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Scope Recommendations

jrsdws

Newbie here and new to quality optics and such. I have a nice Ruger M77 Mark ii All Weather .223 I'd like to put a new scope on and start working on extending my range. I'll be punching paper mostly....or shooting at a gong as we go further out...stuff like that. I have much to learn and much practicing as we shoot more 22lr than anything.

All shooting will be from a bench or table using some sort of simple rest or bags. Maybe someday I'll get a true rest but for now it's not in the plan. Ultimately, I'd like to push the 223 out to 500-600 yards and push myself for accuracy.

Please recommend some scopes that would be good choices under $500. I've read about the Nikon M-223 and that seems ok but I'm not sold on the BDC reticle with it's little circles. The Spot On app is a good concept, however. Maybe a better reticle for me is a Mil-Dot? I don't know. I'm totally open to suggestions as this is new to me.

Quality and service are important to me and I do believe it's worth the $$.....but there is always a budget too.

Thanks in advance.
 
jrsdws said:
Ok...so what scopes would you recommend in that price range?
Click to expand...

Sightron, Weaver, Nikon, & Busnell. Check out Bigsupply.com, opticsplanet.com and Amazon (through the link on this site).

Once in a while you can snag a good deal on ebay but beware of counterfeits. The marketplace optic section on this site is also a good place to look.
 
My 223 F-TR mid range rifle has a Vortex Viper 6.5X20 with a 30mm tube I got on sale for just under $500. It is more than adaquate at 600 yds. I have not seen one at this price lately, however. The Weaver 6X24, can usually be found at this price point if you look around. Bushnell and Nikon also have products in this range. You need at least 18 power and an adjustable objective to get the job done right.
 
I have been looking at Vortex a lot and the reviews on the interwebs seem highly positive. How is the Weaver V-24 6-24x42 AO w/Mil-Dot reticle?
 
For $300 look at midwayusa, Nikon pro staff 5, 3.5-14x40, mildot side focus.
I have 3 of these and no issues at 100-700 yards.
I also have 3 Nikon buckmaster 6-18x40 SF mildot scopes, same thing and have run them past 700 yards on p-dogs.
Sure you can spend more, but really no need to.
I can dial up or just mildot it since Ive run all my ranges both ways and noted them on my scope w/a tag.
Ive used nikons spot program on and it works.
I have never had any problems with Nikons & shoot in dusty winds, rain, snow, mud...they just keep on ticking.
If I didn't run these Id run Voretx vipers 6-20x50.
 
5spd said:
For $300 look at midwayusa, Nikon pro staff 5, 3.5-14x40, mildot side focus.
I have 3 of these and no issues at 100-700 yards.
I also have 3 Nikon buckmaster 6-18x40 SF mildot scopes, same thing and have run them past 700 yards on p-dogs.
Sure you can spend more, but really no need to.
I can dial up or just mildot it since Ive run all my ranges both ways and noted them on my scope w/a tag.
Ive used nikons spot program on and it works.
I have never had any problems with Nikons & shoot in dusty winds, rain, snow, mud...they just keep on ticking.
If I didn't run these Id run Voretx vipers 6-20x50.
[/quot




I looked at Midway for a 3X9 Zeiss Conquest at $499 for a refurb. I then looked at EURO OPTICS and the same scope, not listed as a refurb is $299. I just can't buy from Midway.
Click to expand...
 
What ever you decide on pm me make and model number and I'll do all I can to help save you money towards the scope.
 
If your set on that price point Midway has the following on sale:
Vortex Viper Rifle Scope 30mm Tube 6.5-20x 44mm Side Focus Dead-Hold BDC Reticle Matte
Sale
$329.99 & SHIPS FREE
Save $100.00 (23%)
Leave you some room for rings and maybe a level.
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/772363/vortex-viper-rifle-scope-30mm-tube-65-20x-44mm-side-focus-dead-hold-bdc-reticle-matte?cm_vc=ProductFinding
 
The Vortex is nice, and I have one. In your initial price range also is the VariX2 Leupold Traget model 6-18 (used). With turrets and a plex or even a varmint crosshair, it can run right out past 500. I use them (used only) and have bought three now, all $400 or less.

The weaver micro-trac scopes are nice too.

I like the glass in the Weaver over the Vortex, but like the vortex BDC and clicks/zero stop more than the Weaver....
 
The same Vortex that is $329 at Midway is $299 at Cameraland http://www.cameralandny.com/optics/vortex.pl?page=vortexviper6-20x44
 
I started long range bench rest 5-6 years ago and built a gun on a budget.
I found a Sightron SII 6-24 scope on ebay. The Sightron
series III gets all the press, but the SII worked very well for me for a long time. I built a 7mm gun and by then I had a N-F on my first gun, a 6BRX so I put the N-F on the 7mm and installed the 6-24 on the 6BRX.
Ironically, I shot just as good with that scope as I did with the N-F 12-42!
There are a lot of budget scopes but I can only speak for one and that is the Sightron SII 6-24. I also have a Tasco 6-24 but it cannot hold a candle to the Sightron. Plus, the Sightron has lifetime warranty!
 
That is the scope I was thinking about putting on my CZ452 for silhouette shooting except I'd probably use the 4-16x model for 22lr. It seems like a good scope for the money.
 
I'm looking for pretty much the same thing. I'm planning to get back into F/TR (.308) shooting and need to upgrade from my old Burris 12x scope. But if I had the sort of money some folks spend on their shooting rig, I'd use it to buy a big boat for deep sea fishing every week. I simply don't have the money for a top-end scope. I'm trying to keep the scope itself under $500. I've looked online at the Weaver T36 and Sightron SII 36x, both of which have a 1/8 moa dot. One of my issues with my old Burris is that with my old eyes and astigmatism, the fine crosshairs just disappear against the target black. I'm concerned that I'd get into the same situation with the 1/8 moa dots. Also, most of the users of the T36 seem to be .22 benchrest shooters, not F/TR shooters. I've been reluctant to consider a zoom scope as the only ranges I'd shoot at are 600 & 1000, so the zoom would not be necessary. Would that Vortex 6.5-20x44 be a good F/TR choice? I'm really looking for any suggestions as long as it's within my budget.
 
Natchez shooting supply has the weaver super slam series on sale. Check them out. Great prices for a great scope in your budget. Vortex has great options for reticle and knobs but weaver glass and focus clarity is far superior.
 
On Friday I ordered the 6.5-20x44 Vortex Viper for ~$300. We shall see.
Now I'm thinking about a 20 moa base and rings, for which I'll probably spend 1/2 the cost of the scope. :o
 
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