Nikon scopes!

[huntingaddiction]

So this last weekend i bought my wife a new .270 T/C Venture.  I have narrowed down the scope and now i just need to figure out what power i should get?  I would like to get a Nikon Prostaff with a BDC reticle, but I don't know where to go with the 4-12x40 or the 3-9x40.  I am not a huge rifle guy i have always hunted with a muzzleloader and this last year switched to archery.  I bought this for her for bear hunting.  Any advice would be helpful.

[RustneckNW]

I just bought my wife a Rem 700 SPS in 7mm-08 and put the 3-9X bdc Nikon on it. Awesome scope! I don't think she'll ever have the need to crank a scope up to 12x, except for maybe just having fun at the range. I bought ammo with the difference in price.

[buckfvr]

I personally dont care for BDC reticles, and would opt for the 4-12.  SIght in for 200yd zero and she is money out to 300...........just under center mass @100yds, and just high of center mass @ 300 yards..........simple.

[huntingaddiction]

I personally dont care for BDC reticles, and would opt for the 4-12.  SIght in for 200yd zero and she is money out to 300...........just under center mass @100yds, and just high of center mass @ 300 yards..........simple.

Just out of curiosity why don't you like the BDC?  I haven't heard anything bad about them.  Also what kind of difference does the 4-12 make?

[buckfvr]

BDC is generic for caliber, and not precise, 4-12 will give you a bit more for the 200 and over shooting.   Plus the bdc to me, is vague in the aiming points.....I like plex and the ability to sight  the fine "X" on my target, not a large circle.......thats just my 

[Bean Counter]

Agreed. I find the circles goofy, myself. I am, however, considering the Zeiss Conquest 4-14x44mm with the z800 reticle. LOL I have been for like 4 years. Just too cheap to throw down on it 

[jrebel]

My primary rifle is a .270 and I love the BDC reticle.  I zero mine at 200 and then play with the other hash marks at 250, 300, 350 and 400 yards.  I take a 3x5 index card and draw my scope with the reticle displayed on the card.  I then mark my ranges based on where they zero (i.e. first hash mark is 300 zeroed.....and so on).  I am very comfortable to 400 yards in the right conditions with my .270 and my scope. 

I like the 4x12 for this reason.....  the difference between 3 and 4 power is negligible, so the lower end will have no effect.  9 to 12 power is a huge difference.  If I need the extra power I have it.  I shoot the 4.4 x 14 leupold and love it (same style reticle).

Good Luck. 

[jrebel]

Agreed. I find the circles goofy, myself. I am, however, considering the Zeiss Conquest 4-14x44mm with the z800 reticle. LOL I have been for like 4 years. Just too cheap to throw down on it 

Has the BDC always been circles???  I thought it use to be hash marks.  I am not sure I would like the circles either.  My Leupold has hash marks.

[buckfvr]

The one Ive got here is circles, not sure if older ones had hash marks, but I know Id much prefer hash marks over circles.........

Its so easy to just load your guns ballistics on some software or even Hornadys ballistic resource and print out a cheat sheet specific to your gun and load in MOA.  Cant get much simpler IMO. 

[Lincoln4]

BDC is generic for caliber, and not precise, 4-12 will give you a bit more for the 200 and over shooting.   Plus the bdc to me, is vague in the aiming points.....I like plex and the ability to sight  the fine "X" on my target, not a large circle.......thats just my 

Actually, it's not "generic" for caliber.  If you go to the Nikon "Spot On" page you can pick the specific ammo you're shooting, not just caliber.  In addition, you can factor in things like muzzle velocity, altitude, wind, and barometric pressure.  If you handload you can factor in the exact bullet you're shooting as well.  Pretty nifty.  The circles...?  Well, I can't help you there!  Different strokes for different folks.

[BULLBLASTER]

Another thing to keep in mind with the bdc retical is that it is different for every power setting on the scope. The second circle at 3 power will not impact the same as the second circle at 9 power. The software will account for this... but something to remember. For the record I have always been impressed with te clarity of Nikon scopes.

[The scout]

the bdc is a generic scope feature but you can see where to hold using certain ammo and calibers by the chart's on there website, I have the 4-12 and my rifle only complaint is the circles stay the same size all the way down, doesn't really make cense to have the same size circle for 200 as 500yds. the loads I use are right on with my caliber and load all the way out, but it is a great scope for the money. I would go with the 4-12 to get more of the capability out of that 270

[MountainWalk]

I own one that came with a Savage 3006, 3x9 one inch tube.  While I don't ise the aiming points, I am very impressed with the scope. It's clear enough for twilight on the west end. Unlike others, I'm not too hung up on"glass", at least concerning scopes. It's just a sight to me. only look thru it for a few mins a season.    But I am impressed by it's zero holding and it's toughness

[Don Fischer]

I have a Nikon with a BDC. Only reason I got it was it was all they had left when I bought it. Wouldn't have another! If you need a 14x scope to hit even a fox at 200 yds, 14x isn't gonna help you. I'd suggest a 3-9X max with the niko plex. They seem to be good scopes! I have two.

[huntingaddiction]

Thanks for all the info guys.  Maybe i will look around a little more at scopes, especially reticles before i buy.  The wife is the one who has to like it.

[doyourtime89]

I am thinking you (or your wife) will like that set up you are talking about.  I got my son a T/C Venture a couple years ago .300 win mag and he has a 3x9x40 Nikon Prostaff BDC.  And all you have to do is go to Nikons website to the "Spot On" area and you put in your rifle caliber, bullet weight, how far you want to sight in at and I think one or two there things.  And it will tell you what each circle will hit at.  Like someone said depending on the power you have the scope set at each circle will be a different distance.  The cross hairs (zero) will always be the same no matter what power.  On the spot on site you can print out a cheat sheet of your set up perfect size to tape on your but stock.....LOVE Nikon and my son really loves his T/C...good luck

[Encore 280]

I have Nikon ProStaffs and BuckMasters BDC and I believe with the circles the top and bottom edges are 50yd increments although I've never had to use them.

[Eli346]

 Nikons are good scopes and there are others out there. If your wife doesn't have any experience with scopes I would get her the simplest one to operate. Maybe a 3x9 and let her learn to shoot with it. Leave out the parallax adjustments as they will only make it harder for her to learn the system. I shot with open sights for years and in the service but learned to shoot through a scope by tracking birds with an empty chamber. It really works.

[thinkingman]

I just bought a Nikon Monarch 3 3-12x.
I really wanted a 3x on the low end for field of view and brightness.
If you hunt the dark timber, less magnification is your friend.
I did get the BDC, but would take the standard Plex if I were to do it over again.
Nikon scopes and 'nocs are amazing.

[Bean Counter]

Has the BDC always been circles???  I thought it use to be hash marks.  I am not sure I would like the circles either.  My Leupold has hash marks.

Anyone is free to correct me if i'm wrong but Im pretty sure it is for Nikon. Leupy and Zeiss seem to stick with the hash marks. With Zeiss you can go to their website and type in your load particulars and get a yardage for each corresponding has mark.  If i get around to that I'll likely make a small printout and tape it to my stock.

[buckfvr]

BDC is generic for caliber, and not precise, 4-12 will give you a bit more for the 200 and over shooting.   Plus the bdc to me, is vague in the aiming points.....I like plex and the ability to sight  the fine "X" on my target, not a large circle.......thats just my 

Actually, it's not "generic" for caliber.  If you go to the Nikon "Spot On" page you can pick the specific ammo you're shooting, not just caliber.  In addition, you can factor in things like muzzle velocity, altitude, wind, and barometric pressure.  If you handload you can factor in the exact bullet you're shooting as well.  Pretty nifty.  The circles...?  Well, I can't help you there!  Different strokes for different folks.

SO if thats the case, then depending on your specifics, the values placed on each of the aiming points would vary all over the place......By bullet weight, velocity, baro, center of scope over center of bore, etc.  To me it seems it would get confusing and would be more difficult than moa.

[lokidog]

My next scope for my 30-06 will be a 4-12X instead of a 3-9X.  Hunting eastern WA in a point restricted area, I had a heck of a time trying to put a third point on a buck at just under 200 yards.  My binocular was an 8X.  I'd like the extra zoom.   

[huntingaddiction]

My next scope for my 30-06 will be a 4-12X instead of a 3-9X.  Hunting eastern WA in a point restricted area, I had a heck of a time trying to put a third point on a buck at just under 200 yards.  My binocular was an 8X.  I'd like the extra zoom.   

Lokidog it seems to me you might want to upgrade to just some better binos Nikon does make 10x50 and that is what i use.  i will probably never goay from them.  I have had them for ten years and honestly i got them for $80.  I saw them the other day for $125.  The east side is where i have always hunted and actually have some land in GMU 178.  So i know exactly what you mean.  I used to hunt with a smoke pole though so i needed to know they were legal before the stock.

[Wacenturion]

BDC is generic for caliber, and not precise, 4-12 will give you a bit more for the 200 and over shooting.   Plus the bdc to me, is vague in the aiming points.....I like plex and the ability to sight  the fine "X" on my target, not a large circle.......thats just my 

Actually, it's not "generic" for caliber.  If you go to the Nikon "Spot On" page you can pick the specific ammo you're shooting, not just caliber.  In addition, you can factor in things like muzzle velocity, altitude, wind, and barometric pressure.  If you handload you can factor in the exact bullet you're shooting as well.  Pretty nifty.  The circles...?  Well, I can't help you there!  Different strokes for different folks.

SO if thats the case, then depending on your specifics, the values placed on each of the aiming points would vary all over the place......By bullet weight, velocity, baro, center of scope over center of bore, etc.  To me it seems it would get confusing and would be more difficult than moa.

Not really.  If anything, if one takes the time to use Spot On and plug in the information that it asks for, it actually simplifies things.  As an example using different loads for the same rifle, you know exactly where the bullet will hit.

[headshot5]

My next scope for my 30-06 will be a 4-12X instead of a 3-9X.  Hunting eastern WA in a point restricted area, I had a heck of a time trying to put a third point on a buck at just under 200 yards.  My binocular was an 8X.  I'd like the extra zoom.

You need to find some bigger bucks.   

[huntingaddiction]

My next scope for my 30-06 will be a 4-12X instead of a 3-9X.  Hunting eastern WA in a point restricted area, I had a heck of a time trying to put a third point on a buck at just under 200 yards.  My binocular was an 8X.  I'd like the extra zoom.

You need to find some bigger bucks.   

On the east side it is not that easy.  Even on private land most of the time the families are hunting.  My cousin and My uncle got a couple respectable bucks this year but that is about it.

[lokidog]

My next scope for my 30-06 will be a 4-12X instead of a 3-9X.  Hunting eastern WA in a point restricted area, I had a heck of a time trying to put a third point on a buck at just under 200 yards.  My binocular was an 8X.  I'd like the extra zoom.

You need to find some bigger bucks.   

I wish.     I'll probably just stick to the forkies here on the island, less of a drive, 50 yard or less shots, and easier to find. And, HuntingAddict, I have an old pair of bushnell rangefinding binoculars, so until they die, I'll be sticking to my 8x.

[Blacklab]

I have two Nikon M-223 3x12x42 Nitroplex One on a ar 223 and the other on a ar 6.5 Grendel. Clear brite and easy to use, As others have said check out spoton by Nikon. Pretty cool   

[doyourtime89]

If you are willing to spend a little more money Nikon just recently came out with a new line....Prostaff 5...when you buy one you get a card (or I think you can do it online) to fill out with all your rifle and ammo info and Nikon will send you out some custom made turrets.  So you just sight in your scope screw down some set screws then put the turrets on.  Then you can just dial the range you want to shot.  This way you dial right to what you want and you don't need the BDC.

http://www.nikonsportoptics.com/en/Nikon-Products/Riflescopes/6754/PROSTAFF-5-3.5-14x40-Custom-XR-Turret.html

[lokidog]

If you are willing to spend a little more money Nikon just recently came out with a new line....Prostaff 5...when you buy one you get a card (or I think you can do it online) to fill out with all your rifle and ammo info and Nikon will send you out some custom made turrets.  So you just sight in your scope screw down some set screws then put the turrets on.  Then you can just dial the range you want to shot.  This way you dial right to what you want and you don't need the BDC.

http://www.nikonsportoptics.com/en/Nikon-Products/Riflescopes/6754/PROSTAFF-5-3.5-14x40-Custom-XR-Turret.html

This is on Camofire.com right now for $252, wish I had some extra cash at the moment, I'd replace my 3X9.

[Heredoggydoggy]

For general hunting purposes, a 3-9x is ideal.  the only instance I found more magnification to be needed was on my rifles I use for Ground Squirrel shooting, and I doubt you'll be using a .270 on those... 

[huntingaddiction]

For general hunting purposes, a 3-9x is ideal.  the only instance I found more magnification to be needed was on my rifles I use for Ground Squirrel shooting, and I doubt you'll be using a .270 on those... 

No for ground Squirrels i will stick with my Marlin 39a .22 with the peep sight.  That thing is amazing!

[CAMPMEAT]

Has the BDC always been circles???  I thought it use to be hash marks.  I am not sure I would like the circles either.  My Leupold has hash marks.

Anyone is free to correct me if i'm wrong but Im pretty sure it is for Nikon. Leupy and Zeiss seem to stick with the hash marks. With Zeiss you can go to their website and type in your load particulars and get a yardage for each corresponding has mark.  If i get around to that I'll likely make a small printout and tape it to my stock.

My Zeiss has hash marks.

[Heredoggydoggy]

For general hunting purposes, a 3-9x is ideal.  the only instance I found more magnification to be needed was on my rifles I use for Ground Squirrel shooting, and I doubt you'll be using a .270 on those... 

No for ground Squirrels i will stick with my Marlin 39a .22 with the peep sight.  That thing is amazing!

I think on my next Ground Squirrel trip I'll take my pellet guns.  They all have scopes, though.  When your eyes get older you learn to like optics more!    Seriously, though, a 3-9x is ideal for hunting.  Keep it on the 3 to 4x setting for hunting.  It's a lot easier to get on target quickly on lower magnification.  (I found this out the hard way!) 

[Heredoggydoggy]

Has the BDC always been circles???  I thought it use to be hash marks.  I am not sure I would like the circles either.  My Leupold has hash marks.

Anyone is free to correct me if i'm wrong but Im pretty sure it is for Nikon. Leupy and Zeiss seem to stick with the hash marks. With Zeiss you can go to their website and type in your load particulars and get a yardage for each corresponding has mark.  If i get around to that I'll likely make a small printout and tape it to my stock.

The circles are unique to the Nikon Coyote Special scopes, and it's called the Predator Reticle.  The rest of the line of Nikons is available with the BDC Reticle--Dots or hash marks, I don't know which.  Regardless of the reticle, you need to test your specific loads as to how they correspond to the drop marks in the reticle.  The reticle is not "One Size Fits All".