Scope suggestions for $700-$800 please!

Joined
Jun 24, 2025
Messages
30
I’m currently trying to put together a 6.5 prc and want to know what you guys recommend in the 700-800$ range. I don’t plan on shooting past 700-800 yard on the range and realistically not past 500 in the field. I’d like at least 15 mag unless you all think I could get by with lower. Any recommendations are appreciated!
 
SWFA 3x9 with money leftover for a good set of rings and a couple boxes of ammo.

I just feel like the 9x is on the low side for how far I want to shoot on the range. A few of my buddies have 14x and 16x and they both get a little dicey after 500, so I feel like anything above 16 would be perfect.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
You’ll hear a lot of comments on not needing very high of magnification, I’ve been trying to use less magnification and I feel like I’ve become a better marksman. If your looking for a SFP that’s reliable Id look at the trijicon credos.
 
Zero reason to ever need more than 15x, and lots of reasons why more than that, especially in SFP, is bad.
 
If you look at any of the other scope recommendations threads, you'll notice that there's only about four manufacturers and models mentioned on here.
 
Take a look at the Element Helix HD 2-16x50's
  • 30mm Main Body Tube
  • 8x Zoom Optical System
  • Compact, Lightweight design
  • Aircraft Grade Aluminum
  • Side Parallax: 10m-Infinity
  • Fully Multi-Coated Lenses with HD Glass
  • Capped, Resettable Turrets
  • Removable Magnification Throw Lever
  • Waterproof, Fogproof, Shockproof & Nitrogen Purged
  • Sunshade, Lens Cloth, ‘Cheat Sheet’ Stickers & Clear Lens Caps Included
 
Bushnell LRHS/LRTS from the classifieds. 3-12 or 4.5-18. LRTS has thinner reticle that isn't as easy to see at bottom magnification, LRTS is easy to see but reticle can be a bit thick at top end.

A couple ounces heavier and a higher min power - SWFA SS 5-20x50

I like having 15ish x for punching paper and steel as well so I get it. While I can shoot well with 9 or 10x, it takes a little more concentration on the aiming point. I'm happy with 9-10x for a hunting scope but more is nice for playing at the range. Once you get into that higher mag range, the options that are solid, weigh less than 25 ounces, and are in your price range, start to dwindle.
 
I’ve had no issues banging steel with my Swfa 3x9.
If you want more zoom, maybe try finding a used trijicon credo in 2.5x15 or 4x16
 
The SWFA scopes are the best value for money, in my opinion. The other scope manufacturer I wholeheartedly endorse is Trijicon. For really bargain basement reliable scopes, I look for Bausch and Lomb scopes from the late 1990s and early 2000s.


____________________
“Keep on keepin’ on…”
 
I’m currently trying to put together a 6.5 prc
...
I don’t plan on shooting past 700-800 yard on the range and realistically not past 500 in the field.
6.5mm Creedmoor has quite a bit less recoil, a wider selection of less expensive ammo and is lethal (1,800 FPS) out to about 700 yards.
 
I just feel like the 9x is on the low side for how far I want to shoot on the range. A few of my buddies have 14x and 16x and they both get a little dicey after 500, so I feel like anything above 16 would be perfect.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Are you shooting steel or paper on the range? If you can't hit steel at 700 yds with a quality 9x or 10x scope, the scope isn't the issue. If you're shooting paper for tiny groups at that range, then I can see the need for more magnification. I've played with a couple of 25x scopes, too much for me. 16x is about it for me, maybe 20x depending on the day, but 16x is solid.

I like the SWFA 3-9 enough that I just bought 3 more of them for hunting rifles, after getting one to take a look at.
 
Another great option is the Hawke Frontier 30 SF 2.5-15x50 - Mil Pro which is on sale, reduced from $889.99 to only $599.99
  • 21 layer Fully Multi-Coated 6x ratio optical system
  • Side focus control for parallax adjustment
  • 30mm mono-tube chassis for superior strength
  • Long eye relief for high recoil and magnum calibers
  • Glass etched reticle with red illumination
  • 6 levels of brightness with off positions in-between
  • 1⁄10 MRAD exposed Zero Lock 'n' Stop turrets
  • Zoom ring with thumb lever and locking ocular
 
Another great option is the Hawke Frontier 30 SF 2.5-15x50 - Mil Pro which is on sale, reduced from $889.99 to only $599.99
  • 21 layer Fully Multi-Coated 6x ratio optical system
  • Side focus control for parallax adjustment
  • 30mm mono-tube chassis for superior strength
  • Long eye relief for high recoil and magnum calibers
  • Glass etched reticle with red illumination
  • 6 levels of brightness with off positions in-between
  • 1⁄10 MRAD exposed Zero Lock 'n' Stop turrets
  • Zoom ring with thumb lever and locking ocular

Has it been drop tested?


____________________
“Keep on keepin’ on…”
 
Another great option is the Hawke Frontier 30 SF 2.5-15x50 - Mil Pro which is on sale, reduced from $889.99 to only $599.99
  • 21 layer Fully Multi-Coated 6x ratio optical system
  • Side focus control for parallax adjustment
  • 30mm mono-tube chassis for superior strength
  • Long eye relief for high recoil and magnum calibers
  • Glass etched reticle with red illumination
  • 6 levels of brightness with off positions in-between
  • 1⁄10 MRAD exposed Zero Lock 'n' Stop turrets
  • Zoom ring with thumb lever and locking ocular

What do you think about the leica amplus 6-18?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
In that price range I think the burris veracity ph is pretty interesting. Specs look good and a pretty simple system to get on steel out at longer range.
 
This subject gets lots of posts and I always say the same thing.
I would not have a scope for field use that doesn't dial down to 3X or lower.
Field of view becomes VERY important when that animal steps out much closer than you planned.
FOR ME, SFP is much more useable in hunting than FFP.
I like Meopta 3-15 or 3-18 SFP for hunting.
 
Back
Top