Getting a scope for my PTR-91

I've never bought a scope before. Actually, I've never used a scope before, but I wanted to put some glass on my PTR, because that's the only center fire rifle I own that will really accept one. I've asked around about a quality, durable scope that won't break the bank, and been pointed towards a Nikon BDC. Any input or suggestions?

I'd get a peep mount if possible.

Is that where the scope is up out of the way of the irons so you can still use them? If so, that's what I've got. Right now, I've got an after-market B-Square mount that will do for now, until I can get a surplus claw mount with the integrated rings. Those are kind of hard to find. I know the ones with the STANAG top are easier to come by, but I wants the integrated rings.

Is the reason for a scope just to buy one? Or do you have a purpose for it?

Pretty much just to have one. At this point, all I see myself using it for is target shooting, but I'd like to have something that could go on a hunting rifle if I ever decide I want one. Nothing fancy. I can't see myself spending much more than $200 on it.

yeah, than the Nikon scope will do what you need

This. Period. Full stop.

When you buy cheap glass, the only thing you're hurting is yourself. Now, seeing as this is your first scope, I'm not going to tell you that you have to buy a $1,200 Leupold or Carl Zeiss optic. But, you need to decide exactly what you want to do with it first. You mentioned hunting. What ranges? Fixed power scopes are cheaper than variable power scopes. If you're talking 100-200 yards on an average adult white tail deer, I think you'd be more than fine with a fixed 3x magnification. You can pick up a fixed 3x Leupold for a fairly reasonable price.

Also, where do you want to put the scope? I honestly can't recall, is this a scout scope mounting situation? If so, scout scopes are a little more expensive because they require tremendous eye relief. Sorry, for those playing the home game, eye relief is the distance between your eye and the rear of the optic.

Fixed power sounds like an option. I guess what I'm looking for is something I'll almost certainly only use for target shooting...but I'd also like to be able to use if in the unlikely event that I need to shoot coyotes, sasquatches, or in case of a mutant zombie apocalypse.

The set up will be like this..



But without any bipods. I will need to put a riser on the stock since the scope will be so high up.

@Man Afraid of his Shoes, do they make low-profile mounts for the PTR? That's what I always hated about the old AR's before the A3's removable carry handle. The scope was up so high you had to crank your neck and head into an unnatural position. But, yeah, for what you want, I'd certainly give fixed power scopes a look. I'd have no problem with a Nikon fixed scope, btw.

This is true for camera lenses (still and video) as well.

There are some low profile mounts, but I think pretty much anything that clears the irons will require some funky neck positions or a modification to the stock.

I've checked Gander Mountain and Dicks, and it loos like fixed power scopes are kind of few and far between. The only one I found was specifically for .223. Any suggestions for .308?

I have two older Burris fixed power scopes that are great, but it looks like they've stopped making them. I'd probably sub in this.

Is that a fixed power? I was thinking when it said something - something x something meant variable power.

I was kind of circling around this, or maybe this.

No, it's not. It's variable.

Neither one of those would be bad at all. If you get the Nikon though, I'd go with the 40mm 3-9x. Anything else would be overkill for what you want to do.

Cool. with the Nikon, what do you think about the BDC reticle vs the Nikoplex?

BDC is the top, Nikoplex is bottom.

After googling the manual, I'd go with the BDC reticle. Using standard velocity .308 ammunition, if you zero the cross hairs at 100 yards, each "ball" down is an additional 100 yards.

This. It's also a less crouded reticle.

That's the one I got.

...and it's even showerproof.

So the new setup has officially been blooded. I took it to the farm to zero the scope, and now I've got part of my forehead super glued together.

Did you at least manage to hit the broad side of the barn?