I am interested in getting into long range tactical and F-class type shooting and am looking for recommendation for what a decent entry level scope. My hope is to stay under $1,000.

Not sure how these would work for f-class, but for LR tactical shooting these would be usable. First two are FFP, and would be my first choices. These have the bugs worked out and are repeatable mechanically.

Burris XTR 2 5-25
Burris Veracity 5-25 MAD
Leupold 8.5-25X50 VX3i TMR reticle
Vortex Viper PST Gen 2 5-25

These will be right at your budget mark.

Jeremy

quote:

Leupold 8.5-25X50 VX3i TMR reticle

Why would anyone use a 50mm objective for target shooting? Are you expecting the targets to come out to graze after sundown?

However, the 20X or 24X Leupold variables with a 40mm objective and the reticle of your choice would be good scopes for a starter in the target game.

For me two reasons. First, even in the middle of a nice bright day, more light to your eye through the exit pupil equates to a clearer sight picture. Same reason a tier 2 spotting scope at 80mm will compare well to an alpha 65mm spotter. On a competition scope, I would always go larger since weight is of little concern, but sight picture is always important.

Second, all scopes listed have 50mm objectives. We're not even close to the open f-class scopes at 60mm, but those go for $2000 and up.

I did forget the superb, Sightron SIII SS 8-32x56 LR. Not as tactical, but a hell of a scope for under $1000.

Jeremy

Cynical as I am about high-mag scopes and long range hunting, I think the 50mm objective does make sense because even with that size the exit pupil would be a mere 2mm at 25x, marginal in anything but sunny conditions.

I like long range shooting and would like to get better at it. I am not really a fan of long range hunting, except for varmints. For hunting, I am in the "get as close as you can, and then get 10 yards closer" camp.

Do you need a variable? If not, $300 could do it.

quote:

Originally posted by loud-n-boomer:
I like long range shooting and would like to get better at it. I am not really a fan of long range hunting, except for varmints. For hunting, I am in the "get as close as you can, and then get 10 yards closer" camp.

Glad to hear it. In that case maybe a fixed power could be the way to go. I don't suppose Nightforce make one in your price range but they claim to be next to bulletproof.

If you do get a variable, try to get one with a smaller multiple range (eg 3x). Variables add extra mass to the susceptible erector tube and the bigger the multiple range, the greater that is likely to be.

If you search around some, you can find a Bushnell Elite LRHS 4.5-18x44 mil/mil that is bulletproof, dials and tracts true, fantastic glass. There's a brand NIB one on 24HCF right now for $850.

quote:

Originally posted by JGRaider:
If you search around some, you can find a Bushnell Elite LRHS 4.5-18x44 mil/mil that is bulletproof, dials and tracts true, fantastic glass. There's a brand NIB one on 24HCF right now for $850.

This would fit the bill nicely for the OP requirements.

Has anyone used the SFWA scopes? I need a good scope to go on a "long range" AR that I am building for a fun gun. Can get a 16 or 20x fixed for $299. Don't need a world beater, just a good scope that works.

I don't even know the brand but remember the general rule that lenses cost money and the bigger they are the more they cost. I don't imagine the quality of a 20x at $299 would be anything wonderful.

While checking the name I came on this:

http://www.snipercentral.com/s...actical-rifle-scope/

quote:

Originally posted by model7LSS:
Has anyone used the SFWA scopes? I need a good scope to go on a "long range" AR that I am building for a fun gun. Can get a 16 or 20x fixed for $299. Don't need a world beater, just a good scope that works.

I've got mil-quads in 10x and 20x. Glass is certainly adequate, but the turrets are downright bankable. Have done ladders and boxes over and over. Always returns to zero. Don't know how they can do this for $300.

The 10x sits on a .308 RPR, the 20x sits on my back window Anschutz crow-popper. Yard is all measured out, and the turrets allow reproducible, accurate dial-ups. Some seriously surprised crows behind my house. Now just need to find a HP sub that opens some beyond 100 yds.

Wondered about the 16x before deciding on the 20x. Exit pupil is slight on the 20x, but you knew that. Not a night scope, for sure. And I find the sunshade sometimes necessary, depending on direction of sunlight. Another 20x is in my future.

Glad to hear. I don't need it to be a a late evening scope or have super great glass. I just need a decent scope that tracks well.

quote:

Originally posted by jwp475:

quote:

Originally posted by JGRaider:
If you search around some, you can find a Bushnell Elite LRHS 4.5-18x44 mil/mil that is bulletproof, dials and tracts true, fantastic glass. There's a brand NIB one on 24HCF right now for $850.

This would fit the bill nicely for the OP requirements.

I am a Nightforce fan, but I must say I don't see anything Leupold does that Bushnell Elites don't at least match. I use several, esp when I want a lighter scope.

quote:

Originally posted by loud-n-boomer:
I am interested in getting into long range tactical and F-class type shooting and am looking for recommendation for what a decent entry level scope. My hope is to stay under $1,000.

The SWFA 5-20 HD is a little above your price at $1299 but this is their top of the line model with superb glass and tracking.

https://swfa.com/swfa-ss-hd-5-...mm-riflescope-3.html


I have several SWFA scopes. My favorite hunting scope is their 3-9 HD. I recently bought a their 3-15 which is not HD but it was only $550 on Black Friday sale. Normal price is $699.

https://swfa.com/swfa-ss-3-15x...l-rifle-scope-3.html

Here's my 2 cents.

Rudolph 6-24, these are made in the same factory in Japan that makes Nightforce and Vortex.

If not and you have a way to join (military affiliation, law enforcement and so on) www.promotive.com then you will get a 40-60% off on Bushnell, Vortex, Zeiss and Steiner.

Bushnell Elite Tactical there are a couple models.

Vortex as discussed above 6-24 and the big 5-20.