[remington70023]

Hello all!
Great website here, lots of information. So I had a few things I wanted to get some opinions on. I recently got a brand new SPS Tactical in .300 Win Mag. I want to choose a good scope for it and I got a pretty decent budget to work with. Say around $500-600. Also I would like it to have mil dots. as I do have alot of training from the military with the M24. If it was in .308 I could find something myself, but I am worried about the recoil knocking things around. I was definitely thinking weaver sight rails unless anyone has any different opinions. I also do all my own reloading if that makes a difference. This is my first .300 so choosing a good scope is somewhat of an issue to me. My range only goes out to 300 yards, but I would like a scope capable of hitting out past that if I needed it to for hunting situations, I know its more the shooter lol, but you have to be able to see what you shooting at! Anyways any information on this would be greatly appreciated. Also a little side note, the barrel on this firearm seems to be not free floating, by that I mean I can't get a piece of paper to slide under the barrel, would it be okay to file down the receiver? If it was wood I wouldn't see an issue with it, but its synthetic. It looks like it would hardly need any filing the paper just barely can't make it down the barrel. Thank you very much for reading and I hope I get some help!

 

[jerrschmitt]

Hello all!
Great website here, lots of information. So I had a few things I wanted to get some opinions on. I recently got a brand new SPS Tactical in .300 Win Mag. I want to choose a good scope for it and I got a pretty decent budget to work with. Say around $500-600. Also I would like it to have mil dots. as I do have alot of training from the military with the M24. If it was in .308 I could find something myself, but I am worried about the recoil knocking things around. I was definitely thinking weaver sight rails unless anyone has any different opinions. I also do all my own reloading if that makes a difference. This is my first .300 so choosing a good scope is somewhat of an issue to me. My range only goes out to 300 yards, but I would like a scope capable of hitting out past that if I needed it to for hunting situations, I know its more the shooter lol, but you have to be able to see what you shooting at! Anyways any information on this would be greatly appreciated. Also a little side note, the barrel on this firearm seems to be not free floating, by that I mean I can't get a piece of paper to slide under the barrel, would it be okay to file down the receiver? If it was wood I wouldn't see an issue with it, but its synthetic. It looks like it would hardly need any filing the paper just barely can't make it down the barrel. Thank you very much for reading and I hope I get some help!

I'd go with a 3X9 from Leupold or Burris. That should give you plenty of scope for anything out to 600 yards or so. I'd also stay away from Weaver mounts with that caliber. I've got Leupold mounts on a .338 Win Mag that have held up well. As for free floating, don't file the receiver. Wrap some 80 grit sand paper around a wooden dowel and sand down the stock channel. Pretty easy to do. You might want to skim coat the stock with Acraglas after that

 

[remington70023]

Thanks for all the help, will do!

 

[PALADIN]

Didn't know they made an SPS tactical in .300. Is your stock a rubber Hogue or the plastic one? What's the barrel length?

 

[remington70023]

Remington 700 SPS .300 Winchester Magnum, i found it NIB on gunbroker, it is the plastic stock with rubber recoil pad, I am not to sure on the barrel length, I'll have to get back to you on that one.

 

[El Chorizo]

I thought they just made the SPS Tactical in .308 and .223. Do they make it in .300? Maybe you have just an SPS?

 

[Quick]

Its just the normal SPS, not a Tactical or Varmint. Neither of them came in .300WM.

 

[remington70023]

Yup, it is just the SPS not a tactical. Sorry about the confusion, any good suggestions for a good scope/ring combination that can hold up well over the recoil. Also one with Mil dots would be nice, I was looking at the Leupold Mark 2's, migh even be convinced to go with a Mark 4 even though there expensive, any ideas? thanks!

 

[PALADIN]

I'm not a military man myself, just ex-LEO, but I'd probably try to stick with a setup similiar to your military training, but maybe some beefer rings or something. These guys will steer you straight. Which branch were you in?

 

[PALADIN]

On another note, I have some good experience with a .300win mag, and I used a Leupold VX-2 4X12 (I think, it's been a while) and Leupold's signature rings. It held up perfect. Was a very heavy gun though. 26 inch heavy barrel and laminated target stock. Was a Savage. Borrowed it for a few deer seasons. No complaint with Leupolds handling the .300. As far as a more tactical scope, I'd let the other guys here offer advice.

 

[Sonofphil]

Just thinking out loud here, but why is someone with "a lot of training from the military with the M24" asking about scope selection, doesn't know the barrel length of a rifle before he buys it, would only "like" to have a mil dot, and refers to the caliber by its full name amongst a group of shooters? Maybe I'm out of line here. Remington, if you're Army with a valid MOS to operate said rifle system, then I apologize for my doubts. If you were just a grunt, then I don't think any CO would qualify Call of Duty as range time. If you were never in the service, then just say so. We will be glad to give advice. Just need to start from an honest point.

As an example, find the topic I started called "Scope mount debacle". That is what happens when I let a friend who told me for years he was a Marine sniper (therefore should know more than me) mount a scope on my rifle.

 

[m24shooter]

Depending on if your budget includes rings and base, there are optics that will fit in your budget.
The reticle in mildots will trim that selection down, but there are still some good options. You could get a used Lupi with mildot, a Trijicon Accupoint, Nikon, Burris, or SWFA SS. The Falcon Menace is supposed to be a great scope for the price. On your budget you will have limited options for a mildot reticle in a scope that will be durable.
As far as handling the recoil, getting a good mount will go a long way towards doing that. Most mounts that I would even put in the "good" category would handle a 300 without problem so long as they are installed properly. Lots of the .mil glass will handle 50s so a 300 is no problem. I've used Lupis on 300s without any problems. Good hunting scopes are frequently made to handle heavier recoiling rifles that are commonly used for hunting. I don't think finding a scope that handles a 300 is your biggest issue.
Just as an example, the SWFA SS line fits largely in your budget. Depending on if you want a 25mm or 30mm tube, fixed or variable, you will either have some money left over or none, or go over your budget if you want one of their upper end optics. You could pick up one of their new variable FFP scopes for right at your budget.
Bases and rings shoudl run you anywhere from $75 total on up to $300. I like Lupi and Badger rings and bases, but they may be totally out of what is needed or desired for most shooters. I like their durability and manufacturing and I know they aren't going to fail.
On the budget side I would lean towards some of the EGW offerings, I've heard very good things about them.
Keep in mind that your optic selection can make a difference as to what rings and base you get. In addition to clearing the barrel you need to thinka bout the weight and size of the optic and the stress it will put on those tiny mounting screws that come with a lot of hunting/cheaper bases and rings. I have seen some bases shear from the receiver in those cases.

 

[Quick]

EGW base, Burris XTR rings, mounted correctly and a good quality scope. Leupold or alike will be good. Also, down the track, a new ER Shaw heavy barrel and mabye a new stock will help your shooting, a bit more weight wouldn't hurt with a .300WM.

 

[PALADIN]

I too have experience with Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2.

 

[remington70023]

Just thinking out loud here, but why is someone with "a lot of training from the military with the M24" asking about scope selection, doesn't know the barrel length of a rifle before he buys it, would only "like" to have a mil dot, and refers to the caliber by its full name amongst a group of shooters? Maybe I'm out of line here. Remington, if you're Army with a valid MOS to operate said rifle system, then I apologize for my doubts. If you were just a grunt, then I don't think any CO would qualify Call of Duty as range time. If you were never in the service, then just say so. We will be glad to give advice. Just need to start from an honest point.

As an example, find the topic I started called "Scope mount debacle". That is what happens when I let a friend who told me for years he was a Marine sniper (therefore should know more than me) mount a scope on my rifle.



Lol, you are a bit out of line to question my service I'd have to say. My question is regarding the .300 win mag. My only experience in a rifle cartridge is the .308. I was 11B if you were military then you know what that is. I never went to Sniper School unfortunately, but because I had the highest range score in my squad I was sent to Squad Designated Marksman school. There we were given training using the M24 and M14. Nothing to crazy just range estimation using mil dot formulas and target reference points, wind calculations and alot of range time out to 700 yards, never had the chance to shoot further than that. So with that being said, I am seeking advice with a cartridge that I am very unfamiliar with. Thanks to everyone else with the advice on scope and scope mounts.

 

[remington70023]

Depending on if your budget includes rings and base, there are optics that will fit in your budget.
The reticle in mildots will trim that selection down, but there are still some good options. You could get a used Lupi with mildot, a Trijicon Accupoint, Nikon, Burris, or SWFA SS. The Falcon Menace is supposed to be a great scope for the price. On your budget you will have limited options for a mildot reticle in a scope that will be durable.
As far as handling the recoil, getting a good mount will go a long way towards doing that. Most mounts that I would even put in the "good" category would handle a 300 without problem so long as they are installed properly. Lots of the .mil glass will handle 50s so a 300 is no problem. I've used Lupis on 300s without any problems. Good hunting scopes are frequently made to handle heavier recoiling rifles that are commonly used for hunting. I don't think finding a scope that handles a 300 is your biggest issue.
Just as an example, the SWFA SS line fits largely in your budget. Depending on if you want a 25mm or 30mm tube, fixed or variable, you will either have some money left over or none, or go over your budget if you want one of their upper end optics. You could pick up one of their new variable FFP scopes for right at your budget.
Bases and rings shoudl run you anywhere from $75 total on up to $300. I like Lupi and Badger rings and bases, but they may be totally out of what is needed or desired for most shooters. I like their durability and manufacturing and I know they aren't going to fail.
On the budget side I would lean towards some of the EGW offerings, I've heard very good things about them.
Keep in mind that your optic selection can make a difference as to what rings and base you get. In addition to clearing the barrel you need to thinka bout the weight and size of the optic and the stress it will put on those tiny mounting screws that come with a lot of hunting/cheaper bases and rings. I have seen some bases shear from the receiver in those cases.


Excellent advice, thank you very much! I will post pics soon when I get it all set up!

 

[PALADIN]

With the synthetic stock and probably the normal diameter barrel, you're going to be facing some serious recoil. After you get your scope/rings/mount, I'd also look into figuring out a way to reduce the recoil, especially if you're going to be doing a good amount of target shooting. You're going to have a bruised shoulder. Maybe a different stock and a new recoil reducing pad of some sort. I believe there are some different stocks that have some kind of recoil reducing system inside them. Either way, good luck.

 

[remington70023]

I picked up that caldwell lead sled Cabellas had on sale, looks like a pretty heavy duty system to help sight it in. Also if it helps the rifle has a 26'' standard barrel.

 

[Sonofphil]

Just thinking out loud here, but why is someone with "a lot of training from the military with the M24" asking about scope selection, doesn't know the barrel length of a rifle before he buys it, would only "like" to have a mil dot, and refers to the caliber by its full name amongst a group of shooters? Maybe I'm out of line here. Remington, if you're Army with a valid MOS to operate said rifle system, then I apologize for my doubts. If you were just a grunt, then I don't think any CO would qualify Call of Duty as range time. If you were never in the service, then just say so. We will be glad to give advice. Just need to start from an honest point.

As an example, find the topic I started called "Scope mount debacle". That is what happens when I let a friend who told me for years he was a Marine sniper (therefore should know more than me) mount a scope on my rifle.



Lol, you are a bit out of line to question my service I'd have to say. My question is regarding the .300 win mag. My only experience in a rifle cartridge is the .308. I was 11B if you were military then you know what that is. I never went to Sniper School unfortunately, but because I had the highest range score in my squad I was sent to Squad Designated Marksman school. There we were given training using the M24 and M14. Nothing to crazy just range estimation using mil dot formulas and target reference points, wind calculations and alot of range time out to 700 yards, never had the chance to shoot further than that. So with that being said, I am seeking advice with a cartridge that I am very unfamiliar with. Thanks to everyone else with the advice on scope and scope mounts.

Like I said, you've got my deepest apologies. You already know how many posers there are that we've all dealt with, and that it's just infuriating when guys pretend just to boost their image at the expense of other's honor. You also got a bit of my anger from finding out a friend of 12 years had lied to me the whole time about being a Marine sniper. So, once again, sorry man.

 

[Sonofphil]

Now, with my words promptly chomped down with a dash of humbleness... here's my 2 cents.

For glass that can take a 300 WM, that's pretty much every brand name out there aside from the budget ones. For bases, follow m24shooter on this one. I have seen the Gander $5 weavers not hold up to magnum loads. All the big guys are safe bets. I've also read good things about Tactical Precision Systems bases and rings. For rings, same thing. I've got Burris Zee rings on my SPS tactical 308, and they hold well. The medium height gives the lowest clearance possible between the bolt and my Bushnell Elite 6500 tactical 2.5-16x42. I wouldn't suggest the Zee rings to you though for the sheer reason I'm unsure as to what magnum recoil would do with regard to zero because of the soft inserts. I'm doing a trial run on them this year to see how they hold up to 308 from freezing to 100 degrees. You should go for rock solid on a 30mm tube.

So, my Bushnell would be a good choice for you. It's in your price range roughly, comes mil-dot, target turrets, fairly light weight, and very clear glass. I'd say the aforementioned bases will hold well. Sounds like you've got some new reloading to do, and maybe a checkup with an orthopedic surgeon after a few range trips.