Help Me Find a New Scope

[adamR]

I'm hoping to get some insight on a new scope purchase.  Currently, I've got a Remington 700 chambered in 300 Win Mag, topped with a Leupold VX3i 4-14x40 with a simple duplex reticle.  I can shoot out to 400 yards with no issue but beyond 400, between guessing on the holdover and just flat out not being able to see the target that well, It's rough...

I want to purchase a scope that will allow me to extend my range to 600; I can't see shooting beyond that distance.  Originally, I had thought about purchasing a scope with a BDC reticle that would not require me to dial.  After some research, it almost seemed easier to find a scope with turrets than the BDC reticle but maybe I'm missing something.

What I'm looking for:
- Hoping for a 34 mm tube but would settle for 30mm
- Hoping for a 50 mm objective
- I hunt dark timber to open country so I'd like a low power of 2-5 and a high end of 20-25.
- I'd like to spend about $1200 but willing to spend up to $1600
- I'm okay with exposed dial turrets but I kind of think I want a simple BDC reticle, not sure here...
- First focal plane or second is fine but the higher the magnification, the more second focal plane would make me somewhat nervous.
- If I get a first focal plane, it would have to be illuminated.  If it's second focal plane, I do not want an illuminated reticle.

To give you some more insight, I've been looking at the following:
- Leupold VX6HD 4-24X52
- Nightforce NX8 2.5-20X50 F1
(Yes, I know the prices don't line up with what I'd like to spend, ignore that...)

So there's my wants, what are your suggestions?  Thanks in advance.

[Karl Blanchard]

Why a 34mm tube? You trying to shoot a mile or something  Zeiss v4 fits your bill.

[adamR]

I suppose I hadn't thought of it Karl...  30 mm is more than sufficient.

[Pnwrider]

I just picked up an NX8 2.5-20 F1. If you want to save some money, euro optic has a few in their demo section that are 3-400 off msrp. The one I got was factory sealed new in box.

[Karl Blanchard]

Your inbox is full Adam 

[adamR]

Your inbox is full Adam 

There's room now.   

[Karl Blanchard]

Your inbox is full Adam 

There's room now.   

still telling me full

[trophyhunt]

Ahhh, the which scope to buy thread, and once again Karl and I differ!  My recommendation, huskemaw. Dial and shoot up to 1000 yards, simple. Comes with two turrets, you pick then two elevations for then turrets.  They have a nice scope at 1,499 that I have on my .300 win, been very happy with it.  Look at them at the long range store.

[adamR]

Your inbox is full Adam 

There's room now.   

still telling me full

Well, I started by deleting about 30 messages, I've now deleted like 75... if this doesn't work, I give up

[Karl Blanchard]

Your inbox is full Adam 

There's room now.   

still telling me full

Well, I started by deleting about 30 messages, I've now deleted like 75... if this doesn't work, I give up

well hell. I blame jackalope 

[adamR]

I've been looking at the Zeiss VX4 Conquest 6-24x50 with the ZMOAi-1 illuminated reticle.  Thus far, I can't find it locally so I haven't gotten to look through one yet but I like what I see online.

One question, and this may be a stupid question but I can't find an answer anywhere, with the illuminated reticle off or a dead battery, is there still a typical black reticle to fall back on?  The closest answer i found was in the brochure by looking at images but I want to verify this is true before I spend a bunch of time looking for this scope.

[Karl Blanchard]

Still a normal black reticle there.

[Magnum_Willys]

At only 24.5 oz that looks like great choice.   I prefer 4x on the low end in timber but that said Im using 6x and 7x on several of my rifles without an issue.   

[Karl Blanchard]

Personally I like the t20 reticle with capped windage better than the zmoa but its all personal preference. You are gonna use your reticle as God intended the numbers just speed things up a bit and in the heat of the moment can prevent some screw ups on wind holds.

Redhawk has them in stock and is gonna be your best price. They label them as demos but they are new in box.



https://redhawkrifles.com/used-zeiss-conquest-v4-6-24x50-rifle-scope/

[idahohuntr]

Not sure where all you hunt, but I would note the vx6 series is not legal for big game hunting in idaho...if that's in the cards that could be a strike against vx6.

[adamR]

Not sure where all you hunt, but I would note the vx6 series is not legal for big game hunting in idaho...if that's in the cards that could be a strike against vx6.

Without spending the time researching, what makes the VX6 illegal in Idaho?

[idahohuntr]

Not sure where all you hunt, but I would note the vx6 series is not legal for big game hunting in idaho...if that's in the cards that could be a strike against vx6.

Without spending the time researching, what makes the VX6 illegal in Idaho?

The electronic reticle level.

[adamR]

Holy smokes I didn't even think of that!  Forget the VX6!  Good call on that one.

[jrebel]

I'll chime in once again and give you my two cents.  You can't go wrong with the Nightforce NX8, especially when you consider the magnification range of 2.5-20.  I run 5 or so nightforce scopes and love them all.  I have yet to buy the NX8 but that will be one of my next scopes.  If the NX8 is out of your price range, look at the SHV models.  I runs 4 SHV's and love them for the price.   

[frazierw]

I'll chime in once again and give you my two cents.  You can't go wrong with the Nightforce NX8, especially when you consider the magnification range of 2.5-20.  I run 5 or so nightforce scopes and love them all.  I have yet to buy the NX8 but that will be one of my next scopes.  If the NX8 is out of your price range, look at the SHV models.  I runs 4 SHV's and love them for the price.   

Agree on the SHV I have one on my .300 win mag and it is nails.  Shoot me a message if you want Adam and I can tell you about it.

[MeepDog]

Backfire on YT has a couple reviews based on price point. He buys them all himself and is non biased in his testing.

[Griiz]

Not sure where all you hunt, but I would note the vx6 series is not legal for big game hunting in idaho...if that's in the cards that could be a strike against vx6.

Without spending the time researching, what makes the VX6 illegal in Idaho?

The electronic reticle level.

Couldn’t you just remove battery when hunting in Idaho?

[idahohuntr]

Not sure where all you hunt, but I would note the vx6 series is not legal for big game hunting in idaho...if that's in the cards that could be a strike against vx6.

Without spending the time researching, what makes the VX6 illegal in Idaho?

The electronic reticle level.

Couldn’t you just remove battery when hunting in Idaho?

That has been suggested in other forums, but no, that doesn't make it legal.

I spoke to the head of enforcement and deputy ag for idaho as I wanted to get a vx6...there is no work around...you would be subject to the discretion of the officer.

[grundy53]

I'll second the Nightfore SHV. I really like mine.

Sent from my SM-G991U using Tapatalk

[frazierw]

I tried to reply but your inbox was still messed up.  It has been an incredible scope for me.  The turret is covered which is nice, and I have the MOAR-T reticle so I can hold over if I need to.  I have the 5-20x56, and for the money it is awesome.  My dad just got the Mark V from leupold and the big benefit there is it is lighter, but it also cost a lot more too.

[Griiz]

Not sure where all you hunt, but I would note the vx6 series is not legal for big game hunting in idaho...if that's in the cards that could be a strike against vx6.

Without spending the time researching, what makes the VX6 illegal in Idaho?

The electronic reticle level.



Couldn’t you just remove battery when hunting in Idaho?

That has been suggested in other forums, but no, that doesn't make it legal.

I spoke to the head of enforcement and deputy ag for idaho as I wanted to get a vx6...there is no work around...you would be subject to the discretion of the officer.

Thanks

[JWBINX]

You can turn the electronic level off in the VX-6 if you choose. That scope is perfectly legal in Idaho. You will not find a VX-6 in that
power for the money you want to spend. You need to look at the VX-5 if you want that power for under 1600.00.
Take a look at the classified (optics) section as I have a new VX-5 4x20 for sale! In the Idaho game regs, read weapon restrictions 2nd paragraph page 100:
Scopes with battery powered reticles are allowed!

[idahohuntr]

You can turn the electronic level off in the VX-6 if you choose. That scope is perfectly legal in Idaho. You will not find a VX-6 in that
power for the money you want to spend. You need to look at the VX-5 if you want that power for under 1600.00.
Take a look at the classified (optics) section as I have a new VX-5 4x20 for sale! In the Idaho game regs, read weapon restrictions 2nd paragraph page 100:
Scopes with battery powered reticles are allowed!

The VX6 is not legal in Idaho.  Taking battery out or 'turning off' the electronic level is not a solution.  A lighted reticle is not the issue...the level component is.  I'd suggest you call IDFG enforcement or Idaho AG if you think your interpretation is correct.  They were unequivocal that the vx6 is NOT LEGAL for big game hunting in Idaho.

[JWBINX]

idahohuntr, I stand corrected. After speaking with IDFG enforcement they did confirm that having another feature electronically
other than the lighted crosshair it would not be legal.
Guess I have to just use my VX-5.
 

[Taco280AI]

Zeiss V4 4-16 is plenty of scope to 600.

[idahohuntr]

idahohuntr, I stand corrected. After speaking with IDFG enforcement they did confirm that having another feature electronically
other than the lighted crosshair it would not be legal.
Guess I have to just use my VX-5.

I really wanted to use a vx6...worked every angle I could with them...no dice 

[JWBINX]

I spoke with my Leupold rep this AM, he had know idea of the legality.
He said he sells a ton of them to dealers in Idaho. It will interesting to hear
 there feedback.
IDFG needs to review this one?
I did learn a new word today. (unequivocal)
Thanks.

[idahohuntr]

I spoke with my Leupold rep this AM, he had know idea of the legality.
He said he sells a ton of them to dealers in Idaho. It will interesting to hear
 there feedback.
IDFG needs to review this one?
I did learn a new word today. (unequivocal)
Thanks.

I emailed leupold months ago asking if there was any plan (or way) to sell an idaho legal vx6...they offered up the idea of taking a battery out but didn't have much else to offer and didn't seem to care. 

I don't see IDFG changing the scope electronic rule...even for something as minor as the electronic level.

I'm sure there are plenty of folks with vx6's in Idaho.  Its not the crime of the century...but I just don't want to be in the position of being at the mercy of a warden on a deal like that.  I could see some of them being lenient, but I could also see them using it to railroad a guy if they didn't like the look on your face...or the license plates on your truck