Scope for the Hunting Rifle

rblain · Last edited by rblain on Sat Nov 20, 2010 11:28 pm; edited 1 time in total

OK, now that you've weighed in on the "hunt" for a new rifle, its time to pick out a scope.
I know this is not an area where I should not cheap out. I'm just lookin for the most bang for my buck. I expect to spent a decent chunk of coin but some of these $1200 - $1500 models might be over the top.
So again we're lookin for middle of the road in the price dept. I do know that there are some good products out there for my price range.
I know that this is a pool of knowledge so I'm jumpin in!!!!

Thanks ppl

Rick Cool

chambered221 · Posted: Fri Nov 19, 2010 1:01 pm Post subject: Re: Scope for the Hunting Rifle

If it were me.........Leupold 2.5-8, 3.5-10, or 4.5-14 VX3, they cost anywhere from $400-$700 depending upon power and reticle you pick !!!

You could save a little and go with a VX II 2-7, 3-9, or the 4-12 but the lens and turrets aren't as good as the VX 3.
The roughly $100 you'll save isn't worth it to me for what you get in the VX 3.
If you do get a VX II watch out for the older models with the friction adjustments. They work but can be a PIA !!!

Pumpkinslinger · Posted: Fri Nov 19, 2010 1:26 pm Post subject: Re: Scope for the Hunting Rifle

The last few scopes I've bought have been Burris or Bushnell Elites. Quality I can afford. I like the "Ballistic Plex" on the Burris for the longer range guns and the "Firefly" reticle on the Bushnell for the "brush guns". My Rem 700, in .260 Rem, wears a Burris Signature Select 3-to-12X and I plan to buy another for my .280 Rem.

slimjim · Posted: Fri Nov 19, 2010 2:36 pm Post subject: Re: Scope for the Hunting Rifle

rb, decide what power/magnification you need first. I decided I had to have at least 12x for longer range and no more than 3x for the low end so I could use the scope close in. Settled on a 2.5-16x Bushnell. Do you want a 1" tube or 30mm? Then decide on your reticle. I'd suggest getting one with some form of ballistic compensation like described in this article.

www.huntingnut.com/ind...cle&sid=73

This approach will help you whittle down the choices some. When you have the answer to those three questions, I'd be more inclined to make a suggestion.

BTW, Leupold's have served chambered well but their optics designs are outdated. Note that from min to max power they only get a factor of 3. There are other scopes out that are just as good that give you a factor of 5 or 6 range of magnification for the same price or less. As examples, Leoupold's 3.5-10x (factor of 3), Burris 3-12x (factor of 4), Weaver's 3-15x (factor of 5), Bushnell's 2.5-16x (factor of 6).

Aloysius · Posted: Fri Nov 19, 2010 3:27 pm Post subject: Re: Scope for the Hunting Rifle

SJ, have you ever compared the magnification of the scopes? Don't be amazed that one scope on 40x gives the same picture as another on 30x...

chambered221 · Posted: Fri Nov 19, 2010 5:58 pm Post subject: Re: Scope for the Hunting Rifle

Slim, I don't know if I'd go as far as saying they're outdated !!! Sure maybe in the cheaper models but I doubt the new model VX 3's and 7's are out dated.
As for factoring.......as long as your in a acceptable range what's it matter. Truth of the matter is a 2-7 is more than adequate for most big game rifles. Sure more power is nice for long range work but I and many others have had no trouble shooting groundhogs past 400 yards with a lowly old 12X !!!
The only reason I have a 4-12 was because I got it cheap........ I was planning a 2.5-8 when that deal presented itself.

The biggest thing I tell others to watch out for in variables is how POI changes at different power settings.

slimjim · Posted: Fri Nov 19, 2010 7:10 pm Post subject: Re: Scope for the Hunting Rifle

Aloysius wrote:

SJ, have you ever compared the magnification of the scopes? Don't be amazed that one scope on 40x gives the same picture as another on 30x...

Lately, I try my best to compare and actually look through a scope before I consider buying. Seeing with your own eyes is telling of many variables, one of which is magnfication. Some claim magnification near what they actually are for marketing. I've seen several 25x scopes and used a couple. I've only seen one 50x. You got to watch eye relief when the magnification gets high. Lately, my focus is 1-4x and I drove over to an internet scope specialty store (SWFA) just so I could see and compare side by side.

slimjim · Posted: Fri Nov 19, 2010 7:30 pm Post subject: Re: Scope for the Hunting Rifle

chambered221 wrote:

Slim, I don't know if I'd go as far as saying they're outdated !!!

IMO, Leupold's optical designs are. I have an older Leupold VX II 3-9x. A magnification factor of 3 is old and outdated.

chambered221 wrote:

Sure maybe in the cheaper models but I doubt the new model VX 3's and 7's are out dated.

VX 7 is a new product but a magnification factor of 4 is an outdated optical design. That in no way implies Leupolds are not a good scope.

chambered221 wrote:

As for factoring.......as long as your in a acceptable range what's it matter.

I like getting more for my hard earned money.

chambered221 wrote:

Truth of the matter is a 2-7 is more than adequate for most big game rifles.

I would agree to that except for, in Texas, there are antler restrictions where I have to count points and estimate spread. A legal buck has to have a 13" or greater inside spread or a clean spike with no secondary points. I figured I needed a 12x to do that effectively at 100 yards. Having a 16x has been even better and boy is it great on the target range. However, I use 4 to 6x for 100 yard set-ups and only 11x for long range hunting (antler estimation excluded).

chambered221 wrote:

The biggest thing I tell others to watch out for in variables is how POI changes at different power settings.

I've only seen one scope behave like this and it was a long time ago. But your right, this is something to watch out for.

stovey, where are you stovey!!

Elvis · Posted: Fri Nov 19, 2010 10:42 pm Post subject: Re: Scope for the Hunting Rifle

I have a 3x9 x40mm niko stirling goldcrown on my 270 its served me well and has the best bar none field of fiew ive seen on 3 power. my .223 has a 3x9x50mm leupold vx11 great scope no dramas.

Grumulkin · Posted: Sat Nov 20, 2010 8:15 am Post subject: Re: Scope for the Hunting Rifle

I would go with Leupold which are well within your price range. Since Leupold has a warranty they actually honor even if you didn't buy the scope new, there is no downside to buying a used Leupold scope.

I had a Bushnell scope fail once and Bushnell wouldn't honor their warranty so they're pretty low on my list of scopes I would buy.

If you're thinking Burris, do a bit more research. I've never had one but I've heard their warranty service can be a bit spotty.

Various web sites such as MidwayUSA and Cabela's have comments from users with their scope ads. Read the comments on whatever you decide to buy whether from them or others; they can be pretty enlightening.

rblain · Posted: Sat Nov 20, 2010 11:26 am Post subject: Re: Scope for the Hunting Rifle

Wondering what everyones opinion of the Zeiss Conquest 3-9 X 40. This is one of the scopes buddy pointed out to me. It could be available at a decent price on sale day. I think it retails for about $550.00 in Canada.

flyinlizard · Rookie Member Joined: Nov 04, 2006 Posts: 19

Don't forget the Vortex line of scopes. I have a viper on my 300wsm and like it very much. Repeatable when dialing elev.and wind. Knobs are finger adjustable,no set screws and the side focus is really sweet. If I remember correctly it has around 60 moa of adjustment.

slimjim · Posted: Sat Nov 20, 2010 6:16 pm Post subject: Re: Scope for the Hunting Rifle

rblain wrote:

Wondering what everyones opinion of the Zeiss Conquest 3-9 X 40.

Owners seem to rate it highly. Same magnification ranges as a Leupold. Wonder if they are made in the same factory or with the same optical elements?

www.opticsplanet.com/r...icle1.html

SWFA also has them at a decent price.

swfa.com/Zeiss-Conques...-C239.aspx

However, if you are getting an accurate shooting .270 Win, I'd look for a scope with some sort of a ballistic compensation reticle. Zeiss has them in their Congrest line but the cost goes up by another $150+. I've studied the different BDC reticles and like the Mil-dot. With my 130gr Barnes TSX or Hornady GMX I sight in for 100yards. This load shoots a bit flatter so, you will need a scope that is not referenced at max power. My 2.5-16x scope has the mil-dots referenced to 10x, which is good because I can increase the magnification to tune the mil-dots for the .270s flatter trajectory. With my scope set at 11.5x, the first mil-dot is 300 yards, the 2nd is 400 yards, the third is 500 yards, and forth 600 yards. It has worked out pretty nice and I shoot at those longer distances every chance I get. Never have to touch the turrets. The mil-dot has worked out better than most of the BDC reticles and I've come to like my zero at 100 yards.

Grumulkin · Posted: Sat Nov 20, 2010 10:12 pm Post subject: Re: Scope for the Hunting Rifle

rblain wrote:

Wondering what everyones opinion of the Zeiss Conquest 3-9 X 40. This is one of the scopes buddy pointed out to me. It could be available at a decent price on sale day. I think it retails for about $550.00 in Canada.

I think they're fine and, in fact, I have one.

fnuser · Posted: Sun Nov 21, 2010 4:25 pm Post subject: Re: Scope for the Hunting Rifle

i have one too (zeiss conquest 3-9)they are great, very bright in the early morning, but I am also a big Vari-X fan the 2-7 is perfect for me but my longest shots are 300 yrds. I like light small packages in my hunting rifles bolt action carbines usually fit the bill. I am not a fan of gadgets and doo-da's that I probably won't use in fact a variable power scope is pushing it for me as my favorite gun still wears an old m-8 4x that was originally on it and it shoots so good as a package I probably won't ever seperate them unless some thing damages one or the other.