New to benchrest shooting, looking for help choosing optic on my first rig

[covinth]

Hello all,

I have been shooting for about year now, shot some growing up but nothing serious, and I have finally taken the plunge and purchased a Savage 12 FT/R in .223 as my rifle of choice after great success & fun with a few of their target rimfire models.

I am now on to the fun subject of picking my optic to sit atop my new "toy"; I have a couple of options I have looked at or have been recommended but would love to hear any input from more experienced shooters. I have the same gripe as most new shooter - I want lots of scope for not a lot of money. I know this is just plain wrong, but I am working on a budget and being an accountant (somewhat) I am going to stick to that **** budget.

What I will be using the scope for mainly is shooting out to 300 with some, and increasingly more as I get better skilled, past 300 out to 600. The things I would like in the scope are: fine crosshairs or a target dot, target turrets, 20X or greater magnification, and repeatability would be nice. Right now the scopes I have in mind are a Sightron SII Comp 36x (a bit over my budget but so nice I hear), Millet TRS 6-24x56 (right in my budget) & a Nitrex TR2 6-20x50 (Weaver Super Grand Slam). Budget is running right around a paltry $350; I know $350 does not get a lot of scope so I want to make every bit of it count and any input to knock down three I mentioned or suggest another would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Thomas

 

[IMMORTAL]

Might want to also check out the Vortex line of scopes.

Dave

 

[snowpro440]

Weaver T36 might just be the best for the money .

 

[GSPV]

Lots of used Weaver T-36s around. Extremely hard to beat for the money.

 

[IMMORTAL]

Not quite the top end power you want but a good scope.

http://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/ubb/showflat/Number/7878245/gonew/1/FS_SIGHTRON_16x42_SIII_SCOPE#UNREAD

 

[Lapua40X]

That's quite a challenge. Trying to fit a scope into the $350 budget means it's going to be a used scope. IMO, it would take a miracle to find a used scope with the features you want at the price you're hoping for. The best suggestion I can offer is to increase the current budget and look at something like the Leupold VX3 or something similar to which you can add CDS turrets as budget improves.

 

[22BRGUY]

If you can find an older Burris Signature 8-32x 44 with a peep plex reticle, they are awesome and still have lifetime warranties.

 

[Raythemanroe]

I would be patient and watch the sight, lots of nice scopes go through for sale! Check out eBay.

 

[snowpro440]

Heres the place to get a weaver , they got the best price in town that I've found.

http://www.killoughshootingsports.com/index.php/scopes.html

 

[savagedasher]

The best for the money I would take a weaver T 24 it has 1/8 min clicks the 36 I feel is too much power. Good Shooting Larry

 

[Raythemanroe]

It depends, I would recommend a Burris E1 4.5-14 with the ballistic plex for a good quality scope! repeatable turrets and glass etched cross hairs with a fine line vertical with dot horizontal! $345 on average

 

[MarkS]

I with Larry, a 24X weaver or Sightron. 36 is ok for short range. The Grand Slam is good too. I like a 8X32 my self, but will be out of your range.

Mark Schronce

 

[Greyfox]

If you are planning to compete don't even think about anything less than 36X. With your stated budget, that only leaves a Weaver 36X, which is a very good scope for the $$. You should be able to get a used one within your budget. Never pay for new scope that you can buy used if it has a lifetime warranty.

Rick

 

[covinth]

Thanks all. I lucked out and found a NIB Weaver 36x at my range yesterday, now I am just anxiously awaiting the gun to arrive tomorrow.

 

[Raythemanroe]

I hope it shoots good for ya!

 

[WyoWindage]

I have been looking for a Weaver T36. X with dot. Found one at Amazon with X-no dot for $376. Got Visa card few days later, ready to buy, and they were over $400. Strike while hot, I guess. I understand the warranty is good for original buyer only. What's the warranty worth? I dunno. Ron.

 

[GSPV]

24x vs 36x. It depends on the format that you're competing in.

When I said "T-36", I had my short range IBS/UBR blinders on.

Sounds like you are shooting F-class which I know nothing about. So, I'll offer my "Mea Culpa" and shut up.

 

[philschoppers]

You might also want to look into sightmark triple duty scopes . For right around $300 they have a 10-40x56 scope that's of decent quality . I have one on a savage 308 and it is dead on every time

 

[Raythemanroe]

Weaver 36x for sale right now in the classifieds.

 

[langenc]

If you are planning to compete don't even think about anything less than 36X. With your stated budget, that only leaves a Weaver 36X, which is a very good scope for the $$. You should be able to get a used one within your budget. Never pay for new scope that you can buy used if it has a lifetime warranty.

Rick

Weavers might have a lifetime warranty BUT only for the original owner!

Killough, as mentioned. is the best place to buy scopes.