.260 Scope Advice

All right, I am getting closer to figuring out what I want but still need a little more help. Here is what I'm working with:

.260 Caliber, paper punching, deer, varmint, hogs etc; very limited spot and stalk if any. As far as distance goes, I don't want to limit myself on the paper but hunting wise 100 to 300 yards.

1) No more than $600 to $650. I've already blown my budget and won't go more.
2) Mils/Mils
3) Minimum 4-16-?

This is what I've found so far, any opinions on these or any other options are much appreciated.

Vortex Viper HS-T 4-16x44
Part# VHS-4308 & VHS-4309
Reticle Available: VMR-1 (MRAD)
Matte Black

Hawke 4.5-14x42 Sidewinder Tactical 30mm Riflescope

Thanks again, it's very much appreciated.

Viper PST Mil/Mil 4-16x will work great for you.

Dont forget to look at Bushnell Elite.

I won't tell you what you should buy, but I will say the scope I picked, for a compact multipurpose .260, is the SWFA SS 3-15x42. It has about everything you listed but is also FFP, which seems to be the way to go for LR shooting. I haven't mounted and used it yet, still waiting on the rifle, but I think I'm gonna like it. It's $699 retail, but used ones can be had for less.

The SS 3-15 is a tactical scope though, so make sure the exposed turrets and ffp reticle will work for your hunting purposes. If you're close enough to drive to SWFA in Midlothian, you could look through as many scopes as you have time for prior to purchasing anything..

^^Another good option^^

I have not compared the Viper to the SS 3-15, side by side for glass clarity The SS 3-15 is not in their "HD" glass line, but that doesn't mean its not clear.

While the vortex hs-t has alot going for it. Just remember, the mil reticle is only usable at 16 power. Anything less than 16 power, the reticle will only serve as a cross hair.


You can always dial in your wind adjustments, but that becomes a pain in the arse when you can't read the reticle.

Thanks, I really appreciate the info and opinions.

Viper pst 4x16x50 on my 300 win
Swfa 3x15x42 on my ar

I will tell you this at max the viper is a tad grainy looking but the swfa is clear at 3 or 15 power. I like the rough feeling turrets on my viper though and like a 50 mm bell. Tough choice

I would try to get your hands on em and look through both

I have the swfa 3-15x42 and it's been on an ar and now on a 300wm. It is really clear and tracks perfectly

I have one of these swfa 22 3-15 scopes. I have no complaints so far. I'm till trying to get used to the ffp thing. I usually hate answering the "how clear is it" question because it's so subjective. However, I can't tell any practical difference between this scope, my leupold vx3 or the older nikon monarch series in terms of clarity and brightness. Those the the nicest scopes I own.