Help! Scope Minefield

[pb86]

Hi all,

Looking for some advice please. Been looking at scopes and to be honest I am lost in the mindfield of different makes/models and features!

I am hoping to get a .308 rifle (variation pending) that will mainly be used for range work from 75M to 600M but may go to 1000M on the odd occasion.

Ideally I would like to spend up to £300 but maybe able to stretch to £500 if the extra money can be justified.

With the above in mind what brands/models should I be looking at or indeed avoiding?

Many thanks in advance.

Paul

[BamBam]

Most scope for the money, with a lifetime warranty..

[Christel]

Wot Bambam says

[pb86]

Thanks, but what is the difference between the Viper PST and this Viper -http://www.riflecraft.co.uk/products/vi ... a-199.aspx despite the obvious different magnification values?

[majordisorder]

Thanks, but what is the difference between the Viper PST and this Viper -http://www.riflecraft.co.uk/products/vi ... a-199.aspx despite the obvious different magnification values?

The one you've selected there doesn't have an illuminated reticle and isn't one of the PST range. Other than that, it's still a quality scope for the price.

[BamBam]

If you only shoot in daylight you shouldn't need illumination.

[The Gun Pimp]

Basically - if you are looking to shoot out to 1000 yds with any kind of competency you'll appreciate at least 32 power. Most scopes these days are 'zoom' so look for an 8-32.

Up to £500 will only get you Chinese in this mag range - there are lots of £125 Chinese scopes with £500 price-tags - beware. You don't always get what you pay for!

If you can stretch to Japanese optics then Sightron offer exceptional scopes at reasonable cost with great after-sales.

Check out www.foxfirearmsuk.com for £125 Chinese 8-32 scopes and Aimfield Sports for Sightron.

As BamBam says - don't pay for illuminated reticles if you only shoot in daylight.

[Charlotte the flyer]

In that price range I'd keep an eye out for someone selling a quality second hand scope. I recently picked up a Nightforce NXS for around £600 S/H. You occasionally see older fixed power Schmidt Benders on Guntrader too. Depends if you want shiney new but lesser quality or top notch s/h stuff. If you do go new, Vortex are good, I've got a 1-4 PST, the light gathering and crispness of image are excellent.

If you can hang on, wait until the shooting show in February and look through lots of different scopes. You'll see the quality differences when you look at them side by side.

[Countryman]

Hi Pb. A 20x will do you fine for this kind of shooting. Keep in mind for 1000 yards it's likely that most scopes will run out of elevation so you will likely need a 20moa rail or similar.

I have to say that mildot is useful so that you can accurately hold over.

Artur on here sells a Ziess Conquest that you may want to consider. The Bushnell Elite range may fit your bill. Vortex scopes are good value because of the warranty. Burris do a scope with their BDC reticule that's worth looking at.

Really though it would be worth your time to try as many as possible before you buy. Like rifles it's hard to do more than narrow the field before you get hands on.

[Rburro2]

It is a minefield but from my some what limited experience and being in the same boat of and having tried quite a few, I would say pick something simple nice clear reticle fixed power or a small amount of magnification up to 12/14. 1/4 Moa nice big turrets that are clear and easy to see. When you get it work in whole numbers clicks just gets confusing. Zero at 100 yards wind all the way down to stop counting the whole numbers ( make a note ) wind back up to the number you note'd and fire a confirmation shot. This may sound like telling your granny to suck eggs but suprising how many shooters if they get lost on the elevation cant get back to the 100 yard zero. Please base this advice on I shoot out to around 600 yards the chance to shoot out at 1000 yards are few and far between. ( for me that is )