How much scope do I need to shoot at 1000 yards?

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[ARCHIVED THREAD] - How much scope do I need to shoot at 1000 yards?

Posted: 6/20/2002 7:03:12 PM EDT

10x
4.5-14x
6.5-20 ????????????

Posted: 6/20/2002 7:12:39 PM EDT

[#1]

just shot a long range match this past weekend. we were using a variable power leupold set on 16X. plenty of scope, not too much mirage.

Posted: 6/20/2002 7:21:08 PM EDT

[#2]

Thanks...........what ranges did you shoot?

Posted: 6/20/2002 7:23:28 PM EDT

[#3]

I'm a firm believer in "bigger is better"...

If you can't see it, you can't hit it...

Posted: 6/21/2002 7:03:33 AM EDT

[#4]

You don't NEED any scope. People shoot 1000 yard matches all the time with iron sights. Most people forget a basic truth - scopes don't make you shoot better, they only allow you to SEE what you are shooting better. Vietnam-era snipers used 6x or 8x scopes to hit human targets at ranges up to 1500 yards.

With a higher powered scope, you will see the target better, but you will also see more mirage, and more of your natural "wobble". (Unless you cheat and use a bench or other artificial support.)

Bottom line - try iron sights, if you aren't good enough with them, try a low or intermediate powered scope. The barrel, trigger, and ammo are probably more critical than the sighting system!

Posted: 6/21/2002 7:07:32 AM EDT

[#5]

figure 1X per 100 yds.
you need a minimum 10x at 1000 yds.

Posted: 6/21/2002 7:09:46 AM EDT

[#6]

Quoted:
You don't NEED any scope. People shoot 1000 yard matches all the time with iron sights. Most people forget a basic truth - scopes don't make you shoot better, they only allow you to SEE what you are shooting better. Vietnam-era snipers used 6x or 8x scopes to hit human targets at ranges up to 1500 yards.

With a higher powered scope, you will see the target better, but you will also see more mirage, and more of your natural "wobble". (Unless you cheat and use a bench or other artificial support.)

Bottom line - try iron sights, if you aren't good enough with them, try a low or intermediate powered scope. The barrel, trigger, and ammo are probably more critical than the sighting system!

he has summed it up well.

Should you deceide to get a scope, 20x is about the most you can use without problems from mirage/thermals, etc...

I would also suggest a 30mm tube to allow more light to pass through.

Posted: 6/21/2002 1:21:41 PM EDT

[#7]

I would personally need the friggin Hubble Telescope, but I will defer to these more experienced gentlemen. Stay safe.

Posted: 6/21/2002 1:28:07 PM EDT

[#8]

I'm certainly no expert, but the standard for "snipers"/tactical application of precision rifles of conventional caliber IS 10x.

Benchresters use more, PALMA guys use the Mk1 eyeball.

I went with 10x, and have hit at 800 y consistantly. I'm glad I went with 10x.

Much less, and I couldn't SEE what I was trying to hit.

Much more, mirage becomes a problem.

Posted: 6/21/2002 2:03:17 PM EDT

[#9]

10X is Plenty.
Don't plan on actualy hitting anyting unless it's a good quality scope such as the Leuopld M1 3.5-10x40 or equal. Also, don't cut corners on the scope base or rings.

Look at the Badger rings and bases. Depending on the rifle caiber and barrel length, you may want to get a base that's cut with 20 MOA of elivation so you don't run out of elivation on the scope. If quality used gear is acceptable, check out snipercountry.com classified section.

snipercountry.com is a great resource for serious shooting. Be polite while your there.

Posted: 6/21/2002 4:05:02 PM EDT

[#10]

A Premier Reticles modified Leupold 8.5-25x50 LRT is mounted on my .50BMG rifle. It's a 1000+ yard rifle. At 1000 yards in the mornings I'll use all the magnification I can get. As the mirage starts to run I'll back down till it's steady. You can't shoot any better than you can see.

Right now my long-range AR15 has a Premier Reticles 4.5-14x50 LRT mounted. It's good for me out to 800 yards. More than that and I swap for the 8.5-25. BTW the way the AR15 is tuned it'll stay supersonic to 1200 yards.

And the .308 LTR in the foreground has an issue Mk4 M1-16x mounted.

Posted: 6/21/2002 4:45:11 PM EDT

[#11]

www.nightforceoptics.com/nxs552256.html

Dave S

Posted: 6/21/2002 5:08:47 PM EDT

[#12]

Quoted:
You don't NEED any scope. People shoot 1000 yard matches all the time with iron sights. Most people forget a basic truth - scopes don't make you shoot better, they only allow you to SEE what you are shooting better. Vietnam-era snipers used 6x or 8x scopes to hit human targets at ranges up to 1500 yards.

With a higher powered scope, you will see the target better, but you will also see more mirage, and more of your natural "wobble". (Unless you cheat and use a bench or other artificial support.)

Bottom line - try iron sights, if you aren't good enough with them, try a low or intermediate powered scope. The barrel, trigger, and ammo are probably more critical than the sighting system!

All very true. I would add that some people's eyesight may be such that their shooting may benefit from using optics of the correct description.

Posted: 6/22/2002 8:10:49 PM EDT

[#13]

Thanks for the replies!

Anyone else? I'm goin shopping tomorrow

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - How much scope do I need to shoot at 1000 yards?

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