There are actually several things that make a scope useable. Magnification is important. I prefer 45X or more. Weight is important. It is possible to use a wonderful scope that is so heavy it will never make weight on your rifle. In my opinion the thing that trumps all of it is the ability of the scope to hold point of impact. That is to say, it must shoot to the same point round after round without an uncommanded move. Run, do not walk, away from anyone that tells you a scope won't move. There must be some reason that some shooters lock scopes up tight. If you are considering a rifle to be used in Competitive Benchrest pick a weight class and build a rifle around the scope. Rifles with a light scope system can have more weight in other places on the rifle to balance the rifle or to allow more length in the barrel. The whole package needs to be planned in order to end up with a rifle that will make weight. Information on weights and stock tapers and barrel dimensions can be found on the home page by clicking on the IBS or NBRSA logl and clicking on rules. The FAQ's on the home page answer a log of questions you will surely have.
Good luck with your project!!
Mike Swartz
