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Tikka Tactical 308 scope help pls!

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DrAnesthesiaTX View Drop Down
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    Posted: April/15/2012 at 02:04
My first post on this very informative discussion forum:
 
I recently acquired my first bolt action rifle to go on my first deer hunt.  It's the Tikka Tactical in 308.  Comes with a built-in picatinny rail.  I need help choosing a scope plus rings.
 
I want a scope that I can use for hunting and target shooting (200-400 yds).
 
Does anyone have any recommendations?  From my readings I would like something in the 3-9x or 4-12 range.  I would like an illuminated reticle but not sure what would be best.  I figure something that has ranging ability and allows for bullet drop would be helpful for long range paper targets.  I also think it should be  FFP vs. second.
 
 So far I have narrowed it down to the following butI would welcome any reccomendations.
 
1.   SWFA SS 5-20x50  tactical illuminated reticle FFP
2.  Bushnell 3-12x44 Elite tactical (not sure which reticle to choose)
3.  Vortex 4-16 x50 Viper PST
 
I have heard that the Vortex PST is made in the Phillipines and some folks have complained about washout;  I have also heard that Bushnell glass is mediocre when compared to SWFA.  I like the SWFA but it's oh so pricey.
 
 
 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote koshkin Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April/15/2012 at 03:33
For a general purpose rifle, you probably want to stick to something with moderate magnification.  SWFA's 5-10x50 is a superb scope, but ir probably a bit much for what you need.  Their 3-9x42, on the other hand, is a very good way to go with plenty of magnification for your shooting distances.

If I were, I would be looking at these rings:

and this scope:

ILya
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote JGRaider Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April/15/2012 at 14:27
You don't need dots/hashes/mils, etc for shots out to 400 yards.  A 3-9x40 Conquest or a VX3 3.5-10x40 with a plex reticle is all you'll ever need.  If it makes you feel better, get the VX3 with the CDS dial.  It's almost cheating on shots out to 600.  
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote DrAnesthesiaTX Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April/15/2012 at 14:38
Thanks all for some great reccs!
 
JGRaider, I will agree with a simple plex reticle for hunting but what about targets at 400 yds?  I chose the 308 because of its well studied ballistic profile but isn't there a significant drop at 300 even 200 yds with the 308.  I thought the ranging reticles were also useful for hunting since you can gauge distance and adjust your sight accordingly.
 
Regards..
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote billyburl2 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April/15/2012 at 15:50
IMHO dialing is always going to be better than hold-overs. And I am going to agree with ILya on the SS3-9. Especially over the Zeiss and Luppy, simply because the SS has matching turrets and reticle. That makes dialing corrections much simpler as the reticle tells you exactly what you have to dial. The Vortex is also a good option for the same reason. But the SS, I bet, will be more durable with less chance of QC issues...
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote JGRaider Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April/15/2012 at 21:06
The 308 is a super choice IMO.  I can't imagine anything more simple than that 308 sighted dead on at 100 yards with a VX3 3.5-10x40 CDS.  Chrono the load, send the info to Leupold, they'll send you a dial that will be deadly out to 650 or so.  It couldn't be more simple.  In fact, a Leupy FX3 6x42 CDS will do the same thing just as well.  Out to 400 will be a chip shot with either one given you know how to play the wind.  Especially in hunting situations, I personally do not like dots/hashes, etc.  My 51 year old eyes have a much harder time seeing them in challenging light than I do a plex reticle. 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Sapper524 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April/15/2012 at 21:53
I think your choices listed are fine scopes but to much for a 308 with a 200-400 yard engagement range.  A 2.5-10 or 3-9 power range is more than enough and you could get some better glass for the price range of the bigger scopes you picked.  The Trijicon 2.5-10 has a nice large objective and works great in low light for hunting.  The 3-9x42 SS Ilya mentioned is a great little scope if your looking for FFP mil/mil options.  The VX3 Leupold mentioned is also not a bad choice. A lot of options out there, the features you want will make the decision.  I personally prefer matching reticle and turrents.  The SS 3-9 is had to beat for the money.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Rancid Coolaid Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April/15/2012 at 22:05
Originally posted by JGRaider JGRaider wrote:

I can't imagine anything more simple than that 308 sighted dead on at 100 yards with a VX3 3.5-10x40 CDS.  Chrono the load, send the info to Leupold, they'll send you a dial that will be deadly out to 650 or so.  It couldn't be more simple. 



I disagree entirely.
Do not get custom load data, get a mil dot or a hash reticle and learn to use it.

And a "chip shot" at 400 yards?

The 3-9 isn't illuminated, but you really don't need illumination unless you plan on hunting in the dark. The 3-9 SS is the best option for both intended uses.

I like the option of using the turret or the reticle, and that they match makes it much simpler. Learn the math for a mil reticle and be done.

Do not get custom turrets. And there are almost always better scopes than Leupold, and for less money.

Edited for spelling


Edited by Rancid Coolaid - April/16/2012 at 08:55
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Rancid Coolaid Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April/15/2012 at 22:07
By the way, Tikka makes great bolt guns, very accurate, Butter-smooth bolts, great choice.

I have owned many Tikka rifles, all have been good guns.

308 is also a great caliber, plenty of bullet options, never a shortage of ammo, not too expensive, not too much gun for most applications.

For that gun, get the 3-9SS.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Sparky Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April/15/2012 at 23:32
Another vote for the SS 3-9. And make sure you do not skimp on the rings. The Aadland rings mentioned earlier would be a good choice as well as TSPs or Talleys.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote DrAnesthesiaTX Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April/16/2012 at 00:13
After everyone's input I am leaning towards the SWFA 3-9.  Y'all sure you don't work for SWFA :)
If you needed an illuminated reticle what scope would it be then.  I have 50 y/o eyes so dawn/dusk hunting would be tough for me.  Any recc's for an illuminated reticle?
 
Thanks in advance for sharing your knowledge.
 
 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote RotoReuter_DM Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April/16/2012 at 08:31
This is one forum where the bias opinions are absolutely correct!

I felt same way purchasing an SS but I'm glad I did.
Old Mil ftw
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Bitterroot Bulls Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April/16/2012 at 08:43
One thing to consider about the SS 3-9: 
 
It is an awesome scope for practical shooting.  However, it has a parallax setting for 100 yards.  ALthough parallax shouldn't be much of a problem (especially for hunting), if you are shooting for groups out at 300 or 400, you might want to look at a scope with side focus, like the 3-10 SIII from sightron.
 
Just something to think about.
-Matt
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote JGRaider Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April/16/2012 at 08:48
Originally posted by Rancid Coolaid Rancid Coolaid wrote:

Originally posted by JGRaider JGRaider wrote:

I can't imagine anything more simple than that 308 sighted dead on at 100 yards with a VX3 3.5-10x40 CDS.  Chrono the load, send the info to Leupold, they'll send you a dial that will be deadly out to 650 or so.  It couldn't be more simple. 



I disagree entirely.
Do not get custom load data, get a mil dot or a hash reticle and learn to use it.

And a "chip shot" at 400 yards?

The 3-9 isn't illuminated, but you really don't need illumination unless you plan on hunting in the dark. The 3-9 SS is the best option for both intended uses.

I like the option of using the turret or the reticle, and that they match makes it much simpler. Learn the math for a mil reticle and be done.

Do not get custom turrets. And there are almost always better scopes thsn Leupold, and for less money.


So get a CDS dial set up in MOA.  Yes, 400 is a chip shot with a simple reticle and dial, even with a fixed 6x, given the right wind conditions.  With a 7mag, 3" high @ 100 you don't needto twist any dials at all to kill stuff at 400.  Done it many times, sometimes on those genetically engineered AI mule deer you have no clue about.......Smile

I'm sure the OP can be satisfied with any of the things mentioned here, and that's great by me.  I like it simple myself. 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Rancid Coolaid Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April/16/2012 at 09:04
Originally posted by DrAnesthesiaTX DrAnesthesiaTX wrote:

If you needed an illuminated reticle what scope would it be then. 
 

I've owned and really liked the IOR 2.5-10.  It is a great scope.


The glass is quite good, the illumination system only illuminates the center dot (which works fine for me) and the MP8 reticle is among my favorites.

Two minor gripes:
1.  No parallax adjustment
2.  The scope tunnels at the bottom, making it effectively a 4-10 scope.

And, for the illuminated IOR, the price is about 2X the SS3-9.  Between the 2, I prefer the SS turrets, the IOR reticle, SS doesn't tunnel, and the glass is pretty close to a wash. Is illumination worth $600?
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote RotoReuter_DM Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April/16/2012 at 09:28
Vortex PST's are good if you want illumination.
Old Mil ftw
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Urimaginaryfrnd Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April/16/2012 at 10:44
1.   SWFA SS 5-20x50  tactical illuminated reticle FFP Thunbs Up

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote lumberjack149 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April/16/2012 at 11:12
Originally posted by Rancid Coolaid Rancid Coolaid wrote:

Originally posted by DrAnesthesiaTX DrAnesthesiaTX wrote:

If you needed an illuminated reticle what scope would it be then. 
 
Between the 2, I prefer the SS turrets, the IOR reticle, SS doesn't tunnel, and the glass is pretty close to a wash. Is illumination worth $600?
This has me interested. Has something changed from the original design? The SS 3-9 mildot i had tunneled on anything below 4 power if i remember correctly.

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Rancid Coolaid Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April/16/2012 at 11:16
Really?  I'll go back and check mine and verify.

I don't think the fundamental design has changed, just the new reticle available.


I'll check and report back.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote cpwomack Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April/16/2012 at 11:30
Mine doesn't tunnel, but it is the newer milquad design.
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