Slightly different "Which Scope" question.

[Skinny Shooter]

Not looking for a brand recommendation.

I've got a 24" RRA Varmint A4 that needs some glass.
Have got cabelas points adding up and a new scope is in the future.

Would like to shoot as far as the rifle is able to at small groundhog-sized targets with it.
Also have a 308Win that wears a 4.5-14x (w/Mildots)and is used for groundhogs.

Was thinking of putting a 3.5-10x (w/TMR) on the 308 and switching its 4.5-14x over to the RRA.
Or would you leave the 4.5-14x on the 308 and buy a 6.5-20x (w/TMR) or a second 4.5-14x (w/TMR) for the RRA?

I've got this nagging feeling that there might come a day when I need either of those rifles for something other than groundhogs.
Thats a very broad question but would your choice of scope magnification change?

I initially thought 3.5-10x for the 308 and 4.5-14x for the RRA.
The 4.5-14x on the 308 is eventually going to get upgraded to the TMR at the custom shop.
thanks.

 

[Skinny Shooter]

58 views and no one has a thought?

 

[LewisH]

OK, here are some of (my) thoughts:

1.) What is a RRA?

2.) Magnification depends on the sight picture you are personally comfortable with (or, with which you are personally comfortable--if this is an English test ).

Up to about 16X (variable scope, of course) is adequate and desirable for most shooters, except for perhaps for over 800 yrds, then more magnification is desirable; again, if you feel comfortable with it. gun)

 

[Skinny Shooter]

Hi Lewis, thanks for responding.
Its a Rock River Arms AR15. Rock River Arms: Varmint Rifle A4

Groundhogs or parts of one get small at distance so I wasn't sure which scope to put on each rifle.
May end up with another 4.5-14x for the AR15.
I've got a 6.5-20x on my 243 VLP and like it very much.
For the range of the 223, that might be a bit too much.
Too bad Leupold can't make a 2.5-16x.
Allen

 

[SBruce]

Hello Skinny,

I've had a 6.5-20 on my 220 Swift for a very long time. The 20X is very nice for testing loads on the bench, but I found that it was too much for most of my shooting in the prarie dog towns. Only reason I say too much is that I am usually my own "spotter" and field of view at 20x is too small alot of the times to see my hits or misses when the recoil factor is playing. I usually turn it down somewhere between 12 and 16 for that reason. I've got a 4.5-14 on my AR and it seems to be just right. Also, personally not a fan of a long scope on a short black rifle......just my opinion.? 14X should be plenty for the .223, probably will be able see better than the rifle will shoot.

 

[Skinny Shooter]

Thanks.
I've also got a 6.5-20x on a 22-250 for groundhogs. It works well but sometimes wish it would go down below 6.5x.
The AR isn't a carbine though and I agree about a long scope on a short gun.
It has a 24" barrel so everything should balance out.
Allen.

 

[hjorst]

Good Day
Have to admit I am not much of a fan of Leupold glass. That being said, I would opt for something in the 10-12 power as the upper end. As an example, I use an IOR 2.5-10x on my 6mmBR, and it does very well out to about 600 yards or so. I also have no experience with the AR platform as that is a restricted weopon up here in Canada.
Have fun

 

[Jon A]

The most similar rifle I have is my 24" Grendel. My targets are larger than p-dogs but I also shoot it farther so scale-wise I think scope choice is similar.

My thoughts are you really aren't going to be carrying such a rifle through the woods and don't even think about home defense with a heavy 24" so any scope that goes down to around 6X on the low end is low enough. But since you will be shooting little things far away I enjoy magnification for that. So I'd say go for the 6.5-20.

Though in agreeing with the above, Leupold wouldn't be my first choice. I just don't think you get enough value for what they cost. If you're OK with a SFP reticle and 1/4 MOA clicks you can get a good one for a lot less. My Grendel is currently wearing a 6.5-20X50 Vortex Viper (while waiting for the PST) and I can't think of anything I like better about the Leupold LR's and they cost a bunch more. Stepping up in quality a scope like the Sightron SIII 6-24X50 I think offers better quality for less.

Anyway, as mentioned above I'm waiting for the Vortex PST 6-24X50 for this rifle, which should be a nice step up from my current Viper. It'll give you turrets that match the reticle, FFP if you want, illumination for nighttime 'yotes, etc. That's my idea of a good match for such a rifle for a decent price.

 

[Skinny Shooter]

Thanks everyone for the input.
I'm using Cabela's points to get a scope so that means Leupold unless a Nightforce can be special ordered.
Already have a carbine and a 12ga for the home.
While groundhog hunting I often carry two varmint rifles for close and far so weight isn't an issue.
After doing more reading am leaning towards a 4.5-14x but may have to get another higher mag scope later on.
Allen

 

[rdsii64]

For most of my shooting I use the 1.5x per 100 yards rule. that has served me well all the way to 1000 yards. The catch is I have never shot at anything smaller than 18 inch wide by 36 inch tall steal plate past 600 yards. with that being said I wouldn't go beyond 16x unless you have the cash to spring for the glass nessesary to resolve long range images at high magnification. the way it was explained to me ( by someone I trust) ther higher the magnification, the better glass you need to resolve the image. With the size of ground hogs, prarie dogs and such high resolution glass is a must at 1000 yards

 

[LewisH]

Absolutely correct.

If had my way, I'd have the most expensive S&B, Zeiss, Hensold or the new March scopes on my rifles.

Unfortunately (or fortunately), I'm married.