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6/3/2013 8:08:52 AM EDT
A chance to shoot some prairie dogs just came up and I would appreciate opinions on these scopes:

Bushnell
Weaver
Vortex
Simmons
Nikon

Would 14x magnification be enough on top of my AR for 400-500 yards?  This may be the only time in life that I will do this so I won't spend much over $250 for a scope.  I can't find too many reviews on some of these so hopefully someone has some insight. Thanks!
6/3/2013 9:58:05 AM EDT
[#1]
We have no prairie dogs here but I've shot thousands of ground squirrels.  They are somewhat smaller on average than p-dogs.

Most of our shots are taken at around 100 m w/ occaisional shots much longer and some made with pistols!

Your prairie dog hunt will very possibly include shots in excess of 100 m but 500 yard shots on p-dogs are occaisional stunts not the norm.  Knowing the zero or walking shots on at 300 can certainly be done.  For gs control work I used to have a 6-20x scope and at times would have loved to have had a 24x scope.

Having said that, I now have two varmint rifles set up with 4.5-14 Leupold scopes and do very well with them.

I have experience with Nikon and my SIL has a Vortex he likes very much.  Either of those companies make decent scopes.  I'd get the best one you can afford.  Don't go cheap if you can avoid it.

Bring a lot of ammo!!
6/3/2013 10:32:04 AM EDT
[#2]
I would normally say Vortex every time, but at that price range, the Nikon may be better. If you can save a little more money, I would take a long hard look at the Vortex Viper 6.5-20x50.

http://www.opticsplanet.com/vortex-riflescopes-vpr-m-06fp.html

6/3/2013 10:41:18 AM EDT
[#3]
Quoted:
A chance to shoot some prairie dogs just came up and I would appreciate opinions on these scopes:

Bushnell
Weaver
Vortex
Simmons
Nikon

Would 14x magnification be enough on top of my AR for 400-500 yards?  This may be the only time in life that I will do this so I won't spend much over $250 for a scope.  I can't find too many reviews on some of these so hopefully someone has some insight. Thanks!


Weaver has $100 rebates on their tactical scopes right now.

someone asking the same question here

6/5/2013 3:19:27 PM EDT
[#4]
I shoot a lot of pdogs every year with my ar's. In my opinion, you will want more than 14x for 400 - 500 yd shooting.  I like the 6-24x variables for my varmint rigs. To stay under 250 at that power, you will be in the entry lines for these mfrs.  If I had to stay at that price, I would say either Vortex or tell you to look at the Muellers. And I would not consider the Simmons based on my limited exposure to them.
6/5/2013 6:27:32 PM EDT
[#5]
Out of those listed there is no doubt in my mind I would go with the Weaver. It is still made in Japan and is a good quality scope. All of the others, with the exception of the Nikon, are made in china. The Nikon is made in the Philippines.

Here is the same scope on sale BTW.
6/5/2013 7:17:26 PM EDT
[#6]
I have come to love all my Vortex PST scopes. I have 3 now. I own 2 Nightforce and 1 Leupold MK4. For the money the PST line is hard to beat.
6/6/2013 7:33:21 AM EDT
[#7]
Wow, the Weaver 6x24 w/ .223 reticle posted in the link above looks perfect for your requirements, including the price.
6/6/2013 4:25:48 PM EDT
[#9]
Quoted:
Out of those listed there is no doubt in my mind I would go with the Weaver. It is still made in Japan and is a good quality scope. All of the others, with the exception of the Nikon, are made in china. The Nikon is made in the Philippines.

Here is the same scope on sale BTW.


Nice price on the weaver v series. I think you have your answer at that price point.
6/7/2013 4:33:21 PM EDT
[#10]
You could do like my buddy who used the irons on his mosin m44 and then stabbed them with the bayo to finish them off.
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