Best scope for long range and hunting?

[M_Shock]

Forgive me if this has been posted before (feel free to point me towards previous threads that cover this topic).

Let me begin with saying I am no "long range marksmen", so sorry if I sound like I don't have a clue what i'm talking about. I am an avid hunter and would like to extend my ranges to about 800y. Is there a lower end (less then $500) scope that would allow me to shoot out to that range and beyond but still be easy to use in close range hunting situations?

I know that with scopes there is no "one size fits all", but is there something that will get me close?

Thanks in advance
Matt

[Forester]

Originally Posted by M_Shock

Forgive me if this has been posted before (feel free to point me towards previous threads that cover this topic).

Let me begin with saying I am no "long range marksmen", so sorry if I sound like I don't have a clue what i'm talking about. I am an avid hunter and would like to extend my ranges to about 800y. Is there a lower end (less then $500) scope that would allow me to shoot out to that range and beyond but still be easy to use in close range hunting situations?

I know that with scopes there is no "one size fits all", but is there something that will get me close?

Thanks in advance
Matt

About the best for the money would be the Vortex Viper line. Whatever power level suits you best but they will come in not too far over your price range.

[CS GunWorks]

I like the Leupold MARK 2 and the Bushnell Elite Tactical. The Bushnell turrets are a little mushy and the reticle is a little thick for me but for the most part for the price it is nice. The Leupold MK2 has positive turrets and the reticle is nice and thin.

We do not have our entire items list on our website yet. If we can be of help in getting any scope feel free to ask.

Mike @ CST

[M_Shock]

Thanks for the replies fellas. I'll be sure to check out the scopes you listed.

I normally use a 3-9x40 for hunting, and I'm worried about choosing the right magnification for what I want to do. Seems to me that 3-9 wouldn't be enough to reach out that far. I see there is a Vortex Viper in 3.5-10, would that be sufficient or do I need to move up to the 4-12 range? I'm just worried that if I go with too high of a magnification that it will be useless if I'm presented with a close shot. I guess I need to get myself to a dealer and look through some of them myself, but until then your comments and suggestions are much appreciated.

Thanks,
Matt

[ovastafford]

I think you would be safe going with a 4x14 power scope. I was in the same boat as you. Wanted a scope that I could shoot long distances with but still be able to shoot something in close. Hope this helps...

[MontanaRifleman]

Take a couple of scopes and sight them out to 800 yds at different powers. Which are you comfortable with? Most folks seem to agree that a good scope with good glass is good to 1K at 10X. 9X should be good to 800yds...

Those Super Snipers look good. No zoom though?

Not sure if you've figured this into your budget, but to shoot past 400 yds, you need to know exactley how far your target/game is, which means you need a laser rangefinder. The Nikon 1500 is good to about 700-800 yds. You can get them on ebay for a good price.

Good shooting,

Mark

[M_Shock]

A range finder is definitely in the plan. Does anyone have experience with the buckmaster line of scopes? They seem to get great reviews.

Reticle suggestions? I'm leaning towards just the regular duplex, but can someone explain the advantages/disadvantages to the mil-dot, and bdc type reticles for hunting?

Thanks,
Matt