Long Range Optics on a Budget?

mpd1504

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Feb 8, 2010
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Since 1995 I have been using a Leupold Vari-X III Tactical 3.5-10 x 50mm, recently I have shimmed my base .028" to provide an additional 20 moa. That move got me out to 950 yards, but it seems that I will need to change to a 40mm objective in order to get more distance. Here lies my issue.

Does anybody know of a long range scope worth buying that is not $800 and up? Does anybody have an opinion on makes such as BSA or Barska?
 
If your looking at Barska or BSA you should look at Wonder Optics, it would be a huge step up from the other two. It has 100MOA of elevation, if I remember right I have 70-80 MOA left with my rail shimmed 20MOA ish. 4-14, 30mm tube 50mm objective, $329 and a Lifetime warranty.
 
You might want to check out a Vortex Viper 6.5-20X. There are two models..one with a 44 mm front objective and one with a 50mm. I've seen a price for the 44mm at @ $399 and $499 for the 50mm. A very good friend of mine has the 50mm on his AR....it's an extremely nice scope for the $.

Good Luck,

Wayne
 
Sightron SIII 6 X 24 X 50 with mil-dot reticle cost me $699 through Natchez shooters supply. Awesome scope for the price.

AC Barnett
 
Does anybody know of a long range scope worth buying that is not $800 and up? Does anybody have an opinion on makes such as BSA or Barska?

I have tried the BSA Platinum 36X and they are darn good for the money! crisp clear sight picture (edge to edge), paralux adjusts very good, tracking prescise. I was very impressed with how they preformed. No issues with losing zero, I use it for load development and like the value of an affordable 36X
 
I got a Millett LRS ( Long Range Scope ) 6-25x56 Illuminated Mildot Bar Reticle it is rated for a 50BMG and 338 Lapua with a brake ( most scopes will not stand the negative force of a brake, not even a spring airgun ) They also have some other powers that are 30mm tubes, this big beast is a 35mm tube and comes with a killer set of rings ( looks like Burris Extreme Tactical or Badger style) This scope has 140 MOA of elevation in it. It is big but it's crystal clear, etched glass reticle, side focus, includes big sunshade and flip up rubber caps for $459-479 depending on where you buy it. I talked to several suppliers and SWFA and others said that at first they had some returns but since Bushnell bought them out they had not had one returned and Bushnell really perfected it and a 50BMG scope, Rings, Caps, and sunshade delivered for under $500 is a REAL DEAL. I did not mention, mine is on a 338 Ultra Mag Custom.
 
Since 1995 I have been using a Leupold Vari-X III Tactical 3.5-10 x 50mm, recently I have shimmed my base .028" to provide an additional 20 moa. That move got me out to 950 yards, but it seems that I will need to change to a 40mm objective in order to get more distance. Here lies my issue.

Does anybody know of a long range scope worth buying that is not $800 and up? Does anybody have an opinion on makes such as BSA or Barska?

Are you wanting to get a scope with more adjustment? The 3.5-10 models seem to be lacking compaired to other models for some reason. It seems that usually most lower powered riflescopes have more adjustments then their higher magnification counter parts. With this Leupold it is the opposite. I would get a 20moa rail and get the Burris rings with the inserts. Then you could customize the mounting system to fit your needs. The problem with this is that you may not be able to get a zero as close as you desire.
 
Thanks for the input. I have a 20 MOA shim under my base but I will look for the Burris rings with inserts. Thanks again.
 
don`t forget sightron SIII 3-10x56 , target turrets, 30mm tube, 120 MOA and better glass than leupold around 700 dls.
 
Hey, check out the SWFA Super Sniper. SWFA SS Riflescope I think that link will get you there. Plenty of vertical adjustment, mildot, tall turrets with perfect tracking, rear focus and 30mm tube. It won a navy contract and hundreds have been sent to Iraq and Afghanistan. As far as recoil, it will handle 50BMG! Water proof guaranteed to 15 feet deep and an operating range of -50 to 130 degrees. Only SWFA is licensed to sell them, so the absence of middle men bring the price of the scope down to $300.00 When it is tested, it is always tested against Vari-X IV and NF scopes. Not as good but **** close at just about a 900 bones less! Check out the various sniper forums. They have all done reviews of it.

Tom
 
You should give Hawke rifle scopes a try? The are affordable and are good scopes. Scopes are clear and I have not had any trouble with them in low light. :D
 
Based on about 1 1/2 years experience, I could recommend the 10X Super Sniper on the low end of the budget scale.
 
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