Scope Advice

jalewi · #1 03-26-2010, 11:42 PM

I just ordered a DPMS LR .308, which is a flat top AR style rifle for those of you not familiar with DPMS. I will be using this gun for deer and boar hunting and am considering getting into some long range shooting with it. I have been looking at a lot of different optics and cannot settle on what I want to put on it. My only rule is I am not going to put anything on it that cost more than the gun. I know it may be crazy to think about it that way. I just can't bring myself to do it nor do I have the funds after spending over $1K for the rifle. So, if you guys were in my shoes what would you put on the rifle. Also, throw in your 2 cents on mounts. I have owned several scopes--leupold, bushnell, nikon, simmons, etc. and have enjoyed them all. I am not necessarily a brand loyalist, but I want to really do my research on this one to make for THE BEST setup possible. THANKS!

skeet · #2 03-27-2010, 12:12 AM

Is go with either a Bushnell Elite 4200 in the power of your choice..Mine would be 4.5 x 14 or possibly a Nikon Buckmaster in the same power..or Leupold VXII 4-12 ...for the long range stuff anyway.. I have an AR 15 also by DPMS and I put a red dot scope on it for quick shooting like coyotes..gotten into calling them. A nice 1x4 Leupold or any other brand would go good for boar. I still have an old Weaver 1 1/2 x 4 1/2 that I just can't make myself sell. Almost put it on the AR instead of the red dot. I had 'em both. I also have a red dot on one of my old S&W Highway Patrolman..both are first year guns and I use the one with the red dot to shoot wascally wabbits that want to eat my garden..Those red dots are quick. And almost as good as a scope. They do eat batteries if ya don't turn 'em off. Just my $.02 and worth just about as much.

jalewi · #3 03-27-2010, 12:43 AM

I have been eyeing the Nikon Buckmaster as well as the Leupold VXII already....interesting that you brought those two up. I have been pleasantly surprised by the Nikon prostaff that I have on the AR-15/.223.Do you have experience with the Nikon Buckmaster?

skeet · #4 03-27-2010, 01:04 AM

I have all three..I like the Elite 4200 the best, I think..but the leupold is really great. I like the side focus on the Nikon though. The leupold is probably the toughest....but the most expensive..I have also convinced myself with some help here to try one of the Bushnell 6500s in 2 1/2 x 16...Spensive..but all I would ever need Seriously check out the Bushnell Elite series. I have 4 and a couple of Elite 3200s

jalewi · #5 03-27-2010, 10:52 AM

Just got the Midway sale paper:
Elite 4200 3-12x44 $850
6-24x50 $1000
Leupold VX-3 Long Range 4.5-14x40 $680

It looks like Midway is getting the leupolds at better deals right now! Go figure.

skeet · #6 03-27-2010, 07:07 PM

Personally Midway doesn't have very good prices although they have lots of stuff.. If I were going to buy a scope today it would probably be from a former advertizer on Hunt Chat..SWFA. Their prices are much much better. Leupold has had some really good pricing on the VXIII 4.5 x 14 LR scopes lately. I bought one from a wholesaler for under 500 bucks...the 6 x 24 Elite about 400-420 or so.. I think you can find the Buckmaster 4.5 x 14 for about 260 or so.. Much better pricing out there for certain.. As the old song said..Ya better shop around..

fabsroman · #7 03-28-2010, 12:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by skeet

Personally Midway doesn't have very good prices although they have lots of stuff.. If I were going to buy a scope today it would probably be from a former advertizer on Hunt Chat..SWFA. Their prices are much much better. Leupold has had some really good pricing on the VXIII 4.5 x 14 LR scopes lately. I bought one from a wholesaler for under 500 bucks...the 6 x 24 Elite about 400-420 or so.. I think you can find the Buckmaster 4.5 x 14 for about 260 or so.. Much better pricing out there for certain.. As the old song said..Ya better shop around..

I have ordered a couple scopes from SWFA and have been very happy with the prices and the service. Wouldn't hesitate to order from them again. I bought my AR-10 lower last year and have been waiting to build it up. Might just get it done this year. Bought an AR-15 lower too last year and still haven't built that one up. Anyway, I'm planning on building both of them up as long range rifles and using Burris scopes on them. I'll probably go with a Burris Black Diamond on both rifles, but who knows. Maybe I'll go with the laserscope from Burris that automatically calculates bullet drop and puts the red dot exactly where I need to hold over out to 500 yards. I'll have to think about it some more.

Catfish · #8 03-28-2010, 01:35 PM

On a hunting rifle you need no more than a 3 x 9X. I have more 3 x 9 Leupolds than any other power. I do like the 3 1/2 x 10X Vari X 111 better, but the 3 x 9 Vari v 11 is all you will need. I would recomand you not go above 3X on the low end, especially if you are going to be hunting hogs. They can get nasty and turn on you and you don`t want to try to find a chargeing hog in a high powered scope. My last deer was at 289 yards. ( lazered) with a muzzle loader and a 2 1/2 X scope.

jalewi · #9 04-10-2010, 06:12 PM

Well, the .308 is still on order, so I am looking, researching, and taking it all in. A 3X9 is something to seriously consider. As I am considering toying around with some long range target shooting and maybe long range hunting, I am wondering if the 3X9 would hold up. I have always shot with a 3X9, but have never really tried a shot over 250 yards. I did have a leupold target 24x on a .220 swift once setup for groundhogs. That is all that gun was good for. I am not too worried about the hog issue as where I would be hunting it is not an up close and personal type of hunt and I always carry a stout side arm anyway.