tactical/long range type scopes

[RedNoma]

I'm about to order a new rifle and hope to do some decently long range recreational shooting (800-1000yds). I want to be able to use it and use it well at all ranges between me and that though. I want to be able to shoot 100 yds, 200, etc., etc. I've been looking on sniper central and doing some research on budget scopes. A few caught my eye, but most are fixed power. Would I have much trouble with that? I know clarity and fov become a big issue with high magnification at short distances. Here are the ones I was looking at.

http://www.swfa.com/pc-4306-231-super-sniper-16x42-30mm-rifle-scope.aspx

http://www.rwsnydergunsmithing.com/scopes.asp (top scope)

 

[RedNoma]

I also saw the Mueller Tactical got good reviews there and is variable.

 

[Jim Watson]

I never heard of a Merlin scope.
The Super Sniper has a decent reputation as a cheap scope. The worst thing I see about it is its coarse mil-dot reticle. You will surely be shooting from a steady position of some sort and will be able to see the target. The only problem is when you wish for more power, as nearly everybody does.

You must have enough elevation to go from your shortest intended range to your longest. The S.S. has a lot. You might still need a tapered base so you do most of your shooting near the middle of the adjustment range.

Zak Smith has some stuff in the stickies about scope selection, but he will put you into a scope that costs more than your rifle... or your truck.

Me? I use a Leupold 8.5-25X at 20X and will probably be up to 25 before long.

"Recreational shooting at 800 - 1000 yards." How will you keep score? There is no spotting scope made that will resolve a bullet hole at 1000 yards.

 

[RedNoma]

Merlin is made by Falcon Optics in the UK. And as for the shooting. My friend and I both have decent sized farms. He has some spot with nearly 2000 yds clear viewing. And atvs help with the scoring.

 

[Zak Smith]

The most important thing for long-range shooting in these "budget" scopes is that the knob adjustments track consistently and repeatedly. The Super Sniper and Burris scopes that I have seen have tracked OK.