Need help buying my 1st scope. Which one do I get?

[brcfo_outdoors]

To the OP...
View attachment 406047

I know a scope doesn't blip on your radar for less than $3k, but everyone has to work within their means. You have a lot of experience, so why don't you offer up something constructive for someone who is new to the game.

 

[Hoppsing55]

You likely have the ability to shoot 1000+ yds. Just takes a little practice and some planning. Find a good load - ammunition, that works with the gun. The 300WSM is capable of 1000+ yds. Run the numbers through a "quality" ballistics calculator, and you can develop the required skills to maximize the guns potential. A quick check on JBM, shows the 300 WSM with a 210gr Nosler RDF bullet @.707 BC, at 2650 fpm should be repeatedly stable out to 1100 - 1200 yds. You mention Athlon, (ARES ETR - $1200) would be a good choice. Arken is another scope that punches above it's $ weight. (EP5 = $565) I own both and have good experience with both. Plenty of other good options mentioned previously. Good luck and good shooting!

 

[Lee7588]

Spend as much as you can on your scope "you can't shoot what you can't see"

 

[JAYgs8163]

That's going to be one HEAVY rifle! Good luck with it!

 

[Danehunter]

Look VERY closely at BUSHNELL's "ELITE" line of rifle scopes.

 

[P7M13]

Meopta Optika 6 3-18×50 FFP
Rivals my Leopold Mk 4 and VX7L scopes in clarity. Heavy.
Have one on my AR10, its ~11.5 lbs with glass.
Everyone's gotta start somewhere, recommend that whatever you get, you practice at the lowest magnification power at 600 yards.
And practice, practice, practice.
I have a Burris Fullfield E1 (SFP) on one hunting rifle scope that the reticle crosshairs easily cover 8" at 1600 on 14x.
Most of all, have fun.

 

[Troutslayer2]

I don't have the ability to shoot 1000 yards. But the gun might. It's a Deadshot barrel, 26 inches, bull profile which I think is .936 inches in diameter, 1:10 twist, it's not fluted, it had their magnum length gas system on it, can't think of how long that was off the top of my head. Maybe rifle +2, and an adjustable gas block. It has a Larue 2 stage curved trigger in it for 100 bucks. Rifle is not put together yet, still gotta order a handguard and find some time on a weekend to assemble it. Unfortuanatly I have no idea how far my longest shot is. Maybe 250 yards.

I don't think you can legally hunt with a rifle that heavy in a lot of states.

 

[74honker]

I don't think you can legally hunt with a rifle that heavy in a lot of states.

I've gotta ask what in the world does this mean? Apologize for the ignorance just asking to learn.

 

[RockyMtnUT]

I've gotta ask what in the world does this mean? Apologize for the ignorance just asking to learn.

Some states have weight limits on what you can hunt with. Like, Idaho is a 16lbs limit.
They don't want you building a 30lb, 2 mile capable rifle. Heavy rifles are easier to shoot farther and more accurately in general.

 

[74honker]

Interesting. Learn something new everyday. So just what are these weight limits? I'm sure they probably vary but ballpark. And for what reason do these limits exist?

 

[Lee7588]

Interesting. Learn something new everyday. So just what are these weight limits? I'm sure they probably vary but ballpark. And for what reason do these limits exist?

Idaho is 16# including sling scope bipod etc

 

[Troutslayer2]

Interesting. Learn something new everyday. So just what are these weight limits? I'm sure they probably vary but ballpark. And for what reason do these limits exist?

It's probably intended to keep first time hunters from spraying and praying with 20 pound AR10s, at least that's what I hope it's for.

 

[nksmfamjp]

I don't have the ability to shoot 1000 yards. But the gun might. It's a Deadshot barrel, 26 inches, bull profile which I think is .936 inches in diameter, 1:10 twist, it's not fluted, it had their magnum length gas system on it, can't think of how long that was off the top of my head. Maybe rifle +2, and an adjustable gas block. It has a Larue 2 stage curved trigger in it for 100 bucks. Rifle is not put together yet, still gotta order a handguard and find some time on a weekend to assemble it. Unfortuanatly I have no idea how far my longest shot is. Maybe 250 yards.

Sorry about how I came off….I really just wanted you to think about how far you know how to shoot and make a reasonable goal to shoot further. Sounds like you are working on that.

I'm not a huge fan of gas guns for long, but even I know it is possible to make them shoot! Small bit of advice…. I would look into a Triggertech Diamond. They are really the best AR trigger IMO for this kind of work.

I don't know anything about Deadshot barrels…..did you get the KAK bolt they recommended? Which blank did you get? Keep us posted how it groups.

 

[JAYgs8163]

I've got a Vortex Razor Gen1 that is basically brand new. Mounted but never out of the safe. I've got everything for it. I'd make you a helluva deal on it in your budget. If interested let me know, PM me. I've also got a set of ARC rings for it also but they might not be high enough for a AR, probably would depend on the hand guard you go with.