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Scope suggestions for a total newb |
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optic-newb
Optics GrassHopper Joined: October/10/2004 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 4 |
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Posted: October/10/2004 at 05:33 |
Hi, this may be kind of a vague question but here's my situation. I've never been hunting with a rifle before and need advice on which scope to purchase. Some more details: I have a Savage 11FXP3 in .308 (it's the package deal with the cheap Simmons scope, I know everyone recommends the 10FP but I got an incredible deal on this new in the box). I have only been hunting before in close range with a shotgun, this will be the first time I try my hand with a rifle. The max distances I expect to shoot will be ~300 yrds. The other thing is I would like to get into long range target shooting (past 600 yrds in time). Common sense tells me I'm going to need a variable power scope for the best of both worlds, I haven't looked at a deer yet at 25 yards with a fixed 10x scope but I would believe its harder to track due to the field of view. I have looked at the Bushnell Elite series but I've been told that due to the tube you wont get the necessary adjustment to get past 500 yrds. I would also prefer one with a mildot reticle so I can learn to use it as time goes on.
Again sorry for the vague question, but what would you the viewer recommend? Feel free to flame me too, I have thick skin
Edited to say: the mildot reticle is the least of my worries at this point, if I decide to get into competition shooting and such I guess I can always sell the current and buy another. Edited by optic-newb |
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Dale Clifford
Optics Jedi Knight Joined: July/04/2004 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 5087 |
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Hey don't knock that gun it will amaze you and fortunetly you selected a caliber that has a wide range of and types of factory loads to choose from. Platform shooting, (shots past 200 yds that require a rest) usually get a high power something or other put on them. The problem is that the eye relief when using the higher power variable brings the eye to close to the scope for fast Taylor ready type shots. (both eyes open). While a smaller caliber, in the that weight rifle, you will experience a bit of muzzle flip. (I am assuming it is the light weight carbine Savage.). Pick a lower range variable that will allow low mounting as possible over the bore. My favorite 270 carbine for close cover is a set up similiar to your situation and I mount a 4x Leopold extended eye relief on quick release Leo mounts on the barrel as a scout rifle. It is almost as fast as a shotgun.
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ranburr
Optics Master Joined: May/16/2004 Status: Offline Points: 1082 |
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You got a very good gun for the money. I would say that your Bushnell Elite would be a very good choice for hunting and that it can get the job done on 600 yard shooting. Is the long-range shooting competitive or just for fun? If it is serious competition you need a new rifle and scope. If it is just for fun, your rifle and Bushnell Elite will be well suited.
ranburr |
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optic-newb
Optics GrassHopper Joined: October/10/2004 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 4 |
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Thanks for the advice. As for now the long range shooting will be for fun/hobby.
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optic-newb
Optics GrassHopper Joined: October/10/2004 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 4 |
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One more point to bring up. I am also considering a Super Sniper fixed 10x, as I've gotton good input from guys at the gun range. None of them however do any hunting. My concern is would an approximate FOV of about 3 feet at 25 yards be acceptable for taking a shot at a walking deer (I might be better off asking this in a hunting forum ).
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redneckbmxer24
Optics Master Joined: June/02/2004 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 1055 |
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you DO NOT want a super sniper for deer hunting. i wouldnt even use one for hunting at 200 yards. a 4x is max for me whne it gets down to 25 yards. a 6x is ok if its atleast 100 away, becuase you never know when you'll hae to take a running shot.
cory |
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If guns are outlawed, only outlaws will have guns, I'll be only one of millions!!!
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optic-newb
Optics GrassHopper Joined: October/10/2004 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 4 |
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One last set of questions, I promise . I'm almost set on the Bushnell, but is there any reason why it would be a better choice than a Leupold Mark 4 PR 3-9x40mm? The Leupold looks like it can be had cheaper than several of the Bushnell Elite models, plus it gives me the variable power I want and a mildot reticle. They are both 1" tubes also.
Is there any site that has a FAQ/primer on scopes? I understand ballistics, MOA, etc, but adding in the quirks of scope tube diameter/rings/bases/the math in it all etc gets a little confusing for a newb like me, especially with no clear outline that I have found. |
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redneckbmxer24
Optics Master Joined: June/02/2004 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 1055 |
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go for the leupold, you also get more MOA of adjustments.
cory |
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If guns are outlawed, only outlaws will have guns, I'll be only one of millions!!!
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