Optics Choices

[Old Bob]

I used to use 3x9 or 3x10 scopes on all my rifles but as I got older I started changing to higher powered scopes. I prefer 4x14 to 3x18 scopes these days with either first or second plane reticles. Speaking of reticles... I found I needed to refocus my scope reticles after cataract surgery. I'm right eye dominant but can shoot well left-handed if need be.

[VASCAR2]

I had cataract surgery last year and noticed all my scopes were blurry. I had to readjust the eye piece on my scopes. Well worth the hassle to be able to see again. My eye sight at distance uncorrected is better now than when I was 18. I still have a stigmatism and need help reading but I’ve wore glasses since I was 15.

[Sinclair]

First, I am glad to see that you didn't go for a super power magnification model. Magnification is not your friend. My advice, and I have been hunting since I was 12, is to go out to a park or someplace where you can observe wildlife in nature surroundings. Then, check out what they would look like at various levels of magnification. Its not what it looks like at a distance, but how it appears in your scope at close range. Even 300 yds is not that far and unless you're shooting bucks on the far side of a bean feed, you could use iron sights, so keep that in mind. I have missed many opportunities because I could not find the target in my over powered scope. Good luck with your choice.

[grayfox]

Iron sights for me (post cataract surgery) even before surgery were not an option, since I could not focus on both the near/medium (back and front sights) and far (target). Not going to happen.
So. Need for scope.
Plus, in cases where you must be able to identify how many points, and whether 15" or 17" or whatever spread without a huge fine... well, ability to see clearly and close-up become paramount.
One doe I was scoping on in early light last week actually turned out to be a spike.... colors and backgrounds and the "camo effect" of grass/weeds/trees/shadows, can play tricks on your eyes, and cost you money.
Now I realize that may not be the case for all, which is fine. But it is the case for some.
O the blessings of aged eyeballs...

[drewthebrave]

Refocusing your optics can definitely help - I usually wear contacts when shooting or hunting, but if I shoot with my prescription glasses, the reticle is sometimes a little out of focus. Go figure. It's never a big difference, but a slight adjustment to the diopter helps.

I have magnified optics on virtually all of my rifles, and have REALLY settled into a preference for the 3~15x magnification range for all-around usage. While 3-9x is plenty for most of my typical uses, the extra mag at 15x really boosts my confidence in taking shots at longer ranges.

Here's my quick take on what I have below:

Burris Fullfield II 3-9x40 - Came with my Savage MkII .22LR. It's fine for a range toy plinker. If it's all you can afford, it'll do the trick. Probably not what you're looking for.

Leupold VX-R Patrol 3-9x40 - Good mid/lightweight optic, with center-dot illumination. It's still a good scope, but maybe a little less than ideal for what you want.

SWFA 3-15x42 SFP - The extra magnification up top really helps boost my confidence when target shooting beyond 300 yards. The SPF reticle is good for drawing my eye to the center quickly. This lives on my Grendel, and makes ringing steel at 600 yards boringly repeatable. I think this would be a great optic for you if you can find a used one under $500.

Athlon Ares BTR 2.5-15x - This has quickly become my favorite "budget" optic. It does everything the SWFA does, except it also has a well-designed tree reticle, illumination, and zero stop. This lives on my SPR 5.56 build which is my "go to" gun currently. I think this optic represents the best overall value per dollar spent, and would be a great choice for you.

Bushnell Elite Tactical DMR II 3.5-21x50 - Built like a tank. 21x on the top helps me confidently reach out even farther with my 6.5 Creedmoor. Glass is good, and the G3 reticle is underrated. A little heavy, but fits right at home on my big-frame AR. If you don't mind the extra weight, this scope would be a good option.

Keep an eye out for discounts on an Athlon Ares BTR 2.5-15x or ETR 3-18x around Black Friday. The Ares BTR is in league with the Vortex Viper PST Gen2, and the new ETR is a step above in terms of glass quality, nipping at the heels of the Razor.