Need Rifle scope recommendation: Short and long range use

[Nellej12]

I just picked up a 6.5 PRC. I now need a scope for it. I would like something I can use for deer hunting in the woods (30 to 100 yards max) and for long range hunting/ target practice. (200 to 1000 yards)
I like to use higher powers when target shooting at distance but need something I can turn down when in the woods.

Any Ideas?


Thanks,

Jeff

 

[jamesh]

I put a Weaver Superslam 4x20x50mm scope on my 6.5 PRC. Since that scope is discontinued I would recommend the Sightron S-Tac 4x20x50mm. I like the MOA2 reticle offered in that scope.

Shooters Corner has good prices on Sightron. I'm sure others do too.

 

[golong]

How much of your money are we spending? Mil or MOA? FFP or SFP? What is your definition of high powers?

$1k range parallax may be a problem depending on your definition of high power.
$2k range Nightforce NX8 2.5-20x50 F1
$3k range (depending on reticle) Schmidt & Bender 3-20x50 PMII

 

[creedfan]

well if i am spending your money get a march high master.

 

[Boisblancboy]

If your trying to shoot close and long range(1k) then possibly go with a March 5-40x56

 

[Nellej12]

How much of your money are we spending? Mil or MOA? FFP or SFP? What is your definition of high powers?

$1k range parallax may be a problem depending on your definition of high power.
$2k range Nightforce NX8 2.5-20x50 F1
$3k range (depending on reticle) Schmidt & Bender 3-20x50 PMII

MOA. My definition of high power = 27 to 32 ish. I have a 8x32 sightron on my 338 elk rifle and love it, 8 power would be too much in the woods for this rifle Would like to stay below the $2k. I've seen the NX8, just not sure its worth the 2k price tag.

 

[dthomas]

look at the leopold vx6 hd to see if it will fit your needs. I have the 3x18x44 and really like it. It is a good hunting scope with long range capabilities.

 

[Falfan2017]

March 3-24

 

[10XSHOOTER]

Nightforce NXS 5.5-22 in either 50mm or 56mm. I like the MOAR reticle Proven scope!

 

[Ares]

For use at 30 yards hunting in the woods something that goes down to 2.5-3,5x i would'nt go higher.
As for the 27-32 x max power it does'nt give you much choices, at least not for a 2k price tag.
And if you want performance at dusk dawn for hunting, again some scopes stands out and most are expensive and not japanese, so there goes the price tag.

3.5-26x56 Hensoldt.
3-27x56 S&B
3-20x50 S&B
4-28x56 Steiner.

None are below 2k but will do all mentioned above well.
There are not many scopes under 2k fitting the bill for close range hunting and long range target shooting, unless you want some sort of compromise. Either in min or max magnification, or in performance at dusk/dawn.
The 3-20x50 S&B is a excellent general duty scope i really like, has plenty mag for most stuff, low end enough to be used for close range and excellent quality optics. Fairly robust and a decent choice of reticles.
Neither Vortex or NF has impressed me when it comes to low light performance, a mid range Meopta is usually better at that from my experience for 1/4 the cost.

 

[tomswede]

Why not get two scopes and swap them? Good mounts hold zero and that way you don’t need to spend as much and can get scopes better suited for each purpose.

 

[Nellej12]

Why not get two scopes and swap them? Good mounts hold zero and that way you don’t need to spend as much and can get scopes better suited for each purpose.

I have thought about that and I'm really leaning that direction. Just wanted to make sure I wasn't missing a scope out there that would fit.

 

[golong]

Why not get two scopes and swap them? Good mounts hold zero and that way you don’t need to spend as much and can get scopes better suited for each purpose.

I always seem to end up with a scope on every rifle, but for the most part I do the opposite. I buy better scopes and mounts, then swap them across rifles. The lower quality scopes are mainly used for friends/family that are shooting my stuff, or if I am doing some testing while the main rifle of the day is cooling down. There are some really nice crossover scopes out there. If you are going to buy a couple of mid-range scopes and mounts, may as well just get one better setup and not have to worry about it.