Need Scope Advice Please

Considering one of the following scopes for a .204 Ruger for prairie dogs primarily:

Burris Signature Select 8-32x44 (it appears to me that Burris may no longer make these, but SWFA has them for sale)

Nikon Monarch 8-32x50

Burris Black Diamond 8-32x50

Those are listed in order of price (least to most) so, obviously, other things being equal, I'd prefer the cheapest. On the other hand, if the more expensive is really better, I'd prefer that.

The Burris Black Diamond is about $850 and I really can't do more than that.

So, what are the thoughts on these - or are there others I am missing in this price range?


Finally, I really think I do want one that goes to 32 - but I realize some of you are going to question the need for that so I'd appreciate hearing those comments too.

Thanks.

For that much magnification, I think you would want a large objective, so that 44 is probably out.  I think the other two would be pretty comparable.

If you really want that much magnification, go for it.  There are just a lot of compromises that go with high-magnification scopes.  Guys I know with high-mag scopes end up using them in the lower parts of their mag ranges anyway.


Edited by Bitterroot Bulls - July/30/2011 at 08:55

I rarely go above 16X on my 6.5-20 44 Viper as eye placement gets very touchy.  I use it more to spot at those powers.  Also...I have found with P Dogs, you get a good deal of heat distortion (hot sunny days and warm ground ) and the higher power exaggerates this and the mirage effect makes sighting more difficult.

P.S.  The critical eye placement at higher mag could be a thing with this particular scope and 44 objective.  maybe not as critical with other makes and larger objectives?  The mirage effect is a bigger deal.