Scope for PD hunting

[bench]

Want to invest in a new scope for Prairie Dog shooting with max range of 600yds
First I have mostly Leupold scopes and one sightron on my FTR tube gun 10x50
And a two T36 weaver that I use for load development.
I feel that a vari power scope would be better for Prairie dog shooting in case of close shots or mirage
So been thinking about Nightforce but not sure I want to spend that amount of money.
If you had a couple of choices of scopes to buy what would they be.
Also I want to spin turrets and side paralax (sp)
Bench

 

[22DASHER]

With a max of 600 yards I would use a Leupold VX-3 6.5-20x50 with VHR. You could also use a LR 4.5-14x40mm with VHR (and add turrets) since your max is 600 yards, that is what I will be running on my 5-600 and under prairie dog rifles.

If you want to buy a Nightforce then without a doubt it would have to be the 5.5-22x50 MOAR. But then again since you said under 600 you could get away with the 3.5-15x50 MOAR.

 

[dkhunt14]

If you don't want to spend the money for a Nightforce. Get a Sightron S111 8x32. A 8.5x25 Leupold Longrange Target would be another good one. If you are turning the turrets for elevation I like a Duplex or dot. Matt

 

[Terry]

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/17...mm-adjustable-objective-mil-dot-reticle-matte

I use these. Bought used for $400.

 

[Jaybo]

Nightforce shv are great scope $1100 or the vortex HST or pst are great scope to for under a $1000

 

[billshehane]

Want to invest in a new scope for Prairie Dog shooting with max range of 600yds
First I have mostly Leupold scopes and one sightron on my FTR tube gun 10x50
And a two T36 weaver that I use for load development.
I feel that a vari power scope would be better for Prairie dog shooting in case of close shots or mirage
So been thinking about Nightforce but not sure I want to spend that amount of money.
If you had a couple of choices of scopes to buy what would they be.
Also I want to spin turrets and side paralax (sp)
Bench

How about a lightly used NF 5.5-22 with the ranging reticle that is not available from NF anymore. Had it on my muzzle loader and it is just too much scope for a 200yd. rifle.

$1400. with NF Ultra Lite rings and we pay the shipping.

Bill Shehane
704-824-7511

 

[xring]

If you don't want to spend the money for a Nightforce. Get a Sightron S111 8x32. A 8.5x25 Leupold Longrange Target would be another good one. If you are turning the turrets for elevation I like a Duplex or dot. Matt

I'm with dk on this one . I would also include the Leupold 6.5 - 20X . I really like the MOA-2 Sightron and VH Leupold Reticles , but since you want to twiddle knobs , pick the simplest Reticle which suits your eye . The Sightron S3 and various Leupold VX Series are available with Side Parallax Adjustment which you want ( most folks call it Side Focus = SF ) and you can find these in excellent used condition if you search around . Not sure , but I think the Bushnell Elite may now be available with SF too . The choice of Tube size ( one inch vs. 30 mm ) may come into play depending on how flat your chosen Cartridge shoots . As for Objective Lens size , I would not worry much as usually it's pretty bright in the Pdog fields . BTW , that Sightron S3 is a big scope with 56 mm Objective , so it will sit up high , and that may be a consideration for you .

 

[jghoghunter]

Leupold 6-20 or 8-25
SIII 6-24 or 8-32
Any of these used will make a awesome pd scope.
The ones that I use are
B&L 6-24
NF 12-42
SIII 8-32
Weaver 4-16

 

[Tommie]

Don't overlook the Weavers. Nice glass and positive, repeatable adjustment.

 

[shoot4fun]

My two most favorite bench riders for PD shooting wear Leupold 6.5-20x50 with target knobs and side focus.
I have taken to shooting from vehicles with an AR15 topped with a Vortex PST 4-16x50.
It is making me think I could get buy on all my PD shooting with no more than 16 power.

 

[anrew]

I would get a nightforce nxs 5.5x22 with the velocity 600 reticle.
or be safe and just get the 1000 reticle. They work great

 

[xring]

Don't overlook the Weavers. Nice glass and positive, repeatable adjustment.

Interesting Thread . Tommie , I did forget the Weaver . The GS 6-20X is maybe the biggest bang for the buck for the reasons you state . My one problem with the GS Fine Crosshair ( which I bought before checking it out by eye ) is that it is too Fine for my old eyes . For close-in Pdogs ( under roughly 450 Yards ) , I prefer a Fixed Leupold 16X like S4F said . I don't have to fiddle with the Magnification , and I'm so used to the Front "Focus" after decades of use .... I don't even think about it .

 

[Damon555]

I've been P-dog shooting on a number of occasions. The best advice I can give is get as much quality magnification as you can afford. My favorite is my VX-III 6.5-20.

 

[L.Sherm]

I would not go less than 16X no matter what scope you choose fixed or variable I am mgetting to like the little dot on my weavers more and more

 

[stretch257]

I have really liked my 36x and 6.5-20 leupolds. You dont need alot 16 power will be enough. Refence points on a scope are nice but i have found you shoot close and then further and further till they are out of range or you move.

 

[bench]

Thanks fellas all the info has been helpful

 

[Phil]

Zeiss 5-25 with the varmint hunters reticle or a nightforce with the moar reticle......


Phil.

 

[5spd]

I run Nikons 6-18x40, side parallax, mildot, target dials on my p-dog rigs.
Not a single issue in years of using them and I shoot truckloads of p-dogs yearly to 700+ yards.
They were under $350 then.
No matter what your spend or brand Id keep it to 24X max., 20x would be better.
I dumped all my 20-32x scopes eons ago since my max zoom usually sticks from 10-12x.

 

[TheOtherZilla]

X2 on the Nikons. I have em on all my p-dawg and most of my varmint rigs. Good value..

 

[billshehane]

I would get a nightforce nxs 5.5x22 with the velocity 600 reticle.
or be safe and just get the 1000 reticle. They work great

Got one of these too!

Bill Shehane
704-824-7511