u/Holiday_Revolution_4

Anyone try this combo yet?

I'm a newb to bolt guns. Have a beater Ruger American 556 I've only shot at 50yrds. Learned I'll have access to a range that will allow public to shoot out to 400yrds. If memberships open again I'll be able to shoot to 800yds. Therefore, I'll finally pull the trigger on a nice bolt gun and optic.

I've decided on the Tikka CTR in 6.5CM 20in after research .

I have a Vortex Razor 1-6 on one of my ARs so I understand what decent quality glass is like.

I have two scopes I can use for a while until I can get higher quality glass. Either the Vortex Viper HS 2.5-10 or the Primary Arms 1-8 ACSS.

My closest range available is indoor and max 50yds. It's 15-20min away and I'm a member. Ideally, I'd like to be able to use whatever scope I get at 50yds.

I was initially thinking 3-18 or even 2-15 but now I'm leaning towards 5x25.

Budget was around $1kish but I can wait a bit longer and push $1500 or so. Europtic has some crazy good deals especially on like new demo units.

While I'm a casual shooter and all my shooting will be bench rest stuff, I still want to get something that's more than enough for my needs. It can be on the heavier side but I don't want a boat anchor either.

It would be nice to have a system that I could have fun with if I ever decided to get into competitions etc.....but...that's down the line.

I do have a 20-60 Viper spotting scope I can put to good use.

So...

What are some standout scopes given my criteria?

Someone mentioned Nightforce SHV and it seems very promising.

Help me settle in on the magnification range, more ideal reticles for precision shooting? MRAD vs MOA?

Thanks.

About to get a Tikka CTR 6.5 with 20in barrel.

An outdoor range an hour away just started allowing non range members shoot there. They have up to 800yd ranges, but non members are limited to 400 yds as of now as I understand it. Prior to this development my local range was indoors and maxed out at 50yds. The nearest outdoor 100yd range is 2hrs away. So, despite me wanting something beyond my Ruger American Ranch 556 it didn't make sense until now.

The range isn't taking new members now and may not so I'll presume I'm maxed out at 400yds for a while.

Still, I'd rather have and not need than need and not have.

I'll make my Vortex Viper HS 2.5-10 work for a bit until I can upgrade.

Thinking of 3x18 or 3x15 will serve me well. Budget on optic around $1kish but can go up a few hundred.

I have a razor 1-6 on my AR15 and do appreciate clean glass. But, this rifle will be an occasional bench shooting gun and I'm a casual shooter.

I just want a nice mid level bolt gun with solid optic that won't leave me wanting more.

Looking at:

Athlon Ares ETR 3-18x50mm

Bushnell Match Pro ED MRAD 3-18x50mm

Vortex Viper PST Gen II 3-15x44

Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44mm

Why is the MPED going for 600 or under in several places? Are they discontinuing it? I know many don't like the busy reticle but it seems down right cheap now.

Couple mediocre reviews on Midwayusa for it.

Europtic has so many random crazy deals and DEMO deals I may be able to punch up to a higher grade scope if I time it right.

Given my criteria, what's a solid scope choice for the 20in CTR? While it is intended to be a bench gun I also don't want it to be a boat anchor. 15x or 18x seems like it will more than take care of my needs.

Thanks.