Picking a low cost, long range scope

[NewB7654]

Im trying to pick an affordable (below $300.00) scope. I'm using a 7mm mag, I like MOA adjustments over MRAD, mil-lines or hash marks over the mil-dot or ovals. Im willing to trade off the hash marks for computing distance and just use a laser range finder and just go with simple cross hairs if needed to stay in that price range. I dont much care for the BDC (bullet drop compensator). My targets will be small coyotes to larger game all the way out to 1000 yards. I was going to go with a fixed 10x40 or so but as Im getting older, I'm noticing eye vision isn't what it use to be.

Im wondering if 10 power will be enough now and in the future with older eyes and who makes a simple scope to fit my needs?

 

[406precision]

Check out vortex they ought to have something to suit your needs... also you could watch the used market here good chance you'll find what your looking for.

JWH@406

 

[westcliffe01]

Try finding a used Nikon Monarch 2 (not the new Monarch 3 !!!) 4-16x50 Nikoplex. The quality of the turrets are great and since they are capped, most people only use then once a season to zero the scope. The turret knobs are graduated in 1/4 min tics and full MOA numbers. The only catch is that if you need more than 12MOA of adjustment you need to consider that there is no "zero stop" on a $300 scope so you have to be diligent to dial up or back down the exact amount and in the right direction.

In the field one can "bore sight" the rifle on an object 50-100 yards away and that will surely let you know if you are off by a full turn in any direction. So it need not be a critical problem unless you are pressed for time. With a 7mm mag, if you zero at 250 yards, that will be a big factor in how far you can shoot with 12 min of elevation (a single turn on the turret).

If you add another $260 you can buy the Vortex HS-T scope. I'm pretty sure you would not regret that decision.

 

[NewB7654]

I called Vortex, they said none in mil lines and none in MOA adjustments. Im not a big fan of mrad.

Not finding any used Nikon Monarch II either. (at 1000 yds I'll need 25+- moa adjustment)

Anyone have thoughts on sightmark?
4-16x44 or 8.5-25x50 ---- BOTH in my price range, both 60 MOA, locking turrets. All sounds good but Ive only seen a few reviews from people that actually used them. All were pretty good with a few haters but seemed overall good.

 

[westcliffe01]

Not sure what you are talking about with the Vortex scopes. Their reticles certainly do have hash marks in either MOA or MIL The turrets are also available (matching the reticle) in MOA or mil.

For the HS-T scope I referenced, here is the reticle in MOA

Here is the same scope with a MIL reticle (will then also have MIL turrets)

 

[LouBoyd]

That's quite a bit of error in those reticle values. 1 milliradian (Mil) is equal to 3.44 minutes of arc (MOA) rounded to two decimal places.
1:4 = 4
9:30 = 3.33
5:18 = 3.6

They can't all be right. I wonder which ones are correct at full magnification, if any.

 

[westcliffe01]

I'm pretty sure the scale on the MIL reticle is different to the MOA one (in other words not a common etching) and I know for a fact that the pitch of the screws in the turret is not the same either.

You are assuming a LOT sir...

 

[NewB7654]

Please let me clarify then. The Vortex (In my price range) wont do what I want. The HS-T you suggest is 300-400 past my price range according to the Vortex site.

 

[westcliffe01]

Unless you can find a scope in that price range with a reticle you like and forget about turrets, you are SOL. Good scopes cost money just like good rifles. No free lunch rule applies. I have tried the cheap route myself and the stuff you get will drive you crazy.

How many rounds of 7mm mag do you have to shoot to cover the $300 price differential ? If your equipment lets you down on a hunt, how much will you be out of pocket ? Skimping on a $550 scope is not a way to end up with reliable equipment. You are not getting the Night force routine here, its an extra $250 and not an extra $1400 .

If Weaver put a decent reticle in their Classic K series scopes, they would be quite useful. I was just sighting in a 308 today and it had a 6x classic K on it. Nice wide field of view at 300 yards. But with no graduations on the reticle and useless turrets, I had to use kentucky windage to hold for drop from 160 - 300 yards. I would not like to do that on a game animal.

 

[SidecarFlip]

Long range optics and low cost optics go together about as well as Obama and a Republican.

 

[SidecarFlip]

Unless you can find a scope in that price range with a reticle you like and forget about turrets, you are SOL. Good scopes cost money just like good rifles. No free lunch rule applies. I have tried the cheap route myself and the stuff you get will drive you crazy.

How many rounds of 7mm mag do you have to shoot to cover the $300 price differential ? If your equipment lets you down on a hunt, how much will you be out of pocket ? Skimping on a $550 scope is not a way to end up with reliable equipment. You are not getting the Night force routine here, its an extra $250 and not an extra $1400 .

If Weaver put a decent reticle in their Classic K series scopes, they would be quite useful. I was just sighting in a 308 today and it had a 6x classic K on it. Nice wide field of view at 300 yards. But with no graduations on the reticle and useless turrets, I had to use kentucky windage to hold for drop from 160 - 300 yards. I would not like to do that on a game animal.

Thatrs not Kentucky windage, thats Michigan windage......

 

[Cold Trigger Finger]

I've heard real good things about the SWFA SS fixed power scopes . They have them from 6×42 mm-20×42 mm. . Lifetime warrentee ans garenteed to work to-50°F . . They are 299$ . .

 

[deadidarren]

Thatrs not Kentucky windage, thats Michigan windage......

no no it's Arkansas elevation

 

[dmj]

You asked about sightron scopes. I own a few of these scopes. While I've never cranked the turrets up and down. I have found them to be fairly clear glass and very positive in there movement when sighting in. And they stay put. The advise about buying as nice as you can possible afford and then some will probably save you money in the long run. Good luck