Need help choosing scope!

[Jpwillef]

Here goes for my first post on the forum...   Just ordered a Forbes 20B in .308.  After a lot of research comparing Kimbers, Remmys and others I decided on the Forbes for my backcountry lightweight rifle.  Really excited about getting it, (in 6 months or so), and trying to pick out the right scope.  Forbes has a deal with Vortex for $100 off and offer the Viper 4-12 x 40 PA and the Viper 3-9 x 40.  $399 and $299.  I ordered the 4-12 but can call back and change if I want.  Should I stick with it or grab a lighter scope like the Leupy VX3 2.5-8?  Trying to be cost conscious but don't want to be too cheap and regret it later. 

Any tips for a lightweight rifle newb would be appreciated, lots of experienced guys on this forum that can help me avoid making a mistake!

[gonehuntin68]

My buddy and father in law both have Vortex scopes and like them a lot. Ive always liked the larger power scopes. KEEP IT.

[huntandjeep]

You won't regret a Vortex. I have a few of them on different rifles , one even replaced a    Leupold

[Rick]

Personally I see zero sense in buying a 5lb rifle and slapping a 4-12 power scope on it.

My Kimber Montana has a Leupold 2-7x33 on it. IIRC it weighs about 8oz.

[JJB11B]

I too have several vot-tex scopes. I prefer them to comparible Leupolds. LOVE my Viper PST's

[Jpwillef]

Thanks guys.  Rick, I was thinking the higher power would be nice as I'm planning a mule deer/antelope hunt and figured it would be better on antelope even at shorter distances (<300yds).  Is the higher power not necessary?

[Rick]

Thanks guys.  Rick, I was thinking the higher power would be nice as I'm planning a mule deer/antelope hunt and figured it would be better on antelope even at shorter distances (<300yds).  Is the higher power not necessary?

I use binoculars to spot,judge,count points etc. My scope is only used for shooting. I've looked at deer through my 7x at 500 yds and never thought I didn't have enough magnification to make the shot if I needed to.

IMO,most guys put way more scope than they need on their rifles.

[pilebuck]

I bought a redfield 4 by 12 revolution on my 30.06 model 70 made in USA and lifetime warranty just mail it back and tell them the problem I like it plenty of scope for me   

[Toptwo]

I have had a Leupold 2x7 on my Sako Finnbear  since I have owned it  about  44 years now.  I am looking at retiring both later this year. I guess part of it all comes down to a "age thing" too. After hunting this year I have come to realize that I don't want to pack that heavy Sako around all the time and plan on getting a Tikka T3 light,  but, I will give up a little of that new weight loss to go to a Leupold 4x12x50...the reason? a LOT more light! When I was much younger that 2x7 was plenty of scope, and the rifle/scope compo dropped a lot of deer and elk. However, now that I am looking through that scope with 56 year old eyes (wearing bi-focals at that) I find that it does not gather enough light for me to be able to see well, especially in the early morning / late evening hours. I have not looked through a Vortex, and know little about them, I am more just throwing a good reason out there why a "heavier" scope on a light rifle might not be a bad thing.

[Jpwillef]

Thanks everyone, seems like the best scope is whichever one feels best for each individual.  Think I'll stick with the Vortex for now and see how it feels.  I can always throw it on my .243 later if it doesn't work well on the lightweight rig.

[Rick]

I have had a Leupold 2x7 on my Sako Finnbear  since I have owned it  about  44 years now.  I am looking at retiring both later this year. I guess part of it all comes down to a "age thing" too. After hunting this year I have come to realize that I don't want to pack that heavy Sako around all the time and plan on getting a Tikka T3 light,  but, I will give up a little of that new weight loss to go to a Leupold 4x12x50...the reason? a LOT more light! When I was much younger that 2x7 was plenty of scope, and the rifle/scope compo dropped a lot of deer and elk. However, now that I am looking through that scope with 56 year old eyes (wearing bi-focals at that) I find that it does not gather enough light for me to be able to see well, especially in the early morning / late evening hours. I have not looked through a Vortex, and know little about them, I am more just throwing a good reason out there why a "heavier" scope on a light rifle might not be a bad thing.

 Brightness comes from quality glass,coatings,etc. The reason a new 4-12 seems brighter is because its not half century old technology.

I'd bet if you look through a new 2-7 that's comparable in quality to a Vortex 4-12,the 2-7 will appear brighter.

[slm9s]

I think you chose correctly.  Both on the Forbes and the scope.

Don't listen to weight-weenies that think you need a 2-7 on a light rifle.  I have a Swaro Z5 3-18 on my ULA, IMO the best 15.9 oz's of glass money can buy.   

[Taco280AI]

I'd look at the VX2 2-7x33 or the FX2 6x36

[mountainman]

Stick with the larger Vortex! No regrets! Those that think you need to go lighter should stay off the potatoe chips and beer?

[Heredoggydoggy]

I have everything from a 3-9 to a 6-24 on my ARs.  I put a 30mm 3.5-10 on my coyote hunting AR and love it.  I was going to put the Alpen 30mm 6-24 on it, but the gun was ready before the scope came, so I got the Burris to go on it.  The Alpen 6-24 ended up going on my last AR build, the 6mm 6.8 SPC.  One word of advice, found out the hard way-carry the gun with the scope on a lower power setting.  You can always zoom in if you need to, but it's easier to find stuff when the scope is on a lower magnification setting!