Scope Dilema

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oxnam

New member
I have up to about $550 for a new/used scope to put on my 18" RRA Varmint. I have target turrets on another gun and love them for longer range ground sqirrel shooting and would like them on my new scope. I would prefer 1/8" clicks but those are tougher to come by than I would have thought. Most of my coyote hunting is in open country so I am leaning toward the 6.5-20X (instead of the 4.5-14X?) for the target and varmint advantages. I am having a hard time sorting through the ads and hype and determining the best scope. Thanks in advance for any suggestions.
Oxnam
(I have asked the same question on the predator forum because I am trying to make a desicion as soon as possible)
 
On scopes with target turrets, the big question is will they work on most scopes. In my experience, they don't. Unless you get into about 3 or 4 of the high dollar models the click adjustments will not be correct. For this I would look to Leupold in the low end of the money factor. Don't know of any in the 550 range that will pass a square test. I use Leupold 6.5-20's and 8.5-25's on my rifles and don't have problems. Bushnell Elite's have good glass for the money but their click adjustments won't pass a square test either.

1/8 clicks will become a thing of the past as they don't offer enough range of movement for longrange work. Also, too many clicks to remember for long shots. Hard to remember 1/8 ths when 1/4's are easy. Good luck and let us know what you find out.
 
oxnam- Clear ridge optics has some very nice high quality scopes that have just hit the market. you can check them out at opticzone.com . They have turrets with turret caps I believe they are 1/4" adj. But I now have 2 and I love 'em.-Okeytrapper
 
SWFA has the Nikon monarch 6.5-20 with illuminated nikoplex on sale for $439. It has the target knobs and illuminates in either green or red, I also think it has the 1/8" clicks but I could be wrong on that one. They are very good scopes. Much better in my opinion than the lower end leupolds.
 
I'd look at the Burris Signature line in 6-24x or 8-32x with the BMD reticle. A 20moa base may be needed to get you out to say 1000yds, but I have gone away from Leupolds vx-iii line in favor of Burris signatures. Better prices, brighter to my eyes, same warranty, and better eye relief.
 
ok if ya wanna dial for fur, nikon, loupold, nightforce, zeiss, S&B, or exotic are the ones with the most repeatable turrets. from what I read on the LR hunting sites burris turrets aren't that dependable.
RR
 
For the amount of money you have, the 6.5 x 20 Leupold is the way to go. I have two of them and they work great. Optic zone is a good place to buy a scope. I don't really like Simmons scopes but i just order one of the 2.5 x 10 Master Series Aetec from them just to try the new ret adjustment ststem they claim is the best on the market , i guess i will see if it is just marketing thing or if it is the scope adjustments of the future. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif
http://www.simmonsoptics.com/index.htm
 
How much of a difference will the 50mm make over the 40mm? I do plan on doing some spotlighting. I have noticed that the Vari-X III come in both.
 
Another option is to get the scope you want (as long as it's Leupold, Burris, Tasco, Simmons, or Sightron) and then get the Stoney Point target turrets.
 
I purchased the Nikon Monarch 6.5-20X44 and Leupold Quick Release rings today. I will have to report on the setup later. Thanks for all you help.
 
I have seen a truckload of leupolds replaced on the firing line by weaver "T" series because the leupold turrets aren't repeatable enough. These are on LV, HV, HBR class benchrest rifles. I use Nightforce NXS on most of my LR stuff,..but with the R2 reticle or IRR reticle,..I have a choice of clicks or holdover.

As far as my Burris stuff goes, I have had great luck with them. I replaced leupolds to go to Burris signature series for hunting. YMMV
 
Zeiss Conquest 4-14X50mm comes standard with target turrets and if you shop around, you should be able to find one for about that price. 14X is plenty for varmint hunting use, I seldom even crank pass 8X when coyote hunting, it’s hard for me to hold steady and the mirage get real bad with magnification set any higher
 


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