Scope Suggestions for my .223

bambam1723 · February 4, 2010, 10:43 PM

I have a Remington 700 SPS Tactical .223 that is in need of a new scope.

My requirements are as follows:
1)I would like it to be a variable power with the highest power being 12x or higher.
2)I would prefer a Mil-Dot reticle (or a Multi-X)
3)I need the scope to be around $300 or less

What would you put on this rifle with these points in mind

I have been eyeing the Nikon Buckmasters 4.5-14x40, but have not read enough on them yet.

kraigwy · February 4, 2010, 10:54 PM

The Army Marksmanship Unit Sniper School put out a guide for LE Counter-Sniping.

The recommended a 223 Bolt gun with a fixed 6-8 power. (unofficially when I asked, they told me a Remington 700 Varment in 223.

Thats what I put together in 1978, Rem Var 223 with a 6X Redfield scope.

I carried it until I retired in Mar 94. Now its retired to PD shooting and the same combo still shoots great.

But thats just my opinion.

sholling · February 5, 2010, 01:10 AM

With a $300 budget I'd buy a Weaver V16 4-16x42. Good clear optics, 95% light transmission, and fully multicoated lenses. A good repeatable mechanism.

Chaz88 · February 5, 2010, 01:16 AM

I just started using a Hawke SideWinder 30 6.5-20x42 on my new 223. So far it has been very good. You would need to add about a $100 to your budget and shop around to find that price.

golfnutrlv · February 5, 2010, 01:39 AM

Take a look at Burris. Good glass, probably getting one for myself soon. I run their XTS red dot on my AR-15, along with their AR tripler magnifier on a Larue Tactical Pivot mount. Great system!!

http://www.midwayusa.com/browse/Brow...*&brandId=1548

xX45Xx · February 5, 2010, 07:43 AM

I am in the same boat. Just picked up a 700 Tactical with a varmint stock yesterday and need some glass for it. Interested to see everyone's recommendations. That Weaver looks like a good deal.

bambam1723 · February 5, 2010, 08:03 AM

What are your opinios on the Bushnell Elite 4200 line?

Specifically the 4-12x40

Is this line better than the Bushnell Banner line as far as durability?

wingman · February 5, 2010, 09:03 AM

I have a couple 223's run a Nikon Monarch 5-20 on one ($500) the other a Mueller 8-32,($220) both do an excellent job I usually shoot at 100 yards and have the Mueller set on 24 power(it has a dot fine cross hair,target type scope) both scopes are clear and settings are responsive and hold. Scopes are a mixed bag now made all over the world in my opinion the lower cost scopes are much better then they once were. A lot depends on your use I'm a target shooter so my scopes don't get banged around in the woods, if I were hunting with a 308 or bigger I would go with Burris, Nikon, etc.

Bwana4 · February 5, 2010, 09:42 AM

Bambam- I was and still am a devoted Leupold fan but purchased a Bushnell 6500 2.5-16 last year for an AR and am very happy with it. The quality has increased over the years and I recommend same. ( I compared it side by side to a Nikon and it was brighter and more crisp (then I compared it with a swarovski which was a world above)).

Scorch · February 5, 2010, 01:03 PM

Weaver V16 with 223 Ballistic-X reticle
http://www.weaveroptics.com/optics/r.../v-series.aspx

Leupold VX-I
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct...tNumber=170729

Bushnell Elite 3200
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct...tNumber=805767

Vortex
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct...tNumber=375499

James R. Burke · February 5, 2010, 04:25 PM

Just myself I would be looking at some Leupolds. I am not saying thats the one for you. We all have our cetain likes ets. Try to look thru has many has you can or try if you no someone that has something that is appealing to you. With the Leupold I like the warranty, sharpness, and light gathering.

February 4, 2010, 10:43 PM	#1
bambam1723 Member Join Date: October 12, 2009 Location: Central Ohio Posts: 57	Scope Suggestions for my .223 I have a Remington 700 SPS Tactical .223 that is in need of a new scope. My requirements are as follows: 1)I would like it to be a variable power with the highest power being 12x or higher. 2)I would prefer a Mil-Dot reticle (or a Multi-X) 3)I need the scope to be around $300 or less What would you put on this rifle with these points in mind I have been eyeing the Nikon Buckmasters 4.5-14x40, but have not read enough on them yet.

February 4, 2010, 10:54 PM	#2
kraigwy Senior Member Join Date: June 16, 2008 Location: Wyoming Posts: 11,061	The Army Marksmanship Unit Sniper School put out a guide for LE Counter-Sniping. The recommended a 223 Bolt gun with a fixed 6-8 power. (unofficially when I asked, they told me a Remington 700 Varment in 223. Thats what I put together in 1978, Rem Var 223 with a 6X Redfield scope. I carried it until I retired in Mar 94. Now its retired to PD shooting and the same combo still shoots great. But thats just my opinion. __________________ Kraig Stuart CPT USAR Ret USAMU Sniper School Distinguished Rifle Badge 1071

February 5, 2010, 01:10 AM	#3
sholling Senior Member Join Date: May 18, 1999 Location: Hemet (middle of nowhere) California Posts: 4,261	With a $300 budget I'd buy a Weaver V16 4-16x42. Good clear optics, 95% light transmission, and fully multicoated lenses. A good repeatable mechanism. __________________ Proud Life Member: National Rifle Association, California Rifle & Pistol Association, and the Second Amendment Foundation. Annual Member: Revolutionary War Veterans Association (Project Appleseed) and the Madison Society.

February 5, 2010, 01:16 AM	#4
Chaz88 Senior Member Join Date: January 4, 2010 Posts: 1,243	I just started using a Hawke SideWinder 30 6.5-20x42 on my new 223. So far it has been very good. You would need to add about a $100 to your budget and shop around to find that price. __________________ Seams like once we the people give what, at the time, seams like a reasonable inch and "they" take the unreasonable mile we can only get that mile back one inch at a time. No spelun and grammar is not my specialty. So please don't hurt my sensitive little feelings by teasing me about it.

February 5, 2010, 01:39 AM	#5
golfnutrlv Senior Member Join Date: November 5, 2008 Location: Spokane, WA Posts: 1,347	Take a look at Burris. Good glass, probably getting one for myself soon. I run their XTS red dot on my AR-15, along with their AR tripler magnifier on a Larue Tactical Pivot mount. Great system!! http://www.midwayusa.com/browse/Brow...&brandId=1548 __________________ ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ VIGILIA PRETIUM LIBERTATIS "The price of liberty is vigilance" America is at an awkward stage. It's too late to work within the system, but too early to shoot the bastards.*

February 5, 2010, 07:43 AM	#6
xX45Xx Junior Member Join Date: February 2, 2010 Posts: 2	I am in the same boat. Just picked up a 700 Tactical with a varmint stock yesterday and need some glass for it. Interested to see everyone's recommendations. That Weaver looks like a good deal.

February 5, 2010, 08:03 AM	#7
bambam1723 Member Join Date: October 12, 2009 Location: Central Ohio Posts: 57	What are your opinios on the Bushnell Elite 4200 line? Specifically the 4-12x40 Is this line better than the Bushnell Banner line as far as durability?

February 5, 2010, 09:03 AM	#8
wingman Senior Member Join Date: August 20, 2002 Posts: 2,108	I have a couple 223's run a Nikon Monarch 5-20 on one ($500) the other a Mueller 8-32,($220) both do an excellent job I usually shoot at 100 yards and have the Mueller set on 24 power(it has a dot fine cross hair,target type scope) both scopes are clear and settings are responsive and hold. Scopes are a mixed bag now made all over the world in my opinion the lower cost scopes are much better then they once were. A lot depends on your use I'm a target shooter so my scopes don't get banged around in the woods, if I were hunting with a 308 or bigger I would go with Burris, Nikon, etc.

February 5, 2010, 09:42 AM	#9
Bwana4 Member Join Date: March 28, 2009 Posts: 43	bushnell Bambam- I was and still am a devoted Leupold fan but purchased a Bushnell 6500 2.5-16 last year for an AR and am very happy with it. The quality has increased over the years and I recommend same. ( I compared it side by side to a Nikon and it was brighter and more crisp (then I compared it with a swarovski which was a world above)).

February 5, 2010, 01:03 PM	#10
Scorch Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2006 Location: Washington state Posts: 15,248	Weaver V16 with 223 Ballistic-X reticle http://www.weaveroptics.com/optics/r.../v-series.aspx Leupold VX-I http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct...tNumber=170729 Bushnell Elite 3200 http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct...tNumber=805767 Vortex http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct...tNumber=375499 __________________ Never try to educate someone who resists knowledge at all costs. But what do I know? Summit Arms Services

February 5, 2010, 04:25 PM	#11
James R. Burke Senior Member Join Date: January 3, 2009 Location: U.P. of Mich/Quinnesec Posts: 1,897	Just myself I would be looking at some Leupolds. I am not saying thats the one for you. We all have our cetain likes ets. Try to look thru has many has you can or try if you no someone that has something that is appealing to you. With the Leupold I like the warranty, sharpness, and light gathering.