Choosing a varmint scope

[rkad]

I am looking for a decent varmint/tatical scope that I can swich between different rifles (AR, FAL, ect). Some features I am looking for are: 30mm tube, 40mm+ objctive, 10x magnification (or variable), mil-dot illuminated reticle, external adj turrets, ability to withstand 50BMG recoil (someday), -20F to 100+F temp, $150-$300. The Super Sniper and Nikko Sterling Nighteater are two choices that I am looking at, but I tend to shy away from products with cheesy names. Are either of these two decent scopes, or is there a better choice out there?

[FTW2012]

I put a Simmons 44 MAG scope on my Remington .17HMR rat killer
A prarrie dog looks like the size of a cyote when sighting it in for a splatter!
And I rather have scopeless assault weapons unless its a projection laser
Long range is what sniper rifles are for.
If you must put a scope on an AR or FAL go with a straight 4X

[brownknees]

I'd seriously rethink the idea if I were you!
Switching a single scope between multiple guns means re-zeroing more often than shooting!
There is also the problem of mount height, rings, bases, different mounting positions for correct eye relief on different recievers, Etc.
I know that cost is a concideration, but you could get 2 good scopes for the price you're discussing, if you check round for good reliable used ones, and then you could have (for example) a 4X30 on the AR for that application & a 6X on the FAL for longer ranges.
Not to put you off, or trash your idea, but I've been there, done that & got the T shirt. It was more trouble than it was worth in the long run.
In thoery you could set up on one gun at a range of choice, record the elev/wind settings. The swtch to the other gun/ mount, re-zero & then mark on the scope the clicks to go back & forth. I tried that but in the real world any accuracy from a precision type scope was lost somewhere in the process.
I ended up just buying a second scope for the other gun anyway.
:rolleyes: :uhoh:

[rkad]

Thanks for the input so far, but let me clarify my scope requirments. When I state that I would like to swich the scope between different rifles, I am most concerned about the range finding reticle, thus my choice of the non caliber specific mil-dot. I am going to mount the scope on an .223 cal rifle, but I may want to mount on a .308, .338mag, or 50BMG some years down the road. Believe it or not, but I do have a Simmons 44 MAG scope on the rifle now. It is a good scope for the money, I am just looking to upgrade.

[K. Funk]

Just my .02, but there is only 1 scope that is .50 capable for under $300 and that is a Super Sniper. And even then, a lot of folks will tell you that you get what you pay for. Most serious .50 cal scopes are in the $1k plus range. Now, with that being said, I have a 16X SS on my Anzio and it is holding up well. I got it used for under $200. There are some guys using the Bushnell elite 3200 or 4200 series and they seem to be OK, but all are $300+. I don't know if you can get them in 30mm either. Leupolds are also gaining a following, but there are not many in the price range you are looking for. With all the other requirements you have, you will be hard pressed to get all those features for less than $800 in any (half-way decent) scope.

krf

Edited to insert "half-way decent". We have all tried the $24.95 Chinese scopes and watched the crosshairs disintegrate before our eyes.

[Padeep]

rkad;

I just completed and tested a bolt rifle today.

Savage 10Fp .308/Farrell 1pc mount/Warne Maxima rings/SS 10x42 scope.

With surplus ammo, groups seemed incredibly tight-most holes were touching.

I too was skeptical of the scope; funny name, affiliated w/Tasco, price, etc...

The SS is well built, tough, and has decent optics. I compared this scope to a Leupold VXIII I have on another rifle. While the Leup optics are better, they are not worth the cost of $500+ more IMO.

I also like the turrents, 30mm tube and mil dot reticle much better than others.

Let us know what you decide on.


Pdp

[bigant]

For the amount of money you want to spend their is only ONE choice and thats the Super Sniper! I dont know if it has a Illum Rect, but other than that it is 10X, Side or Rear AO, Mil Dot and it can go on a 50 Cal.....But if you only intend on shooting at long range's with this optic than I would suggest not going with a Fixed Power Scope....Well if you need any quotes' contact me! Just a FYI I dont deal in SS or Nikko's


Ant

[CHUCKE]

SS is a good scope for the money $300. The next step up is a leupold mk4 $700. I just bought a ior 4-14 $900. It has everything you ask for even the illum ret. I own all the scopes listed. I bought what I could afford at the time and upgraded as money allowed(ok as my wife let me). If you want close quarters capability the sniper wont do with a fixed10x power. I would suggest a ior 4x 24 mm scope around $300.