Which scope?

[BayAreaScott]

I have a Bushnell 4-12X40 on my Rem 700. I really like Bushnell and this scope in particular. I have never had a problem with any Bushnell scope until my last outing where I discovered that the zoom control had locked at max power. Yes, I will be returning to Bushnell for sure since it is less than 1 year old. But I have been considering getting a different (higher power) scope and then using this one on a 22 or pellet rifle. I have been doing research for a couple of days and have narrowed it down to these:

Bushnell Legend Ultra HD Mil Dot Reticle Riflescope 4.5-14x44-mm
Nikon Buckmaster 6-18x40 Riflescope Mil Dot

Those both are in my price range and appear to offer what I want. I am very intrigued about the Nikon given 70 some reviews on amazon with very favorable marks. The Bushnell HD series is fairly new and has few but very favorable reviews.

Usage: Primarily range at this point but will branch to hunting over the next year or so.

Rifle: Model 700 Tactical AAC-SD with Bell & Carlson tactical 2. Widgets: PWS brake/compensator, Atlas bipod.

Any input would be appreciated.

[Fjold]

What caliber is the gun and what do you plan to hunt with it?

For medium and big gam hunting I don't like any scope that won't go down to 2 or 3 X. Sometimes you have to shoot fast and the wider of field of view that a low power scope gives you is a big advantage in those types of shots.

[BayAreaScott]

Sorry... It is a .308. small game through deer and possibly Elk if the situation permits. In the end I would probably have a good 3-9 with no paralax adjustment when the hunting gets serious. I have a buddy who is always saying keep it simple and less adjustments is best.

Like your signature. Bubblehead here too

[BayAreaScott]

After having long conversations with a buddy (ex Marine sniper) I decided to get a Leatherwood 7-30X50mm. Looking forward to getting it mounted up and out on the range.

[Fjold]

I can't argue with an ex-marine sniper but I hunt (a lot) and for deer and elk hunting there is no way I would go with a scope where the minimum power was 7X. The field of view is way too small and 30X won't be useable on the hot dry days when the mirage is up.

If you are only going to hunt when laying on a hill shooting across canyons it may work but it's really not functional for any other type of hunting.


BTW, what Nuc school, which prototype and what boat?

I went to Orlando (class 7801), prototype at S1C in Connecticut, then SSBN 645, SSN 686 and SSBN 645, then an instructor at A1W in Idaho in 1985 - 1987.

[gregr266]

Nikon Buckmaster 6-18x40 Riflescope Mil Dot. Midway has them on sale right now

[BayAreaScott]

You are correct. This scope is not for hunting but for long range marksmanship. Right now I'm working on technique and range shooting. Hunting will require a different setup. Probably a 3X9 with no paralax adjustment.

Natchez has the leatherwood at $309, 30mm rings, and I'm done. Just the waiting now which is the hardest part. I am an impatient soul.

San Diego in 79, subschool in 80, SSN-583, SSN-680, rider on all the other 637s....I was a "noseconer" (ET).