Scope suggestions

[Flipper]

I'm sure this is a repeat post of someones but thought I would get some thoughts on a new scope.  Currently have a Leupold VXII 3-9 but I'm looking to step up a notch or two.  Will be mounted on a 300 win mag.  Suggestions would be helpful.

Thanks.

[wraithen]

Step up in what way? More magnification? Better low light performance? More expensive status symbol?

[Bean Counter]

You already have a pretty good scope on there. Got good binos, too? I'd hate to see someone spend $1,000 on a better riflescope when theyre still mobbin' out with a $150 pair of binos.

+1 for wraithen's comments. Are you looking for more.magnification? A BDC reticle? Mildots? Or do you want the fancy knobs/ dials? How about a scope that integrates a laser rangefinder?

I have a similar scope to yours and since I have top shelf glass all the way around I am going to pick up a Zeiss Conquest 4-14 x44mm with the rapid Z800 reticle. those who prefer the dials/turrets often don't like the busyness that such a reticle puts in their FOV but I don't like messing with moving internal parts on a scope. I don't like the idea of clanging my rifle around on the rocks while I hunt and wondering if the calibration of those things getting out of whack

[Miles]

those who prefer the dials/turrets often don't like the busyness that such a reticle puts in their FOV but I don't like messing with moving internal parts on a scope. I don't like the idea of clanging my rifle around on the rocks while I hunt and wondering if the calibration of those things getting out of whack

  

I wouldn't be overly excited about "clanging" any rifle/scope "around on the rocks" while hunting.

   

[Bean Counter]

 I dont go out of my way to drop it and bang it around but with how hard I hunt its inevitable that its going to take some abuse. I hunt some really rocky areas.

My hunting rifle is a tool. Pretty rifles are for display cases. 

[Miles]

I agree about it being a tool... all of my rifles look like hell after a couple seasons.

Question though, do you feel that turrets have a higher failure rate because you can move the internal parts of the scope?   I'm just trying to make sense of that last part of your post, and how it relates to banging your scope around on rocks.   I'm referencing the portion of your post that reads "the calibration of those things".

[Miles]

Minox has some good glass and cameraland did have some deals on their scopes a while back.  You might pm Smdave or addicted as I know they have experience with them.   I have Minox binos and a spotter, both have really nice glass for the price.  I'm assuming when you say "step up" you are referring mostly to the glass??


Here's the thread I was thinking of:

http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,83032.0.html

[Flipper]

Thanks guys.  I'm not real certain about some of the details you all listed as I'm not really educated on some of the lingo...  I'm definitely not looking for too many more frills, just a good quality scope that gathers good light and has the potential to help me out a little more with the longer shots.  I do have a good set of binos.

Thanks again.

[bobcat]

Stick with Leupold, just upgrade to a VX-III, maybe in a 4.5-14 if you want it for long range shooting.

I like to support companies that make their products in the USA whenever I can.

[RadSav]

Stick with Leupold, just upgrade to a VX-III, maybe in a 4.5-14 if you want it for long range shooting.

I like to support companies that make their products in the USA whenever I can.

I switched from the scope you have to the VXIII 4.5 - 14 BDC in my 7mm LR gun.  Very happy with it.  Works better than I do that's for sure.  I was going to go Swaro or Zeiss, but the crosshairs were too fine for my aging eyes.  Perhaps not as bright as those others, but definately bright enough to get the job done.  And probably none more durable.

[Bean Counter]

I agree about it being a tool... all of my rifles look like hell after a couple seasons.

Sounds good when Im six feet under I like the idea of my hunting rifle over my kids' fireplace with some real character sketches on it    if somebody sees a pristine hunting rifle and hear about grandpa's hunts I dont want them wondering if they ended in tag stew.

Question though, do you feel that turrets have a higher failure rate because you can move the internal parts of the scope?   I'm just trying to make sense of that last part of your post, and how it relates to banging your scope around on rocks.   I'm referencing the portion of your post that reads "the calibration of those things".

I have never been a scope manufacturer or repairman so I am not an expert. I just prefer to have less moving parts. Its a wonder they can make those dials so readily finger adjustable and yet holdup to the punishment of a .375 H&H magnum to keep its calibration or so they say. In the many times I have pointed guns at both humans and animals I firmly appreciate simplicity and IMHO a reticle with multiple lines achieves this end better than rotating knobs. But I can easily appreciate that some hunters and snipers cant stand all that shat in their FOV. So to each his own 

[Gringo31]

Stick with Leupold, just upgrade to a VX-III, maybe in a 4.5-14 if you want it for long range shooting

.

I have 2.  There is a reason that I bought a second one for a different rifle several years later.   

[wraithen]

Flipper, there's some sound advice going around here. You can always customize your scope by the manufacturer as well. I suggest you research a bunch of different scope options and decide what you think you' prefer. Of course if money is absolutely no object go ahead and spend a few grand on a scope. The only caution I would offer is once you start getting way up there, you spend exponentially more money, for exponentially less in features an benefits.    I would also suggest looking at Nikons. They seem to be help side by side with Leupy's for a little less in cost.

[Biggerhammer]

Sold my stinking Leupold MK 4 and shoved it all Nightforces way. Here's Shawn at Hooked On Toys in Wenatchee fondling my latest piece of glass. Now I just need  BenchMark barrels to finish the rifle up.

[CAMPMEAT]

You don't need a $1500 scope to kill sumpin' with.......if you can see it, it's all good.

[RB]

Stick with Leupold, just upgrade to a VX-III, maybe in a 4.5-14 if you want it for long range shooting.

I like to support companies that make their products in the USA whenever I can.

I have three VX-II 3-9 heavy duplex one has been flown from washington to Alaska multiple times in a hard aluminum case. Then dragged through the jungles of SE Alaska for days in the rain, snow, beach sand and wind, all while bouncing in a small skiff. Then put back in the hard case to come home to Washington and in all these trips NOT once have I lost zero!

I have dropped my Leupolds on rocks, got it snagged on brush while crawling through rabbit holes they call deer trails in some areas, rained on constantly for days, and sat in the closet for years not once I have I had any trouble.

If you ever do have an issue I have heard their customer service is incredible   

[Flipper]

Thanks for the suggestions, much appreciated.

[coachcw]

5x20 blue diamond !

[buckfvr]

I am just about to pull the pin on a Bushnell Elite 6500 2 1/2 - 16 x 50 with the Kenton industries Speed Knobs.  It has been months of reading reviews and deliberating to be even approaching this decission.   www.kentonindustries is worth the look. 

[nontypical176]

Just my opinion, but stepping up from what you've already got is costly.  I have good glass for everything, but a buddy of mine let me look through his Swarovski scope and it puts my Ziess, Leopolds and Bushnell to shame.  If I get a big long range gun it will have a Swarovski with a max power of atleast 16.  Get a bigger objective lens 50mm or more to help gather the light.  My 4.5-14 leoupold and Ziess scopes don't hold a candle to my friends 16 power Swarovski.  Just looking through it at distances over a mile away made me smile.  Someday I will own one, they are impressive once you get them out of a gun shop and into the field.  Couldn't believe how much better it was at low light than anything I own too.  I can't remember the exact powers or model of his Swarovski, only that he bought it used, its highest power was 16 and he refused to sell it to me.

Again its only my opinion, but anything beyond 9 power should be the best quality glass you can afford.  14 power on my scopes is like 7 or 8 power with that Swarovski.  The money I spent on my Ziess and Leopold 4.5-14's together would have been better spent on just one Swarovski, the glass is much clearer, and brighter.

[CAMPMEAT]

Why does one need a $1000- $2000 scope when most shots are less than 200-300 yards is beyond me....

[Huntbear]

Why does one need a $1000- $2000 scope when most shots are less than 200-300 yards is beyond me....

The same reason you need a 500.00 fishing pole to drift fishing holes with bobbers...   

[CAMPMEAT]

Why does one need a $1000- $2000 scope when most shots are less than 200-300 yards is beyond me....

The same reason you need a 500.00 fishing pole to drift fishing holes with bobbers...   

Well, now it makes sense.......

[buckfvr]

Why does one need a $1000- $2000 scope when most shots are less than 200-300 yards is beyond me....

The same reason you need a 500.00 fishing pole to drift fishing holes with bobbers...   

Scouting the last couple years, the by far, largest whitetails I have seen have been 500 to 600 yards distant.   THen if you start talkin mules, it can get farther.  I have found some spots where you may as well stay home if you cant shoot 500 yards or more.  Not saying you just start huckin lead at those ranges, but it is doable for those equiped for it.

To me, theres something about taking an animal that is unaware of the danger looking at him through a scope.   

[Huntbear]

Well, I shoot Bausch & Loumb and Bushnell elites out to 500 yards with my .338 WM.  I have never paid more than 350.00 for a scope.

As hard as I am on my rifles when hunting, I can not imagine putting a piece of glass on top that costs a grand... Hell, I can not see paying a grand for a rifle, unless it is a custom fit to me, and my specifications one of a kind.  Then, oh wait... I can build that myself, so I can do it for a lot less anyway.

[Bean Counter]

....To me, theres something about taking an animal that is unaware of the danger looking at him through a scope.   

I'm starting to feel this way myself. Been twiddling my thumbs while I have the option to upgrade my Leupold to a Zeiss. I've shot a few in the last couple of years that had no idea I was there. I've got three bow hunts and maybe one gun hunt scheduled for this season. Something seems weird about doing all this practicing with a bow for 40 yards and then wanting to have a range on a gun extended from 300 yards to 500 yards.... 

[buckfvr]

Let me throw this out there.....Meopta Pro.....6 - 18 X 50.....They are the oldest and largest sport optic manufacturer in Europe, and they use Schott glass which I believe is what Swarovski uses....not positive, but believe so.  They are assembled here in N.Y., and come with a transferable warranty.......I need more info on these. 

77 years making scopes has to be worth something.

[wraithen]

Good glass is good glass, you pay more for coatings on good glass than you'd think.

[nontypical176]

Another thing about a good hi powered rifle scope is the spotting scope factor.  Some people pack spotting scopes around but a lot of times the best glass you have is the rifle scope.  Most people only carry a set of 10-12 power binoculars while hunting long ranges.  I've stared at a herd of elk in a patch of reprod for hours trying to pick out a legal bull.  Being able to power up to help pick out hidden game is a real advantage... most times you won't be packing a spotting scope.  Try pick apart a jungle with crappy glass for too long and it will wear on your eyes.  There are a lot of guys that are using these hi powered optics as much to identifiy game at longer distances, as they are to shoot long ranges.  I shoot my share of critters with glass that isn't the very best, but everyone has toys...If a guy wants to dump some money on great glass that might someday help him bag the big one or just put meat in the freezer, that extra cost could lead to good times.  I spend a lot of time in the woods and my eyesight isn't the best but I know for fact that good glass helps me see better and it doesn't fatigue my eyes nearly as much.

[ing]

Stick with Leupold, just upgrade to a VX-III, maybe in a 4.5-14 if you want it for long range shooting.

I like to support companies that make their products in the USA whenever I can.

I have four different Leupold scopes. The first one I bought is a VXII 3x9x40. I've had it for 15+ years and used it on about three different rifles and it has worked great on all of them. Rifles come and go, but my Leupolds always stay.

[huntnphool]

Another thing about a good hi powered rifle scope is the spotting scope factor.  Some people pack spotting scopes around but a lot of times the best glass you have is the rifle scope

Please don't suggest that guys look through their rifle scopes to locate or spot, this is not a safe suggestion and not what I want the young hunters on here to think is acceptable. I get "scoped" every year and it pisses me off to no end.

[RadSav]

Another thing about a good hi powered rifle scope is the spotting scope factor.  Some people pack spotting scopes around but a lot of times the best glass you have is the rifle scope

Please don't suggest that guys look through their rifle scopes to locate or spot, this is not a safe suggestion and not what I want the young hunters on here to think is acceptable. I get "scoped" every year and it pisses me off to no end.

I'm 100% in agreement with that!!  Even in the back country it is a bad habit!

[nontypical176]

I'm just suggesting that when you have game spotted and are trying to figure out the size or if an animal is legal, there is absolutely nothing wrong with using a rifle scope.  By the time you start pointing your gun you should be sure its in a safe direction. Using one as a panning device isn't good practice and not real practical anyhow.  I often use my rifle scope to try and clearly identify my target though.  Elk walking around in heavy reprod or a mule deer layed up behind some sage brush are perfect opportunities to power up the scope.  10 power binoculars ain't alway enough which is why I own 2 different 14 power rifle scopes.  I carry binoculars for spotting game.  Sorry if I made it sound like they should be used as a tool for glassing larger areas.

[elkinrutdrivemenuts]

That's what I thought you meant.  If I see an elk in my binos, the rifle is coming up to get a better look and be ready to shoot.

 Checking out a brown patch across the draw with you rifle scope is a no no children!