Long Range Scope

montana09 · February 23, 2020, 12:55 AM

I just built an Aero Precision AR-10 in 6.5 Creedmoor. I'm looking to do some long range shooting 500+ yards (I'm not planning to be some 1000 yard wizard) just would like to be comfortably proficient at the longer ranges, and am currently looking for a scope for the rifle. As some backing issue it's a 20" Ballistic Advantage barrel with a 1:8 twist. I'm shopping around looking in the under $500 range. The running favorites are a 6.5-20x44mm Vortex Viper; a 6-24x50mm Vortex Crossfire II; or some version of a Leupold in the 20+ magnification range (watch eBay and gunbroker a lot wouldn't mind used for Vortex or Leupold with their warranty). One outside contender is the Riton 5-25x, a local gun store recommended it, but I don't know anything about the brand. I'm open to any thoughts or suggestions, I'm more partial to Vortex or Leupold, as I've owned both and loved them.

std7mag · February 23, 2020, 06:40 AM

Leupold VX-6HD 4-24X52 CDS Sidefocus.

Naaa, just mess'n!

I have, love a Sightron STAC 4-20X50. Can pick one up in the $400-450 range.

But just so you know, a decent 12 power will get you to 600 yards. It's not F-Open material, but to hit steel, target, 12 power does work.

Bart B. · February 23, 2020, 09:04 AM

Get a fixed power scope. Their windage and elevation adjustments are more repeatable than variables. A Weaver T24, for example.

What advantages do variables have over fixed magnification scopes that makes them so popular?

ms6852 · February 23, 2020, 09:23 AM

Vortex Tactical will provide you with more internal elevation adjustment for long range and within your price point.

Personally I am a fan of the Bushnell Forge, I own two of the and within your price point as well.

MarkCO · February 23, 2020, 09:35 AM

Vortex, if you are not going to spend over $1000, not a good option. Parallax and fragility in their bottom end. When the main discussion is about how good their warranty is, something to consider.

The lower end of Leupold, Nightforce and Burris are all better options and there are some from each that will only stretch your budget a little. But you won't be frustrated and sending them in for warranty work. The Burris RT-15 3-15x50mm is certainly once to consider.

The budget king is SWFA and you can get the features you need and the reliability as well. Especially if you get a fixed, you can buy more ammo. They are good enough that you will want to keep it as a scope to put on new rifles as you move up to nicer ones on others.

Bart B. · February 23, 2020, 10:37 AM

Parallax ... in their bottom end?

Why is parallax a problem with a scope?

Us humans are the cause of parallax issues.

SWFA says their Ares BTR 4.5-27×50 scope has mechanics that give the ultimate recoil resistance to withstand 1000G recoil for 1000 times. How much recoil does your rifle have?

jmr40 · February 23, 2020, 02:36 PM

The SWFA Super Sniper scopes are hard to beat for the money. And you don't need 20X. In fact much over 10X and the negatives start to outweigh the positives, especially with less expensive scopes. If the scope is clear with fine cross hairs 1X per 100 yards is enough magnification.

https://www.swfa.com/swfa-ss-10x42-t....html?___SID=U

SWFA makes this scope in 6X, 10X, 12X, 16X and 20X fixed powers. Regular price is $299, but they run sales from time to time. I paid $239 each for 2 of the 6X versions. I know several people who own them and the 6X is the best of the bunch, 20X the least desirable. I personally wouldn't go over 10X. I've shot out to 600 yards with my 6X along with several other friends and we've managed 3/4 MOA.

If it has to be a variable this is a little over your budget, but once again they run sales. I paid $450 for mine around Black Friday

https://www.swfa.com/swfa-ss-hd-3-9x....html?___SID=U

This is supposed to be a better quality scope with better glass. It is, but not by much. It's about double the price of the fixed power version, but not twice as good. But I wanted the versatility of lower magnification for a hunting rifle.

I'd suggest the fixed 10X above to get you started. Use it a while and if you decide you want to upgrade later you'll have a better idea exactly what you want by then. In the meantime you'll have a very good scope and won't have any trouble selling it later when you upgrade.

February 23, 2020, 12:55 AM	#1
montana09 Member Join Date: April 29, 2018 Posts: 55	Long Range Scope I just built an Aero Precision AR-10 in 6.5 Creedmoor. I'm looking to do some long range shooting 500+ yards (I'm not planning to be some 1000 yard wizard) just would like to be comfortably proficient at the longer ranges, and am currently looking for a scope for the rifle. As some backing issue it's a 20" Ballistic Advantage barrel with a 1:8 twist. I'm shopping around looking in the under $500 range. The running favorites are a 6.5-20x44mm Vortex Viper; a 6-24x50mm Vortex Crossfire II; or some version of a Leupold in the 20+ magnification range (watch eBay and gunbroker a lot wouldn't mind used for Vortex or Leupold with their warranty). One outside contender is the Riton 5-25x, a local gun store recommended it, but I don't know anything about the brand. I'm open to any thoughts or suggestions, I'm more partial to Vortex or Leupold, as I've owned both and loved them.

February 23, 2020, 06:40 AM	#2
std7mag Senior Member Join Date: June 23, 2013 Location: Central Taxylvania.. Posts: 3,609	Leupold VX-6HD 4-24X52 CDS Sidefocus. Naaa, just mess'n! I have, love a Sightron STAC 4-20X50. Can pick one up in the $400-450 range. But just so you know, a decent 12 power will get you to 600 yards. It's not F-Open material, but to hit steel, target, 12 power does work. __________________ When our own government declares itself as "tyrannical", where does that leave us??!! "Januarary 6th insurrection". Funny, I didn't see a single piece of rope...

February 23, 2020, 09:04 AM	#3
Bart B. Senior Member Join Date: February 15, 2009 Posts: 8,927	Get a fixed power scope. Their windage and elevation adjustments are more repeatable than variables. A Weaver T24, for example. What advantages do variables have over fixed magnification scopes that makes them so popular? Last edited by Bart B.; February 23, 2020 at 09:16 AM.

February 23, 2020, 09:23 AM	#4
ms6852 Senior Member Join Date: April 3, 2010 Location: Texas Posts: 1,394	Vortex Tactical will provide you with more internal elevation adjustment for long range and within your price point. Personally I am a fan of the Bushnell Forge, I own two of the and within your price point as well. __________________ ONLY TWO DEFINING FORCES HAVE GIVEN UP THEIR LIVES FOR YOU. ONE IS JESUS CHRIST FOR YOUR SOUL AND THE OTHER IS THE AMERICAN SOLDIER FOR YOUR FREEDOM.

February 23, 2020, 09:35 AM	#5
MarkCO Senior Member Join Date: October 21, 1998 Location: Colorado, USA Posts: 4,308	Vortex, if you are not going to spend over $1000, not a good option. Parallax and fragility in their bottom end. When the main discussion is about how good their warranty is, something to consider. The lower end of Leupold, Nightforce and Burris are all better options and there are some from each that will only stretch your budget a little. But you won't be frustrated and sending them in for warranty work. The Burris RT-15 3-15x50mm is certainly once to consider. The budget king is SWFA and you can get the features you need and the reliability as well. Especially if you get a fixed, you can buy more ammo. They are good enough that you will want to keep it as a scope to put on new rifles as you move up to nicer ones on others. __________________ Good Shooting, MarkCO www.CarbonArms.us

February 23, 2020, 10:37 AM	#6
Bart B. Senior Member Join Date: February 15, 2009 Posts: 8,927	Parallax ... in their bottom end? Why is parallax a problem with a scope? Us humans are the cause of parallax issues. SWFA says their Ares BTR 4.5-27×50 scope has mechanics that give the ultimate recoil resistance to withstand 1000G recoil for 1000 times. How much recoil does your rifle have? Last edited by Bart B.; February 23, 2020 at 12:56 PM.

February 23, 2020, 02:36 PM	#7
jmr40 Senior Member Join Date: June 15, 2008 Location: Georgia Posts: 10,809	The SWFA Super Sniper scopes are hard to beat for the money. And you don't need 20X. In fact much over 10X and the negatives start to outweigh the positives, especially with less expensive scopes. If the scope is clear with fine cross hairs 1X per 100 yards is enough magnification. https://www.swfa.com/swfa-ss-10x42-t....html?___SID=U SWFA makes this scope in 6X, 10X, 12X, 16X and 20X fixed powers. Regular price is $299, but they run sales from time to time. I paid $239 each for 2 of the 6X versions. I know several people who own them and the 6X is the best of the bunch, 20X the least desirable. I personally wouldn't go over 10X. I've shot out to 600 yards with my 6X along with several other friends and we've managed 3/4 MOA. If it has to be a variable this is a little over your budget, but once again they run sales. I paid $450 for mine around Black Friday https://www.swfa.com/swfa-ss-hd-3-9x....html?___SID=U This is supposed to be a better quality scope with better glass. It is, but not by much. It's about double the price of the fixed power version, but not twice as good. But I wanted the versatility of lower magnification for a hunting rifle. I'd suggest the fixed 10X above to get you started. Use it a while and if you decide you want to upgrade later you'll have a better idea exactly what you want by then. In the meantime you'll have a very good scope and won't have any trouble selling it later when you upgrade. __________________ "If you're still doing things the same way you were doing them 10 years ago, you're doing it wrong" Winston Churchill