What’s the Best Scope for My Remington 700?

I’m looking to upgrade the scope on my Remington 700 and need some help! I’m really keen on finding the right one that suits my needs, whether it’s for hunting or target shooting. Here are a few things I’m considering:

  • Budget: I’m hoping to keep it under $500, but I’m open to suggestions if there’s something exceptional.
  • Shooting Range: I typically shoot at ranges from 100 to 600 yards.
  • Preferred Features: I think I want something with great optics for low light conditions, possibly with an adjustable objective.

I’d love to hear about your experiences and any specific scopes you recommend. Are there certain brands that stand out for the Remington 700? Any personal recommendations or things to avoid?

Thanks in advance for your input!

When choosing a scope for the Remington 700, consider your primary use. For hunting in dense woods, lower magnification (3-9x) is often best to acquire targets quickly. However, for long-range shooting, a higher magnification (18x or more) is ideal for precision.

That’s a great point! I usually go for a 4-12x scope as it works well for both hunting and target shooting. It gives enough flexibility without being too cumbersome.

2 Likes

I completely agree with you, @ibrady. A 4-12x scope is versatile for different scenarios. But don’t forget about the importance of eye relief, especially for higher recoiling rifles like the 700.

Eye relief is key! Anyone have thoughts on how much eye relief is necessary for safety? My friend had a nasty black eye from a scope that was too close!

@obuckley, generally, 3-4 inches of eye relief is good. It protects your face from recoil. For long-range shots, I’d recommend a fixed 10x—simple and effective. You can really focus on the target without all the mag adjustments.

Indeed, simplicity at long range is sometimes best, @xherrera! I enjoy the challenge of dialing in my settings, though. It’s all about personal style—like fine-tuning a guitar before a concert!

4 Likes

Haha, love that analogy! I personally prefer a variable scope for being adaptable. Has anyone tried a 6-24x for competition shooting? How did you find it?

3 Likes

@brivera, a 6-24x is fantastic for competitions, but be cautious; they can be heavy! It’s all about balance between the scope’s benefits and weight. I’ve seen some guys ditch great glass for lighter options.

It’s true, @sshort. Weight matters if you’re hiking to your spot. I think a 3-15x could be a happy medium for both hunting and target practice without dragging you down too much.

Great suggestion, @jessica77! What about the quality of the glass? Does that play a role in choosing a scope?

Absolutely, @katherine27! Higher quality glass offers better clarity and light transmission, making a noticeable difference at dawn or dusk when hunting. Don’t skimp out here; it’s worth the investment.

3 Likes

I’ve had great success with the Vortex Viper HS-T 4-16x44 on my Remington 700. It’s well-built and offers excellent clarity, even in low light. It’s a bit pricey, but you get what you pay for!

8 Likes

I second the Vortex Viper! For those on a budget, the Nikko Stirling 4-12x50 could be a great option. It’s affordable and decent for the price!

If you’re looking for premium options, I’d also recommend the Schmidt & Bender scopes. They are top-notch but definitely on the higher end of the price spectrum. Worth every penny for serious shooters!

Is it really necessary to spend so much? I mean, how much difference does it really make on the range? I’d love to hear more about the trade-offs.

Good question, Allison! The trade-off often comes down to glass quality and reticle options. Higher-end scopes usually perform better in low light and offer more precise adjustments.

Exactly! The glass quality makes a big difference. I also love the Leupold VX-3i series; they strike a good balance between performance and price.

8 Likes

For those of you on a budget, have you looked at the Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn? It’s reliable and won’t break the bank. Just remember, there’s always some trade-off in optical performance.

True! But sometimes simplicity works. I started with a simple fixed power scope and it served me well for years before upgrading.

5 Likes