I have a dilemma guys. I am getting a Savage 16FSS in a few weeks (hopefully) and need a scope for it. I sold my 6.5-20X44 Alaskan Guide scope with my 17HMR.

My problem is what TYPE of scope do I want to get. Not what brand or model but the type of scope. I don't know if I want a high powered target/varmint scope with parallax adjustment or just a standard variable fixed parallax scope.

My reasoning is that if I went with a standard scope like say a variable 10X scope or something over a high powered A/O scope I could possibly get a better scope for the same money. I'm looking at spending $300 ish on the scope alone.

I will probably use it mostly for 100-200 yard informal target shooting, Woodchuck, crows and maybe some coyote. There is a remote possibility I could take it to upper Michigan and hunt deer with it. That is pretty slim though. And I could honestly use either type of scope for that given the size of the target.

My biggest question if anyone knows is how much parallax error is there in a standard scope. Like say a 10 power scope with the parallax set to 100 yards. How far could it be off at 200 or 300 yards? If it's only an inch or less I am not worried about it, but if it is more like 3-4 inches or more than that it would be quite a bit for smaller things like a crow or woodchuck. I really don't see myself shooting 300 yards, but you never know. Realistically 200 yards is a long shot for me, and that is off from a bench at a paper target.

I did some scope shopping today, but really didn't accomplish much. I went to Cabela's but it was really crowded. Sunday before a holiday, duh. I didn't even bother messing with taking a number and looking through any because there were just too many people to do everything I wanted to do. I went to Gander mountain and looked at a few. I looked at some standard 3-9 scopes like the Bushnell elites, burris and nikons. I also looked at a decent Mueller Tactical scope for $250. It wasn't the best scope I have looked through, but I have got to admit it was pretty nice for the money and features.

And it has to be retail local. I don't want to mess with getting anything on the internet. I will not buy optics without looking through them first, and besides I don't like buying over the internet anyway. So I will get it at Cabela's, Gander Mountain or a local gun dealer.

So could I get away with a standard hunting scope on a varmint rig, or should I go with a higher power adjustable parallax scope? Plus if I get a standard scope it will be easier to find a silver one to match the stainless gun.

I'm either getting Leupold mounts and rings or Warn quick detach rings with weaver bases.

Any comments will be appreciated.

Paul