[munch]

I'm new to the forums and I'll be picking up my SCAR tomorrow and now I need to decide what scope to start saving for. I'm fairly new to rifle shooting and have never shot with a magnified optic. I'll most likely be shooting only at targets and only up to 300yds for the foreseeable future, but I'd really like at least 600yd+ capability. I'd prefer to keep it under a $1000 but I could stretch my budget to $1500 or so for something worth it, I'll pay a little more for durability in particular. Based on all that, any suggestions?

 

[SCARFace17]

Nightforce 2.5-10x32

 

[jaflowers]

Nightforce 2.5-10x32

Bingo!!!! this or the 42mm objective.

 

[JMM]

This subject has been discussed a bit on the forum, and there is a LOT of good information out here for your research.

I will say from experience that you do not want to skimp on the glass for your new high end rifle. While some will say that spending a grand or 1500 bucks for glass for your rifle is hardly going cheap, you can pay significantly more for a scope. I have really been happy with the Leupold Mark 6 that I picked up. It is a little more than your price range but very versatile, they can be found new pretty easily for around $2,100 but you can find deals on them for less. It will take you from no magnification (1:1) for up close and personal when you are shooting with both eyes open through the full range of the rifle with the magnification of 6 when going for those bench rest groups. It has excellent glass and good (not great/as good as something like the Mark 4 ER/T that I have on a nail driver) low light performance.

While you are thinking about the glass for your rifle you should also be looking at the mount. Do not go budget on that. Bad mounting of a high end scope will get you poor scope performance. ADM is a good place for scope mounts to start looking.

CMR-W 7.62 (Illuminated) Reticle | Leupold Optics

American Defense MFG, LLC | Browse | Scope Mounts

Good luck with you hunt and let us know what you decide.

 

[fnfalman]

Do you want the scope to aid you in shooting small groups at 300-600 yards? Or do you want a scope to be more for faster shooting and better hit probability at 300-600 yards?

If it's the first one then you should consider the Nightforce/Leupold/etc. variable magnification scope.

If it's the second one then you should consider a short fixed scope like a Trijicon ACOG or a Leupold HAMR or a Browe (modernized ACOG).

 

[Smurky]

I like all the above suggestions but would include the Vortex PST 2.5-10 44 as a low cost high value option just to add to the mix. I second using ADM mounts, Delta or Recon are great, just my .02.

 

[dom42]

Just shoot the crap out of it with iron sites and save up for a year or so and get an Elcan or mark6 or vcog. They're all good. I went with Elcan 1.5-6x because of how proven it is. I haven't even zeroed it and can hit targets at 300yards all day.

 

[munch]

I do like the Elcan, but in that price range I'm very curious about the Leopold D-Evo.

If I were to stick to a $1500 budget, what's the most durable/closest to "mil-spec" variable power scope around that price.

 

[jaflowers]

The NightForce is one that is military issued and used a lot by our SOCOM boys.

 

[mhudson1331]

I am partial to Vortex optics. Their customer service and VIP return policy is second to none. All made in America and really great glass. The Viper class is a step below the Razor but at double the price, the glass isn't that much better.

 

[byoung]

The Vortex lines below the Razor are typically made in the Philippines not USA. Not that it is a bad thing as I have some made there that are very good quality.

 

[mhudson1331]

I was unaware that they made the other lines else where. Still, the warranty is second to none imo.

 

[byoung]

I agree, I have one of their Chinese made red dots on a KSG and have had the Razor HD and the Viper series before. They are a great company to deal with and have very nice products.

 

[JMM]

If you have decent eyesight then something in the 1-6 should do fine for the capability of the 17, if you need something with more then the 3-9 may suit you better. There are scopes from a number of folks, some mentioned here that will suit your needs. It sounds like you have more research to do to decide what you are looking for, there is a lot here on this forum from folks that have done just what you are doing now, even folks that went one way only to discover that what they thought they wanted to do was not what they were looking for. There is a lot of knowledge out here take advantage of it!

 

[clance]

Go cheap now on a scope you'll pay more later when you realize that it doesn't fit your needs.

Be patience, do your research, and look around on the numerous auction sites (GunBroker, GunsInternational, eBay, etc...). I was looking for over 6 months for a SCAR 17S in the price I wanted to pay and found mine for $2485.00 including shipping. At the same time I was looking for a piece of glass for it and found a NIB Leupold Mk6 1-6x20 CMR-W 7.62 with a illuminated reticle for $1650.00. I wanted the TMR reticle but just couldn't pass up the deal with the hopes of finding the TMR.

There are bargains out there but you just have to work to find them and be "PATIENCE"...

 

[Ak49guns]

Schmidt & Bender 1.5-6 works great and very clear glass

 

[munch]

Thanks for all the input, I'm leaning towards a Nightforce 2.5-10x scope as my go-to option if I decide to stay around the $1500 price range I think.

Anyone have any thoughts on the Leupold D-EVO? I'm thinking of it may be enough to get me to spend the extra money and at $2400 it's less than the 6x Elcan. Couple of links below if you haven't heard of it.

http://www.luckygunner.com/lounge/leupold-d-evo-game-changer-gimmick/

 

[tr763]

suggesting a person who has never owned a SCAR let alone an optic purchase a 1600$ optic is a little silly in my opinion. There are plenty a 500$ optics out there that he can buy....and then afterwards purchase a more expensive one. The optic will likely lose little value and can be resold later on armslist....I believe it's ethical to suggest lower priced items regardless of his budget.

it was suggested to me that these two are perfectly fine for bench shooting. I must wonder how many of the folks suggesting 2000$ optics are taking them overseas?

Leupold VXR 1.25-4x20mm for $499
Leupold VX-R Rifle Scope 30mm Tube 1.25-4x 20mm Matte

 

[TheCameraMan79]

You didn't skimp on the rifle so you don't want to go cheap on optics. Not that there aren't a bunch of great "budget" scopes out there but it's only as good as your weekest link. Just like why I wouldn't put a NF on budget rings. You don't NEED a $1800 scope but then again most of us don't NEED a > $2,500 rifle. I have a NF 2.5-10X42 on my Scar 17 and absolutely love it. It's still a ton cheaper then an Elcan 1.5X6 with the cost of the mount and you've got more "reach" at the top end which is nice the further out you shoot. You don't NEED it but I am in the mindset like most "buy once cry once". Don't buy a $500 scope to have to spend the $2K anyway afterwards when your not happy with it. The best bet would find a cabelas or somewhere where you can see some scopes side by side and see if it's worth it to you. Most people would tell you save a little longer and get the exact scope you want. Just my 2 cents.

 

[dom42]

If u get an Elcan from KEn Kerif you can get the 1.5-6x for about $2400. I know because I did. But that was cash in his hands.