Optics for Varmint Rifle, need advice

[dkyser]

I just ordered this gun in .204 and will mostly shoot paper and woodchucks, crows and a few coyotes. Savage Model 12 VLP DBM

I honestly do not see myself shooting beyond 300 yards, and usually from a bench or bipod.

Not sure if a black or silver scope will look better.

Looking for scope options so I can start doing some research on them.

I usually just let the shop suggest something but would rather have someone who is more knowledgeable help me out.
I wont say price doesn't matter, but not restricted to $200.00 either, want a good quality scope.

[Xringshooter]

I have a Savage 12FV in .204 Ruger (heavy barrel, synthetic stock) and I put a 6x-24x X 50mm Tasco on it and sighted it in at 200 yds on 12X. I can cloverleaf 3 rounds no problem. I haven't even used anything above 12X yet. I want to get it out to a range that I can see what it does at 300-500 yds. Maybe this summer.

With you gun, I'd go with a silver scope to match the barrel. There are so many scopes out there it can be a hard choice. I would however think about something with a 50mm lens, it pulls in a lot of light which is good if you're hunt around the dusk time for varmits.

[ChrisUSMC]

bushnell elite 3200. Max power you would need at 300 should be around 12 or 16. they aren't an expensive scope but good quality.

[Pointman73]

For the money, the Millet tactical line cannot be beat. I've used the DMS 1-4and TRS-1 4-16x50 Side Focus. The TRS-1 may be your best bet.

[dk99358]

Hot summer days (most likely time for the shooting you plan) can cause mirage problems with higher powers. I would think that something with top end around 14, 16 or maybe 18X would be ideal. Maybe a 4-12.

I'd look real hard at a Weaver Grand Slam, Sightron SII, or maybe a Nikon Buckmaster. Redfield 4-12 if $ become a concern.

Personally, from the looks point of view, a silver or blue scope doesn't matter so long as the RINGS MATCH THE SCOPE.

Dale

[Jody777]

Leupold are my first choice, but 2nd is Mueller illuminated dot, great scope for the price.

[Steve in PA]

Savage 12FV in .223 with a Mueller 4-16x 50mm IR scope.

[Pointman73]

Hey, that's a cool setup Steve, I never heard of that scope company. How does it rank?

[Jaybird777]

+1 for the muellers... i have the same 4-16x50AO w/illuminated mildot on my savage 12FCV in 223... absolutely love it...

also topped my marlin 25.06 with mueller's 3-10x44 illuminated german p4 reticle... again, love it

currently reworking the wood on what was my first rifle, remington 788 in 243... when its done, its getting a mueller, just haven't decided which one yet

[lofter]

Bushnell 4200's glass I feel are better than leupold and i have several leupolds also. 4200's are being discontinued and you can get a 4-16x40 side focus mildot for around $350. Another option is to check out local gunshops on used mounted scopes. Maybe a consigned piece could save you a few hundred dollars? Personally I have a cooper in 204 and the scope is a bushnell 6-24x50 tactical.....fabulous glass. the buckmasters scopes aren't a bad option either but they are in the range of a 4200 app $300 + for the 6-18x40. good shotin to ya no matter what you decide.