What Scope???

[0053cat]

Hi everyone. In the next few months I will be buying a new .308 rifle.
Im unsure what size scope to buy. I want it for shooting down the shooting range where we shoot up to 1000 yards.
But I also want to use the rifle for deer stalking in the near future.
I'm new to this game.
Thanks everyone.

 

[norma 308]

Unlimited amount available best enter the ££ 's you can afford this will make it easier for folk to give you an answer chap
cheers
​norma

 

[JTR300]

Whats the budget? Thats the biggest question.

 

[0053cat]

Under £500

 

[splash]

Used 8x56 Schmidt & bender or 7x50 Swarovski

 

[gmart122]

Under £500

Around £500 buys you a good second hand variable Leupold. In German optics you are limited to fixed power second hand (6X42 or 8X56 etc).

New for under £500, I think you'll be limited to airgun oriented scopes which will work but you need to know what you are looking at.

 

[Paul at Fechan]

hang on and buy a lifetime scope like a variable Zeiss Duralyt which isn't that much more. You will thank yourself for it for many many years to come after.

 

[Naseby]

Hi everyone. In the next few months I will be buying a new .308 rifle.
Im unsure what size scope to buy. I want it for shooting down the shooting range where we shoot up to 1000 yards.
But I also want to use the rifle for deer stalking in the near future.
I'm new to this game.
Thanks everyone.

Forgive me if you are aware of this but those aims might be difficult to combine in a rifle.
Target shooting requires a heavy barrel and will be less than ideal as a Stalking rifle due to weight.
A Stalking rifle with a light barrel will be prone to overheat if you use it for Target work.
You may be aware of this but I wasn't sure.

 

[User00003]

If the OP is just wanting to use the .308 for leisurely target shooting, there’s no reason why a sporter barrel of say 22” to 26” would not be a perfectly suitable option, as long as you’re not letting off shot after shot after shot, or expecting to go an win F Class competitions.

There’s always the choice of a semi-sporter barrel of course!

I’m sure there are many experienced target shooters out there who’d happily shoot a basic hunting rifle against an inexperienced shooter who has ‘all the kit’ for target shooting....and win

Forgive me if you are aware of this but those aims might be difficult to combine in a rifle.
Target shooting requires a heavy barrel and will be less than ideal as a Stalking rifle due to weight.
A Stalking rifle with a light barrel will be prone to overheat if you use it for Target work.
You may be aware of this but I wasn't sure.

 

[Naseby]

If the OP is just wanting to use the .308 for leisurely target shooting, there’s no reason why a sporter barrel of say 22” to 26” would not be a perfectly suitable option, as long as you’re not letting off shot after shot after shot, or expecting to go an win F Class competitions.

There’s always the choice of a semi-sporter barrel of course!

I’m sure there are many experienced target shooters out there who’d happily shoot a basic hunting rifle against an inexperienced shooter who has ‘all the kit’ for target shooting....and win

Yes agree to some extent, but I saw 'new member buying a new rifle' and I was just trying to make the OP aware.
And it may need to be very leisurely target shooting on a hot August afternoon

 

[I. Farticus]

You'll need low power for stalking ie <6 and high power ie >18 for 1000 yds...

Not easy in one scope and less easy for under £500

eBay has a 4.5-30x50 Bushnell for £550 and I'd not touch anything cheaper than that or the .308 will sh*g it pretty quickly with some decent range work

As said, you're better off saving for another month or so, and buying some good German glass that will not let you down.

There are some Nightforce scopes on here for circa £750, and EyeFor has a Swarovski scope coming up any moment for about £800.

Put up a "Wanted" ad, and see what is offered, but you'll need to reset your thinking on cost... No matter your budget, add 50% and then you'll be in the right ballpark

Good luck

 

[Klenchblaize]

I find that after the first 30 rounds the zero stays put be it given of a sporter weight barrel or other. After that and up to and beyond the 900 mark its going nowhere either.

Have proved this with a well used Rem 600 in 223 on an NRA Open Day where said rifle fired without break from 08:30hrs - 16:30hrs.

K

 

[charadam]

Forget the scope and fit a pair of target aperture sights!

The 1000 yard V bull is only 14.4" and from the prone, unsupported position, top shooters will put the majority of shots into the V.

I find it interesting that the V bull for F class is 5", exotic, high-powered glass is used together with supported rifles and the scores are not dramatically greater than in Target Rifle.

So it is more about the shooter than the kit.

 

[0053cat]

Thanks for all the response on this question. I think I will save my pennies a little longer and buy a better scope for the job. Cheers

 

[jonathanj]

Take a look at Meopta Meopro 6-18 x 50. Czech not German & no snob value but good glass.

 

[JTR300]

What do guys think of Nikko Sterling scopes, are they part of Leupold? I've got one on my .223 and couldn't knock it at all, great scope. And didn't cost a huge amount.

 

[Moray Outfitting]

Secondhand good glass worth a look - but also have a look at Riflecraft Uk and the Vortex scopes they do. In that price bracket you a Viper HS model falls well within budget and its nice glass.

With recent warranty changes, Vortex still does a very straight forward Lifetime guarantee.

 

[splash]

What do guys think of Nikko Sterling scopes, are they part of Leupold? I've got one on my .223 and couldn't knock it at all, great scope. And didn't cost a huge amount.

Cr*p is my thought. But we all have a budget, sorry

 

[JTR300]

Cr*p is my thought. But we all have a budget, sorry

Haha, it's no bother. I've just got A Z6i. But I still like this scope. Think it will go on my .22 now.

​Jay

 

[wraith]

get a sightron s3 6x24x50 it will do all that you ask of it and a lot better than some of the top glass and i have had s/b long rainge ior tactical night force etc i now shoot 7mm rem mag with sightron brill turrets return to where you set them every time glass dosent go all fogey at high mag and picture from 6to 24 stayesrelitivley the same size so its not like looking down a fogey bog roll can be purchased new 700pounds second hand 400 but they dont cum up very often wonder why there that bloodey good for the money thats why