Dual Hunting/Target Scope ($1.4K - 2.2K)?

[Paul D]

Hello all. Seeking some advice. I am building a rifle for some longer range hunting in Africa next year. The rifle is being built off a Rem 700 (300 WM) with a 26 inch barrel. I will be shooting Barnes TTSX 180 gr. bullets. I would also like the rifle for target work off season also. I need a scope that can do do both. Price range: $1400 - 2200.

Hunting requirements:
1. Durable: I will need to drag the rifle at times while stalking while crawling.
2. Uncluttered mil reticle with illumination. Most of the time I should be able to dial in a solution, but sometime I will need to shot quicker. Also with occasional bushy background and hunting at dawn or dust, a lit reticle is handy.
3. Ranges for shots: 300-600 meters.
4. Very good warranty and CS.

Target requirements:
1. Ranges for shot: max 1300 meters.
2. Good enough glass to see a IPSC sized white target out to 1300 meters.
3. Good crisp adjustment windage/elevation knobs.
4. FFP with mil/mil knobs.

Scopes under consideration:

1. Bushnell Elite Tactical DMR 3.5-21x50mm (35mm tube): $1400.
2. IOR 4-16x50mm FFP (30mm tube) Illum.: $1596.
3. Vortex Razor HD 5-20x50mm: $2000.
4. Nightforce NSX F1 5-15x50mm: $2290.
5. US Optics: SN3 3.2-17x44mm (priced out past $2500, above budget).

Obviously you get what you pay for, but some times that is not true. I did not include Leupold. I have their 1-5x20mm scopes on my dangerous game rifles (458 Lott, etc) but their long range stuff was not the same value. So which scope do you recommend? Thanks in advance.

[orkan]

Nightforce F1.

Meets and exceeds all requirements.

Be sure to get a zero stop high speed turret. I'd have said USO, but like you said... outside of budget. The nightforce doesn't tunnel under 5x like the USO, so it would be better for a hunting rifle. The nightforce is smaller and lighter also.

[Ring]

dont think the HDMR bushy has a lit retical...

razor is great, but the turrets are a bit tall, and its not a light scope

the SWFA SS is 1500, has GREAT glass, but im not a big fan of the diamond mils

the F1 is great, but lacking in magnification if you hunt small targets..

[ICANHITHIMMAN]

All good choice ior is great best buy for the money. Ditch the 180 and jump to the 200g ttsx your not gaining anything in the added speed of the 180g.

[Paul D]

All good choice ior is great best buy for the money. Ditch the 180 and jump to the 200g ttsx your not gaining anything in the added speed of the 180g.

I normally would load with heavy for caliber bullets for hunting but the Barnes .308 is not avaliable for TTSX BT at 200 grains. Also my barrel is going to be 1:11 twist which theoretically doesn't do as well for 200+ grain bullets. The TSX FB is avalible at 200 grain but its BC is .423 compared to .484 for the 180 gr. TTSX. Given the great penetration power and weight retention of the TSX/TTSX bullets, I figured that 180 grains is more than enough for kudu, gemsbok, and zebra. But....I'll develop a load just to see.

[The Surgeon]

NightForce. Either the F1 or the NXS 2nd plane. I personally do to like the front focal plane reticles. My vision isn't good enough to use the front focal plane scopes on low power.

But, either way the NightForce are great optics. Leupold is another really fine optic that is in your price range. But for me, it would be the NightForce hands down.

[orkan]

How does your vision affect whether you can use SFP or FFP?

[AR15barrels]

Nightforce f1 is the best option out there that fits within your requirements.

[RyanB]

Nightforce.

Where in Africa and what game? Remember that if they can find a single drop of blood you bought it.

There was a 200 gr TTSX. BC over .5. Not on their site anymore.

[Paul D]

Nightforce.

Where in Africa and what game? Remember that if they can find a single drop of blood you bought it.

There was a 200 gr TTSX. BC over .5. Not on their site anymore.

Namibia. Kudu, Springbok, Gemsbok, Hartebeest, Blesbok, Zebra, Wildebeest...maybe a warthog. It is true...one drop of blood and you paid for it. But that makes the hunt so much more awesome.

I saw some used US Optics scopes that would met my needs but I am not sure if US Optics would honor any type of warranty work second hand.