Scope for prairie dogs

[harrym]

Anyone using their AR15 Sport for prairie dogs? What scope are you using? I hope to find a scope for under $200 if I can.

[Speedieguy]

Cabelas has a 4-12x44. I have one and am very happy with it.

Cabela's Riflescopes : Cabela's

There are also some sub-$200 Nikons that are pretty nice.

http://www.cabelas.com/catalog/produ...AL%3BIK-713427

[JaPes]

Calling Oneyeopn ...

[Rastoff]

A $200 scope? I'm sure you'll find many who'll say they have one that's working great for them, but I'm not one of them. I've wasted too much money on cheap optics. Save your pennies and get a good one. You won't be sorry.

At what distance do you intend to obliterate these little varmints?

[thecatch8]

Originally Posted by JaPes

Calling Oneyeopn ...

I thought cypher was the "self proclaimed" prairie expert?

[uncledoggle]

A wise man once told me that you should spend at least as much on your scope as you did on your rifle.

[cyphertext]

Originally Posted by thecatch8

I thought cypher was the "self proclaimed" prairie expert?

No, but I know enough about it to know that an Eotech and match grade ammo ain't what you need...

[thecatch8]

Originally Posted by cyphertext

No, but I know enough about it to know that an Eotech and match grade ammo ain't what you need...

......thanks Dad!

[cyphertext]

I agree with Rastoff, it may be a challenge to find something under $200. Most prairie dog hunters have pretty high magnification, up to 20x. Clarity and magnification are expensive.

[harrym]

Mostly between 50 and 100 yards. I've made some longer shots with my Remington 700 in .243, but I've missed some, too. It has a Bushnell 3-9 power scope that has been satisfactory. I've heard the spend as much as the gun costs argument, but I don't agree with it. There are lots of under $200 scopes available. Some varmint shooters must know of a good one.

[JaPes]

Originally Posted by thecatch8

I thought cypher was the "self proclaimed" prairie expert?

Nope. Oneyeopn is.

Though I'm starting to understand why he doesn't participate much here anymore. Sad.

[Engineer1911]

I've shot prairie dogs since 1982 and burned the rifling out of 3 guns doing it.

Hands down the best prairie dog scope for the money is a 12X Luepold target scope with fine duplex cross hairs. Used ones are even a better deal. Used might be $200 and I don't know what new costs.

You get what you pay for in optics. You can't shoot 400 yards with a $200 scope accurately on an AR. Firing vibration/bolt cycling beats a cheap scope to junk. I've shot $125 Simmon's scopes (from MidwayUSA) for years on Ruger 10/22 or bolt action 223 Rem rifles but they aren't ARs.

[Rastoff]

Originally Posted by harrym

Mostly between 50 and 100 yards.

OK, now we've got something to go on. This will determine how much magnification you need. Though I must say, most prairie dog hunters seem to shoot them further out than that.

Originally Posted by harrym

There are lots of under $200 scopes available.

Yep, there are tons of scopes for less than $200. Everyone I've ever owned was fine until I actually shot them. Don't hold zero, difficult to adjust and lots of parallax error. I guess this falls into the category of, until you try one, you won't understand how much better it can be.

Here is the absolute cheapest scope I'd recommend: Vortex Optics - Viper 3-9x40 Dead-Hold BDC
It's more than you wanted to spend, but quality don't come cheap. Even this one is not one I'd buy myself, but Vortex has a tremendous reputation for making good scopes.

[cyphertext]

Originally Posted by harrym

Mostly between 50 and 100 yards. I've made some longer shots with my Remington 700 in .243, but I've missed some, too. It has a Bushnell 3-9 power scope that has been satisfactory. I've heard the spend as much as the gun costs argument, but I don't agree with it. There are lots of under $200 scopes available. Some varmint shooters must know of a good one.

Harry, if you can keep your shots within 100 yards, a Bushnell 3-9 power will work. However, prairie dog hunting is often from a longer distance, like 200 yards and out.

[plattincreek]

Well, I've been shooting at the P'dogs for about 30 years now so I have a little experience to share. My AR is a colt that has be refitted with a 26 inch stainless bull barrel with a muzzle brake. The scope on that rifle is a Leupold 12x with target knobs and a fine duplex reticle. It is accurate out to about 350. After that I reach for a bigger gun... 22/250, 220 Swift or my 25/06. Save your money until you can get a good scope. I watched a 18 power Simmons self destruct just a couple of hours ago. Told him he needed to buy a good scope.

[TheMaineEvent]

At that yardage you could use a Nikon 3-9x40. I use one and have nothing but praise for it. I also shoot a Primary Arms 4-14x44 and love that scope too. Both would be good choices.

[harrym]

I was wondering about the different stress produced by the AR15, compared to my Remington 700. So any opinion of the Nikon Buckmaster 4.5-14x40 Riflescope? It is available for $269 -- a bit more than $200 -- but possible if it is up to the job. I have always been happy with Nikon products.

[rongarrett]

If you are going to limit your shots to 100 yds you must just be going to dabble at it. Not every hole has a couple of P dogs in it. You will find out that it doesn't take long for you to either kill the 100 yard ones, or the ones you missed will not come out. Stick gwith 40 brain bullets if you can, they shoot flatter and will net you a few extra yards.............if the wind is not whipping. As for scopes I proved to myself that a Leupold 6X25X40 is the best and can be moved around to better Pdog rifles if need be. More magnification and mirage gets to be a big problem. Less magnification just does not give you enough detail to properly dope the wind. Side focus is a great help. Last shoot I went on my buddy and I + guide carried 18 rifles that ranged from 22 LR to 22.250, to 6BR, to 243 improved, to 25.06 and a total of 5000 rounds. My longest confirmed kill was 786 yards, with the 25.06. If you are serious about Pdog shooting and the 223 is all ya got. Use 40 grain bullets in as hot a load as your gun will take,[flattened primers}. You will be seriously underguned if you really want to get after them. Would recommend that you get interested in predator hunting, which the 223 / 5.56 can excel at.

[JoseVazquez76]

look into the vortex cross fire II

[JoseVazquez76]

or the Bushnell AR 223 line

[harrym]

Thanks, Jose. I like Bushnell products. Just looked up this scope [Bushnell AR Optics Drop Zone 223 BDC Reticle Riflescope with Target Turrets and Side Parallax, 4.5-18x 40mm] and it looks like a good one for $215. Wasn't aware of it until you suggested their AR .223 line. I live in rolling country, so we can usually get within relatively short range for dogs. 18X is probably more than I would need.

[coltle6920]

We got the urban Pdogs where I live.Pull up to a redlight...roll down your window and drop a brick on them.Can't shoot them and the City wont do anything unless it's totally humane thanks to Peta.I would suggest growing marijuana in the same fields as the dogs but you would probably get numerous lawsuits from people that broke an ankle in a hole while sampling the "crop".

[JoseVazquez76]

Originally Posted by harrym

Thanks, Jose. I like Bushnell products. Just looked up this scope [Bushnell AR Optics Drop Zone 223 BDC Reticle Riflescope with Target Turrets and Side Parallax, 4.5-18x 40mm] and it looks like a good one for $215. Wasn't aware of it until you suggested their AR .223 line. I live in rolling country, so we can usually get within relatively short range for dogs. 18X is probably more than I would need.

Your welcome, if you look around you can find them for under 200 don't let the pics fool you its a really solid well built scope.

[Maddmax]

Originally Posted by thecatch8

I thought cypher was the "self proclaimed" prairie expert?

Nope. Oneyeopn has that one in the bag.

[thecatch8]

Originally Posted by Maddmax

Nope. Oneyeopn has that one in the bag.

fa·ce·tious
fəˈsēSHəs/Submit
adjective
1.
treating serious issues with deliberately inappropriate humor; flippant.
synonyms: flippant, flip, glib, frivolous, tongue-in-cheek, ironic, sardonic, joking, jokey, jocular, playful, sportive, teasing, mischievous; More

[Maddmax]

Originally Posted by JaPes

Nope. Oneyeopn is.

Though I'm starting to understand why he doesn't participate much here anymore. Sad.

Me too. It's a knowledge loss on here that some don't realize what they are missing.

[wylie won]

I like the Bushnell AR Optics too. I just mounted one on my AR. It works great at the range. I can't wait to try it out on prairie dog.

AR Optics 4.5-18x 40mm

[Jboutfishn]

I have a Leupold VXII 3 X 9 with QD mounts that I keep for a backup mounted on my Sport. Bullet Proof.

[harrym]

wylie: What mount did you use for your Bushnell 4.5-18 AR scope? Did you leave your rear MBUS in place?

[wylie won]

I used the Burris AR-P.E.P.R Mount. It works great! My groupings at 100 yards are tight. I put the rear sight down. It works fine.

[apollolanding]

If you're on a budget, my Uncle and I both picked up Nikon P-223 3x9x40s with the M-223 mount for our 15Ts. Cabelas has Nikon on sale and I got the optic and mount for right around $200 shipped. Shooting sub-MOA at 100 yards and have no trouble seeing woodchuck/prairie dog sized targets further downrange.

[harrym]

wylie: Is that the quick detach model PEPR mount? I can't tell from this side. The levers may be on the other side. I looked at that scope today at Walmart, and the eye relief seems to be about 3 inches for me. It looks like it could be moved forward a bit if necessary on your rifle. It's a heavy scope; should be solid and dependable.

[wylie won]

Harrym it's not the PEPR quick detach... the eye relief is 3.7". I actually had to adjust the scope forward a notch after I got it to the range to zero it. There is plenty of room for adjustment. I believe it's a quality product. I'm going to hit up a 200 yard range soon to see how well the drop zone reticle works. I paid less than $300 for the whole setup. I think it's an inexpensive and quality optic choice for someone on a budget.

[don5]

I heard oneyeopn has to drive over an hour to find prairie dogs that haven't heard of him. I also heard he prefers a HIGH magnification scope so he can see the whiskers twitch on a praire dog. Since I am a squirrel hunter myself, I tend to use a 22 rimfire and take only head shots. Well I hear oneyeopn takes only eye shots at great distances! Now don't ask me how I know these things as this is just what I have heard. Now some of you new guys don't know him but believe me when I say some of us old guys will never forget the simple man from Kansas. It's a shame he isn't on here more often.

[TheMaineEvent]

Oneyeopn doesn't use scopes. He uses military satellites to wreak havoc on entire colonies of prairie dogs. In cooperation with a spotter, oneyeopn can poor in 22LR like artillery. Truly amazing.

[don5]

You guys ever wonder why prairie dogs stand up? Who do you think they are looking for? Oneyeopn. Just sayin.......

[JaPes]

During his time in the military, Oneyeopn was selected for project Eagle-Eye. His dominant eye was replaced with a bio-engineered eye that gives him the visual acuity better than that of an eagle. Oneyeopen doesn't need a scope. The one mounted to his rifle is there for show: it's just a tube with two pieces of glass. It's there because project Eagle-Eye is still classified.

The only reason I know is that I visited many a conspiracy theorist website and saw a grainy group picture of a group of test subjects allegedly from project Eagle-Eye, and recognized Oneyeopn.

[Autococker07]

Burris Elite.... I have a fixed power 10X40 that is at least as clear as my MKIV Leupold..... and under 200 bucks....

Bushnell Elite 3200 Tactical Rifle Scope 10x 40mm 1/10 Mil Adjustments

[harrym]

I see UTG makes a QD offset mount for under $40. The local price for the Burris PEPR is $115. The PEPR is a more attractive mount. Design and finish are better. Anyone have experience with the UTG mount? The UTG [red dot] mount on my 15-22 has been fine. However, the stress from an AR15 is another story.

[Rastoff]

Originally Posted by harrym

I see UTG makes a QD offset mount for under $40.

Save your $40 for something better. I have used UTG mounts and they have been OK, if you never move it. But, removing and remounting one is not something I'd do with a UTG mount. So, a QD is about useless with a mount that cheap.

[ESW]

I agree, your not shooting many prairie dogs at 50 yards. Unless you are using a suppressor you'll scare them all away after shot number one. Years ago we routinely shot them at 200 to 300 yards. Used mostly a 22-250. That gun shoots lights out and always hit it's target. I've thought about using my m&p 15x for them would be fun but it'll never shoot like that 22-250 Rem 700.

[harrym]

Wylie -- I just ordered the Bushnell 4.5-18 scope and the Burris PEPR mount like you have pictured above. Are you using it with the standard Sport front sight? Does the sight interfere, or is the mount high enough to take care of that?

[cyphertext]

Originally Posted by harrym

Wylie -- I just ordered the Bushnell 4.5-18 scope and the Burris PEPR mount like you have pictured above. Are you using it with the standard Sport front sight? Does the sight interfere, or is the mount high enough to take care of that?

Harry, with the magnification of that scope, you won't see the front sight post. The focal point of the scope is farther out than the sight, so it is like it isn't even there.

[wylie won]

Originally Posted by harrym

Wylie -- I just ordered the Bushnell 4.5-18 scope and the Burris PEPR mount like you have pictured above. Are you using it with the standard Sport front sight? Does the sight interfere, or is the mount high enough to take care of that?

I use it with the stock front sight. It does not interfere with the scope at any magnification.

[harrym]

Our local shop has Hornady Varmint Express [$24], PMC Bronze, and Winchester Super-X .223 in stock. Is the Hornady worth the extra money for prairie pups? Fiocci 50-round boxes are less than these 20-round boxes, but this is what is available here and now. I have enough of the PMC on hand, but just wondering.....

[harrym]

Bushnell AR 4.5-18 scope and Burris PEPR mount came yesterday, but they sent the 30mm mount instead of the 1" model. So I'll have to wait another week to fit my Sport with a scope. The scope looks great, though. Looks sturdy enough for an AR. The Burris mount looked very well made, too. Nice finish.

[wylie won]

It's a good setup... you won't regret it!

[Rastoff]

Originally Posted by harrym

...they sent the 30mm mount instead of the 1" model.

Get these: Amazon.com : Gg&G 30Mm To 1" Ring Reducer : Sporting Optic Rings : Sports & Outdoors@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31U9lSfqpHL.@@AMEPARAM@@31U9lSfqpHL

One day you might want to upgrade to a 30mm scope.

[Big Cholla]

I have rifles that have a scope mounted that did cost more than the rifle. I have found that for everyday use with utter reliability an imported scope made in China (there, I said it) provides the most 'bang for the buck' that I have found. IMHO, better than Bushnell, BSA, Simmons and a bunch other. The name of this scope line is "Alpen". You can buy direct from their web site. I have an Alpen 6x20 mounted on a heavy barrel AR in 5.56 and have shot many a P Dog with that combo. I also have a Rem 700 in 257 Roberts Ackley Improved with an Alpen 6x24 that has killed P Dogs out to a measured 557 yds. ................. Big Cholla

[harrym]

Wylie: Another scope question. When I took the Bushnell scope out of the wrapper, a little dime-shaped piece of aluminum with a "B" embossed on it fell out. I assume it goes in the rangefinder turrent, but I don't see any way of holding it there. Without it, the turrent shows a bright steel screw/cap with a coin slot. The instruction manual says the turrent cap should be solid with a hex screw holding it in place. Doesn't sound like this turrent at all. I assume I would loosen the screw/cap and turn the turrent to reset zero, then retighten the screw. But do I have a faulty turrent cap, or is that "B" disk to be removed [or held in place some way]?