I’m also a believer of the buy once, cry once, especially for optics. Great point about quality rings and bases too. Also need to consider the MOA of the mount if you’re going to be shooting a longer distances, along with the amount of adjustment allowed by the optic.

I was really tempted to go for the gusto for the optic and came close to springing for a NF. I don’t regret going with the Vortex, which I believe is excellent for the money. But I’ve shoot a couple of friend’s guns with NF and S&B and they are ultra clear. Yeah, prob not much difference at 100 yards, but I could really tell a difference at 400 yards and further, especially when the subject isn’t well contrast with the background and light is waning. 

Thanks guys for all the advice and recommendations!

Will adjust budget up to $1000 or so.  (I had thought 400 should be my budget because of the general rule of thumb cost of scope = cost of rifle)

On the bus ride home I was reading about the sightrons...10-50x60....American/Japan maker....strong enough for 50 cal and airguns.  They seem to be a well liked bang for your buck scope.  Parallax adjustment a little finicky.

Will try shooting at longer ranges before I purchase a better scope.

How's this for priorities.....I'll use a $1000 scope on a $426 rifle which I take to the range in a 1995 previa that I bought for $800 in 2007.....side window held in place with duct tape....and currently worth a stick of gum
:-)

As long as the Previa has an up to date safety sticker, you're good to go.

Use what you got for now, it'll work.  I have a feeling that you haven't outgrown your cheap rifle and scope yet.  Practice with that and spend your money on practice ammo and match ammo.  Better yet, take a class.  Equipment is the lowest priority when you're starting out.

Shoot a long range match for the experience and talk to the people there and you'll get a better idea of what kind of equipment you'll need.  Some people realize that it's not what they expected and lose interest.

On the bus ride home I was reading about the sightrons...10-50x60....American/Japan maker....strong enough for 50 cal and airguns.  They seem to be a well liked bang for your buck scope.  Parallax adjustment a little finicky.

I was looking at the Sightron SIII 6-24 x 50mm FFP scope and then Brownells had a $110 off $1000 or more purchase with free shipping deal that helped me make my decision. The glass is very clear and I have no complaints about it, no issues with the parallax adjustment. 

If you go to SportOptics, all Trijicon glass has a promo for 17% off. If you find a Trijicon glass that you want just type in the promo code they offer and instant off the price. 17% is a big chunk. For instance a Trijicon AccuPower 1-8x28 Rifle Scope MOA for $1445 minus $245.65 which is 17%. Just a thought. Trijicon makes some good glass. SportOptics is pretty quick on delivery. I order 2 optics from them. And they are authorized online dealer for all the brands they carry. So you don't have to worry if you got a refurbished one or not. 

I agree. When you decide to buy a rifle and intend to put a scope on it, budget for the rifle and optic you want. Don't kid yourself with an Osprey at first then plan to upgrade to a Leupold. Sorry if I offended any Osprey owners out there but you can't compare it to a Nightforce no matter what that vendor tells you.

sony guts!

Thanks guys for all the advice and recommendations!

Will adjust budget up to $1000 or so.  (I had thought 400 should be my budget because of the general rule of thumb cost of scope = cost of rifle)

On the bus ride home I was reading about the sightrons...10-50x60....American/Japan maker....strong enough for 50 cal and airguns.  They seem to be a well liked bang for your buck scope.  Parallax adjustment a little finicky.

Will try shooting at longer ranges before I purchase a better scope.

How's this for priorities.....I'll use a $1000 scope on a $426 rifle which I take to the range in a 1995 previa that I bought for $800 in 2007.....side window held in place with duct tape....and currently worth a stick of gum
:-)

I have a Sightron scope.  It is very good glass

On the bus ride home I was reading about the sightrons...10-50x60....American/Japan maker....strong enough for 50 cal and airguns.  They seem to be a well liked bang for your buck scope.  Parallax adjustment a little finicky.

This scope has a huge following with the 22lr rimfire crowd recently. With the NRL22 and PRS style matches for 22s gaining popularity, this scope is very attractive. They shoot from 15-300y and shoot match sticks and split playing cards.

Hi Heavies,
What kind of reticle is on your sightron?  Would you have a recommendation?  What mount/rings would you recommend?

We are thinking of staying with moa (vs mil) since we already have several scopes with moa turrets.

I tend to not want batteries/electronics on my toys.  (No red dots or illuminated reticles on any of my toys).  I don't know about my friend.

The scope would be used for paper at Puuloa and if I retire to the mainland - I'd like to try 22lr PRS and maybe the real thing if I can afford it on a fixed income

I was thinking of getting the warne steel rings.  Yes - they are cheap.  I have a feeling I'll be advised to reconsider that option.

I was watching 6.5 guys and that spuhr mount looks interesting.   Have no idea how much they cost

Hi Sugi
Do they have those kind of matches in Hawaii?

Hi Heavies,
What kind of reticle is on your sightron?  Would you have a recommendation?  What mount/rings would you recommend?

We are thinking of staying with moa (vs mil) since we already have several scopes with moa turrets.

I tend to not want batteries/electronics on my toys.  (No red dots or illuminated reticles on any of my toys).  I don't know about my friend.

The scope would be used for paper at Puuloa and if I retire to the mainland - I'd like to try 22lr PRS and maybe the real thing if I can afford it on a fixed income

I was thinking of getting the warne steel rings.  Yes - they are cheap.  I have a feeling I'll be advised to reconsider that option.

I was watching 6.5 guys and that spuhr mount looks interesting.   Have no idea how much they cost

Hi Sugi
Do they have those kind of matches in Hawaii?

I have a Spuhr mount also with a Spuhr RMR piggy back mount on my scope. And it's one robust mount. Love the leveling system it comes with too. Spuhr mounts have one of the most base contacts. Well, I wasn't gonna skimp on the mounts on a good scope anyways. Gonna go with Spuhr again with my next rifle. Though there is other mounts out there for the money. It's all personal preference in the end. Always invest to your capacity without breaking your bank. Remember, it's your money well spent. 

Rhed
Those are nice....wish I had the funds!

Tim,
SportOptics has a lot of promos going on right now on alot of different brands of scopes. Some of which you have to call them. Free shipping on orders over 99$ too.
Go shopping..
http://www.sportoptics.com/promotions-and-sales.aspx

Rhed
Those are nice....wish I had the funds!

Spuhr mounts is pretty popular. Seems like they can't keep up with the demands. Most of the mounts are sold out everywhere. Though I found the one I wanted and got it through..
https://www.milehighshooting.com/brands/Spuhr-Mount.html?search_query=&page=3&limit=20&sort=featured

Shipping only took a week..

Couple other resources you can check.

https://www.ar15.com/forums/precision-rifles/Optics-Mounts-and-Sights/5/

forum.snipershide.com/forum/sniper’s-hide®-armory-supply/sniper-s-hide-rifle-scopes

Hi Heavies,
What kind of reticle is on your sightron?  Would you have a recommendation?  What mount/rings would you recommend?

We are thinking of staying with moa (vs mil) since we already have several scopes with moa turrets.

I tend to not want batteries/electronics on my toys.  (No red dots or illuminated reticles on any of my toys).  I don't know about my friend.

The scope would be used for paper at Puuloa and if I retire to the mainland - I'd like to try 22lr PRS and maybe the real thing if I can afford it on a fixed income

I was thinking of getting the warne steel rings.  Yes - they are cheap.  I have a feeling I'll be advised to reconsider that option.

I was watching 6.5 guys and that spuhr mount looks interesting.   Have no idea how much they cost

Hi Sugi
Do they have those kind of matches in Hawaii?

On my sightron I have a kind of modified mil dot.  It's ok but not ideal for fine target work, for my liking.  On my target rifle I run a NF with a np2dd reticle.  This is by far my favorite reticle. It's very uncluttered and has a fine aim point.

http://bulletin.accurateshooter.com/2013/02/np-2dd-tip-from-danny-biggs/

I recommend a nice fine line crosshair or dot

Tnx Heavies!