Best scope for target shooting?

[Joseph Dawson]

I have a Tikka TAC A1 in .223 and I just don't know what scope to get. I've been looking at Vortex scopes but ones like the Crossfire II and the Diamondback seem more marketed to hunters and I'm unsure if they're suitable for 100m target shooting.

I usually shoot at 100m and rarely 600m (very rarely, if ever).

What scope do I get? My budget is about £300 ($400) but would rather spend a bit less if I'm honest.

I'm stumped and would appreciate any help.

I currently have a NIKKO STIRLING PANAMAX 3-9X40 but I did some research and apparently, that's only good for .22lr or air rifles? I currently use it on my .22lr

 

[LoonWulf]

Most rifle scopes are focused and parallax free at 100-150yds, so for informal target shooting most will work just fine.

Still tho I'd go to with some LIKE the Diamondback tactical at least.
I've been using mostly Athlon scopes in the 150-300 dollar range lately, so haven't had any experience with the Vortex beyond using other people's guns.
Personally, I'd be inclined to try one of the new Bushnell's in that price range. I tend to find them very good values for what they cost.

 

[SharpDog]

Primary Arms 4-16 X 44 Rifle Scope with Illuminated Mil-Dot Crosshair PA416X $160



https://smile.amazon.com/Primary-Arms-Illuminated-Crosshair-PA416X/dp/B00FGGIJMO

 

[SharpDog]

Vortex Optics Strike Eagle Second Focal Plane Riflescopes $299



https://smile.amazon.com/Vortex-Opt...61&imprToken=ZPDlFgwxQS58xMWI8mdlsg&slotNum=0

 

[Joseph Dawson]

So would a diamond tactical be a good choice? What about the crossfire II? I'm open to other brands, it's just I'm based in the UK so it's difficult to find ones that I can get over here.

 

[Gordon]

Some thing in the 4-16x range with "target" turrets and a good warranty review as expensive as your purse can handle and available . Vortex is good as are others, but not being in US you'd have to research it. Remember your scope should have a balance with the cost of your rifle. Not just an economy fixture. I researched a little and this would be a great choice for your .223 for "target" work , the prices are almost double compared to US
https://www.opticswarehouse.co.uk/product/vortex-viper-6-5-20x50-pa-riflescope/
https://www.opticswarehouse.co.uk/product/athlon-argos-btr-6-24x50-ffp-illuminated-riflescope/

 

[Skylerbone]

Greetings from across the pond, Joseph! While the other suggestions above are as sound as they come, I’m making mine based on availability (I hope).

Years ago I purchased a 4-16x scope sight unseen based largely on reviews and a recommendation from a shop; it was made by Hawke. I was told they were something like the Bushnell of Europe with better quality control in their less expensive offerings.

As promised the scope was a solid value with very decent glass. A decade later and I’ve passed it on to my daughter to enjoy. I think a Sidewinder ought to be within your budget and hopefully available to you at a nearby dealer to view before purchase.

Did a quick web search and found this at Swillington Shooting Supplies (I’ve never bargain hunted the UK so I can’t vouch for them or their prices, I have my go-to online sellers over here for big discounts). Here’s wishing you luck on your search.

 

[Joseph Dawson]

Greetings from across the pond, Joseph! While the other suggestions above are as sound as they come, I’m making mine based on availability (I hope).

Years ago I purchased a 4-16x scope sight unseen based largely on reviews and a recommendation from a shop; it was made by Hawke. I was told they were something like the Bushnell of Europe with better quality control in their less expensive offerings.

As promised the scope was a solid value with very decent glass. A decade later and I’ve passed it on to my daughter to enjoy. I think a Sidewinder ought to be within your budget and hopefully available to you at a nearby dealer to view before purchase.

Did a quick web search and found this at Swillington Shooting Supplies (I’ve never bargain hunted the UK so I can’t vouch for them or their prices, I have my go-to online sellers over here for big discounts). Here’s wishing you luck on your search.


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That's very strange. That shop is just down the road from me, maybe 5mins away.

The thing is in the UK Market there are loads of Airgun accessories because of the difficulties to obtain a Section 1 firearms license (Section 1 is rimfire and centerfire rifles). That's why I'm asking here, I don't want to buy an airgun scope by accident. Definitely going to look into the Hawkes and pop into that shop today and have a look. Thanks!

 

[Skylerbone]

Air gun recoil is different than a traditional rifle and tended to “break” traditional riflescopes which weren’t internally braced for the recoil impulse. Many modern scopes are now rated for air rifle usage and Hawke does offer an extensive line marketed toward air rifle shooters, but my Hawke survived living atop a 30-06 with far more recoil than a .223 will ever produce. And while most modern scopes carry the rating, something like a Hawke Air Max can focus sharply down to 8 meters when others are closer to 20.

 

[MtnCreek]

Are you just going to shoot at 100m or will you shoot 600m? If you're going to shoot at different ranges you need turrets that track repeatably. If available where you are, SWFA fixed power rear focus is $300 and side focus is $400. I have a SWFA 3-15 on a tikka that I bought used with rings for not a lot more than your budget, but I have no idea what the used scope market is like where you are.

If you're only shooting at 100m, disregard.

 

[Joseph Dawson]

Mainly I will be shooting at 100m. Every 3-4 months (ish) I will be going to a 100m-1000m range. Can't see myself going too often but enough to justify getting a decent scope. I'll mainly be shooting at 100m.

 

[Legionnaire]

If you're shooting known distances you don't need to spend for a ranging reticle, but I would still make sure you get good repeatable turrets. What kind of targets are you shooting at? If you're shooting groups, get the best glass and highest magnification you can afford. If you're ringing steel, you still want good glass, but you can give up a bit of magnification. I think a 4-16x variable would be appropriate for when you're at 600.

I rarely buy new scopes at this point, as there is a healthy aftermarket here; I have no idea what's available in the UK. I like Vortex, too, but lowest model I'd look at is a Viper HS 4-16x44. I picked up a used one a year ago for $350 and have been very happy with it. Also thumbs up on the SWFA SS 10X as long as you're not shooting groups at 600; it would be great for steel.

 

[MikeInOr]

Do you mean target shooting from a bench? I have a Swift 8-32 on my 223 Heavy barrel target Remington 700 and love it for punching paper from the bench. The extra magnification made a big improvement in my groups over the Leupold 4-16x that was on it before. The 8-32 works great for rock-chucks too!

 

[I6turbo]

I would not go any less than 24x at 100 meters if you are going to be trying to shoot your best groups. 24x really is marginal if you have a good gun and a good setup, but it's the minimum that won't having me looking for a higher power scope, IME. That's IF you are trying to shoot your best groups. If you're just trying to shoot 1 MOA, knock down steel chickens or shoot minute-of-gopher, less power can do the job pretty well.

Just from a pleasant-to-sight-through standpoint I don't really enjoy shooting higher magnification scopes as much as I do something in the 24x range, but if I'm shooting for 100 yard groups, I switch to a 36x. Some people want more than 36x, which I also can't argue with.

 

[cowboy77]

My go to for the 223 would be the new Strikeagle 3-18x44 Vortex and the Athlon Argos. Both nice scopes. More money I would choose the Burris Veracity.

 

[Toprudder]

Regarding the Vortex Crossfire II, I have the 6-18x44 and have pretty good luck with it on my AR, shooting out to 600 yards. I have the illuminated reticle but hardly ever use the illumination feature. I wish it had the side focus, but other than that I have enjoyed using it.