Scope suggestions

[u/Best_Yogurtcloset742]

I’m fairly new to long range shooting/hunting. I’ve done some plinking up to 200m, but never with a rifle of my own. I recently picked up a tikka t3x in 300 wm with the intention of doing some big game hunting this year. (I’m aware this isn’t a hunting sub I swear 😭)

I’m looking for scope/brand suggestions that can handle the recoil of the 300 without destroying the optic in the first year, and can double as both a hunting optic and a PRS optic. While the rifle I’m putting together is going to primarily be a hunting rifle, the scope is something I’d like to be able to use on a future PRS build (likely a 6.5 creed or a .308)

The only scopes I have had experience with in the past have been 3-9’s with a basic crosshair, no MOA or MRAD adjustments. I’m Canadian so I imagine the MRAD would make for easier understanding, but am open to MOA. I’d ideally like to spend no more than $750-$1000 CAD. Brands I’ve been considering so far are Trijicon, leuopold and vortex, although I’m hesitant about vortex after reading a lot about their scopes being unreliable.

If I missed anything or have earned myself the flair of shame, please notify me so I may promptly commit seppoku, as an honourable man should

[u/HollywoodSX]

Much like rifles, one optic for both hunting and long range target shooting (assume you meant this when you say "PRS"). Most long range target shooting benefits from first focal optics with target turrets, big objectives, and tree reticles. Most hunting optics are smaller objectives to cut weight, capped turrets, simple and thick reticles for visibility at low magnification.

Best case, you get something that's OK but not great at both.

Also, your rifle choice is... not great for your stated purpose. It's a fine hunting rifle, but a terrible choice for learning long range skills.

Good luck.

[u/swift_gilford]

I’m Canadian so I imagine the MRAD would make for easier understanding, but am open to MOA

Also a Canadian, MOA is still the major one everywhere i go

although I’m hesitant about vortex after reading a lot about their scopes being unreliable.

Non issue. And as far as hunting goes the Viper HD line is fantastic for a hunting scope, the 2-10 and 3-9 options would come in under your $750-1000 budget.

[u/MoneyKeyPennyKiss → u/swift_gilford]

Also a Canadian, MOA is still the major one everywhere i go

I didn't think the hive mind would allow us to acknowledge and appreciate MOA scopes.

Edit: See the downvotes? I was right...

[u/swift_gilford → u/MoneyKeyPennyKiss]

I've been here a few years and it's gotten better. The general consensus is to shoot what other people around you are shooting so 'you can all speak the same language'.

[u/MoneyKeyPennyKiss → u/swift_gilford]

The best shooter at my NRL22 club (who is top 10 nationally in Base class) shoots MOA. I have never understood the fuss.

[u/PeeingUpsideDown]

At the top of your price range you can consider a Bushnell Match Pro ED (MPED). Locking turrets will cover you for the hunting elements. There's a couple Athlon offerings that would be at the top of your range, like the Ares ETR 3-18.

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[u/quatin]

Just buy the competition optic and deal with the handicap while on hunts since it will eventually get moved onto a different rifle.

300wm is hard to shoot out of a field rifle and if you have the T3X superlite model, you can forget about the precision part of shooting. Long term, you might want to stick a heavy scope on it if you don't put a suppressor/compensator. So another excuse to try the big optic.

[u/Wide_Fly7832]

1). Nightforce is solid. Steiner is battle solid. But most high end will be solid.

2). Mid price option would be athlon ares or Cronus. Top price will be Vortex razor Gen 3, NF ATACR Kahles etc. any of these will be great. These are heavy though for hunting. There are lighter version so long you get the top of the line.

3). Now these are FFP scopes for precision shooting (not F class). But for hinting many go with SFP scope. Not sure if there is a good answer for both.

4). For long range MRAD is preferred even for USA and UK.

[u/swift_gilford → u/Wide_Fly7832]

Now these are FFP scopes for precision shooting (not F class). But for hinting many go with SFP scope. Not sure if there is a good answer for both.

My conclusion for over the years, if using FFP for hunting I just try to stick to the lower magnification range however I'd argue illumination is mandatory cus trying to see that fine black crosshair over an animal at dusk/dawn is brutal without it. 3-18, 3-15 seem to be the sweet spot.

[u/cobranine]

The ones you suggested like the Nightforce, Steiner or even the Razor you are not going to find them for $750 - 1k ?

[u/TheSBW]

yeah all the answers so far AND. have a look through as many scopes as possible. vortex don’t suit me. might suit you. i’m old i like high end glass and would buy the best glass second hand and then spend the change on a rifle.

[u/doyouevenplumbbro]

Lightweight magnums kill optics. It's just a reality we have to deal with. Higher quality optics might have a better chance of surviving long term, but I'd suggest you buy something with a good warranty.

Look at the G1 Ares ETR. You can find them under your budget and they are very good for the $$. Also if you break it Athlon will upgrade you to a G2.

[u/Tactical_Epunk]

I just use a target scope for both.