First rifle scope for plinking/punching paper - advice?

[RTR_RTR]

Hey all,

I've been interested in picking up long distance shooting for a while, and have finally started looking into it seriously.

I'm low on funds and will continue to be low on funds for a few years, so initial cost and ammo cost are both significant (I know someone with reloading equipment, but honestly I'd rather spend my time doing other things).

The top of my list now is the Savage 93R17 FVSS (17 HMR).

I'd really like a 223 instead of 17 HMR, but it seems like to stay within my price range ($450 after optics), I'd have to sacrifice the heavy barrel and accutrigger, and I'm not sure it's worth it. Seems like the whole reason I'd be upping the caliber (increased range) would be negated to a large extent by the decreased accuracy.

For optics, I'm looking at the Tasco Mil Dot (2.5-10X with the 17, 6-24x with the 223) - http://www.eabco.com/Tasco02.htm

I'm open to looking used, particularly for a 223.

Thanks in advance

 

[tyeo098]

Tasco is garbage.

Get a Banner Dusk and Dawk 3-9x

Have it on my r700. Super awesome.

 

[RTR_RTR]

Would you mind explaining the difference in quality between the two? Better glass, lens coat, nitrogen fill, etc? I only have experience with pistols, so am eager to learn!

Edit: I just realized my thread title is misleading due to the absence of an 'and' between 'rifle' and 'scope'. If a mod could fix that it would be greatly appreciated - I can't edit it.

 

[J.Boyette]

rtr,

Skip all of them and go with a Sightron SI 3-9 with a mil-dot

Once you sight in with a 100yd ZERO you will be able to do mil-holds out to 300yds with the 17hmr

Once you get that .223 using the same scope with a 100yd ZERO you will be able to hold out to 600yds

 

[FlyingScot]

My 10/22T...

...Has a Mueller APV. What you get for the price is pretty awesome. Between the 10/22T and the scope, the only improvement needed is now the nut behind the rifle....

 

[hardluk1]

Go to wally world and pick up one of Centerpoints MD 4x16 power scopes. price is right ,maybe some real good rings and you have a cost affective scope. I have used one now on a 223 for a year or so. Built a 22 custom and put one on it.

 

[BrocLuno]

There are a number of scopes out there with Bullet Drop Compensated (BDC) reticules for 223. There are good ones and cheap ones. Cabelas sometimes has their house brand on sale for less that $100, sometimes way less You have options. I'd ask around at the range to see if any decent used ones are available?

About Tasco being garbage - not so much IF you get a used one made in Japan. New Chinese ones are not too hot. Older Japanese manufactured scopes from TASCO and KASSNAR are pretty good if you come across one. I have a 12X TASCO from back in the day that always surprises me on clarity. Paid $45 for it used in near mint condition. Been on and off a number of rifles. Never had an issue

 

[DNS]

Like tyeo098 said.

I only have a fixed four Bushnell Banner Dusk and Dawn on my 223 and LOVE IT

 

[Deus Machina]

If you reload, .223 may very well be cheaper a couple hundred rounds down the road. My thought on the matter is, if I can't reload it, it shouldn't be more expensive than .40.

Anyway, opinions on caliber aside, I have a Simmons '22 MAG' 3-9x32 that, for the $55 I paid for it, I couldn't be happier with.

Buy new rings, though. The stock ones are junk.

 

[madcratebuilder]

Mueller APV can't be beat for the price. It's 4.5-14X40 with AO, target turrets with ¼″moa adjustments, a 30mm tube. The best glass in it's price point.

 

[Adam123]

If you are on a budget and really want a .223, why not buy a Savage? They aren't the most amazing .223's, but I have heard good things about them and their accuracy. You can get a brand new .223 (with optics) for under $300.00 at Dunhams. Second, I am not sure what your idea of "long distance shooting" is, but I would not consider either caliber to be a long distance shooter. That said, I would go with the .223 as you will be able to shoot more accurately at longer distances. As for accuracy, I'll pick the .223 just as fast as I would take any other caliber. If you shop around, you can find .223 ammo for $250-$300 per 1,000 rounds. Check ammotogo.com. the-armory.com etc.

Edit: Here's the rifle that I was referring to: http://www.woodburyoutfitters.com/S...hted-Detachable-Box-Magazine-18921-P2477.aspx

As for optics, I agree with the earlier post about the Bushnell. I got the Bushnell Banner - Dusk to Dawn - 6x24x40 for $118 (including S&H) from B&H Photo and could not be happier with it as if far exceeded my expectations. It holds zero (and I use it on my PSL 7.62x54R which is significantly more powerful than the two calibers you are looking towards), has very little paralax at 300 yards, and has great visibility at 400+ yards. Personally, I think that it's one of the best deals out here for optics right now. Just remember, take your time and talk to a lot of people before you make your purchase. You WILL save a lot of money and end up with a better setup that you initially thought if you are prudent and really shop around.

 

[RTR_RTR]

Thank you all for the advice. Savage edge I was previously not looking at due to lack of a heavy barrel and accutrigger, but I've gotta come to terms with my budget and it's looking like a better option every second

As far as 223 and "long range" shooting, as a complete beginner, it definitely has a different meaning for me than you all I'm sure! I just don't want to get to the point of outshooting a rifle too quickly. I figure a 223 will take me to 300 yards easily, which will probably take me a good long while to work up to.

 

[PR-NJ]

I'm no optics expert, but Redfield seems like good deal. I have one in 3-9x40 and it works for me. (I also bought a Redfield spotting scope, which my wife is going to wrap and give me for Christmas.) Redfield scopes have a lifetime guarantee and the company is now owned by Leupold.

Also, in a recent issue of Field & Stream, I noticed there's a Redfield scope mounted on a Nosler rifle in a Nosler advertisement. That's a pretty good endorsement.

 

[HankC]

Shooting at shooting range, don't care. buy anyone from WalMart, return if don't like it. 223 is not heavy recoil, even cheap scope will do fine. Hunting, buy high end scope that you can afford. You don't want the scope mess up your only chance.