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Buy starter scope? Or wait? #5595792 02/12/15 03:53 PM
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I recently picked up a new .308 and am looking for glass to top it off with. I would really like to put some money into a decent scope like a vortex pst or swfa hd. I am ok spending the money necessary to do that but it will be a few paychecks while I save up.

I also have a .22 bolt gun that j wouldn't mind upgrading the scope on. If I purchased something now for the .308 in the $300 or so range I could then move it to the .22 when I upgraded the .308. Is there any point in this or should I just wait?

Any scopes in the $300 range or so you would recommend to get me going?

Re: Buy starter scope? Or wait? [Re: RCINTX] #5595810 02/12/15 04:01 PM
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You may want to look at Natchez Shooting Supply. The frequently have Demos and Refurbished high end scopes for sale. I get there newsletter and monthly catalogue which is where the "hot deals" are listed. I suggest you go to there website and sign up for their newsletter. I have bought both optics and barrels from them..their prices and service is hard to beat.


http://www.natchezss.com/

Re: Buy starter scope? Or wait? [Re: RCINTX] #5595822 02/12/15 04:09 PM
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If you have another use for the $300 scope (to put on the 22), I don't think there is anything wrong with that. Or you could just save up your $ and then get the one you really want up

Re: Buy starter scope? Or wait? [Re: RCINTX] #5595828 02/12/15 04:12 PM
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Spend the $300 on a Burris, and don't worry about upgrading.
I was in the same position and put a Burris C4 on a new 7mm I had. Thought I would upgrade later, but its been a great scope.

Re: Buy starter scope? Or wait? [Re: RCINTX] #5596312 02/12/15 08:50 PM
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I've learned over the years that spending the extra money on good quality optics really makes a hunting experience better for a number of different reasons. That's why my hunting rifles have Accupoints. If it's just a gun to shoot at paper for fun, and you're not dialing in for distance, go cheap. what difference will it make?

Re: Buy starter scope? Or wait? [Re: RCINTX] #5596497 02/12/15 10:55 PM
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I'd get one of the Redfield revolution scopes in 2-7x. Would be great on a .22 when you upgrade ti a more expensive scope, and well below your $300 threshold.

Last edited by VAFish; 02/12/15 10:56 PM.

"If your plan is for one year, plant rice.
If your plan is for ten years, plant trees.
If your plan is for one hundred years, educate children."
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Re: Buy starter scope? Or wait? [Re: RCINTX] #5596508 02/12/15 11:03 PM
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What are you going to use the .308 for?


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Re: Buy starter scope? Or wait? [Re: RCINTX] #5596555 02/12/15 11:32 PM
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I got a rimfire Nikon 2-7x from optics planet a few weeks ago for $160 shipped and am very impressed with it for the cost.

Re: Buy starter scope? Or wait? [Re: Crews] #5596608 02/12/15 11:54 PM
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Originally Posted By: Crews
I've learned over the years that spending the extra money on good quality optics really makes a hunting experience better for a number of different reasons.


Well put. All my rifles wear Vortex Optics. I love them, I own a Viper 2.5-10x50, Viper PST 4-16x50, and a Diamondback 3-9x40. I bought the Diamondback 1st and now it is on a .17 HMR. If I could turn back the clock I would have bought the nicer scopes 1st then bought some 100 dollar Crossfire for my .17 HMR or a used Diamondback.

I just kept upgrading because once I looked through nice optics I only wanted to hunt with them. Buying a used Vortex Viper PST is the best bet I think. Used Vortex scopes are great because you can send them into Vortex and they will check everything to make sure its working correctly and you still have the unconditional lifetime warranty; not to mention they are awesome scopes!

Re: Buy starter scope? Or wait? [Re: RCINTX] #5596789 02/13/15 01:35 AM
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Which will be shot more, and which is more important? How far do you want to push the .308?

If it were me, I'd get "the" scope for the .308 and worry about the .22 later.


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Re: Buy starter scope? Or wait? [Re: J.G.] #5596947 02/13/15 02:34 AM
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Originally Posted By: FiremanJG
Which will be shot more, and which is more important? How far do you want to push the .308?

If it were me, I'd get "the" scope for the .308 and worry about the .22 later.


I agree with JG on this one...it sounds to me like you're thinking about twisting turrets and a scope meant for that duty just wouldn't be right on a rimfire. If you plan on just hunting with the .308 and keeping it within typical ranges, then an ordinary reticle and turrets oughta be suitable for it, and practical for a good rimfire rifle later on.


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Re: Buy starter scope? Or wait? [Re: RCINTX] #5597137 02/13/15 04:11 AM
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I'd save my pennies and buy a good scope for the .308. Buy once cry once.

Re: Buy starter scope? Or wait? [Re: RCINTX] #5597197 02/13/15 05:07 AM
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The .308 will be used for occasional hunting but mainly targets. I am wanting to learn to shoot distance, develop loads, the whole 9 yards. The .22 is cheap and fun to shoot.

Re: Buy starter scope? Or wait? [Re: RCINTX] #5597287 02/13/15 11:35 AM
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In that case, save up at least $800. Don't do what so many of us have done and get one "close enough" or one you didn't know better about, only later to sell it and get the right scope you should have got on the first place. Because unless you buy the "close enough" scope used you will take a loss on it when you sell it.


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Re: Buy starter scope? Or wait? [Re: J.G.] #5597294 02/13/15 12:01 PM
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FiremanJG - I am strongly considering the Vortex PST ffp 6-24x50. i think that's the one I'll end up with. Is there another I should consider instead?

Re: Buy starter scope? Or wait? [Re: RCINTX] #5598419 02/14/15 01:02 AM
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SS 5-20 HD Mil/Mil FFP. It is the scope I have used the most in the last three years. I wrote a review on tacticalgunreview.com

It's another $200, and worth it.


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Re: Buy starter scope? Or wait? [Re: RCINTX] #5598992 02/14/15 01:31 PM
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I read the review, and it was excellent. All I have heard is how great the vortex warranty is. Ill look into SWFA and checktheirs out.

So what makes it worth the extra $200? Is it the quality of the glass?

Re: Buy starter scope? Or wait? [Re: RCINTX] #5599022 02/14/15 01:53 PM
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Originally Posted By: RCINTX
FiremanJG - I am strongly considering the Vortex PST ffp 6-24x50. i think that's the one I'll end up with. Is there another I should consider instead?


Bushnell LRHS 3-12. About 1k at optics planet. I believe anything over 15x is waisted for shooting at range. 24x is fine for getting a 100 yard zero, but not necessary.

http://www.bushnell.com/hunting/rifle-scopes/elite-tactical-hunter

Re: Buy starter scope? Or wait? [Re: RCINTX] #5599406 02/14/15 06:19 PM
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What distance are you wanting to shoot it at? The longer the distance, the smaller the target, the better scope you need. I like my Nightforce 3.5-15, but I shoot out to 1000 yards. If you are shooting to 300 to 500, you can get by with a less expensive scope. A lot of people like traditional reticle, but I prefer a mil reticle.

Re: Buy starter scope? Or wait? [Re: RCINTX] #5599428 02/14/15 06:37 PM
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Originally Posted By: RCINTX
I read the review, and it was excellent. All I have heard is how great the vortex warranty is. Ill look into SWFA and checktheirs out.

So what makes it worth the extra $200? Is it the quality of the glass?


Glass quality is better and ten mils per rev.


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Re: Buy starter scope? Or wait? [Re: 6.5x47Lapua] #5599430 02/14/15 06:38 PM
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Originally Posted By: 6.5x47Lapua
Originally Posted By: RCINTX
FiremanJG - I am strongly considering the Vortex PST ffp 6-24x50. i think that's the one I'll end up with. Is there another I should consider instead?


Bushnell LRHS 3-12. About 1k at optics planet. I believe anything over 15x is waisted for shooting at range. 24x is fine for getting a 100 yard zero, but not necessary.

http://www.bushnell.com/hunting/rifle-scopes/elite-tactical-hunter


I disagree. I shoot several days a week on 20X. I also spot for other shooters @ 14-20X.

When less stable shooting I can turn it down. Then I tend to go 8-10X.


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Re: Buy starter scope? Or wait? [Re: J.G.] #5600135 02/15/15 01:01 PM
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Originally Posted By: FiremanJG
Originally Posted By: 6.5x47Lapua
Originally Posted By: RCINTX
FiremanJG - I am strongly considering the Vortex PST ffp 6-24x50. i think that's the one I'll end up with. Is there another I should consider instead?


Bushnell LRHS 3-12. About 1k at optics planet. I believe anything over 15x is waisted for shooting at range. 24x is fine for getting a 100 yard zero, but not necessary.

http://www.bushnell.com/hunting/rifle-scopes/elite-tactical-hunter


I disagree. I shoot several days a week on 20X. I also spot for other shooters @ 14-20X.

When less stable shooting I can turn it down. Then I tend to go 8-10X.


Like I've said before, I value a large field of view. At 8-12x-ish I am perfectly capable of making the shot. At 15x and above I loose too much field of view. Wasted magnification in my eyes, unless I'm just getting a simple 100 yard zero.

Having cattle wonder into my area of interest is always a real concern.

Re: Buy starter scope? Or wait? [Re: RCINTX] #5600340 02/15/15 04:30 PM
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Could always go with a swfa 3x15x42 mil/mil..

Rcintx then go ahead and sign up for Jason's class with the left over money!!! Well worth the 300 bucks

Bring some match 308 ammo


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Re: Buy starter scope? Or wait? [Re: RCINTX] #5601428 02/16/15 04:42 AM
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I've got a "build sheet" for this rifle that lists each item I need, price, etc. There is an entry close to the top for the class. Someone has to teach me to use all of this stuff.

I've got another whole page for reloading items. I Hope to start turning out my own match ammo at some point.

Re: Buy starter scope? Or wait? [Re: RCINTX] #5601656 02/16/15 01:56 PM
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I've mounted, leveled, and adjusted eye relief of many a scope on the tailgate of my pickup lately. Seems everyone that comes out needs their rig wrenched on, and that is totally fine. Lets get it all correct before pushing the equipment toward its' limits.


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