Budget setup

[Bowhunter2k9]

Hey guys, my first post so do your worst! Haha

I am trying to build a budget setup and basically trying to see what can be done with less than adequate funds on a long range setup. I need a good scope with good magnification. I hope to be able to touch 1000 yds. Might not be able to. What are your thoughts and how would you go about getting the lowest cost scope with a mildot? I am hoping to hear of some decent under 200$ scopes. I understand that's pushing it.

Let me know what you would buy if it were you with only 200$ to spend on any scope.
Thanks

 

[MudRunner2005]

I would save up a little more and get a Konus M-30 8.5-32x52 Mil-Dot. You can get them from Midway USA for $350. Good glass for the money. Lots of features found on much higher priced scopes. I've had mine on my 700 5R .308 for 1.5 years now, and it's been a great scope. I paired it up with an EGW HD 0 MOA picatinny base and TPS TSR 30mm Aluminum medium height rings.

 

[ntg]

I built something similar just recently...however haven't really got it to where I'm ready to try real long shots yet (only 21 down the tube). I went with the scope mentioned here: http://www.longrangehunting.com/forums/f18/best-current-sales-scopes-114340/index2.html.

It's a pretty clear scope, really,...even at full power, which some less expensive scopes loose clarity when at full power. Just a thought and it's a little over your target price.

I've got a friend that has the Bushnell 10x40 Elite Tactical. It's a nice scope, and can be found for $200. I'd say if you really want to play at 1K yards 10 power may not be enough, and the 14X I mentioned above may be marginal as well. Hopefully others here will chime in as I'm no expert at optics an attempting 1K shots.

Let us know how your quest goes.

BTW, I've got ~$615 into my budget set up.

 

[FSU Seminole]

Hey guys, my first post so do your worst! Haha

I am trying to build a budget setup and basically trying to see what can be done with less than adequate funds on a long range setup. I need a good scope with good magnification. I hope to be able to touch 1000 yds. Might not be able to. What are your thoughts and how would you go about getting the lowest cost scope with a mildot? I am hoping to hear of some decent under 200$ scopes. I understand that's pushing it.

Let me know what you would buy if it were you with only 200$ to spend on any scope.
Thanks

Honestly man, you aren't going to find a "good scope" out to 1000 yards for 200 bucks. I'm not trying to sound like a know it all but if you're punching paper you can still keep looking around but if you're shooting at animals you owe it to them to find something better for ethical kills. I don't know of any scope under 200$ I'd shoot out to 500 yards to be honest.

Another thing to that drives me and alot of other guys crazy You obviously are going to sink a good bit of money into a long range rifle. Why do that and put 200$ piece of glass atop it? Its like buying a brand new Ferrari and putting the cheapest bargain tires you can find for it.

Best thing, do like I did when I was younger. If you have 200 now, be patient put it away and save about another 300 and you should be able to find a decent LR scope for 500 bucks.

 

[ntg]

I agree w/ FSU. I got my scope for semi long target work (500-800 yards) and also intend to use the same rig for hunting up to roughly 500 yards (big game). It's on a 7-08 so I'm not planning to try to hunt anything out past that...unless its a coyote, which I'll try any chance I get even if they're way out there. Also, I'm not sure if it's hunting if it's at a 1000 yards is it?

 

[idaho elk hunter]

The Konus that was mentioned in a earlier post is a excellent recommendation. But I would check out the new Redfield series of scopes. Now owned by Leupold they offer some hope for beginners.

 

[ntg]

The scope I mentioned above is a bit better than the redfields as I compared them. Both very good set ups IMO. I was thinking seriously about getting the Redfield Revolution, but decided the slightly better optics and mil-dot in the Legacy HD was better for what I wanted to do with it.

 

[Bowhunter2k9]

Honestly man, you aren't going to find a "good scope" out to 1000 yards for 200 bucks. I'm not trying to sound like a know it all but if you're punching paper you can still keep looking around but if you're shooting at animals you owe it to them to find something better for ethical kills. I don't know of any scope under 200$ I'd shoot out to 500 yards to be honest.

Another thing to that drives me and alot of other guys crazy You obviously are going to sink a good bit of money into a long range rifle. Why do that and put 200$ piece of glass atop it? Its like buying a brand new Ferrari and putting the cheapest bargain tires you can find for it.

Best thing, do like I did when I was younger. If you have 200 now, be patient put it away and save about another 300 and you should be able to find a decent LR scope for 500 bucks.

I agree it would be the best, but i'm itching to put some down range. What about $300 what kind of scope then? I have a nikon 3-9x40 on my gun now. its fine but lacking in magnification. i'm gonna need a 6-24 or 8-32 for what I wanna do. Just let me know if you know of any around $300

 

[MudRunner2005]

I'm telling you, for the money you wanna spend, the Konus M-30 for $350 is the best in its price range, and will allow you to put some down-range. You can spend $400+ and get the Millett LRS, and the prices go up from there...

 

[FEENIX]

I'm telling you, for the money you wanna spend, the Konus M-30 for $350 is the best in its price range, and will allow you to put some down-range. You can spend $400+ and get the Millett LRS, and the prices go up from there...

I have the 6.5-25x44 M30 and I too am very pleased. IIRC, I paid $320 for it brand new in July 2010. It started on my Savage 111F in .300 Win Mag with 100+ of 200, 208, and 210 grainers and now sits on top of my .270 AI (for now) with 100+ of 150, 165, and 175 grainers ... no problem thus far. gun)

 

[Bowhunter2k9]

I'm telling you, for the money you wanna spend, the Konus M-30 for $350 is the best in its price range, and will allow you to put some down-range. You can spend $400+ and get the Millett LRS, and the prices go up from there...

I hear ya, well It's gonna be between the Konus m30 6-25x44 or the Swft Premier 6-24x50 most likely. Both are $250-$350 range and a buddy of mine has been shooting a swift for years, (I didn't know till now), and I will have to decide. Any of you compared the two?

 

[MudRunner2005]

Never shot a Swift, so I can't give a comparison.

 

[rolly]

The Swift Premier sucks. I have one that sits on an H & R Ultra .223 single shot for whacking ground squirrels and crows. Other than that, I wouldn't trust repeatablity and clarity is that of a BSA...

 

[cowboyarcher]

Something like this:

Nikon Prostaff Rifle Scope 4-12x 40mm Mil-Dot Reticle Matte

If you watch the classifieds you may be able to find a Buckmaster 4.5-14 w/mildot for around the $200 mark.

Nikon's glass is much better than it's price implies, and they have a great warranty. For the money they are tough to beat.