I am looking to buy a new rifle/ scope combination. Right now, I'm set on a Remington 700 SPS in .308. I would like to buy the rifle and top it with something out the door. Before I go talk to my gun/ scope guy, I would like to have an idea of what kind of scope I want. I will be using this combo for hunting, and maybe a little bit of long(er) range target shooting (Mainly hunting though)
My requirements for the scope:
- 30mm tube
- good light gathering ability
- no more than a 50 mm objective lens
- at least 3x12 power
- I like the German #4 recticle, but I am open to suggestions for those who know more than I do.
- Budget of +/- $1000

Brands I am looking at, but open to others:
- Luepold Mark 4
- Vortex
- Meopta

Thanks for any help you can give me.

With that budget, your options are wide open.

Go vx6 before mark 4 on Leupold if you go that route.

Not so much, at least not for something with excellent repeatable target turrets and illumination. I could recommend some in the $1200-$1400 range. I wouldn't trust a leupold. Problems is the Leupold will work fine to dial for a while,and it won't be as accurate in dialing to start with as some others.

I wouldn't trust a Vortex either unless you are talking Razor and that is out of your price range too.


Just hunting you are fine for budget but for long range you have to think adjustable turrets that like to be spun and don't quit.

The vx6 is a whole different animal than anything they offered before.

2-12x42 VX-6

It depends on what long range means to you. I would want an adjustable parallax.

The VX6 has good glass but there have been multiple reports of them puking from too much dialing, I assume with the CDS. I don't know if they offer real turrets, maybe an M1.

Those vx6 Leupolds have been in some crazy cheap sales lately. Dang nice glass with a lifetime warranty.

I've seen 'em cheaper, too. Can't remember where but somebody on here might.

Didn't know that. Warranty, though.

You just need to buy the Rem700 AAC-SD 308 with the 30mm Bushnell I got in the classifieds.

Thanks for all the input guys. I have figured out from this thread that I know even less than I thought. Long range to me means, say 300- 500 (for targets). As far as budget goes it can go up or down depending on what I'm getting for my money. I figured around $1000 would put me out of the Nikons, bushnells and the like. I just can't afford a $2- 3000 scope.

For legitimate long distance competitive shooting, you may have a point, but for typical AL hunting situations, $500 will buy more than enough scope. I've never spent more than $500 on a scope and I've killed deer up to 400yds with my 270 and would not hesitate to make that shot. My kids have killed several deer at 150-200yds with a cheap I scope that came mounted on their CVA single shot .243.

Pm, to you Trox.

Yea, I wouldn't doubt that. Like I said if long range doesn't mean dialing to you and it means 400 yards than a scope with a BDC reticle will work. If you are going to dial a SWFA is about the cheapest reliable scope but no illumination there.

You can get into a Bushnell LRH for about $1200 but no illumination.

You can get into a Nightforce SHV for about $900 but no illumination.

You can get into a Used Nightforce NXS with ill for about $1400-$1700

All those scopes will reliably dial for longer range up to 1000 yards or ever a bit more.

400 yards a BDC reticle will work. The Leupold with BDC dial will get you there if you don't shoot a bunch. It's just not made for the kind of shooting practice you need for really long range. It will be fine for the guy who takes a few 400-500 yard shots before season just to check things and then wants it there just in case he happens to get a shot sometime.

I have what sounds like it may fit your description. It is a vx3 with 30mm tube, 4.5-14x50 and has the B&C Reticle. I'd let it go for $650. Excellent condition. I've hunted with it one time. Think I still have the box.

Don't overlook opened box new, demos, display models and last years models. I've bought a PILE of them over the years and the warranties go with them. Some of these were the ones you saw in the display cases in stores and in a lot of cases, brand new:

http://www.eurooptic.com/sale/used-scopes.aspx
http://www.opticsplanet.com/riflescopes-demo.html
https://www.natchezss.com/clearance/optics.html
http://www.samplelist.com/Riflescopes-C3391.aspx

This is just a small example of the many companies that sell their demo and display scopes, so look around.

Folks like Rebelman are people we know and can trust, and a lot of folks on here just buy stuff and never use it.
I absolutely would not hesitate to consider deals from guys on here because you know who you're dealing with.

Zeiss 3-12x50 Duralyt 30mm tube $750.00 plus tax.

Dont overlook kahles or zeiss

Love my Meopta Meostar. 3-12x56..seems like the prices on these keep going up, but I think you can get one under $1000.