Looking at something in the 6-24 power range for long range shooting with .308. Looking at the Mueller 8-32x44, Sightmark triple duty 8.5-25x50 (illuminated) and the Weaver classic extreme 6-24x50 (illuminated). Anyone used these and have any thoughts? My budget is $300.

I made the same assumption that I needed a super high magbification scope when I was shopping for a scope for the same task. After talking to guys who shoot long range consistently, I realized I didn't need it. You need a scope with quality glass, adjustable turrets, repeatable adjustments, and a reticle that matches the turret adjustment. I went with an swfa SS 12x fixed powered scope with mil adjustments and mil reticle. $299

I got to spend some time behind the Sightmark Triple duty recently, and thought it was a good scope for the price. Although it seemed very big compared to my PST, and the target turrets seemed to be taller than necessary. It did return to zero after having ran out to 500 and back to 100, but there was some doubt in my mind while dialing up because the "clicks" weren't as tight or precise as my PST. Some "clicks" we're more pronounced than others.

It's not a great scope, but it's not terrible, and there are other better option for the same or little bit more. 8.5 is awful high for a starting magnification, I wish I had something in the 2 or 3 power as a base on my scope because 6x is still pretty high but it's also not my dedicated hunting rifle.

TFfCaribou is right, the SS 12x is a much better option for the price, although you give up the adjustable magnification. But then again, I find my self on 12-16x on my 6-24

What he said. I use a 16x fixed power swfa. Great for long range Crap for close (over powered at short range)

^^Well stated^^

A fixed 12X sucks in low light, or a snap shooting scenario, but on a budget it can get a bunch of work done, out to 1000 yards. I have the scope he mentioned and really like it, especially for the price and the known clear glass of the SS as well as the robust toughness it has.

i found that you just need to go look at scopes in person i spend an entire day hitting 4-5 places and acetyl looking trough just about every scope they had what i thought was clean my buddy did not and vise versa for 300$ you can get a lot of scope options if you have a cabalas near you go spend a few hours and fined the one you like best i think i looked trough every one of there scopes on of my favorite was one made by cabalas and it was like 230=250 if i recall right I dont recall the name but man was it crystal clear and they have a 90 money back guarantee you guy it and try it out side and dont like it it does not pic up light well in the early mornings or the evenings I just bout 4 different scope to replace some of the ones i have they are all really old my dad had a thing for bushnell and they all worked well and killed a lot of dear he had the money to buy a more expensive scopes but he just said why these work just fine wold just get some suggestions on the brands of scopes and then look through them that is what i did then i when on line and looked for the cheapest price nothing wrong with saving some money that is how i picked out my scope i asked a few members about theres and what they would sujest wrote it down about 7 different models i have one the is mil or to mil one ao and i cant recall what they are i just know it was a few nikons a cabelsa brand an bass proshop brand and a leupold my nikon was 500 it cost more then my gun cost after a trigger bolt next month a glass bedding job i talked to a guy with the same gun and he did the same things i am doing and he is shooting less then half an in groups at 100 said they all touch each other i did take some good advice from a member told me the the turret matched scopes are more of a gimmick after trying one my self i did like it and i did decide to keep it i just set it for my sons 2506 can he can hit bullseyes from 100-300 four hundred they are off a few inches about 5 i did not have time or was able to shoot it enough because my back was just killing me he shot a coyote why was 350yrs with the rang finder it a cables scope and is a very clear and good scope so far in low light clarity and we will see about durability in a while but so far so good. i bought most my copes of optic planet some scope they were cheaper some they we more the ones that were more i got from sportsmen gear yes i am a member i buy a lot of stuff there

4-14 or 4-16 is what ive used for a long time out to 1k. I do have a 6-18 and 6-20, but never felt the 4-xx was not enough. I like the burris ff with mildot or nikon with mildot. I had a nf 5-25 that i sold when i got laid off and have been using my others alot especially nikons. With the spot on app i can easily make hits out to 1k. Is it my nf no but for right now it gets the job done. Look for a 6-18x40 nikon with mildot and get 20 moa rail and you should be just fine with that spot on app. It adjusts distances with magnification which is why its easy breezy. They can be had for 250-400, used to new.

You talking about the Nikon BDC? That ain't mils. Don't get JG on his

Nikon makes a Mil reticle.

I live about 45 minutes from SWFA so I'm going to look at those fixed power scopes they offer. I do like the idea of not having to mess with the magnification and having super clear glass. I just dont want to feel like I am under powered at 700+ yards.

I like the idea of an illuminated reticle, is it worth the extra cost and weight?

They make a mildot through miday 6-18x40 and some of the prostaffs and monarchs have em. And the bdc with spot on isnt precision but i can make hits in the body with a b-27 target at long distances with it.

I have a couple of illuminated scopes unless its close up stuff and dusk/dawn or darker i never use mine ive turned mine on maybe a handful of times since purchasing. My next lr scope will be the vortex hslr or whatever is equivalent to pst without illumination.

I picked up a mil dont nikon off firemanjg reconditions i did not know they had an app for it i will have to check that out anything to keep me from remembering stuff if good for me the should be here in a few days

I don't see any benefit to an illuminated reticle on a target rifle. Unless you intend to use it in low light. Maybe somebody who uses one for long range will have a different opinion though.

Midway has a sale going on right now for their Weaver Kaspa scopes. There is 3-12x44 that has my attention. I love Weaver scopes because they are reasonably priced and Japanese glass, always clear. Not sure I want a variable power scope now though after seeing the SWFA SS 16x42 fixed scope. That seems to be more where I want to be for long range. Any opinions?

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/1477356...d-reticle-matte

Kaspa isnt japanese anything. Neither is the natchez extreme illuminated line. I have first hand experience with the later and for the price they arent bad, but much better values out there. If you go weaver go with super slam or grand slam or t series. Take a look at sightron big sky line. Great optics and in the entry pricepoint for a lr optic. Also, like said before burris mtac line, nikon, and used leupy. Ive used a buddies mark ar mil dot 6-18 with a 20 moa rail and it wasnt fast and as slick but did the job out to 700yds easy peazy. A non illuminated vortex viper lr or hs is a nice choice as well. With leupys you can always send back for a lil over $125 you can get a swap on reticle. For a one stop shop check out kenton indistries pre installed ballistic match turreted scopes. They have inpressed me so much i still hold true to my stubborn sfp preference. I know jg would probably disagree that a sfp scope can do it just as easy as a ffp, but the kenton turrets make it that easy for me.