Scope suggestions

[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.