Long Range Shooting Enthusiasts: Advice

Self ^ | 3/4/18 | Washi

[Washi]

Hello, all.

I'm no stranger to shooting. I hunted for small game, growing up, I qualified, in the Army, as an "Expert" rifleman, and I occasionally take the family out shooting now.

Though I was an Expert in the Army, that shooting was limited to 300 yards, and since I was in the Signal Corps, I really only shot once per year to retain my qualification.

I've recently become interested in long range shooting. I've been looking at optics that would lend themselves to that pursuit. I know that brands like Leupold and Nightforce are the heavy-hitters in this arena, but they are WAY too expensive to justify their price for a hobbyist.

Looking around the optics and long-range shooting forums, there are many "Optics Snobs" that will bad-mouth any brand other than the big, expensive dogs in show and dismiss the other brands out-of-hand.

My question, finally, is: Have any of you ever shot with "Monstrum" brand optics, and if so, what is your opinion of them?

They are Chinese made brands, so there is a black mark against them to begin with, but people who have actually used them have expressed surprise at how much quality and performance they provide for the price you pay.

[frog in a pot]

Thanks for your #28! Great sources of info.

[Dogbert41]

Nice scope! Bet that would make your hike worth it!

[saleman]

Haven’t used Monstrum. Having said that for a budget long range optic here’s what you want. http://www.primaryarms.com/primary-arms-4-14x44mm-riflescope-mil-dot-pa4-14xffp

For any type of tactical optics or accessories Primary Arms is the best source. My opinion only but I have done a fair amount of business with them and they are first rate. From budget to high end.

[.44 Special]

I agree. Learn to shoot with iron (micrometer) sights first. I’m 72and have finally had to go with a scope to be competitive in benchrest shooting. Just picked up a Hawke ED 10-50x60 for $750. Comes with 3 sets of interchangeable turrets 1/8” moa, 1/4” moa, and 1/10MRAD. Optics are brilliant. Adjustments repeatable. A real steal for the money.

[READINABLUESTATE]

Spend 2/3-3/4 of what the rifle is worth on quality optics.
You won’t regret it in the long run.

[cpdiii]

Before we discuss optics one must know what rifle and caliber. Leopold is great but it deserves a fine rifle to get the best out of it.

[ProtectOurFreedom]

I drool over that big beast, but it weighs about 4-1/2 pounds and you need a stable, heavy duty tripod and head to mount it which is another 4-5 pounds. It's way too much to hike with. Good for viewing wildlife when you pull off the road or for horse packing.

The 55 mm Kowa scope (foreground below) weighs only 1-3/4 pounds and you can use a much lighter tripod and head. Seems to be a good alternative for hiking. But it isn't as good taking photos through the scope. I'll probably wind up staying with my medium Nikon binoculars and telephoto lens.

Here's a shot yesterday near dusk of the male Bald Eagle in Milpitas, CA using my Olympus telephoto:

[Georgia Girl 2]

Check out the SWFA SS 10x42 tactical 30 mm rifle scope for $299.95. If you want to step up they also have the SWFA SS 3x15 power for $699.95. And it is a hella scope for the price. But you have to buy it at their website.
SWFA.com.

Go to YouTube and watch multiple review videos. The $699 scope gives you the same features as a $1400 Leupold or a $2400 Night force. Is it sexy and snazzy? No but it works.

[KC Burke]

Great collection of links in one post. Thanks

[Washi]

Thanks for calling in the Banglist.
Can you add me to the list, please?

[MileHi]

My friend has been shooting a long way with a Christensen Arms .270 with a Leupold VX-6. The chrony’d the load and got the custom turrets from Leupold. They have been pulling bullets out of Hornady Superformance ammo and seating Accubond LR (long range) .277 150 grain. Those have a BC of .625! His dad has the same rig and he said the old man keeps making one hole groups at 100 yds.

[Washi]

What caliber of rifle do you intend to use?

.308

[Washi]

Don't know anything about Monstrum but you might investigate which scope manufacturer's factory in China the Monstrum factory sits across the street from.

Hah hah. You're probably right.

"It's got Sony guts!" (obscure TV salesman pitch)

[Washi]

Thanks for the links.

[Washi]

Thanks for the graphic.

[Doc91678]

Good round 150 gr nosler boat tail will reach out. BTW, take a look at Leatherwood scopes in 6-18 x 40mm it’s well priced at about $400...

[trebb]

Yep - start with the "basics". My Dad bought me a daisy BB gun when I was 4...had to put up a sawhorse for me to rest it on so he could teach me the art of becoming consistent with the iron sights.

When he passed, I inherited his weapons and every one of them was already dead nuts for me because I learned to sight from him. I enjoy open sights more than using a scope for recreational shooting to this day, but at 65, I am a bit better with a scope...;-}

[Dogbert41]

Beautiful photo! Seriously!

[RedStateRocker]

To this day the most impressive shooting I ever actually saw was with iron sights.
I mean I love glass, built telescopes when younger, and shoot,300 Winchester handloads (admittedly badly)so can rhapsodize over what glass I’d buy if I won the Lotto, but watching someone shoot with a 1911 or Henry Big Boy (current object of my lust) is even cooler than shooting at 600 yards with a Barrett (and that’s pretty cool). Good old iron sights rock.

[nvcdl]

Most chinese scopes are crap.

I recommend Weaver Grand Slam and Super Slam optics- they can be had on sale for around 200-300 and are excellent quality made in Japan optics.