Scope for 700P in 308?

B

Bullmoose

New member
I bought a 308 700P today and would like some comments on scopes that would be appropriate for it. I intend to shoot LR at Pala, Pendleton, and West End (all in SoCa). I am so new to this I don't even know if target distances are always 'known' like at Pala or there are unknown ranges. I do think it prudent to have some ranging capabilities such as MilDot, stratia lines, Shephard like system, etc... I really don't want to get into the reasons why I should have got some other gun or caliber, just trying to identify the best option with my 308. I am going to mount an old Redfield 6x18 that I have and work up loads, sight in, etc, and expect to attend a few shoots to see what everybody is using and get to try some different setups that friends have: Springfield, Leupold, Tasco, Burris, etc.. I am a definite beginner at this so would like to hear from you old timers at the game. Of couse there is a budget as this isn't a federally funded pork bbl project. (All of my participation in those has been on the paying end.) I would like to receive 'real value' but have decided that while I can't go bargain basement on the scope, anything over $500-600 makes my pulse race and breathing gets a little affected. Thanks alot, Jim
 
Well, I wouldn't want to cause you palpitations, but I have a 16x Leupold Mark 4 on mine (about $1000). I've also used the Leupold LR 3.5-10x40 M1 on it, which is about $625. Both are excellent. If you're looking for something cheaper, check out the Leupold Vari-X IIs, while they last. They've been discontinued, and a lot of dealers have them cheap ($200-300).
 
My 700PSS wears

a Sightron 4-16x42 Mil-Dot, which at the time was selling through Cabela's for just under $400. I was planning on installing another Leupold, to match the rest of my rifles, when somebody in the benchrest community suggested I try the Sightron. Quite a pleasant surprise!:)
 
Bullmoose, Craigz gave you some good advice but I'd like to expand. If you are loking for a good long range target scope then get the Leupold 6.5-20x50 LRT. It comes with a 30mm tube and target knobs. New they run about $725 but you can find them for less used and with Leupold's lifetime product warrenty buying used isn't a problem. The best thing about this scope is that you have the powers from 6.5 all the way to 20 if you need that much. I personally have mine set on about 12 and leave it there but it's nice to have more if I needed it. You can also get this scope with mildots, which is what the price above is. You might pay a little more than you wanted to but you will have an excellent scope which you'll never have to replace.
 
I am with Rob.

I have the same scope as Rob01 does. I highly recommend it. Plus it is cheaper than $725 is you look around. I got mine a year or so ago and it was $638. I know that messes up your heart, but it is worth it. Leupolds are fine scopes. Just don't forget to get a good scope base and rings for your rig. You must have an angled base! If you don't get an angled base, you might not be able to hold dead on at 900 and 1000 yards.

And then if you want more info on shooting Palma (800,900,1000) and/or 1000 yard shoots with that rig, e-mail me. I live by Bakersfield and there is a long range range in Cuyuma that shoots every third Sunday. There are a bunch of good guys there and they let you shoot F Class (any site, bipod).
 
I like Mark IVs. If you want to spend less than some of the other Leupold tactical scopes that have been recommended go with a 3.5-10x VariX III tactical with mildots. They are sometimes called the "police scope". A good value without totally blowing your budget. Watch-Six
 
I have a TASCO SS 10X42 on my precision .308.

Is it as good as a Leup?

No.

Is it 90% of what you get in a Leup?

Yes.

Cost: About $299.

Tasco naysayers are generalists, there are FEW, but some, criticisms of the SS series, mostly the side focus model. I got the rear focus and have had Zero problems.
 
And another vote for Leupold. My VSSF wears an LRT 3.5-10X M1 with mil dots. Excellent scope. Other power ranges are fine as well, but I've found the 10X max adequate to my needs. Yes, the Leupold's are fairly expensive, but the lifetime warranty is great, and they hold resale value (unlike cheap scopes) if you decide they are more than you need.

Interesting no one has commented on bases. If you're putting a good scope on a good rifle for truly long range shooting (800 plus yards), you should get a good inclined base. I use Badger Arms bases and rings. The base has a 20 MOA incline that gives you more usable elevation adjustment at longer ranges.
 
Loopy User here too .

I will agree with the others , Leupold is what sits on my LTR.
here is my setup , its rock solid , will be using the rifle this weekend when deer season opens .

Remington 700 LTR Rifle w/ 20" Heavy Barrel ,308 cal. DM with a Leupold 3.5X10 40mm LR Tact M1 Luminous USMC mil-dot / Scope Smith Anti-Reflection Device with Butler Creek flip-up lens covers mounted with Badger Max 50 30mm Rings on a Leupold Mark 4 1-pc. Base.

will be shooting Black Talons 180 grn that shoots sub moa @100

GrandPa
 
This may be a dumb question. Are mildots necessary for a good tactical scope? From what I understand, you really do not want to use them for hold over / hold under? Could a laser range finder do a better job than the mildots?

I was also wondering what is the opinion on adjustments for windage and elevation? Do you have to have them? Is 1/4 Moa okay for a tactical scope? Or, do you really have to have a 1 Moa adjustment to minimize the amount you dial in?

Thanks
 
Dave3006,

Not a dumb question. But as in most things, the answer is a study in trade-offs.

Mil dots. In my opinion, you want a good method for range estimation built into the scope. Mil dots work great, but I'm also impressed with Valdada's MP-8 reticle. The ability to use the dots for holdover is great when you need a fast shot, not to mention holding lead on moving targets. Laser range finders are fine, but they're another gadget to take afield, require batteries, and can break. No problem with their use, but in that case, the mil dots can serve as backup. Are mil dots absolutely necessary? Probably not. Highly desirable? Positively.

WRT elevation adjustments, again, matter of trade-offs. The 1/4 MOA clicks provide greater precision, whereas the 1 MOA clicks get you on target faster. Also, with the 1 MOA clicks you don't need to worry about how many times around you've cranked the elevation turret!

Check out the reviews of the M1 and M3 Leupold variants on Snipercountry.com. Pretty good discussion of the pros and cons of each.
 
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