Scope for DPMS 308

[patathSS]

So I bought my first 308 AR and I am looking forward to getting out with it. Currently it is a bare bones flattop with a railed gas block so optic choices are pretty open. For now I would prefer to not drop a few hundred on quality glass just yet so I was looking at this Brunton scope to get me by for a bit

MidwayUSA - Brunton NRA Sports Optics Target Series Rifle Scope 6-24x 50mm Adjustable Objective Mil-Dot Reticle Matte with Free One-Year NRA Membership

Anyone have any experience with this scope or manufacturer? Can't say I am familiar with them. I kind of figure at worst it is a free 1 year membership for the NRA

Suggestions welcome.

[Riflemanz]

Why buy a nice rifle and put a crap scope on it? You get what you pay for.Leupold or Nikon are nice scopes.Spend the money now or end up spending more later.

[ORD]

That P.O.S. would not get near my high-dollar .308 semi rifle! I completely agree with Riflemanz on this one. Why would you spend $1,500 or so on a rifle capable of MOA-or-better accuracy and then wuss out and put a $75 scope on it (that isn't worth half that). The only one of these scope I have seen and used myself was on a friends AR-15 with a 20" bull-barreled varmint upper from RRA and this scope would absolutely NOT hold a zero (nor would its replacement from Brunton).

You can go cheap...but you'll only regret it later when you end up having wasted $75 now and you have to spend the money later to make it right.

Rather than breaking out the shovels and throwing crap on this scope and your question...let's go this route:

1) what is your intended purpose for your new DPMS LR-308? (and include the specific model, barrel length, etc.);

2) what is the max range you intend to use this rifle/scope setup for?

3) do you want a variable power scope or would you consider a fixed power?

4) what is your max budget on optics at this point for this rifle (I know you said you didn't want to "drop a few hundred on quality glass just yet" in your OP)?

You don't have to spend $1,000 to have a good scope for this rifle, but you are going to have to shell out more than $200 to get anything that is worth owning and that will hold up under the recoil of a semi-auto 308.

[TMP]

I would think that your 308 would punish that scope into submission in no time.

[patathSS]

Fair enough, the general consensus is this probably won't hold a zero which is obviously a concern with the 308.

The DPMS is a 308T, 16" barrel. All shooting should be under 300 yds, mostly for whitetail and target shooting possibly some mule deer. But mostly just putting holes in paper.

I would prefer a variable power scope just because there can potentially be quite a difference in shooting yardages depending on where I am hunting around here.

Edit: and to add a price range I would like to keep it under $300. This scope before being on clearance was around $200 so that is why I had looked at it.

[Shiftyk5]

Try looking at some Nikon scopes.

I've been real happy with their glass. pretty darn clear too.


Should be able to get a good nikon in that price range.

Look at the Monarch series

Also the Buckmaster series

[mvician]

Consider the DMS-1 or TRS-1 from Millett. They are a moderately priced scope that should handle the recoil of the .308. I picked up the DMS-1 a few months back to see what the hub bub was all about with it. I'm very pleased with it, so much that I went looking for the TRS for my Mod12 Mk1 clone. Found it "used" and also found a LaRue mount "used" for a total of $400 in the package.

The DMS is 1-4x and the TRS is 4-16x

TRS


DMS

[ORD]

Okay...here goes.

I understand your desire for a variable power scope and I agree with you for the most part. Higher mag is great for punching holes in paper and you can turn it down for hunting or closer range work.

For around $300, I would suggest the following as very good options for your rifle and stated purposes:

1) Leupold VX-1 4-12x40 Duplex Reticle - $279.99
MidwayUSA - Leupold VX-I Rifle Scope 4-12x 40mm Duplex Reticle Matte

2) Bushnell Elite 3200 4-12x40 AO Multi-X Reticle - $308.99 (this would be my choice for your stated price range unless you want to spend a little more an increase your magnification)
MidwayUSA - Bushnell Elite 3200 Rifle Scope 4-12x 40mm Adjustable Objective Multi-X Reticle Matte

3) if you want to spend just a few dollars more, the Bushnell Elite 3200 5-15x40 AO Multi-X Reticle - $328.99
MidwayUSA - Bushnell Elite 3200 Rifle Scope 5-15x 40mm Adjustable Objective Multi-X Reticle Matte
or, if you will consider any excellent fixed power scopes:

1) The Super Sniper 10x42 30mm Scope - $299.95
Super Sniper 10x42 30mm Rifle Scope

or

2) Bushnell Elite 3200 fixed 10x40 Mil-dot Reticle - $208.99 (this scope is currently being shipped on the Barret M99A1 .50BMG package rifles and is well-regarded as one of the finest entry-level scopes for the big .50BMG. I have used on on a Barrett and I was impressed with the scope in all regards).

MidwayUSA - Bushnell Elite 3200 Rifle Scope 10x 40mm Mil-Dot Reticle Matte

Again, these are about your best options without going into a higher price range. Each and every one of these scopes I listed will serve you well on your LR-308 and will not crash and burn like the Brunton. They are all solidly build scopes from manufacturers with a reputation for quality, dependability and customer service.

[Shiftyk5]

MidwayUSA - Nikon Buckmasters Rifle Scope 4.5-14x 40mm Side Focus BDC Reticle Matte


how bout this one ? are you looking for higher power?

[Shiftyk5]

Lots of great choices here...