I need to be educated

[bluealtered]

I ran across a Leupold MK-2 4x12x40 today in a small gun shop that was priced at $375 and has a leupold base and rings with it. I really couldn't tell how clear it was because the shop widow wasn't that clear. I have a Rem 700 coming that's set up for 3-600yds. Would this be a good starter scope and how over priced is it, if at all. Thanks for the help.

 

[steve123]

I ran across a Leupold MK-2 4x12x40 today in a small gun shop that was priced at $375 and has a leupold base and rings with it. I really couldn't tell how clear it was because the shop widow wasn't that clear. I have a Rem 700 coming that's set up for 3-600yds. Would this be a good starter scope and how over priced is it, if at all. Thanks for the help.

This is more of a point blank hunting scope, top of back 300Y, yes, but a 600Y long range scope, no.

You mentioned needing education so here it goes...

Normally long range scopes are benchrest oriented or tactical oriented.

For versatility the tactical scopes are the way to go for a number of reasons. They are usually first focal plane scopes/FFP.

High magnification benchrest scopes are favored in F-class comps or BR comps. They are usually second focal plane scopes/SFP.

Research both.

That particular Leopold is one of those scopes that wouldn't make to my list of scopes to consider.

Me personally, for that budget, I'd buy a Athlon Tallos BTR 4-14x44. This FFP scope is amazingly versatile.

I've used it on airguns, 22's, and on long range rifles, both holding over and off with the reticle, as well as dialing dope. Even hitting steel out to 1122Y so far with it on my 6mmFatRat.

 

[Dave Berg]

I ran across a Leupold MK-2 4x12x40 today in a small gun shop that was priced at $375 and has a leupold base and rings with it. I really couldn't tell how clear it was because the shop widow wasn't that clear. I have a Rem 700 coming that's set up for 3-600yds. Would this be a good starter scope and how over priced is it, if at all. Thanks for the help.

Depends a lot on what you're shooting at 300-600 yards away. Paper, steel, one of God's creatures, something that shoots back?

For paper at 600 the 14X won't be enough. 6.5-20 or 8.5-25 would be a little better and even more power, like 36X-40X better yet.

Live critters? Groundhogs, prairie dogs, etc. 12X is really not enough power at 600. Even a big old woodchuck looks mighty small at that range.

24" steel gong. Would probably work. Big old target.

Also, "how clear is it" doesn't really matter. That scope is at least 8 years old but if there is a problem Leupold will fix it.

It's rather foolish to recommend a specific scope, especially a FFP, when we don't know what the target is.

 

[bluealtered]

Thanks guys, I should have mentioned that it is paper only for this rifle. I have used a 6-20x50 at 300yds for paper years ago before old man eyes caught up to me. It worked fine for that, the 400yd to 600yds will be new to me and i will have to practice before i get past 300 with this rifle since i don't know it and will have to learn what it likes before i start shooting further out. Any more ideas or thoughts on this are always appreciated.

 

[bsekf]

"Old man eyes" better look through the scope. Your eyes may see things differently from mine.

Bill

 

[steve123]

Depends a lot on what you're shooting at 300-600 yards away. Paper, steel, one of God's creatures, something that shoots back?

For paper at 600 the 14X won't be enough. 6.5-20 or 8.5-25 would be a little better and even more power, like 36X-40X better yet.

Live critters? Groundhogs, prairie dogs, etc. 12X is really not enough power at 600. Even a big old woodchuck looks mighty small at that range.

24" steel gong. Would probably work. Big old target.

Also, "how clear is it" doesn't really matter. That scope is at least 8 years old but if there is a problem Leupold will fix it.

It's rather foolish to recommend a specific scope, especially a FFP, when we don't know what the target is.

Nice jab, Dave. Obviously if the OP is considering buying that 4-12 he's not looking to win any BR comps, or apparently doing anything other than casual shooting or hunting.

So let me get this straight, are you saying that a FFP scope isn't capable of being used successfully for other shooting disciplines besides tactical and field course, like BR, F-class, ELR or how about hunting too? I guess I better sell my S&B 5-25's and March FX 5-40 then, lol.

I don't shoot BR BTW but yuh know, that was just foolish of me to use my FFP S&B to win the only ELR match I've shot in and to hit the farthest target also, a 2356Y plate.

Or being foolish enough to use a FFP scope to get high score by 4 points in the 2016 AZ state FT air rifle, and 2017 winner in Freestyle division.

Or being 2011 and 2012 AZPRC champion with a FFP.

Uh, this is why I suggested a versatile FFP scope to begin with. Is it ideal for 600Y paper, maybe not, but consider this, the crosshair covers only .54" at 600Y and 14x could be considered an upgrade over 12x.

More education...

With a FFP scope objects of known size can be ranged for approx distance at any magnification via the reticle and a math formula.
The reticle sub-tension values remain constant on any magnification, this includes the reticle hash thickness.
Therefore one can adjust magnification and FOV to suit the situation and use the hashes for holding over, and off for wind, with the reticle. Or dial the solution and hold for wind, or dial both elevation and windage. Heck you could even dial windage and hold over if you wanted to.

Now that we have more information, suggestions can be narrowed.

So Blue, what is your max budget?

 

[bluealtered]

Yes it is just sitting at the bench having fun, there won't be any competitive shooting except me trying to do better each time out. This rifle is a just for fun gun. I had a chance today while at the range to look through some scopes and a simple 6-24x44 or 50 will work fine. Thanks for your help with this guys, much appreciated.