Hello!
Anyone have thoughts about the two brands and how they differ for first time shooters? I really like Nikon and Vortex as a brand and I am interested in getting their scopes but the question is, which one is better for beginners? User friendly, customization, (if applicable) compatibility with more guns, price range.... etc.
It would be MUCH appreciated!

It really depends on the usage of the shooter as opposed to which one is more accomodating to a beginner.

One thing that I suggest is getting something that you can grow into, depending on how it will be used primarily, simply because it will have life left in it for a long time.

I would have to say, novice or expert, both companies provide great products and more budget minded products in order to accomodate a broader market.

What is the primary goal for this rifle going to be?

I want to mostly do target shooting at the moment. I may eventually get into deer hunting.

I'd also consider burris ff2 great entry level scope. Or redfield revo. The Nikon buckmaster is a great value. Swfa is a great resource and excellent cs, I highly recommend them and they will price match anyone!

Since the primary goos is target, I would suggest something with a mil-dot reticle.

Nikon offers a mil-dot, but in my opinion it is not designed correctly, because the reticle in in second focal plane versus first focal plane. I'm fearful upon you becoming more proficient, you will eventually outgrow the scope and longer shots will become and prove to be more combersome.

For you, I would strongly suggest the Vortex in this case or potentially our SS.

Because of how they are designed and the features associated with them, I do not believe this is a scope that you will ever outgrow and will be an increasingly versatile tool that will get a lot of use for several years to come.

Sure! Which Vortex is it?

I'm sorry, I failed to mention that didn't I.

Specifically the PST.
http://swfa.com/Vortex-4-16x50-Viper-PST-30mm-Rifle-Scope-P44561.aspx

Skylar is 100% on track here.

Mil reticle Mil turrets. First Focal if you can afford it. As you ease your effective range out, you don't want you optic to be a handicap. Once all the fundamentals are taken care of, 1 MOA or tighter ammo, and your understanding of trajectory and how to allow for it are taken care of; judging wind is what everyone has trouble with (me included sometimes). So what that means is eliminate all other factors but wind calling.

SWFA SS I have on a. 260.

Vortex Viper PST I will be getting for a 7 Rem Mag.

Both great scopes.

Vortex!

Vortex!

Jason how do you like the .260?

I'm toying on building a new rig in the future as soon as I sell me house and hoping to get into a 6.5, maybe another .338, and I have heard a lot of good things about the .260.

I have also been plagued with the WSM's like a .300 or 7mm

I talked with a guy today, who just got a 7mm SAUM and he went on and on about it.

Just didn't want to go with another .308.

I am married to my .260 until death do us part. It is very consistent in all weathers, it bucks the wind with it's .585 BC bullet, it hits hard, but doesn't recoil much. It is my favorite short action cartridge. In 14 months I've put 1200 rounds on the barrel if that tells you how I like shooting it.

Beware, you will hold too much wind going from a. 308 to a .260 I did it, almost everyone else does too.

fireman, whats your max range on that 260?

night eagle

What bullet are you shooting, Fireman?

Great experience with Nikon but I like Vortex so...

With a DA of 2000' it calculates to be supersonic to 1450 yards. I got several solid hits at 1380 yards, and finally walked it in on a 3' round plate at one mile (1760 yards).



140 gr. Hornday A-max atop 43.2 gr of H-4350 making 2800 fps at the muzzle.

I'm running the same bullet with 42.5 grains of H4350, flying at 2750

Both Vortex and Nikon build nice low and intermediately priced optics.
Best bet it go go to a store and look thru them both and see how you eyes like them.

Vortex PSTs is one of my favorite line of scopes.

I'm with Bob, go check some scopes out and see which work best for you. Nikon has some promotion's going on right now that will save you some $.
Check out the Buckmaster and PROSTAFF scopes, I think there is something for everyone (almost) and definitely one that will fit your budget. I like the BDC reticle and using Nikon's Spot On Ballistic Program to dial in my rifle,scope and ammo for the best possible accuracy.

When are yall going to start making a Mil/ Mil scope?

+1

Like my wife's Nikon

I spent some time at cabelas last night playing with scopes for my AR.

I looked at almost everything I could get my hands on without getting crazy, stayed away from anything over 500 bucks (I know that leaves a lot out, but I was looking for something in the entry level like this thread OP).

My opinion was the Nikon m-223 was the best in the under 500 range and the p-223 was a step below the M-223 but well worth the more than half cost. I
Looked at vortex crossfire and a number of cabelas branded scopes and bushnells. In my opinion in playing with them in store and trying hard to find spots with lower light at distance, the Nikon M-223 was best followed by a special leupold tactical, followed by the Cabelas euro which was real close to the P-224. For 169 I got the P-223 which was slightly subpar to the M-223 with the biggest difference between the two being a little better view off center out of the M and slightly better glass. I was happy I spent so much time with them all, my kids were not, but I felt confident I got a good but in the P-223.

For what it's worth, I love my vortex talon HD binos...
Just my $0.02

I got one of these from y'all and I like it very much. Weaver Tactical 3-15X50 EMDR

It's less-costly than the PST and looks like there's still a rebate.