A new guy asking for help choosing a budget scope setup.

[ATH]

1) Forget getting a reliably tracking, reasonably quality FFP scope for $300. Isn't going to happen. If you really want FFP, more than double your budget. I suggest you let this feature go in return for gaining quality on other features.
2) Look at the Nikon and Bushnell options in your price range. You may find a fit to budget and capabilities. SWFA is good, but as you said, fixed power is an issue.
3) I hope you're sticking with targets at long range for now. A long range hunting rig doesn't wear a $300 scope. They just aren't reliable enough. I've had exactly one scope fail in long range shooting, and it was a Bushnell on the budget end, and at that was $600.
4) +10 on Burris Signature Zee Rings. Also helps add elevation.
5) Forget the concern about putting an expensive scope on a cheap rifle. Once you have the scope you can always upgrade the rifle. A lot of very cheap rifles shoot well enough to wear a scope 3X their price.

 

[Bobtom]

You could try out a Mueller Target Rifle Scope 8-32 x 44mm, prices range around $300

Cptmark,
I did look into the Mullers. I read too many critical reviews about the craftsman ship and the zoom getting fuzzy above 16x. I was also concerned when I started reading through their warranty. Having to have the original receipt and providing the return shipping cost seems a little off to me when looking at other manufactures. Thank you for adding the to post though, any information at this point is helpful.

 

[Bobtom]

You could take a look at the Sightron scope line up. They have good glass and a lot of people have had success with them, including myself. Good luck.

Thanks BHC, I'll look them up.

 

[Canhunter35]

Someone mentioned sightron line up and I endorse it, have an stac 4-20 and it tracks great, quite clear glass. Might be above ur budget. If you get a good scope and lr doesn't agree with you, you still have a good scope

 

[johnnyk]

BobTom,
Welcome to LRH. Not trying to be a kill joy but I don't think the Konus scope you shared a link to is what you need. The specs say it has a engraved Mil Dot reticle (probably etched) and its click value @ 100yds is 1/8" adjustments. That's MOA not MIL Dot adjustment. The max internal adjustment is 41.8" - that's only 10 MOA of adjustment. Not a lot of "come-ups", even with a 20 MOA base that's probably not enough to get to 1k with the .308 Win. after zeroing.
Best to be patient and keep an eye out for a better scope. Do some research on the scopes that have been suggested. For instance, I have a friend with more .308's than he needs. One wears a fixed power SuperSnipe and the other a Nightforce SHV. The SS actually has more MOA adjustment than the NF! He loves that scope/rifle (I think it's a Savage 12FV) and easily shoots to 1400yds with it using LC military ammo.
Good luck in your pursuit. JohnnyK.

 

[Bobtom]

BW64

Thank you. I have some experience with adjusting the iron sights of a M16/AR-15 for multiple known ranges, so I understand the need for consistency. Thank you for clarifying the concept of tracking.

 

[BHC]

The Sightron S Tac series is not too far north of your budget. Maybe a $100-$150 depending on the deal you get. Here's one I painted for my AR Hybrid 7.62 Russian I built. Very nice Japanese glass.

 

[BHC]

Sorry bud, wrong video that was a Vortex scope. Here is the STAC on a LFAR in .308

 

[Bobtom]

Question, Why are people leaning toward the 6x and 10x scopes for 1000 yards? I understand that you dont really need 16x or 20x to shoot at those ranges, but 6x seems a little low to me. Lastly, they are all going for $299 right now with free shipping.

 

[Bobtom]

Thanks JonnyK, that is exactly the information I'm looking for. I've been able to grab the basic understanding of mil's and MOA, but haven't had the chance to put it into action yet.
So here's where I'm at. The current two front runners in my search are the SWFA SS 16x42 MOA scope for $299, and the Vortex Crosfire II 6-18x44 scope for $219.
I have ruled out Sightron for now because their warranty doesn't sound very reassuring to me.
SWFA:
https://swfa.com/swfa-ss-16x42-tactical-30mm-riflescope-6.html
Vortex:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XY4XT4Q/?tag=lrhmag19-20

Going back to what you said, the SWFA scope is listed as having 120 MOA adjustment, which should be plenty for getting to 1k yards. The Vortex is listed as having "50 Max" adjustment of MOA, does this mean that it has a total of 100 MOA of adjustment with a 50 min added in, or that it is only 50 MOA total? I don't think a total of 50 MOA would get me to where I want to go.

Thank you to everyone who is helping me with this decision. I don't personally know anyone who can help me with these choices.

 

[BW64]

My 6.5 wears a SWFA 20x with Burris Z rings & 20moa EGW rail. I can dial 1 mile with no problem & 1880 tops it out. On the .308 it tops out at 1 mile. 16x is a good compromise if you don't feel comfortable with 20x.

BW

 

[Bobtom]

My 6.5 wears a SWFA 20x with Burris Z rings & 20moa EGW rail. I can dial 1 mile with no problem & 1880 tops it out. On the .308 it tops out at 1 mile. 16x is a good compromise if you don't feel comfortable with 20x.

BW

Thanks for the info. To be honest, I was initially very resistant to a fixed power scope. After reading the postings here and looking at the options, I leaning more towards the SWFA 16x42. It seems like the best bang for the buck.

 

[Hand Skills]

+1 on fixed power.

There are too many variables in shooting LR anyway.

 

[BW64]

Check SWFA!! BIG SCOPE SALE!!! I just bought 2 & I don't have rifles to put them on!!!! LOL