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Best LR Scope under $700?

Discussion in 'Long Range Scopes and Other Optics' started by megastink, Dec 7, 2011.

  1. Dec 7, 2011 #1
    megastink

    megastink Well-Known Member

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    Apr 23, 2011
    Looking for opinions:

    Looking for a scope to put on my .308 that will allow me to hit deer out to 600 yards. It has to have the following:

    -FFP, Glass etched reticle
    -Mil/mil or MOA/MOA (I dont really care)
    -The best glass in its catergory
    -Variable power (9x-16x MAX power setting)
    -Range-estimating reticle
    -30mm tube
    -repeatable, positive 'no-play' turrets
    -reliability
    -SUB $700 MSRP

    Preferences:
    -50mm objective
    -side focus


    -Any help is appreciated. If you have a suggestion, feel free to post pictures of the optic, particularly through the glass. Thanks everyone!

    -Joe
     
  2. Dec 7, 2011 #2
    skookum

    skookum Well-Known Member

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    Nov 2, 2011
    Optics planet has the Viper Vortex PST for $699 i believe. Best for your money out there.
     
  3. Dec 7, 2011 #3
    joseph

    joseph Well-Known Member

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  4. Dec 7, 2011 #4
    smalljawbasser

    smalljawbasser Well-Known Member

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    Nov 27, 2011
    cameraland has the same price on the scope (2 FP), but is giving 15% off on all tactical scopes through christmas.
     
  5. Dec 8, 2011 #5
    bowhunthard

    bowhunthard Well-Known Member

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  6. Dec 8, 2011 #6
    lsm62

    lsm62 Well-Known Member

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    Sep 9, 2010
    falcon menace is a good scope for the price. decent glass, good reticle, mil mil, FFP good power selection. ive had one on my 308 for a while now and am still happy with it.
     
  7. Dec 8, 2011 #7
    Scot E

    Scot E Well-Known Member

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    One option I would have you look strongly at is SWFA's SS 3-9x40. It fills almost every need you are looking for and it is under budget! They had them on sale for black Friday. Not sure if they still do.

    It has a Mil quad reticle in FFP so you can range with it. It has very good glass. You don't need AO if you keep your max power at 10x or below so this keeps weight and the profile down. And 9x is more than enough for deer to 600 yards and even further. Their turrets are excellent. I am not sure you can get better turrets for twice the money. 30mm tube, 19 oz.

    Until recently they have been known more for just being exceptionally tough scopes with excellent repeatable turrets. But over the last couple years they have added much improved glass, new reticle designs and even beefier turrets. They are now an excellent all round scope IMO.

    I have one and love it. Very tough to beat IMO. If they ever come out with a 3-15 or 4-16 it would be really hard for me to have a need for another brand. They are that good.

    Some links that may help in your research

    The Optics Talk Forums - New Reticles for the SWFA 3-9X42 SS and 10X42HD - Page 1

    SWFA SS 3-9x42 Tactical 30mm Riflescope

    The Optics Talk Forums - New SWFA SS 3-9x42 FFP and 10x42 HD - Page 1

    http://www.longrangehunting.com/forums/f18/new-reticles-swfa-3-9x42-ss-10x42hd-73721/
     
  8. Dec 10, 2011 #8
    venatic

    venatic Well-Known Member

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    I will second the recommendation on the Weaver tactical. Saw the reviews and bought one and was so impressed immediately picked up a second.
     
  9. Dec 12, 2011 #9
    42769vette

    42769vette Well-Known Member

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    Sep 10, 2010
    the psts mentioned earlier are the sfp version. the ffp version runs 850 and 900.
     
  10. Dec 13, 2011 #10
    coues7

    coues7 Well-Known Member

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    Great thread. I think I'd try the Vortex for the $750 tops.
     
  11. Dec 13, 2011 #11
    megastink

    megastink Well-Known Member

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    I'm sure the Vortex is great, but I really want a FFP reticle. I'm torn between the SS 3-9x42 and the Weaver Tactical. Both have great reviews.

    Hows the tracking on the Weaver?
     
  12. Dec 13, 2011 #12
    bowhunthard

    bowhunthard Well-Known Member

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    On the scope my buddy has it's awesome! It has comparable tracking and return to zero to my high-end Leupolds and Sightron.

    And all my other Weavers (I personally don't have a tactical one) track and return to zero with excellent and repeatable results.