Scope help please

[maverick351]

So here's the deal. I'm getting a Vortex scope. I'm not interested in any other brands because I get Vortex at cost so that helps a lot. It's going on a 7mm-08 rifle for the wife and it will be for hunting at a Max distance of 500yrds and targets for practice to 600 maybe 700. I am debating between the Viper 6-24x50 and the Viper HS 4-16x50. I was considering the bdc reticle. I have recently been told by a guy at the gun shop that I should only buy a scope with first focal plane and not a second focal plane but I'd have to go to the Viper HS LR for that and that's a bit out of my price range. I am new at all of this so is the wife. I am unsure what to do at this point. Being as this is a sub$500 rifle I didn't feel I needed an $800+ scope. Am I wrong? Please help me decide.

 

[maverick351]

No one has any experience or knowledge that can help? I'm ordering today.

 

[scottstjohn62]

The reason for 1st focal plane is so it can use your reticle at any magnification. 4-16 is plenty for your hunting situation IMO. I own the hst in the 6-24 but shoot out to 1000+ and it is plenty of magnification for me.