Hi All,
I would appreciate any suggestions for a scope to put on the following rifle:
Ruger American Rifle, Predator model, 18" barrel, .308
Aside from Kirk's amazing rifle I shot at last year's meeting, I have never used optics before. Also, my experience with rifles in general can be counted on two hands, fingers to spare. I won this rifle in a shooting contest (post in Competition and Marksmanship) and it seems like a good shooter from what I've read, so I want to keep it.
I will be using it for target shooting only, 100 - 200 yards, and possibly longer if I can visit a 600 yard range if my skill improves. I will be shooting from various positions, and want to learn to use a sling for standing shots as well. (Sling recommendations also much appreciated!)
Cost should be appropriate to the value of the rifle, which seems to go for between $350 - $450.
Thanks very much!
Re: Optic suggestions for Ruger American Rifle in .308
2I've been pretty pleased with the SWFA SS 10x fixed power scopes for around 3 bills on a similar 308 rifle. Variable powers are handy in the field, but at the bench you're likely to just zoom all the way 99% of the time. Take the saved money and get a decent set of rings.
Be sure to make good choices when you're being stupid...
Re: Optic suggestions for Ruger American Rifle in .308
3https://www.basspro.com/shop/en/nikon-p ... ifle-scope
I don't claim to be an expert on scopes, but I have the 3x-9x 40mm Nikon Prostaff scope on my Mini-14 and I've always been quite satisfied with it. Like foghorn said, I do usually keep it zoomed to 9x, but sometimes dial it back when shooting shorter distances than normal. The eye relief is good for me, and it's got a nice clear and bright view. If I have any complaint it's that the windage and elevation adjustments are inconvenient to use, but really that's a minor thing for me because once it's dialed in I don't have to fiddle with those anymore for the target shooting I do. Also, it's not expensive.
I don't claim to be an expert on scopes, but I have the 3x-9x 40mm Nikon Prostaff scope on my Mini-14 and I've always been quite satisfied with it. Like foghorn said, I do usually keep it zoomed to 9x, but sometimes dial it back when shooting shorter distances than normal. The eye relief is good for me, and it's got a nice clear and bright view. If I have any complaint it's that the windage and elevation adjustments are inconvenient to use, but really that's a minor thing for me because once it's dialed in I don't have to fiddle with those anymore for the target shooting I do. Also, it's not expensive.
106+ recreational uses of firearms
1 defensive use
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1 defensive use
0 people injured
0 people killed
Re: Optic suggestions for Ruger American Rifle in .308
4At the high end of your range, but a 3-9 Leupold (the cheaper end of their offerings in that power) will be a scope you can gladly move from rifle to rifle for the rest of your life.
Re: Optic suggestions for Ruger American Rifle in .308
5Agree on Leupold. I had a gloss VX3 and it was a beauty.Marlene wrote: Thu May 31, 2018 11:12 pm At the high end of your range, but a 3-9 Leupold (the cheaper end of their offerings in that power) will be a scope you can gladly move from rifle to rifle for the rest of your life.
As for slings, I used to have a Montana sling for my Browning A-Bolt and I liked it a lot. Not sure what you're looking for but Montana slings come in black and and brown -- they won't match the Ruger American Predator but it's an easily adjustable sling. http://www.montanagunslings.com/. Unless, of course, you're looking for something that looks more tactical and is made of nylon.
Re: Optic suggestions for Ruger American Rifle in .308
6Thanks to everyone for your suggestions- they are all very helpful. I've got a Leupold VX 2 3-9X40 on order, and Warne rings to go with. The VX 2 was only a few bucks more than the VX 1, so I thought what the heck.
I had read very good things about the Nikon Prostaff; I understand the Leupold is made here, and that makes a difference to me.
I'll try to post a picture of results here or in the Range Reports forum to show how things turned out.
Thanks again!
I had read very good things about the Nikon Prostaff; I understand the Leupold is made here, and that makes a difference to me.
I'll try to post a picture of results here or in the Range Reports forum to show how things turned out.
Thanks again!
Re: Optic suggestions for Ruger American Rifle in .308
7I've been very happy with my Leopold (nothing to compare it to). I wish you the same fortune!
Re: Optic suggestions for Ruger American Rifle in .308
8You made a good choice. Leupold makes solid stuff. I've got the Mod1 myself, as I wanted a bit higher magnification for longer range. That said, I also have one of the Nikons, and it's a stellar scope as well for the price- I think the light pickup is a tad bit better on the Nikon, but both are nice and clear on the glass.
Re: Optic suggestions for Ruger American Rifle in .308
9Any of you own a Swarovski scope? Curious how these rate to Leupold.
Re: Optic suggestions for Ruger American Rifle in .308
11The scope came in and here it is on the newly-won rifle, bore-sighted and range ready.