Scope for Varmint Gun

[aurandbd]

I just got a new 204 Ruger Remington rifle I'd like to use on groundhogs. I'd also like to plink on the target range with it. I plan to shoot out to 400-500 yards with the gun.

I'd like to get a scope for under $1000. I'd like to have an adjustible, say 6.5-20 power with a 40-50 mm Objective, probably a 30mm tube. Multi Turrets would also be good.

Does anyone have any recommendations on scope and/or supplier? RIght now I'm considering:

Zeiss Conquest 6.5-20 50mm, Rapid z Varmint
Leupold VX-3 6.5-20 50mm Varmint Hunter
Nikon Monarch 6-24SF 50mm

I'd also like to consider the Burris line, but not sure what would fit in this category.
Right now I'm leaning towards the Zeiss.

Any help would be appreciated.

 

[wildcat]

I would get the Leupold 6.5x20x50mm LRT scope. Very nice and very clear optics.

What bullets are you planning on using in your 204? I saw a guy at our local range using a 204 Ruger. He was using the 32grn V-Max and he was making awesome hits on ground squirrels out to 400 yards.

W.

 

[aurandbd]

the Leupold 6.5x20x50mm LRT scope.

the Leupold 6.5x20x50mm LRT scope. - I see this scope out there for about $1125, which is over my limit of $1000.

Any other ideas?

BTW, I'm looking to star with the 39 gr bullet in my new 204.

 

[Kevin Cram]

Sightron makes some very fine optics and at a very reasonable price. They have a SII 6.5-20 x 50 side paralax 1" tube and a SIII 6-24 x 50 side paralax 30mm tube. I'm a dealer in these scopes, e-mail me if your interested in some prices. They do have a new line of long range scopes coming out soon too. You can check out their website to see what all they offer.

 

[sscoyote]

Take a look here at the best budget optic around the Nikon Buckmasters. Midway has the 6-18X 40mm SF Mil-Dot on sale at $310 shipped to my door. The MD is cald for 12X so if used at 18 the subtensions will be 33% less. Scope looks great so far and it gets good reviews. Comes with a sunshade and addtl. set of tapered turrets.

 

[wildcat]

If your only going to be shooting out to 400 to 500 yards, I would go with the 4.5x14x50mm instead. I believe it will be under $1000.00. I think there running about $950. This will be pleanty of scope for shots out to 400 and 500 yards. You can also get on e-bay and find some really good deals on scopes over there. Also, check out 6mmBR.com classifieds section. You can find some pretty good deals on that site as well as BenchrestCentral.com.

W.

 

[huntinco]

Try the Leupold VX-III 6.5-20x40mm side foucs Long Range with the varmint hunters reticle. If you like you can have them put the turrets on for 100 bucks. I have one on my 204 & 223 shooting dogs out to 50 is no prob!
YouTube - Long Range Shooting

 

[aurandbd]

Sounds like everyone is leaning towards the Leupolds. Anyone out there with experience with a Zeiss in this or a similar caliber?

 

[Iron Worker]

None of the above

I just bought the Bushnell elite 6500 2.5x16x50MM Pick out a coyote in a sea of Nv sage brush placed cross hairs on his neck at 104 yards and now he resides in eternity. Its awesome. I paid $700.00 including mounts. They also have a 4.5x30x50MM both with 30MM tube.Great optics I think they are clearer then Leupold VXlll. Seeing PD at 400 yards is a "Walk in the Park". If you want varmints to fear you? Go with the Elite 6500s!!!!!

 

[uncleB]

the Leupold 6.5x20x50mm LRT scope. - I see this scope out there for about $1125, which is over my limit of $1000.

Any other ideas?

BTW, I'm looking to star with the 39 gr bullet in my new 204.

If you look around you can find this scope well below your $1000 barrier, I have never actualy seen one priced this high.
UB

 

[linksmechanic]

I would go with a leupold with a mildot reticule. Then you can print out a drop chart off the mils that will be spot on. I have a vh reticule and although nice isn't the best for a .204 ruger. To use it properly you have to zero at 300 yards! The bushnell is nice but the customer service isn't as good as leupolds and I personally would rate the vx3 glass above the bushnell. But that's just my opinion.

 

[jwp475]

You may want to give the Bushnell a look. I beleive that Ian reviewed one a while back. Might do a search...