I need your insight and opinions guys. I plan on shooting targets(paper)from distances of 100 to 1000 yards. The majority of that being between 200-500 yards with occasional shots out to 800-1000 yards. Question is should I go with a fixed power 10x, 16x, or variable 3.5-10? Secondly, would it be worth it to spend the extra money and get mil-dots? Thanks in advance.
Scope power dilemmas
- Thread starter JonJon
- Start date
RiverRider
New member
I would go with high magnification and Adjustable Objective.
IRT Mil-Dots and scopes...
Please remember that Mil-Dots are a measurement tool. If you get a fixed power scope the dots will be set to subtend correctly at that power. Where you can run into trouble is with Mil-Dots and variables. Most variable powder scopes with Mil-Dots have the reticle on the incorrect (IMHO) focal plane. With most you have to be at a specific power setting to have the dots subtend correctly to range. If you are not at that specific power setting and you use the dots your will reach an incorrect answer.
The way to tell if the dot’s on a variable scope are on the right focal plane to range correctly at any power setting is to look through the scope at its lowest setting. While looking through the scope increase the power… the “size” of the dot’s (as viewed through the scope) should increase along with the power. If the dots do not increase in size then they are set to be used at a specific power setting. (keep in mind that if they do they are not actually “increasing” in size just that you are viewing them at a higher power in relation to your target (little target/small dots/low power…. LARGE TARGET/BIG DOTS/higher power; in relative relation to target/dots).
I believe the Springfield variable scopes have the dots on the correct focal plane (again, IMO).
I personally LOVE mil-dots and wish they were available on every scope as a factory option. They are very versital.... Ranging, Hold Over's/Unders, leads, etc. There is no better recticle IMO.
Please remember that Mil-Dots are a measurement tool. If you get a fixed power scope the dots will be set to subtend correctly at that power. Where you can run into trouble is with Mil-Dots and variables. Most variable powder scopes with Mil-Dots have the reticle on the incorrect (IMHO) focal plane. With most you have to be at a specific power setting to have the dots subtend correctly to range. If you are not at that specific power setting and you use the dots your will reach an incorrect answer.
The way to tell if the dot’s on a variable scope are on the right focal plane to range correctly at any power setting is to look through the scope at its lowest setting. While looking through the scope increase the power… the “size” of the dot’s (as viewed through the scope) should increase along with the power. If the dots do not increase in size then they are set to be used at a specific power setting. (keep in mind that if they do they are not actually “increasing” in size just that you are viewing them at a higher power in relation to your target (little target/small dots/low power…. LARGE TARGET/BIG DOTS/higher power; in relative relation to target/dots).
I believe the Springfield variable scopes have the dots on the correct focal plane (again, IMO).
I personally LOVE mil-dots and wish they were available on every scope as a factory option. They are very versital.... Ranging, Hold Over's/Unders, leads, etc. There is no better recticle IMO.
WalterGAII
Moderator
In my usually-humble opinion, mildots are worthless for target shooting. Ballistics vary so much from load-to-load that mildots only get you on the paper.
I'd go with a fine crosshair or 1/8 dot, lots of power, and adjustable objective. (In a variable, of course.)
I'd go with a fine crosshair or 1/8 dot, lots of power, and adjustable objective. (In a variable, of course.)
Art Eatman
Staff in Memoriam
JonJon: If you're going to be shooting at known distances, I don't see where any range-finding built into the scope is helpful. You're paying for extras that cost a good bit of money, but aren't needed for what you plan to do.
I have found that, so far, 10X is adequate for shots to 500 yards. If you're serious about 1,000 yards, I'd guess that somewhere above 14X would be very helpful. But you're gonna have to wait for the 1,000-yard shooters to find this thread.
I've never used the low-power end of a variable when shooting paper. I'm not sure why one would, unless the lower power lets you be less affected by mirage and heat-shimmer--somehow.
Anyhow, just some points to ponder.
As usual,
Art
I have found that, so far, 10X is adequate for shots to 500 yards. If you're serious about 1,000 yards, I'd guess that somewhere above 14X would be very helpful. But you're gonna have to wait for the 1,000-yard shooters to find this thread.
I've never used the low-power end of a variable when shooting paper. I'm not sure why one would, unless the lower power lets you be less affected by mirage and heat-shimmer--somehow.
Anyhow, just some points to ponder.
As usual,
Art
Leopold 6.5-20x50 LRT
I have shot 1000 yard matches with my stock Rem 700 VS with a 6.5-20 power Leupold Longe Range Target Scope. I highly recommend it. Being able to have in effect a "spotting scope" on top of your rifle is very nice. And if you don't need all of that power for hunting situations, don't zoom it up! However, for shooting paper, I believe the closer the better.
I have shot very well the scope. My only problem is that I ran out of elevation and had to hold over the target beyong 800 yards. I am going to be fixing that today with a couple of shims. I am rather happy and look forward to my next long range match!
I have shot 1000 yard matches with my stock Rem 700 VS with a 6.5-20 power Leupold Longe Range Target Scope. I highly recommend it. Being able to have in effect a "spotting scope" on top of your rifle is very nice. And if you don't need all of that power for hunting situations, don't zoom it up! However, for shooting paper, I believe the closer the better.
I have shot very well the scope. My only problem is that I ran out of elevation and had to hold over the target beyong 800 yards. I am going to be fixing that today with a couple of shims. I am rather happy and look forward to my next long range match!