need advice on scopes

[cjmac]

so im thinking of a new scope,its going on a 223 bolt gun. i need something that will be good for 100 to 300 yards . i was thinking of around a 16 power ? many fixed ? or 20 power? im kinda on a budget also . many 400$ any ideas?

 

[MNFinn]

look at Nikon for that price range and distance, good scopes for the money

 

[Cort]

I think one of my friends has a Leupold 24X with AO that he is wanting to sell. I believe he is asking $400 for it. Do you want me to see if he still has it and still wants to sell it?

Cort

 

[5spd]

Will it be for just target or hunting as well. IMO a fixed 16x is overkill for a hunting rig.
Id go with a 4.5-14 or 6-18 myself, that's what I runs on 3 of my .223s for my usages in the field.
When Im at the range I usually don't go over 12x unless I need to zoom in to check my target from the bench.

 

[BCoates]

Will it be for just target or hunting as well. IMO a fixed 16x is overkill for a hunting rig.
Id go with a 4.5-14 or 6-18 myself, that's what I runs on 3 of my .223s for my usages in the field.
When Im at the range I usually don't go over 12x unless I need to zoom in to check my target from the bench.

This is good advice. I would go with a Nikon Buckmaster in 4.5-14 or 6-18. The glass is very good for the money. I also have a Vortex Viper 6.5-20x50 that works well at lower powers.

 

[cjmac]

It will be just for target shooting . I have a rig for hunting. I will only be shooting out to 300. I was under the impression most BR shooters use high power scopes

 

[snowpro440]

Weaver T36 would be what I would consider.
Killough shooting sports
Sport Optics

 

[stool]

do some research.
most all companies have different levels of quality with their name still on the scope....luepold i think has 4 levels now that they have redfield.

top end from several makers will do. a used luepold 36x, a new weaver 36x, i have not shot at 300 in a while , i am not sure a 24x will work,,,,,it may.

 

[cjmac]

Are the nikko stirling scopes any good i was looking at the 5-20x50 . Thay are about 350$

 

[hogpatrol]

Are the nikko stirling scopes any good i was looking at the 5-20x50 . Thay are about 350$

Do some googling, check other boards, read some reviews, check with the FBI, go to a benchrest match, see if your local sheriff has a scoped .223, call the state SWAT team, take a couple days off and read the manufacturers' catalogs, (all 50 of them), talk to the Pope, but whatever you do, don't ask for someone else's references, just "do some research".

Back on task, From my vantage point, the Nikkos are el cheapo chinese knockoffs. Midway has some Millets, Weavers and Bushnells on sale in your price range and sometimes you can get a good deal on closeouts from SWFA like this Vortex6-24x50 for 400 bucks.
http://swfa.com/Vortex-6-24x50-Viper-HS-30mm-Rifle-Scope-P60991.aspx

p.s. The Thread Killer strikes again! ;D Best of luck, Hog

 

[CJ6]

The Weaver 6x24 works well and is priced in your budget.

 

[thekriebles]

It will be just for target shooting . I have a rig for hunting. I will only be shooting out to 300. I was under the impression most BR shooters use high power scopes

Watch the classifieds for a used Weaver T-36. They typically range between $325 - $375.

 

[cjmac]

So ... iv been looking a little more. Vortex and Nikon are looking good for 400- 550$ is it worth trying to find something with a 30 mm tube? I did get to look through a swfa 20 power looked clear

 

[stool]

yes i would look at 30mm tubes.
yes i would look at nikon

 

[coldboreshot]

Take a look at the Sightron tactical series straight power scopes. There's a 10, 16 and 20. They are interesting because their parallax adjustment is where the power ring would normally be. It allows the scope to retain a slim profile and you don't have to reach out to the front objective to focus. I use a 16x on an AR sniper platform. Right now, I believe the reticle is only available in mid-dot. I've used it successfully out to 1000 yards with 92% hit probability. You should be able to find one in your price range.

 

[thekriebles]

So ... iv been looking a little more...is it worth trying to find something with a 30 mm tube?

Yes, the 30mm tubes are preferred. They typically provide more light transmission and offer more range of adjustment for windage and elevation.