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Low mag variable for a "practical rifle" |
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HeavyDuty
Optics GrassHopper Joined: July/31/2005 Status: Offline Points: 31 |
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Posted: August/01/2010 at 12:33 |
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I've been wanting to build a "practical rifle" for some time now - a short, light, 1-3x or 1-4x optic equipped rifle in .308 for offhand use out to 200 or so yards. (I've heard these referred to as "walking rifles" if that helps.) I was planning on building this - someday - on a Tikka T3 Lite, but I found a Stevens 200 and was able to afford starting the project right now.
I've had good luck with Talley one piece rings/bases on my 700, so I'm leaning to using them on this rifle. I'm trying to decide what optic to use with about a $300 or so budget. So far I'm considering the Nikon 1-4x Monarch African, a Weaver 1-3x, a Leupold Mark AR 1.5-4x or a Leupold VX-II 1-4x. Illuminated would be a plus but I think it's unlikely with any kind of quality in my price range. A forgiving eye box is a major issue for me. Can anyone offer their experiences with less expensive lower powered variables like these? Thanks! |
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cheaptrick
MODERATOR Joined: September/27/2004 Location: South Carolina Status: Offline Points: 20844 |
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IF you can wait.....
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pyro6999
Optics Retard OT TITAN Joined: December/22/2006 Location: North Dakota Status: Offline Points: 22034 |
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They call me "Boots"
375H&H Mag: Yeah, it kills stuff "extra dead" 343 we will never forget God Bless Chris Ledoux "good ride cowboy" |
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cheaptrick
MODERATOR Joined: September/27/2004 Location: South Carolina Status: Offline Points: 20844 |
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I missed the $300 budget that the OP posted.
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Shenko
Optics Apprentice Joined: April/20/2008 Location: WA Status: Offline Points: 249 |
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As far as a forgiving eyebox, my Leupold 1-4 shotgun scope is the best I've used. It's on a short, light, 308. Fast and easy to use. I suspect that the shorter parallax setting and heavy duplex help that. I have a 2-8x Burris Signature on another 308. The glass is better in low light, and the higher magnification comes in handy, and 2X is low enough. It is not as forgiving, and the reticle is a bit thin.
The Monarch 1-4 sounds like a good scope for your purposes. The Burris Fullfield II 2-7 with the #4 reticle is another that might be worth considering. |
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HeavyDuty
Optics GrassHopper Joined: July/31/2005 Status: Offline Points: 31 |
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Shenko - you know, I hadn't considered a shotgun scope with shorter parallax - I think it would be quite appropriate for this rifle. That's the VX-I, right? Cheaptrick - I wish my budget stretched that far! If it did, I'd go with an Accupoint in a heartbeat. I'm still looking for a used one that I might be able to stretch and get.Pyro - I'd really like to stay 1x or 1.5x max on the short end.
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ckk1106
Optics Master Joined: December/14/2007 Location: Arizona Status: Offline Points: 1439 |
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I had a VX I 1-4X20 and it was one of the worst scopes I have used as far as clarity and low light performance. Maybe the VX II would be better. I'd really like the VX3 1.5-5, but that might be more money than you want to spend. All in all, I'd look at the VX I before you bought it. I'm guessing you wouldn't buy it after seeing it.
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pyro6999
Optics Retard OT TITAN Joined: December/22/2006 Location: North Dakota Status: Offline Points: 22034 |
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the difference between 1.5 and 2 is nothing, im not sure if vortex is like a lot of other company's, if it is the 2x is closer to 1.5-1.75x |
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They call me "Boots"
375H&H Mag: Yeah, it kills stuff "extra dead" 343 we will never forget God Bless Chris Ledoux "good ride cowboy" |
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Dale Clifford
Optics Jedi Knight Joined: July/04/2004 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 5087 |
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You should consider a scout rifle--- handy, powerful, fast, and anything a 1-4 will do a 2 extended eye relief will do.
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I love little league baseball-- it keeps the kids out of the house
Yogi Bera |
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The Dude
Optics Apprentice Joined: July/21/2010 Status: Offline Points: 82 |
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WOW!!! Thats a great price! I bought two last week for $259 a piece!
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Urimaginaryfrnd
MODERATOR Resident Redneck Joined: June/20/2005 Location: Iowa Status: Offline Points: 14964 |
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"Always do the right thing, just because it is the right thing to do". Bobby Paul Doherty Texas Ranger |
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Shenko
Optics Apprentice Joined: April/20/2008 Location: WA Status: Offline Points: 249 |
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A Vortex Viper for $180? Grab it.
Thanks, Pyro. |
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stickbow46
Optics Master Extraordinaire Joined: January/07/2009 Location: Benton, Pa Status: Offline Points: 4678 |
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Burris also makes a decent scout scope,they also make a line called timberland thats within your price range.5 years ago I purchased a Burris 4x scope called the magnum it took a hell of a beating on a magnum rifle I use & held up very well,they stopped production 3 yrs ago but if you do a search you might find one for about $200.SWFA used to have them on the list,might want to give them a call.
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HeavyDuty
Optics GrassHopper Joined: July/31/2005 Status: Offline Points: 31 |
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I think I've got it down to either a Nikon 1-4x Monarch African or a Leupold VX-II 1-4x. I'm going to try and check them out locally.
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Shenko
Optics Apprentice Joined: April/20/2008 Location: WA Status: Offline Points: 249 |
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The #4 reticule on the Monarch should work well in low light.
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lucytuma
Optics Jedi Knight Joined: November/25/2007 Location: Wisconsin Status: Offline Points: 5389 |
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I've used the VXII 1-4x20 quite a bit and really like it. I've used them on a .375h&h, 35 whelen and one on 7400 auto in 30-06 for deer hunting. The rifle was terrible, but I liked the scope.
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"The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not." - Thomas Jefferson
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HeavyDuty
Optics GrassHopper Joined: July/31/2005 Status: Offline Points: 31 |
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I took a drive after work to one of the largest gun stores in the area and they didn't have the Nikon nor the VX-II. They did have a Mark AR 1.5-4x, not bad - but I want to see the VX-II in particular first. I think it's time for a Cabellas trip.
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tejas
Optics Journeyman Joined: March/08/2010 Location: Lone Star State Status: Offline Points: 575 |
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I have one of these on my on my Marlin 1895G. Its a great scope, lightweight, clear tough and doesnt cost a fortune.
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1911man
Optics Apprentice Joined: May/17/2009 Location: NW AR Status: Offline Points: 165 |
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Trijicon 1-4x24 #4/dot is the way to go http://swfa.com/Trijicon-Accu-Point-Rifle-Scopes-C207.aspx
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Bill Wilson
www.wilsoncombat.com |
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HeavyDuty
Optics GrassHopper Joined: July/31/2005 Status: Offline Points: 31 |
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Bill, I'd go Accupoint in a heartbeat but they're well outside of budget for this build - even the used ones I've found are almost twice my $300 limit.
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