Recommendations on a Prairie Dog Rifle Scope

[cjames]

I have a new varmint rifle that shoots very well for a factory rifle. And it is going to be setup for a prairie dog type rifle. I would like to know what y'all have on your rigs or what you would recommend. Thanks

 

[mongo chicago]

You didn't say what distances you plan to shoot at. For long range (1000 yards) I have a Nightforce Nxs 8x32, for medium range (400 yards) I have a Vortex Viper 6.5x20

 

[Tommie]

This has been discussed many, many times. Do a search for “varmint scope” or “prairie dog scope”. Unfortunately you won’t find the definitive answer. Preferences and opinions galore...

 

[mike a]

I have a new varmint rifle that shoots very well for a factory rifle. And it is going to be setup for a prairie dog type rifle. I would like to know what y'all have on your rigs or what you would recommend. Thanks

I like the Leupold varmint hunter reticle. Look at that reticle in the VX6 and VX3.

 

[cjames]

It’s just a .223 so 500 yards or so. I was wondering what brand, model, power, reticle etc. but also for paper punching.
Thanks.

 

[Rich S]

Sightron Siii 8-32. I have used 24 power scopes as well. 8-32 worked well for all ranges I shot at. You can get by with less optics but after a few hours you notice it.

 

[Damon555]

I have a new favorite dog-town scope...... The Athlon Midas HMR 2.5-15. I could go on and on about why but suffice it to say that for the money I've found this to be a very, very good buy!

https://athlonoptics.com/product/midas-hmr-2-5-15x50-ahmr/

For years and years I extolled the virtues "affordable magnification". I always wanted the most quality magnification at a reasonable price point. This year I changed my tune some about the upper end of the magnification spectrum. While in North Dakota shooting prairie dogs I came to the conclusion that 15x was just about the perfect for my needs (<1000 yards). I've got scopes as high as 32x but they are pretty impractical out in the field.

Athlon has surprised me with their quality and customer service. Buy one of their scopes with the confidence that if it doesn't live up to your expectations they will make it right.

 

[LarryDScott]

Plus one on the 8-32 SIII Sightron.
LDS

 

[AckleymanII]

I have shot a lot at 24x-28x with 8-32 and 12-32's turned down.

When only a head is sticking out of the hole, higher powered scopes really help. Also, you can read the wind by seeing how the mirage is running...big help.

I like to place the shot on the animal for quick clean kills with a lack of suffering, thus covering the animal with cross hair thickness is a deal killer for me.

 

[JSH]

Mirage will be your enemy, I find myself at or around 14-15x that is usable mid day and later. Heavy reticles will make you expand your vocabulary as mentioned.
I will start out a lot of times shooting the far edges early in the day. Then work up close and the center out later during the heat.
YMMV

 

[long40shot]

Leupold 8.5x25x50mm with varmint hunter reticle. Or the 6.5x20.

 

[SBS]

A decent variable in the 6-20 or 6-24 range (nothing wrong with 8-32, just usually bigger and heavier) with a 40mm objective (keeps scope low to barrel and never need a lot of light) and target turrets to dial up for longer shots. While 15-16X is about max for the heat of the day on the Eastern plains, more power is nice for early and late and for closer head shots where mirage is not a problem. You can scan around with the scope set about 8X and turn power up for a shot. I also prefer a thin reticle with mil dots for wind reference hold-offs. There should be several scopes to choose from with these features.

 

[TheOtherZilla]

A lot of my varminting rifles wear a Nikon Pro Staff 3-9 BDC reticle.. They can be had for under $200 and work great. On my new Tikka 22-250 I installed a Vortex 6-24 Tactical. I like this scope because it has the MOA reticle. I calculated my come up at various ranges and taped it to the stock. Also works great if you have a range finder.. I also have a few Vortex 4-12's..

 

[Ken]

My main shooting nowadays is prairie dogs. 6.5x20 is my preference The 20 power is good for the range and I usually settle in around 10 power for field use. I standardized on Leupold because of their warranty and quality. I think standardizing on one brand is important because it eliminates confusion when operating the features. Just my opinion.

 

[Sniper338]

Sightron siii

 

[urbanrifleman]

Leupold 8.5x25x50mm with varmint hunter reticle. Or the 6.5x20.

I have both of these. They are very nice scopes and totally changed my mind about Leupold. The only downfall of these scopes is the hold over is second focal plane and changes with magnification.

I have switched the LRP 6X20 FFP 60 MOA reticle because I use the reticle for holdovers. I paid $875 from Opticsplanet. I ordered another one due here today. Going pdog hunting this weekend. Shown on min magnification.

 

[long40shot]

Leupold 8.5x25x50mm with varmint hunter reticle. Or the 6.5x20.

I should have mentioned. I usually leave my scopes on about 14 power when shooting.

 

[Stepsjframe]

Been pdogging numerous times. If 500 is your budget get a 12x swfa or maybe a used vortex viper pst. You dont need 26x for them unless you are really going to air it out. What caliber are you shooting and what grain of bullet? That will make a huge difference.

Buy more ammo is all I can say. 223 is your friend and bring a second rifle. Also bring a 22lr if you have one. In a good pdog town that hasn't been shot much a 22lr is fun fun

 

[mike a]

I have both of these. They are very nice scopes and totally changed my mind about Leupold. The only downfall of these scopes is the hold over is second focal plane and changes with magnification.

I have switched the LRP 6X20 FFP 60 MOA reticle because I use the reticle for holdovers. I paid $875 from Opticsplanet. I ordered another one due here today. Going pdog hunting this weekend. Shown on min magnification.

View attachment 1119300 View attachment 1119301 View attachment 1119302

I see second focal plane as a plus. The 500 hash is 36" with a 200 yard zero. That's perfect for my 243 but, my 6 BR is more like 42". With a slight magnification reduction (increase subtensions) I can make the 500 yard hash 42". This is my 6BR with a 4.5-14x50 on about 12 1/2 power using strickly the reticle. Yeh my 200 yard zero is off a bit. Mike

 

[urbanrifleman]

I can't see how it's an advantage. It is tricky using those reticles on second focal plane because if your magnification is off buy even a tiny bit your zero is wrong. Like I said I have that same scope and reticle, and it's a super nice scope, but the Ffp is always the same at every magnification. Once you know the dope you can use it at will at every zoom.