I have a buddy who wants to get a new scope for a rig he is putting together. He would like a max of 14-20 power and a min of 3-4.5 power. What would be your suggestions for him to buy new and then also what should he keep his eyes out for in the used market? I've been out of the scope buying game some time now so I don't know what new models are out. Please don't say...he should save more money etc. just trying to get a list of new scopes and used scopes. He is more of a buy new person but I'm trying to convince him to look in the used market as well. This will be a hunting scope and he is not a long range person. Max distance he likely will shoot will be 500 yards when he hunts with me.
Hi Kurt,
There are a lot of options and even more opinions out there when it comes to scopes. A lot of that will depend on what caliber/cartridge you buddy is shooting. As you have stated, that maximum range your friend is shooting is 500 yards, he will likely be using at least one of the nerd-knobs and perhaps two. Most hunting rounds have a MPBR (Maximum point-blank range) of 200-250 yards. This is the maximum distance you can shoot at a 5"(typically) target without adjusting the elevation. When we move beyond that MPBR you are really looking beyond the scope and more of an integrated system. This system consists of the scope, range finder, ballistic program and deeper familiarity with the round he is shooting with particular attention to the ballistic coefficient of the bullet it self. Wind is also a consideration that should not be ignored, but often is. Wind meters vary widely in cost and capabilities. Caldwell on the low end, Kestrel on the higher end.
Now, back to the subject at hand...scopes.... I like Leupold. More specifically the VX3i and VX5HD variety. Even more specifically equipped as follows: 30mm tube, 44 and 50mm objective, 20MOA picatinny rail, Maginification 3/4.5 - 14/15 power. and for the nerd-knobs Zero stop elevation exposed turret, Side focus "parallax" and CDS system that can be custom made for your specific round and elevation. Windplex reticle with sub tensions that can help with approx wind drift calculations without adjusting your windage knob. Dare I "hold over" or sideways...
Why a system ? You're shooting up to 500 yards ! For example: 7mm RM loaded with a 165gn bullet, BC-600, MV-2950fps The MPBR is 233 yard on a 100 yard Zero. Bullet drop is as follows: 300 yards - 11", 400 yards - 24", 500 yards - 44". In a nutshell after 233 yards - You're adjusting that scope.You are also making decisions and using outputs from your range finder, wind meter and phone based ballistics program to DOPE your shot. In this case you are potentially adjusting your elevation setting 34 clicks/.25 MOA, both ways. This up and down coupled with the recoil environment of the rifle mean early failure on a poorly built scope. Or on a lesser quality scope - will not return to zero or a sub tension accurately. Therefore it is important that one selects a scope builder rather than a scope marketer that has their logo slapped a common product built over seas at a contract manufacturer.
To end this Epistle, 14/15 power is more than enough unless you're pal is looking to shoot the ears of a field mouse. 20x would be a luxury item in my opinion. VX3 vs VX5 - Better glass, more granular magnification. If money were no object, one could certainly look at the Mark line. I did not go into the Freedom or Rifleman line as I feel that they are more of a recreational offering than a serious hunter/shooter offering.
Best of luck,