Scope for .223 target rifle

[jrcii]

Hello all,

I'm building out a 20" target/"long range" .223 rifle and I'm looking for an optic. This is only going to be a target rifle. I'lll be punching paper. But, if society crumbles, it could be used for protection. I have other rifles for hunting so I wouldn't use this one. I'd say the maximum range I'm interested in is 600 to 700 yards. Most of my current optics have duplex or mildot reticles. Since I'm interested in longer range shooting I'm interested in a BDC reticle, but that's not a requirement.

My optics budget is about $1,500, and I'm thinking that a max magnification in the 12x to 15x range will be enough and these are the optics that I'm looking at:

o Vortex Viper PST Gen 2 3-15 FFP (link) - $999
o Nightforce SHV C520 4-14 (link) - $975
o Leupold MK 4 LR 4.5-14 (link) - $1,169
o Nikon Monarch 7 4-16 (link) - $999

I'm definitely looking for other options though.

What I'm really looking for is the best value, the best bang for the buck.

Thanks,

JRC

[gaijin]

What is perceived max distance, targets, reticle?
These would help dictate a choice.

[jrcii]

What is perceived max distance, targets, reticle?
These would help dictate a choice.

Makes sense. I updated the post. Thanks.

[Lefty223]

When I read the OP's post title, but didn't see their budget, I was going to recommend a Vortex PST as the minimum candidate. You have quite the list to choose from there, but I have used any less the Vortex, somcan't comment on the others.

FWIW I put a Vortex 4-16X on my heavy barreled 308 bolt gun and so far out to 600-yards I couldn't be more pleased. My club sends > 30 shooters to the Nationals every year and some of the more experienced guys say one needs to step up to a $1,200 or > Sightron or Night Force to be any better.

[dmd08]

I'd buy the SHV 4-14 F1 on the EE right now.

[ccasanova]

You can find a Gen1 Razor 5-20x50 for $1k or just over. I just sold mine last week for that and have seen others listed as well. Awesome value at that price. They still sell for $16-1700 new.

SHV is a solid choice as well.

[jrcii]

I'd buy the SHV 4-14 F1 on the EE right now.

Thanks for that tip

JRC

[17K]

I would seriously reconsider the BDC reticle. Out past 300 they usually get way off as variations in ammo, barrel, and conditions stack up.

I use Strelok Pro, dial elevation, hold wind.

[Kenneth]

Is this a bolt gun or an AR?

If a bolt gun get the gen II pst 5x25.

Like mentioned bout do not get a BDC scope unless you look at the reticle first. If it has circles they suck and you cannot get accurate hits.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk