I've got a Millett TRS1 I've had for quite a few years on my prairie dogs setup.  The clicks can be spongy at times trying to keep track of dialing in.  I also never got a good mount for it, just using rings which kept it mounted further back to stay off the handguard.  I threw on a Nikon Monarch 3 I've had on the shelf from the Walmart clearance days a few years ago.  Only goes up to 10x which I thought would give a try but would limit me a bit I feel.  Got it all setup and was prepping it to sight in when I realized it was fixed parallax.  Now I'm on the hunt for an optic.

What are some suggestions of scopes to look into?  Typical shots range from 100-300 with a smattering as far out to 500.

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Posting a link to optics …..not so easy

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Vortex Diamondback

UPC #: 875874009615

Recommend 6-24 with EBR-2C reticle.

Vortex Viper scopes are usually a good choice mostly because of their no fault warranty. Athalon scopes can be decent mid priced optics. SWFA still sells their original line of fixed power scopes and I have one of the 16x MOA quad reticle that is mounted on a 375H&H that has destroyed other brands of optics. The up side of the SWFA SS  16x42 is it’s still $299. ( they make a fixed 20x same price but the 16 is a tad brighter) In the SWFA line there is a 5-20 HD illuminated just under $1500. it is a very solid scope. Talley lightweight ring mounts or Warne rings should work well.  

If you want the really good stuff Nightforce, Tangent Theta, Heinsoldt etc it is very expensive.

Use fix it stick or some other torque limiter to get 15 to 17 inch pounds because 25 in pounds will crush a Vortex or Athalon but not an SS.

Vortex Viper PST in whatever magnification you think you'd need.
The EBR-C2 reticle is pretty nice.
I've read that people suggest 2x magnification per 100 yards/meters.
I have a 3-15 power so in theory I should be able to get out to roughly 750 yards but I think that's pushing it.
IME when I go prairie dog shooting I found myself rarely using the 24x on the scope I sold so I bought a 3-15.

I bought a Weaver Classic 4-16x44 scope last year for my CZ 452. Pretty nice scope for $200.
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Nice looking AR op. I have one very similar. I went with a Vortex Crossfire II 6-18x44 on mine. I prefer simple duplex style reticles and the Weaver above and the Vortex are both duplex style although I went with a illuminated on the Vortex.
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Meopta Optika 6.  Czhecks make good quality European glass without the outrageous European glass price.

this. not the lightest around but not complete pigs either

I appreciate all the replies.  A fixed higher power scope isn't ideal as it makes searching for dogs a bit tough.  

I also agree that with the Millett I had, rarely kept it at max power unless I was out at 500 yds, otherwise the eyebox was tight laying prone.  It is nice having that higher power too though calling misses for people.

How much you willing to spend? That could really help nail down the options.

NF ATACR 4-16 MilXT reticle

This  ^^^

Check out Athlon.  They have tiers based on budget and damn good glass for the $$$ throughout

$1200 or under.

P dogs out to 500. I'd want something with a 15x in it's magnification range.

Not trying to ruffle any feathers, but be careful with budget optics.  Many like to say that they're $300 scope is as good as a $1000 scope, but it just doesn't work that way in the real world. During use you'll notice a loss of resolution, glare not being handled as it should, mirage having you tearing your hair out.

For shooting at small stuff, get a good scope. Of course, there are the big players, nightforce, razor, leupold, etc., but if you're looking for a budgetish scope that is really comfortable to get behind, the Vortex Gen II is hard to beat. Not the 2-10x. It isn't enough magnification and too heavy for what it is, but the 3-15x is a good band for the buck.

The glass is very good and the zero stop system allows for a very precise elevation zero. When setting it, the clicks are done away with and it becomes infinitely adjustable, allowing very small changes to get an exact elevation zero. The downside is that the turrets don't lock. The first time I missed a shot because my windage got spun, I removed the windage cap. I dial for elevation and hold for wind anyway.

try to get the best glass for your money,, don't pass on a good used scope
that carries a lifetime warranty for the user, on my PD rifles a Tikka Super Varmit
and a Home built Bull Barrel AR I use a Bushnell XRS 4.5X30X50 mm  with the G2 in both , it's
good glass, when you can spend hours looking through a scope your eyes
won't be shot and no headaches at the end of the day . I also prefer a FFP
with some sort of Xmas tree for hold overs instead of dialing from 3 to 600
yds. look into any of the Bushnell's XRS or DMR series of glass for the price point .

This right here, OP.

Is parallax really an issue when you never shoot inside of 100 yards?

In air rifle field target it's a huge issue, but for PDs couldn't you just refocus a 100yd parallax for 200 yards, or 1000 yards, and never care that it's not field adjustable?

https://www.eurooptic.com/Trijicon-Credo-25-15x56-SFP-w-Red-MRAD-Center-Dot-30mm-Matte-Black-Riflescope-29.aspx

https://www.eurooptic.com/Meopta-Optika6-3-18x50-Illuminated-MRAD-30mm-FFP-Riflescope-653574.aspx

https://www.eurooptic.com/Meopta-Optika6-45-27x50-Illuminated-Mildot-30mm-FFP-Riflescope-653595.aspx

I would be watching the EE like a hawk.  Nighforce SHV or NXS or Trijicon Credos around 5-20x can usually be had lightly used for around that amount.


New SHV 5-20 SFP for $1200