What Power Scope?

cgpro856 · March 30, 2005, 06:35 PM

I'm looking for a scope for bench rest shooting at 100 to 200 yds. What power is recomended? I have found a list of 100 yd varmint shooters using 36X fixed but my local gun shop guy says that is way too much for 200 and under and he recomends 6-18X. what are the pluses and minuses of each? BTW, Looking to spend under $500

DAVID NANCARROW · March 30, 2005, 07:59 PM

If you are looking for a good quality scope for under 5 bills, I would recommend you go with a fixed power. You will want the optical quality-not a bunch of whiz bang dials to twirl. 36X seems to be a bit strong for a football field-I have a 6x18 variable on my combination deer/varmint rig, and when I dial it up to the top end at a hundred (easier than running down to look at the holes!), it is much more than I need.

Swamp Yankee · April 1, 2005, 06:55 AM

At those ranges off a bench a good variable in the 6-20 range will certainly be just fine. Being able to turn the power down for varminting or to allow more light in is a plus as well.
In the price range you've stated my favorite would be the Nikon 6.5-20X44 Monarch. They run about $450 to $475. They have exremely impressive mechanicals as well as optics.
Take Care

Logs · April 1, 2005, 07:21 AM

You might want to look 8 - 24 x. I have a 6-18 on a .223 and for groundhogs. I sometimes wish I had a little more power.

Hello123 · June 11, 2005, 03:04 PM

If it is a benchrest gun go with a fixed optical. The higher the better. Past two hundred yards, it is a real asset.

Kamicosmos · June 11, 2005, 04:09 PM

24x is enough power to be able to read fine print on the target at 100 yards, and see .22 holes easily. You also will see the reticle bounce with your pulse, and can see mirage on hot days to help with wind drift.

I have a 6-24x50 on my AR, and it's nice to have the varible, but honestly, I cranked it up to 24 and have left it there 95% of the time. But, I have only been shooting paper at fixed ranges. I bought a varible specifically for if I ever get to use the gun against Zombie Mutant Plague Carrying Praire Dogs.

travelinguy · July 15, 2005, 08:49 AM

I agree with Swamp Yankee. The Nikon Monarch is very impressive for the price. I got a variable of theirs and the adjustments are very precise. I buy most of my stuff from the same place. They have a 6.5-20x44mm AO monarch for 429 LINK

ocabj · July 15, 2005, 11:32 AM

Lots of benchrest shooters use the Weaver T series:

http://www.weaveroptics.com/pg4/pg4.html

These scopes are comparable to the Leupold benchrest line for a cheaper price.

Weaver makes good scopes.

March 30, 2005, 06:35 PM	#1
cgpro856 Junior Member Join Date: February 13, 2005 Posts: 14	What Power Scope? I'm looking for a scope for bench rest shooting at 100 to 200 yds. What power is recomended? I have found a list of 100 yd varmint shooters using 36X fixed but my local gun shop guy says that is way too much for 200 and under and he recomends 6-18X. what are the pluses and minuses of each? BTW, Looking to spend under $500

June 11, 2005, 04:09 PM	#6
Kamicosmos Senior Member Join Date: January 31, 2002 Location: Kansas City, Missouri Posts: 193	24x is enough power to be able to read fine print on the target at 100 yards, and see .22 holes easily. You also will see the reticle bounce with your pulse, and can see mirage on hot days to help with wind drift. I have a 6-24x50 on my AR, and it's nice to have the varible, but honestly, I cranked it up to 24 and have left it there 95% of the time. But, I have only been shooting paper at fixed ranges. I bought a varible specifically for if I ever get to use the gun against Zombie Mutant Plague Carrying Praire Dogs. __________________ "Dreams only have meaning because we struggle in the waking world." -- Major Motoko Kusanagi GitS:SAC Member of NRA and Western Missouri Shooters Alliance

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March 30, 2005, 07:59 PM	#2
DAVID NANCARROW Senior Member Join Date: November 5, 2000 Location: Wyoming Posts: 1,761	If you are looking for a good quality scope for under 5 bills, I would recommend you go with a fixed power. You will want the optical quality-not a bunch of whiz bang dials to twirl. 36X seems to be a bit strong for a football field-I have a 6x18 variable on my combination deer/varmint rig, and when I dial it up to the top end at a hundred (easier than running down to look at the holes!), it is much more than I need.

April 1, 2005, 06:55 AM	#3
Swamp Yankee Senior Member Join Date: November 26, 2000 Location: Northeastern Ct. Posts: 1,019	At those ranges off a bench a good variable in the 6-20 range will certainly be just fine. Being able to turn the power down for varminting or to allow more light in is a plus as well. In the price range you've stated my favorite would be the Nikon 6.5-20X44 Monarch. They run about $450 to $475. They have exremely impressive mechanicals as well as optics. Take Care

April 1, 2005, 07:21 AM	#4
Logs Senior Member Join Date: November 26, 1999 Location: BLUEGRASS STATE KY USA Posts: 1,780	You might want to look 8 - 24 x. I have a 6-18 on a .223 and for groundhogs. I sometimes wish I had a little more power.

June 11, 2005, 03:04 PM	#5
Hello123 Senior Member Join Date: February 21, 2005 Posts: 571	If it is a benchrest gun go with a fixed optical. The higher the better. Past two hundred yards, it is a real asset.

July 15, 2005, 08:49 AM	#7
travelinguy Junior Member Join Date: July 15, 2005 Posts: 14	I agree with Swamp Yankee. The Nikon Monarch is very impressive for the price. I got a variable of theirs and the adjustments are very precise. I buy most of my stuff from the same place. They have a 6.5-20x44mm AO monarch for 429 LINK

July 15, 2005, 11:32 AM	#8
ocabj Senior Member Join Date: May 29, 2000 Location: Riverside, CA Posts: 205	Lots of benchrest shooters use the Weaver T series: http://www.weaveroptics.com/pg4/pg4.html These scopes are comparable to the Leupold benchrest line for a cheaper price. Weaver makes good scopes.