Optics system for SPR/SASS

[Leonidimus]

I recently bought an AR10-ish .308 rifle and don't have a huge budget for optics, so preferably the whole setup should be under $600. Can you guys recommend something?

The rifle role will be SPR / SASS / DMR (designated marksman rifle), i.e something between a typical semi-auto and a bolt-action precision rifle. The rifle is pretty light, so the optics should not be super heavy. It'll be mostly used at the range (100-200y) and hopefully for hog hunting later.

So, I'm looking for something like this:
- Mil-dot or G2 reticle and mil turrets, no MOA please;
- Weight under 21 oz regular / under 26oz illuminated;
- Close engagements ready, i.e the overall range 20-400m

I really like Bushnell Elite Tactical LRS 3-12x 44mm with G2 reticle, but it costs $800!
I'm thinking the way to go cheap but decent would be to get Bushnell 10x40 mil/mil for just $200, scope base with Picatinny ring and put a tiny red dot on this ring for close distance.

[MontClaire]

it is my personal experience which tells me not to go cheap on the weapon your life depends on. extra 200 is less starbucks coffee you'll drink but well worth it if youre getting what you want and most importantly getting something you'll know how to operate.

[HK Dave]

I'd rather have a $2K optic on a $500 rifle, than a $500 optic on a $2K rifle.

Save up and get something good.

[RuggedJay]

Personally I would drink my Starbucks and enjoy it everyday rather than spend more for an optic that will see the light of day a few times a year.

[DirtyDave]

Something like these

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/898287/burris-mtac-rifle-scope-30mm-tube-35-10x-42mm-1-10-mil-adjustments-adjustable-objective-g2b-mil-dot-reticle-matte

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/178916/vortex-viper-pst-rifle-scope-30mm-tube-25-10x-44mm-1-10-mil-adjustments-illuminated-ebr-1-mrad-reticle-matte

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/883214/weaver-tactical-rifle-scope-30mm-tube-2-10x-36mm-1-10-mil-adjustments-first-focal-illuminated-emdr-reticle-matte

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/676341/leupold-vx-r-rifle-scope-30mm-tube-3-9x-40mm-1-10-mil-adjustments-illuminated-firedot-4-reticle-matte

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/325418/leupold-vx-r-patrol-rifle-scope-30mm-tube-3-9x-40mm-1-10-mil-adjustments-illuminated-firedot-tmr-reticle-matte

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/536569/leupold-vx-r-rifle-scope-30mm-tube-2-7x-33mm-1-10-mil-adjustments-illuminated-firedot-4-reticle-matte

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/462883/vortex-viper-pst-rifle-scope-30mm-tube-1-4x-24mm-2-10-mil-adjustments-illuminated-tmcq-reticle-matte

[Leonidimus]

Thanks for the options. Burris MTAC line looks promising. They're pretty light - even the 50mm one is just 18 oz.

So, what about using a fixed 10x scope in the field? If the military uses them, why can't we? When there is just 10 seconds window to make a shot, there probably won't be enough time to fiddle with turrets anyway. I have a Nikon 3-9x40 on my custom 10/22 and seldom feel the need to go down from 9x, even at 25m. Fixed ones are usually brighter than varios in the same price range.

What do you think about these two?
SWFA SS 10x42 Tactical Riflescope
Bushnell Elite 3200 Tactical Rifle Scope 10x40

[DirtyDave]

I would never hunt with a fixed power optic unless it was lower power like a fixed 4x. No way I would use a fixed 10x. Majority of your shots on Hogs are less than 200yds, then you have running hogs that you bust out of the brush at 20yds too

[Leonidimus]

OK, I'm about to pull the trigger on Burris MTAC 3.5-10x42. It costs $410 at gunforall.com. Is it a reputable dealer, btw?

Before I do that, let me throw one more semi-cheap scope - Weaver Tactical Grand Slam 3-10x40. It doesn't have parallax adjustment, but overall looks nice. I know parallax is important for precision target shooting, but does it matter for hunting? There likely won't be enough time to check parallax.

[Hoop]

Super Sniper 3-9 used and then get some warne quick release rings or a 1pc mount (adm bobro etc)? That is the only combination for a variable @ 600bucks I can think of that I'd buy. It would work well for what you are talking about too.

Not sure about the MTAC, I asked around a lot about it and the only person I found that gave me a good review sold his a month later.

[HK Dave]

Super Sniper 3-9 used and then get some warne quick release rings or a 1pc mount (adm bobro etc)? That is the only combination for a variable @ 600bucks I can think of that I'd buy. It would work well for what you are talking about too.

Not sure about the MTAC, I asked around a lot about it and the only person I found that gave me a good review sold his a month later.

Second this... you'll have a hard time beating the value of the SWFA 3-9.

[timcorexxx]

Ya I agree the bus ell fixed 10x40 is a great sight and cost super cheap for good quality glass but if your thinking about hog hunting you don't want to go with a fixed 10 maybe a fixed for like the other op said cause hogs are no joke and if there running at you from 100 yards 10 would be way to unfocused and close to get a clear shot. I was thinking about getting the fixed bush ell on my pri mk12 but when I looked through them I decided not too. They were great quality scope and so cheap but just wanted more of a 3-10x40 then a fixed 10 for the shooting I'm gonna do with my mk12. I'm in the same boat as you are also, my legit mk12 cost almost 3 grand for everything that I won't have 700 dollars to spend for. At least 6 months just cause implying off my mk12. So I wanted to get a cheaper leupold mark ar 3-9x30 for now that will only cost a few hundred but I know my mk12 deserves a better quality scope so I'm torn what to do. If I get a nicer scope then it's between a viper pst or bush ell match. The bush ell is amazing for the cost, you can pick one up new or used on here or Craigslist sometimes and even eBay, just if you buy one on eBay buy it new. My next build is gonna be a .308 sass, I've always wanted one even before I just got my mk12 but its heavier and more expensive to shoot so I got an mk12. Not much more to shoot but a little more and was harder to find the parts right now. Believe it or not it was harder finding parts to build a sass then it was finding all the military specs to build a mk12. But good luck and hope you find what u want.