Well, I’m in quite the predicament here because I’ve found my gun, but now I’m a bit limited on my optics end of my budget. As a result, I need to spend less that $500 on a solid scope that will go up to at least 14x. While I plan to invest in a nicer scope down the road, I’m ok with spending less now on this scope, which I would just transition over to another rifle down the road. What scope would be recommended for hunting and taking shots up to 700 yards given my current budget?

Also, while being able to dial in with a turret for long distance is ideal, does anyone have any reticle suggestions for practical hunting situations? Wouldn’t it be nice if every deer just stood around to let you dial him in......

The SWFA SS 3-15 meets your criteria and can be found in that price range. It is a good reliable scope that dials accurately. The glass is lacking but at that budget it’ll get the job done. The warranty on the SS line is second to none.

After owning the 3-15 I would sooner spend my money on the SS 3-9HD. Much better glass, accurate and reliable dialing, still the best warranty in the business. Yes I would rather shoot the 3-9 from 0-700 yards than the 3-15 with lesser glass unless you’re spending all your time at 500+ on a bench, with time to shoot, in the shade, etc.

I think Burris has a scope said to be worth looking at in that range as well but I’m not familiar with it.

Used Gen 1 Vortex PST 4-16 would fit your budget, you could flip it within $50 after you're done with it if you didn't like it. I think somebody actually found a batch of new ones a few weeks ago and sold them around $550.

Both SWFAs are good recs.

700 yards, man I must be missing out.

If you are a bit patient and can scrounge up another $100, check CamoFire out. Every so often they will have the Vortex Razor HD LH 3-15x42 (G4 reticle) for around $600.

The glass is very good (for comparison, they hang with my SLCs in low light), it's been 100% reliable, and I've never had an issue dialing. With that said, the ones I have are on hunting rifles and not range toys.

Hash marks are overrated especially on SFP scopes. The reason is that the corresponding distances vary based upon magnification. If you know your drop, you can get an idea of how far you can just shoot versus having to dial. I'll range landmarks around me when I first sit down to glass. This way I know how far I can shoot without having to dial. If the animal is close I know to aim a bit lower in the body and if further out, I aim higher on the body. I do have confirmed drop cheat sheets on my rifles. I have most of the values memorized so that I can dial quickly when needed where applicable. It really depends on what the animal is doing and how fast it is moving.

Look at vortex diamondback tactical ffp 4-16

x2

Take a look at the S-TAC 4-20X50mm MOA 2 Reticle, I have one and its excellent. Glass is at least as good as many scopes in the $600-$900 range, turrets are capped which I like on a hunting scope and turret clicks are crisp and clear.

Leupold Freedom, so far so good




12X

Curious what cartridge you plan on using to hunt out to 700 yards.

I’d say that most of my shots will be within 500, but I want to have the confidence to shoot up 700 with a . 300 Win Mag. When you’ve spent a week in the mountains hunting elk and finally see the trophy bull, I’d be pretty annoyed if I couldn’t make the shot!

I'm strongly considering this scope to go on a 16 inch 243 for varmint use out to 500 yards. The price is too good to not give it a solid look. Really wanted a SFP with tactical turret, but that's a little hard to find

Lots of good options mentioned - y’all almost cost me some money

Nikon has some options in the FX1000 & X1000 lines that could work well.

I have a Vortex Diamondback Tactical FFP 4.5-16x44 I also think a Leupold vx3i with CDS is a beast for 500, but the vortex is a solid entry level FFP. Haven’t had a chance to see how it handles low light yet, but overall it’s solid enough.

I would take a step back and adjust my budget to spending the money I need to on glass and what ever is left on a rifle. You can make most modern day rifles shoot out to "700" yards, but to my knowledge no one has perfected changing the quality of the glass once it is removed from the box. Just my opinion and one of the hard lessons learned over the last 50 years. Wish I had of known then what I know now kinda things! Zeiss, Vortex and Leupold make some fine optics for under $500, those would be my first choices in that order.

Whats the advantage of the CDS?

I agree except for me I’d put Zeiss first and Vortex last.

Just hope your not putting the Zeiss Tera in that stack!

I’m not.

Here's a good starter scope at THF.

https://texashuntingforum.com/forum...ld-4-5-14x42-200338-like-new#Post7391644

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