I find FFP is really useful for using your hold overs at different magnifications. I personally prefer the SFP since I typically dial to distance. However, it is nice to be able to know that 3 hash marks is 3mils (or whatever unit the scope is in) and you have to do a conversion for the SFP scopes to do that.

I personally love high magnification (to the point other people hate the tiny eye box or the field of view is too small for them), but again, single target, dialed on the turrets, I prefer seeing the target up close. Typically I run a 10-50 or something similar, but for 3-800 yards, would probably go with a 7-35 (6-36 or something similar). If you shoot at 300 yards, I'd multiple it by about 2.5x to give you similar results at 800. Some people say that 25x is enough for 1200+ yards, so it's really personal preference.

 

Budget?

Calibers you will be shooting?

 

$1k if possible... I'd like to stay under $1k but don't know if that is practical.

Caliber: .270 initially. Will buy something more purpose suited if this catches on!

 

“I can’t see that far” 😂

 

I've only shot at up to 600yds, I have several Leupold's from 18-24. 24 is too high for 300yds but good for 600. If you are not ranging then focal plane doesn't matter as much.
But for budget, most of my scope cost 2-3 times what my rifles cost. There maybe cheaper ones that are good but years ago when I started shooting I tried a few others and didn't really like them due to brightness, clarity and eye relief.

 

Swarovski makes a pretty good scope in that price range. I have done pretty well in the past with IOR Valdada scopes for +/- a grand but they have gone up quite a bit.

Swarovski Scopes For Sale | Every Swarovski Scope Model In Stock (bearbasin.net)

 

I am a wretched peasant that shoots 100 to 200 rds weekly at the 1000 yd line. I shoot 4.5" diameter skeet birds for targets. I hit 7/10 times and with 77 yr old eyes. Our range is 100 to 1000 yds here at USMC Quantico. If OP wants to shoot out to 800 yds, lots of options that work. 800 yds as well as 600 yds allow a lot of optical solutions to consider. Its comfortable shooting distances.

First, I started with a SWFA 18x scope and was good for years at 800/1000 yds. I moved that 18x scope to my M1A and hold 15 to 18" groups with that Plain Jane non Match grade M1A and good enough for that platform.

I shot Vortex Viper HST and PST 6 to 24x scopes for 10 years on my precision bolt action rifles. HST is 2nd Focul Plane and PST is the much touted First Focul Plane. I shoot both scope same results. That is my old eyes, and I am totally fine with 2nd Focul Plane but that is not the logic / wisdom of internet...NO , you must have a First Focul Plane. Rubbish . Look thru either scope, and decide your self. That said, I hate busy reticles so before you buy a scope, be sure that reticle will work for your eyes. Some of Horus Reticles are simply too cluttered and distracting for me. Better look and see before you purchase a scope that is a obstacle course to see target with.

RIght now over at Europtics , the $900 Vortex Viper FFP, 6 to 24x scope is ...DRUM ROLL...under $400. Are you kidding me...and its the Kool Aid Kids favorite FFP .....Killer deal. Vortex Viper PST 6-24x50 EBR-1 Riflescope PST-624S1-A

That scope is all you need. IT makes the solid SWFA Super Sniper Scope not practical to consider at $300 but I love my Super Sniper , its wonderful .

Buy only as much optic as you need .

The FFP mafia will come by to napalm my comments, FFP is sacred. Maybe for their eyes and skill levels, it makes a difference. Never did for me so buyer beware. Granted at current sale on Europtics of FFP Viper PST scopes at $400...just get the bloody FFP Viper PST and turn the page. and don't snooze or you lose out.





\\\\\\\
5

 

I would also recommend not getting a scope with too high magnification if you live somewhere where you get both wind and warmer/hotter temperatures in late spring through the summer -- it'll make shooting through mirage a little tougher.

Another point is the scope's light-gathering ability -- too high magnification on the bottom end and you may not have enough light for early morning or late afternoon hunting (you have enough light to see game, but not enough to aim and shoot).

 

if you live somewhere where you get both wind and warmer/hotter temperatures in late spring through the summer -- it'll make shooting through mirage a little tougher.

Another point is the scope's light-gathering ability -- too high magnification on the bottom end and you may not have enough light

2 good points. Live in Central Texas so we get plenty of hot.

At what magnification do you notice the mirage getting worse?

 

We have four Nightforce NXS 5-25 scopes and a Schmidt-Bender between my son and me. Early morning with no mirage can be fantastic -- glass and image are clear and bright.

Come somewhere between 0900 and noon you can get some really horrible streaming mirage and to see through it you'll need to dial down to 15 - 16x or below.

Central Texas to me was from Katy to west of Fort Hood, maybe to the Hill Country. When I took my wife there she said, "July and August in Texas is like walking on the sun."

 

Central Texas to me was from Katy to west of Fort Hood,

I'm just a few miles east of Ft Hood!

 

Unless you plan to shoot at sub MOA targets at 800 yards, 15 or 16 x magnification should be plenty. If you choose a FFP optic, the larger the magnification range, the smaller/thinner the reticle is at the lowest settings.

I primarily use SFP for hunting and FFP for targets, but each can certainly be used for the opposite scenario. With a top end of 15 times magnification, needing to dial up to max mag to have the reticle subtensions be correct isn't really an issue.

The Vortex Gen 2 Viper PST 3-15 x 44 is a solid choice. The FFP reticle is usable at 3 x magnification, though the hash marks are quite small. If the target's far enough away to need to hold over, then it's highly unlikely that you'll be leaving the optic at the minimum magnification. The FFP EBR-7C reticle is a relatively un-busy Christmas tree design. The glass is what I consider good enough. The turret click feedback is also good enough, and mine track accurately. It's available in both FFP and SFP.

I'm quite impressed with the Trijicon Credo HX 2.5-15 x 42mm. While the Vortex is good enough, the Trijicon doesn't lack much in image quality compared to a Nightforce NXS or SHV. The reticle is a basic hash marked duplex, but it works well. The turrets aren't as nice as Nightforce, but probably better than the Vortex. I haven't done a side by side comparison with them for a while.

 

I am a bit of a scope snob. I have several 5-25s and 5-45s. Those seem to be a sweet spot for my targets, abilities, budget and CDI factor.

I like to dial for elevation (gravity is a constant and rangefinders are a thing) and hold off for wind so I use a FFP scope. If I am not sure what the wind is, the scope will tell me exactly what it is using quick public math. That way I will be able to correct for it on follow up shots. Doing that with a SFP scope is more difficult, but not impossible with practice.

Vortex and Swaro make a solid scopes that should be in your budget.

 

Used to say there was not much difference between a $100 scope and a $1000 scope at 100yds. At 1000yds however, the difference is perfectly clear!

 

A friend once told me buy as much magnification as you can afford.
I like the Vortex Golden Eagle 15-60x56.

 

A friend once told me buy as much magnification as you can afford.
I like the Vortex Golden Eagle 15-60x56.

Nothing like 60x magnification to show how much you really shake!

 

I’m a Lupy guy, my Mk4 8.5-25 with M1 knobs and TMR reticle works real good!

 

Any scope is challenged with roaring mirage. By 1100 hrs, with sun stoking up mirage, everyone on 1000 yd line has his scope dialed to 18x and it matters not if its a Leupold, Nightforce , Vortex , Schmidt & Bender.
As to measuring winds, I got no issue with doing that with SFP or FFP scopes and with a bit of training , you can judge mirage movement and use that .

To the OP, everyone that asks about long range shooter is told by me to come to firing line and look thru the scopes on the line. Ask questions and do hands on discovery what reticles might work. But don't get a 12x or a 14x scope and then find out you need more optical power but you bought wrong ... scopes are costly , this is not the area for discovery learning the hard way.

A decade ago when I decided to go to longer ranges, I used to laugh when all the Night Force and other expensive scope owners would yell the mirage is really bad. I'm looking through a $300 SWFA Super Sniper 18x fixed power and I'd yell back "Mirage, What Mirage, Don't see it in my scope". Yeah, mirage at 18x wasn't an issue, now you got a 27x or higher NASA optic, all you see is a blurrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.

Buy only as much optic as you need. That is my 2 cents . Identify your Requirement.

 

I love shooting precision long distance when I get the chance. I load my own precision loads and have done quite well overall. I shoot a neat Robar SR90 sniper rifle a lot in .308 Winchester caliber. I also have a custom rifle in 6.5-284 Norma. Both rifles have an unusual, rarely heard of scope at a high magnification range that I just love. It is extremely clear and bright, even when dialed up high.

I use March Optics scopes on both in 8-80x56mm. This is a signature scope of their's which is higher than any I've seen before. Great 1/8 MOA turret adjustment. Glass is superb and heavy duty construction. If you've ever looked through one, you'll be sold. I love them. Costly but they sure are a treasure to use. I regularly shoot 1/3 MOA with my rifle, scope and loads. This is with low wind.

March Optics. Any one else heard of them?

D80V56TI (MOA, Tactical, Illumi) | MARCH Scopes | DEON Optical Design CorporationMARCH Scopes | DEON Optical Design Corporation

MARCH Scopes Official Site

marchscopes.com

 

March Optics. Any one else heard of them?

Absolutely fantastic optics. I have the 1-4X for Camp Perry Service Rifle competition.

 

Thank you for the replies... you guys have given me some homework!

 

fletch, welcome to long-range shooting! just do it, learn from your mistakes and keep on. you may find it easier if you have a spotter. also you may be better off with iron sights (peep) for awhile.

 

I shoot F Class where mid range is 600 yards and long range is 1000 yards. We are shooting on targets with a 1 MOA 10 ring and a .5 MOA X ring. Often the match winner is decided on X count. That means that multiple people shot within 10 inches (~ 1 MOA) at 1000 yards and the winner is the person who shot the most shots within 5 inches (~,5 MOA). Most who participate run scopes with power ranging from 45 to 80 (as one guy above says that he shoots the March 8-80). The brands are usually Nightforce, Kahles, March and even Trijicon (I love the Trijicon tenmile 5-50). The prices range from just below $2000 to over $3500. In the price range you are talking about, take a look at the Nightforce BR 8-32x56. They can be found at a little over the $1000 mark and even below if you buy used. They have wonderful glass. Make sure you get a 20 MOA rail to mount it on so you can get the 800 yard reach you seek.

P.S. A lot of good discussion involving topics in long range precision shooting can be found at Accurate Shooter. One of the sub forums is scopes for sale. Check it out:

Shooters' Forum

AccurateShooter.com Shooters' Forum is the leading online community for precision shooters and competitive marksmen. Learn about reloading, ballistics, and gunsmithing. Get expert advice from national champions. Sell and buy shooting gear with our free Forum classifieds. We cover all rifle...

forum.accurateshooter.com

 

My Leupold 6-18 on my .308 Remmy serves nicely at those distances.

I can pick up a 2" orange target ring at 1000 yards with it, so it has plenty of effective magnification.

 

There ya got it....some will propose a Maserati optic when a Toyota tier optic will do . Its your ride so decide what you want. I'll hold at the Vorex Viper PST at $399 as one heck of a scope but hey....if that won't resonate, TRY BUYING RIGHT THE FIRST TIME...think that out. Will echo : buy only as much optic as you need but if you need an optic for this....dig deep.

 

When I use my 8-80x56mm March Optics scope, I can easily see the rifle shake with each heartbeat. This is why you learn good breathing and steadying techniques with precision distance shooting and how to pull the trigger at just the right time!

 

I will say for any shooting over 300 yards you should go to mills. You don't want to be trying to dial in 28 clicks on two rotations.

I was a dedicated moa guy but mills are simple to learn and the language the long distance shooters use.

Vortex makes some nice scopes in your price range and they have a good guarantee.

They just replaced mine with a new in box when the erector had a problem.

They have a lot of scopes in the tier two line 600 - 800$ range. That will let you get a scope base for a rail.
That way you can swap it easily. Your tube diameter is what governs travel range, larger has more range.

Stick a rail on the 270 and good to go sort of.

If your 270 is like my 1980's featherweight Winchester, it's barrel is to thin for target shooting. It will warm up too fast to be practical.

If you like traditional a 308 with a heavy barrel will take care of 800 yards no problems or a 6.5 maybe one of the new 6mm but those will eat barrels quicker than the 308 in my opinion.

 

I will say for any shooting over 300 yards you should go to mills. You don't want to be trying to dial in 28 clicks on two rotations.

I was a dedicated moa guy but mills are simple to learn and the language the long distance shooters use.

Vortex makes some nice scopes in your price range and they have a good guarantee.

They just replaced mine with a new in box when the erector had a problem.

They have a lot of scopes in the tier two line 600 - 800$ range. That will let you get a scope base for a rail.
That way you can swap it easily. Your tube diameter is what governs travel range, larger has more range.

Stick a rail on the 270 and good to go sort of.

If your 270 is like my 1980's featherweight Winchester, it's barrel is to thin for target shooting. It will warm up too fast to be practical.

If you like traditional a 308 with a heavy barrel will take care of 800 yards no problems or a 6.5 maybe one of the new 6mm but those will eat barrels quicker than the 308 in my opinion.

I would have to disagree with this. I know of no one shooting in F Class who use MIL scopes. Not enough resolution on the turrets, 1/10 mil is not fine enough for real precision shooting. It is about 1/2 MOA. Everyone I know or have seen in F Class shoot MOA scopes with turret resolution of 1/8 MOA. Same goes for FFP versus SFP. FFP crosshairs are too large in an FFP at high power. They obscure the target. Time was when people shooting PRS ran MIL scopes in FFP because they felt that it was easier to range with them. Everyone these days carries a range finder. Still, it will take the PRS folks a while to move to higher precision optics.

 

A couple of observations on glass. I do a fair amount of long distance shooting. You can go out to five hundred yards easily with 10X or 12X magnification. For eight hundred yards I am going to want more than that. And even at 500 yards if you have more magnification, you can shoot smaller targets. I shoot at five hundred yards fairly often. This with rifles that have 5X25 variable power scopes on them. On a good day I can hit a four inch gong about three out of four shots. I would not be able to do this with 10X or 12X magnification.

 

That Bronco is taking up a lot of space in the gun room.

 

It also depends on the ammo you going to use. I rarely shoot beyond 300 yards when hunting. I use the basic ammo: 150gr SP, flat base in Hornady American Whitetail, Federal, Remington and Winchester. These are lethal out to 400 yards according to the manufacturer.

Should I want to take shots past 400 yards for hunting I'll need different ammo altogether. The scopes that I have are more than adequate out to nearly 1000 yards. Zeiss V4 4-16x44 and Swarovski Z5 3.5-18x44 BT they are mounted on Browning X-Bolts in .30-06.

The Zeiss required a custom turret calibrated for the ammo I use but the Swarovski has a ballistic calculator website to get the data for your scope and ammo. Once you have that it's very easy to make changes to the turret at the range or out in the field.

SWAROVSKI OPTIK Ballistic program - Ballistic Program

ballisticprograms.swarovskioptik.com

 

I’m not that impressed with the Gen 1 PSTs, but for the price they’re going for now…….theyre hard to ignore.

 

I missed the part where the op said they were shooting F class.

I also missed the part where the op wanted to spend more than 1000$

I didn't see anything about competition in his post.

I'm pretty hard headed but not enough to take my 270 to F class or prs comps. But I covered that as well.

So ya my post stands.

 

I missed the part where the op said they were shooting F class.

You didn't miss anything.... I'm in the wrong income bracket for F class anything! Just looking to stretch out my .270 to the limits of the ranges I have access to and to come up with another reloading need. .

About the only competition I see- will be a friendly wager for a cold beverage of choice, after a buddy and I finish up!