Mossberg MVP Patrol - .308 - Fixed Power Scope Suggestions

[American Finn]

I just purchased a brand new Mossberg MVP Patrol rifle; I have been searching for a good scope for it but seem to be coming up short. I would appreciate any suggestions you may have.

Here is what I intend to use the rifle for: I bought it as a good backwoods/hiking/survival rifle; I don't intend to shoot at targets father than 300 yards (it is mainly forest in my neck of the woods; most shots would be shorter range) and won't take any animal larger than a whitetail.

My thoughts were just a good fixed x4; I want a fixed power for its simplicity and ruggedness. The issue I have been coming up against is finding a good fixed power scope. I have looked on Leupold's, Burris' and Bushnell's websites and seem to be coming up short. Yes, they are made but they don't seem to be available. I have looked at Midway USA, Cabela's, Brownell's to no avail.

I don't want to spend more than $300 (that seems to be the going price on Leupold's website for theirs if available) on the scope alone. Also, I am not a fan of red dots; I had one on my AR and didn't care for it (just wasn't for me). Thank you.

 

[WrongHanded]

So I know you said you wanted a fixed power scope. But realistically scopes are so well made these days that the zoom function is very unlikely to cause you any issues. If you set it on one power setting, I can't see it ever being a problem.

That being said, I have two scopes that are fixed power. But they're only 2.75x and 2.5x. They are a little limiting when it comes to precision. A 2-7x might be a good option for you, or if you're sure you don't want to go above 4, a 1.5-4x.

 

[American Finn]

@WrongHanded Thank you for your response. From what I have seen I believe a Leupold or Burris might be the way to go. I don't want a really large scope on the rifle for portability reasons (and, to be frank, aesthetics as well). Offhand, would you be able to recommend a particular model?

 

[WrongHanded]

@WrongHanded Thank you for your response. From what I have seen I believe a Leupold or Burris might be the way to go. I don't want a really large scope on the rifle for portability reasons (and, to be frank, aesthetics as well). Offhand, would you be able to recommend a particular model?

I have owned only one Burris. I believe it was a Fullfield II and was totally functional but a bit blocky. I have owned (and currently own) several Leupolds and have found them to be very reasonable for the price. But I'm not nearly as experience with scopes as many of the other guys here. So take this with a grain of salt.

The VX-Freedom range from Leupold has a good reputation for entry level scopes. They're good, but not as refined as the higher priced options. I think you'll be pleased though.

If you want to go with a 2-7x, which still isn't all that big of a scope: https://www.leupold.com/vx-freedom-2-7x33-hunt-plex

If you really want to go smaller and lower profile, which I can understand: https://www.leupold.com/vx-freedom-1-5-4x20-moa-ring

What appears to be the same scope, but with a different reticle, that you may or may not prefer, even if you don't hunt pigs: https://www.leupold.com/vx-freedom-15-4x20-pig-plex-riflescope

 

[mavracer]

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1023057785?pid=360064

I've got the older VX Hog version of this. It's very compact and clear should be about perfect for your application.

 

[Roverguy]

Hard to find a fixed power scope these days.

I would be another vote in favor of the Leupold VX Freedom 2-7x33.

 

[American Finn]

Thank you all for your responses. @WrongHanded I really like the VX Freedom 1.5x4 you linked to above; I am going to use some of my Cabela's points and order one; thanks for the suggestion.

When I get the scope, get a chance to get it mounted and out to the range I will share some pictures.

Moderators, please feel free to close this thread.

 

[BigBL87]

Thank you all for your responses. @WrongHanded I really like the VX Freedom 1.5x4 you linked to above; I am going to use some of my Cabela's points and order one; thanks for the suggestion.

When I get the scope, get a chance to get it mounted and out to the range I will share some pictures.

Moderators, please feel free to close this thread.

Just a heads up, if you are law enforcement or military (current or retired) or a federal employee, you can get VIP pricing if you order direct from Leupold. Wasn't sure if that applied to you, but I just ordered some Leupold binos and got them significantly cheaper than I could find anywhere.

With using your Cabelas points it may not matter, but just wanted to toss it out.

 

[jmr40]

There is a reason fixed power scopes aren't available. Years ago, a fixed power scope was more rugged. That isn't true today. For what you want to do a compact 1-4X20 scope is ideal. For quick close-range shots nothing is faster on target than a scope set on 1X. That includes iron sights and dot sights.

Plus optics help you see your target in poor light much better than possible with irons or dot sights. Even with the small 20mm objective you will get just as much light through the scope on 4X as you would with a 50mm scope set on 10X.

For longer shots 4X is plenty for shots under 300 yards. Something in the 2-7X range would be my 2nd choice. But the difference between 1X and 2X on the low end is significant. I really like having that option. They do make some 1-6X and even 1-8X scopes. But most of those are expensive, heavy and with 30mm tubes.

Fixed power scopes are usually 4X or 6X. Both of those are less than ideal for close fast shooting.

 

[Crosshair]

I was going to recommend one of the Russian 1" 4x32 POSP reticle scopes I have. Used them on several guns for many years now.

I had to buy them directly from Russia back then. Nobody in the west sold them. Buying stuff from Russia lately seems to have gotten difficult for some reason though.

 

[American Finn]

UPDATE: The scope is on order from Sportsman's Warehouse (whoa, did I have a lot of points there; knocked quite a few bucks off the price) and my local gunsmith said he can mount it for me and bore sight it while I wait; I hope to hit the range soon with it. Now, I just need to find some decent .308 ammo that won't break my bank account.

 

[mavracer]

Now, I just need to find some decent .308 ammo that won't break my bank

Ammoseek.com

 

[citizenconn]

SWFA near Midloathian, TX, has a pretty good listing of 4X (or other fixed scopes). I used to use some Nikon fixed scopes on some of my ARs and I eventually went to Low Power Variable Optics for more versatility. But, here is link to a search I did for 4X scopes/red dots at SWFA.

https://www.swfa.com/optics/riflescopes.html#magnification_by_group=Fixed&minimum_magnification=4x

Honestly, I looked at the list I sent you, and unless you are into Trijicon M4 type optics there was nothing I saw on the list I could really recommend.

 

[American Finn]

Hello everyone, thank you for all of your advice on this thread. I received the scope early last week, saw my gunsmith on Saturday, and here she is. This rifle won't win any beauty contests but I made a good choice of rifle and scope. I like this combination and feel it will give me years of good service.

Now I just need to get some time to sight it in....waiting for spring to finally arrive; as I look out my window I see snow flakes here in northern Michigan.

 

[dh1633pm]

Nice choice.