Best budget long range scopes

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  • Notellumcreek
    Unwashed
    • Dec 2016
    • 20

    Best budget long range scopes

    Looking to hear what you guys like in your 500$ or under scope that can poke out to beyond 1000 yds. I also am looking for the best reticle set up. Trying to get the spendy stuff out of the way first so scope is next on my list for my build! Thanks guys I appreciate all the help and input
  • 1911man
    Warrior
    • May 2015
    • 482

    #2
    $500 or less is a tall order for further than 1000. The SWFA 3-15 is a great option but is over $500 regular price. On black Friday it is $500 on the dot. The Gen 1 Vortex PST 4-16 is right at $500 right now and is a good long range scope as well.

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    • SSK shooter
      Bloodstained
      • Aug 2015
      • 26

      #3
      If you can find a Vortex gen 1 PST that is the way I would go. Also look at their Diamondback tactical line. The 4-12 msrp is $400. Lots of good features for not a lot of money. Only downside is 12 power isn't enough magnification for some.

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      • VASCAR2
        Chieftain
        • Mar 2011
        • 6218

        #4
        I'm using a Vortex Viper 6.5-20X50 mildot and the scope tube is 30 MM. I'm using a one piece Aadmount 20 MOA canted mount. I have plenty of elevation. I really like mildot reticles as it gives me a referece for holding into the wind. I can also make hits if I don't have time to put the dope in my scope by just using the mildots.

        This is a second focal plane scope so you have to be on 20 power to accurately range. I normally know my distance so this is not an issue for me. I've never owned a FFP scope and I'm old enough I prefer MOA. If your younger you might like the mil turrets as opposed to MOA. A Friend put a Vortex PST 4-16 mil reticle on his 18" and with my eyes I can't tell any difference in the glass. The Diamondback and Viper supposedly have Phillipine glass whereas the Strike Eagle and Crossfire series are Chineese made optics.

        My Viper has tracked consistently and seems robust. Leupold Mark AR series of scopes are a good value and are in your price range.
        Last edited by VASCAR2; 02-14-2017, 02:40 PM.

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        • Bigs28
          Chieftain
          • Feb 2016
          • 1786

          #5
          Is the only purpose of this gun to sit at a range and shoot known distances? Swfa has fixed power scopes that are under $500 and can reach your 1000 yards. You can also pick several different magnifications. I also like their not busy mil and moa reticles.

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          • Bigs28
            Chieftain
            • Feb 2016
            • 1786

            #6
            They are actually having a sale right now. Both the moa and mil

            SWFA is an optics manufacturing specializing in rifle scopes built for tactical, hunting, and long range shooting known for quality and precision optics.

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            • LRRPF52
              Super Moderator
              • Sep 2014
              • 8569

              #7
              Find a PST on discount. $500 or less is a lot to ask for a dedicated 1000yd scope.

              When you look at all the other costs associated with long range shooting, you really want the best scope you can get, especially if your vision isn't all that good.
              NRA Basic, Pistol, Rifle, Shotgun, RSO

              CCW, CQM, DM, Long Range Rifle Instructor

              6.5 Grendel Reloading Handbooks & chamber brushes can be found here:

              www.AR15buildbox.com

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              • lrgrendel
                Warrior
                • Jul 2013
                • 662

                #8
                With out being too personal, it really depends on your age!!
                If you can get away with a lesser power scope, look for a used 4-16 x 50 Vortex PST 2 nd focal plane.

                If you are on the older side (like me!) look at a Sightron. I have no experience with these but they are definitely a budget scope. I see a lot of F class guys use these....You will get a higher magnification scope for less money.

                A budget is a budget right?

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                • Texas
                  Chieftain
                  • Jun 2016
                  • 1230

                  #9


                  and
                  Cameraland.com Vortex

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                  • Notellumcreek
                    Unwashed
                    • Dec 2016
                    • 20

                    #10
                    I really don't have too much room to go over $500 but this will not be a plunker it will be for longer range shooting only, I have my .223 for that haha. Just want to see who has what for the price range. Appreciate all the suggestions! Sounds like vortex will be the best route for what I can afford.

                    Comment

                    • Bowhntr6pt
                      Warrior
                      • Feb 2017
                      • 168

                      #11
                      Fixed power on a budget = SWFA 10X or 12X

                      Variable power on a budget, used Vortex PST (SFP).

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                      • hikfromstik
                        Warrior
                        • Oct 2016
                        • 190

                        #12
                        Athlon scopes is a good high-end budget scope . High power and quality with budget prices . The Athlon argos is sub $400 and the Midas is about $550 . Both are 1000yds+ capable. Some people use 10x fixed power for 1000yd , but those days are over I believe. Joebobs outfitters has a Bushnell elite 4500 4-16x40 for $399 marked down from $810.

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                        • newb
                          Warrior
                          • Feb 2015
                          • 162

                          #13
                          Everyone has their own opinion, here is one person's breakdown on scopes in various price ranges......



                          SWFA scopes have an interesting history and built rugged to take a beating. I only have experience with the HD model and it is a good scope.

                          SWFA is an optics manufacturing specializing in rifle scopes built for tactical, hunting, and long range shooting known for quality and precision optics.


                          If you can find a Meopta scope within your range those have top notch glass. They are also a build house for other manufacturers. Considered "Tier 1".
                          Last edited by newb; 02-16-2017, 02:21 AM.

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                          • hikfromstik
                            Warrior
                            • Oct 2016
                            • 190

                            #14
                            I heard meopta makes some Zeiss glass ( turret mechanism is made in Germany ) . I read this on the SWFA optics forum. If your serious about finding the best scope then I highly recommend that forum as a starting point . Minox , Meopta, Bushnell elite line , SWFA , Vortex ,Zeiss and Athlon all make excellent mid price range ($400-$800) . I know you mentioned a $500 limit , but read some articles/forum threads and watch some YouTube vids and you may find exactly what you need. I took 2 months of intense studying before I found what I wanted . In America we usually buy a expensive gun and a cheapish scope , whereas in Europe they will spend the same or more on the optics .
                            Last edited by hikfromstik; 02-16-2017, 12:04 PM.

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                            • 65Whelen
                              Warrior
                              • Sep 2014
                              • 671

                              #15
                              One consideration I haven't seen discussed is the amount of adjustment a scope has. It's a big factor especially when talking about long range and budget in the same sentence. I bought a Vortex Crossfire II, 6-24x50, 30mms tube for $300, I like it, nice scope, good glass. Only draw back, 40 moa of adjustability, total. So, with my 6.5 Creedmoor I'm out adjustments at 500yrs. Something to be aware of.

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