Scope for 400 yd Shots?

[pa_sportsman]

A couple of years ago, a cousin of mine bought a 7mm STW. He had a 3-9x40 scope that he put on it. He hunts in PA and will not have a long shot unless he is in a farm field or on a power line. However, his son (my 2nd cousin) recently moved to New Mexico. He now intends to hunt out there with his son every few years (if not more often).

Because he expects to [or would like to be able to] shoot out to 400 yards, he wants to put a 4-12 (or similar) scope on that gun. He asked me to research some options on the internet for him, but I have no experience with many of the manufacturers or shots to that distance.

He doesn't want to spend more than $350(ish) and should be able to get a decent scope for that cost. Below are some scope manufacturers and models that I found.

In no particular order of preference:

Burris Fullfield II

Bushnell Elite 3200

Leupold VX-II

Nikon Buckmasters

Nikon Monarch

Simmons AETEC Master

Weaver Classic V Series

Weaver Grand Slam

Some factors to consider are quality of construction, lens quality and coating(s), light transmissivity, and warranty.

If you are familiar with any scope specified above or shooting to that distance, your feedback will be greatly appreciated. Please reference a specific scope (mfr., model, magnification) when possible.

Thank you.

[snapper]

Re: Scope for 400 yd Shots?

I've shot close to 400 yards with my Leupold VXII 3-9...something with just a bit more power would be nice, but not needed.

Out of the scopes you listed...I would say the Leupold, Nikon Monarch, Nikon Buckmasters, Burris and maybe the Bushnell Elite. I wouldn't personally mess with a Simmons or Weaver for that distance.

[AJ]

Re: Scope for 400 yd Shots?

I have shot long distances (out to 500 yards) with many different scopes. The extra magnification can be an asset or a liability, depending on the weather. When its hot, and the mirage is boiling in the wind, magnification above 10x is just about useless. I have had guns with 15-35x custom Leupolds that were un-usable because I could not see the target.

I prefer a 4-14x44 scope for my guns that will have shots from in your face close to way out there. It allows me to get a better view of the target and make a final decision if I want the animal. It allows me more accurate shot placement as it magnifies the target area.

Any scope with decent optics that will hold zero will allow the shooter to shoot at longer ranges. If the shooter uses the holdover method, this is definately so. I have quite a few Simmons scopes that I have shot varmints out to 400+ yards and they worked just fine. If you want to dial in the desired elevation and windage, that can be another story. Now, your scope has to be repeatable and hold zero. I have only a couple scopes that will do that. Some will hold zero just fine, but when adjustments are made its not consistant. The drawback to setting the scope for each shot is there will come a time when you go to take a close range shot and find your scope is set for a 15 mph crosswind shooting at 400 yards. Or its the other way around. Oh well.

From the scopes you have listed, I rate them:

Nikon Monarch

Weaver Grand Slam, Burris Fullfield II, Bushnell Elite 3200, Leupold VX-II

Nikon Buckmasters, Weaver Classic V Series, Simmons AETEC Master

Remember to tell your cousin that just because you have a fairly flat shooting gun and a decent scope, does not mean you can hit what your aiming for while shooting 400 yards. It takes a lot of practice to be able to connect reliably at those distances. As I have said many times before, getting the elevation is easy these days. With todays quality laser rangefinders, and ballistic software, its simple to get the desired drop of the bullet. What is still an art is doping the wind. That is much more critical than shooting high or low. It means the difference between a vital shot or a gut shot.

[pa_sportsman]

Re: Scope for 400 yd Shots?

I will certainly pass this information along to my cousin. Thank you all.