One scope to do it all.....

[Sharpshooter243]

I am think about getting one really nice scope for a 2 rem 700's on in 300mag and 243 win also a 260 xp-100r pistol. What kind of power range should i be looking at...I do alot of long range shooting @500+ yds. I wish I could afford a nightforce but that is out of the question so which major scope brands so i be looking at?

 

[trebark]

I have a 280 that is my all-purpose carry gun. It wears a Leupold VX3 4.5-14x40. I had the Leupold Custom Shop add M1 tactical knobs and a TMR reticle. 4.5x magnification is good for the up-close work and 14x is good enough for the long shots (I killed a groundhog at 575 this year - no trouble). Although I juuuuust missed, I took a shot at a groundhog at 907. With the scope at 14x, I could see the hog clearly.

More simply, there are two issues for you....

1. Magnification Range - for an all purpose scope you need a low enough magnification to handle shots that will be up close, but with sufficient magnification for the looooong shots. 4x to 14x is good.

2. Quality of Glass - magnification won't go far if you can't see threw the scope. Buy the best glass you can afford.

 

[Miller Outdoors]

I second the 4.5-14 for a great do it all carry scope. I'd opt for a 40 to 50mm bell.

 

[rdsewell]

I too have a Leupold VX3 4.5-14x40 with the CDS system on it . I have a 200 yds. zero and it's dead on out to 800 yds.

 

[Sharpshooter243]

i was thinking either 4.5-14 or 6.5-20 but couldn't decide