Picking one up and it will need a scope ASAP. Thinking a vortex if I can find one on clearance. Trying to get more power than 4x and stay around 500 or less. Scopes are not my strong suit. This will be a 500 yard and less gun for now.

... vortex has a 2-7 that fits the bill. look at a vortex diamondback I have a lower power, idk what all they offer on the higher end

They got a 2.5-10 SFP in that price range.

A good-un!!!!

Viper PST 2.5-10

Vortex is good that they offer in in First Focal Plane (which is always my preference) and Second Focal Plane for the guy that wants a nice scope that is very capable but wants to save a couple hundred bucks.

The Viper HS will save some more money, I like the PST turrets more though.

a buddy is selling a 2.5-10 FFP with an Alamo Four Star mount

How much would he want for it

Nikon Monarch 3 has a decent 2.5-10 for even cheaper.

The Monarch 7 is to expensive, and it just lets you customize the turret to your load.

I'm not set at 500 but until I get some trigger time in and see if I like the gun I don't want to go all out yet. Afraid recoil might be a little brutal even though it has a muzzle break on it.

Will do the same thing with any Mil or MOA scope.

If it is a good brake you will be fine. A friend of mine has a 338 Lapua Mag with a good brake and I'll shoot it as long as we have ammo for it.

Ok, help me decide here. Looking at other brands as well. Most shots will be around 100 yards where I hunt in east texas. I also hunt west texas where anything is possible. Im comfortable shooting to 300 now and wanting to push that out to 500 this year or maybe more. So with that being said what power should I consider? 3-9 or 6-24 or something else? what ever it is it needs to be versatile for both situations. Also I have 30mm and 1" rings for it so I don't have to stay with one or the other. Is there any advantage of either? wanting to buy this weekend so need answers before I make a bad decision.

2.5-10 is perfect for that duty, 2-7 is ok, 3-9 will work and 4-16 is doable.

6-anything is terrible for under 100y hunting

What reticle?

And keep in mind I'm planning on going out to 500

Mil.

A Leupold Vari X II 3X9 has set on mine for over 25 years. It has been through hell and back and has never let me down.

leupold vxiii 4.5-14x40 CDS, to hunt at 500yds requires no special reticle, but can get the turret later on when you decide to stretch it out further.

All these special gadgets. Hell, go out and shoot your gun. Learn it. It should be an extension of you. Young'ins.......

All of you are welcome to come to my range and show me how I dont need "gadgets" or special reticles to hit the 500 yards steel. Its windy there every day and the big plate is 11" wide and 9" tall. Thats about deer vitals sized, little under maybe.

Wind......... I grew up shooting prairie dogs and hunting the panhandle and KS. It can be done. Long range shooting didn't just start up. Been around a long time and they didn't have the equipment you have. They had some skill, not saying you don't, and practiced.


I relate it to football, practice makes perfect.

I agree and I practice lots. I shoot every week, usually multiple times per week. I also understand prairie dog shooting and do that once per year. Why make things harder than they have to be? Just because it was done a certain way 20 years ago and beyond doesn't mean it has to be done that way now.

OP mentioned 500 yards. I am saying there are tools specific for the job. Why not use the tools available?

Pride..... I can flat out shoot and use my everyday hunting rifles. The OP wants to hunt with this rifle, right? Only offering an opinion.

Stubborness.

I hunt with Mil/Mil scopes. Object is hitting vitals, not hitting the animal somewhere on the body.