I'm going to purchase a new Remington 700 SPS Tatical chambered in .308 and need feedback on which scope to purchase. Keep in mind that I'm budget challenged, so the scope needs to come in under $400.00. I've looked at Super Sniper 10x42 and several Konus variable power scopes. Based on the fact I may use the rifle for hunting and for long range paper punching, should I purchase a variable scope or am I fine with a fixed 10x? I've heard the field of view on a 10x at 100 yards is around 13', so I'm wondering if this could create problems when deer hunting. I appreciate any feedback regarding the two scopes listed, other potential scopes in this price range and regarding the fixed vs. variable question.

I'd recommend getting something variable if it will be used for hunting. Take a look at the Bushnell Elite 3200 series or the Nikon Monarchs. Both are very nice glass for the money.

ok $400 can get you a really nice scope. I will try to save words (but am sympathetic). A 10x is out for a hunting rifle due to field of view. All my hunting rifles wear fixed 6x power scopes as the bring in the most light (w/o getting into too much details). FOV is still narrow at 100 for some folks but usually deer aren't moving that fast and acquiring isn't normally an issue. I have shot much closer w/o trouble wit ha 6x. Folks who practice can shoot well past 300 yards with one without bragging. Recommend a decent 6x42 -for hunting. Nothing to go wrong. If paper punching at longer distances is more common thena variable can be nice. For a nice 3x9 I might recommend a Burris with a ballisticplex reticle. It has vertical dots below the center "X" that correspond roughly to yardage distance intervals. It works pretty dang well and the Burris scopes are quite good. A 3x9 in run would only run a hair over $200. One point- deer hunting in Texas more often than not means 100 yard shot averages- more often less, than more. The fixed 6x is great because a fixed should prove less prone to breakage. Plus since you are always shooting at the same magnification you get better at judging distances -and, there is not chance to pull what sooner or later most do. That is to shoot at a 100 yd target at full mag (9x or higher) and go into the field with it still set on that. A deer shows up at fifty yards and you fumble trying to pick it up through the 3 foot field of view that is lettign in very little light at times. It can take valuable time to realize your mistake -at least the first time it happens, believe me I have seen it. IF set on a variable- look at the Leupold VX -II line (nothing less in a Leupie though). I can strongly recommend Weaver's, especially a Grand Slam. A 3x9 would likely run a hair over $250. Most scopes in the $200- $300 range will completely satisfy you.

Me? I'd be buying a variable power scope for what you describe. Something in the 4.5-14x area. Maybe even 6-18x or 6.5-20x. But in my limited experience 20x is too much a lot of the time. I own a 6.5-24x and it's pretty much usleess above 18x most of the time due to mirage. 4.5-14x would be the middle of the road and give you the option for a low power setting (wider field of view, and then 14x would give you that up close feeling to targets waayy out there.

Nikon, Bushnell Elite, Sightron, Weaver, Leupold, and a few more are worth looking at for the budget you threw out there. I think Sightron even has a $50 rebate on their Big Sky line right now. Look at Lock, Stock, and Barrel for more info on that. I think I saw the promotion in one of their mailers.


Jay

i would look at getting a variable scope with a max power of about 16x or 18x. burris, bushnell and nikon all make good scopes in the price range you are looking at. i currently use a 4-16x50 and have been very happy with it.

Its your choice but if it was me id get a fixed power. Theyre simple reliable and youll never have the problem of havin the scope on the wrong power when you go to shoot.Id recommend a burris fullfield 2 straight 6 power.

400 dollars will get you a nice scope no doubt. Also for paper punching and hunting I (personaly) would go with a variable scope. Low settings for hunting mid sized animals. For the long shot paper punching it help when you can zoom into that quarter sized target a couple hundred yards out for proper placement of the bullet on the target. A deer has about a basket ball size size target you can effectively hit with a .308. Sometimes you are trying to hit something the size of a quarter size.

http://www.opticsplanet.net/how-to-choose-riflescope.html

Check theses guys I might be wrong but thought I heard they are located in Red Oak, Tx.
http://swfa.com/Riflescopes-C1443.aspx

Use these guys search engines and put in your amount to spend. It will give you everything in your price bracket. You dont have to purchase from them but it gives you a good list of scopes.http://www.opticsplanet.net/how-to-choose-riflescope.html

I hunt with a 10X42 super sniper on a 308.

It is an incredibly good buy for the money. Very good light transmission. Good enough that you can clearly see hogs under a full moon and a clear sky at 220 yards.

My closest shot on game has been 60 yards and my furthest shot on game has been 250yards. No complaints.

For 400 $ you can't go wrong with a Nikon Monarch.Shop around on ebay and amazon to get the best deal. There was a guy on here selling a 4-16x42sf monarch on here fo 400.

I just so happen to have a sps-t as well not that that matters however it has worn a number of scopes. Started out with a burris fullfield II 3-9. Great scope great light transmission but underpowered to take full advantage of the rifle's accuracy. Then i bumped up to a nikon buckmaster 4.5-14 mil dot scope. The mil dot is really nice and can help you if you get into long range shooting. Also the 14x magnification is long enough that you can read a 100 yard target well. Now my rifle wears a 5.5-15.5 nikon monarch. It has the BDC reticle but would really prefer the mil-dot. The field of view is a bit small at 5.5x however the newer monarch run 4-16 IMO is the perfect amount of zoom. Get it with a mil dot and you've got a great all around tactical/hunting rifle. And if for some reason you want a fixed power check out the bushnell elite 3200 10x. Its only 180 and comparable to the Super Sniper.

my .02