scope so keep in mind you can not hit what you can not see.

You should also know what the reticle subtensions will be at various distances, particularly at maximum magnification.

[zoglog]

Vortex seems like a good fit then for awhile... Since this will be my first foray into long range shooting.

Right now I'm trying to determine whether to go MRAD or MOA. I'm leaning towards MRAD since I have no base at and it seems like learning from scratch, MRAD is not a bad idea.

[cprieto]

I'm trying to save up for an optic for my Noveske N6 and the name that keeps coming up is Nigthforce. Expensive but the reviews are amazing.

[RREEDIII]

I was looking at the Trijicon 5-20x50 accu-point.....$1100.00. Any thoughts on that one?

[GoBig]

I don't think you can go wrong with Trijicon or Vortex.

[97F1504RAD]

Call Scott at Liberty Optics and tell him you're a Calguns Member.

I agree Scott is very knowledgeable and can also help you with your choice and pricing. Worth the call.

[cprieto]

The TRG22 looked good but Ronas said he didn't like it at 800, what would you say was the practical distance limit for that particular model? I've seen those priced in the $800 range.

[zoglog]

Called up Liberty twice, but nobody there. Sent an e-mail instead.
Starting to re-think this foray into long distance shooting. $1000 is quite a bit to put into something only to end up not liking it.

[ronas]

TRG22 looked good but Ronas said he didn't like it at 800, what would you say was the practical distance limit for that particular model?

I think I've been misunderstood. The scope I was using on the TRG was a Nightforce NSX 2.5-10x32. That scope was not powerful enough for my eyes to shoot very good groups at 800 yards. Group size was 1MOA to 1 1/2 MOA.

The TRG-22 with the 308 Palma brass using 155.5 Berger bullets, CCI 450 primer, and 47.5 grains of Varget can easily reach 800 yards and most probably 1000. I've just not shot it past 800 yards. Two days ago I was shooting 5/8" MOA groups at 800 yards, with many of the shots going into the x-ring. Riflescope is now mounted in Badger rings with Premier 5-25x56 scope with Gen II XR reticle.

Since my range only goes to 800 yards I have not shot TRG any further. I do not think I would have any trouble shoot it 1000 yards. I think bullet will remain supersonic past 1000 yards but I don't know how far past.

Starting to re-think this foray into long distance shooting. $1000 is quite a bit to put into something only to end up not liking it.

I guarante you that you will like the Premier 5-25x56 scope with Gen II XR reticle. I had a S&B 5-25x56 with P4 fine reticle on order and cancelled that order and got 2 Premiers. Premier reticle used to make the Gen II XR reticle for S&B a number of years ago but now that they make scopes you can not get a new S&B with GEN II XR reticle.

[zoglog]

Got in contact with Scott, decided to go with the Vortex since it seems midpriced between the low end and high end scopes. (Though it seems like a huge chunk of cash to me still...)

Ronas, I took a look at the price of that scope and it gave me a heart attack =p

[Black Majik]

Got in contact with Scott, decided to go with the Vortex since it seems midpriced between the low end and high end scopes. (Though it seems like a huge chunk of cash to me still...)

Ronas, I took a look at the price of that scope and it gave me a heart attack =p

Congrats on the Viper PST. It's a fantastic scope that'll serve you quite well. Did you go FFP or SFP?

[zoglog]

FFP

[CSTactical]

For an 18” I feel the 6-24x50mm my look a little big on the rifle but that is a personal preference. Here are some of my setups.

We have them in stock.

DPMS LR-308 with the Vortex Viper PST 4-16x50mm MIL on MIL.



Here is my AR15 24” Varmint setup with the Vortex Viper PST 6-24x50mm MIL on MIL.