Hunting Washington Forum

Equipment & Gear => Scopes and Optics => Topic started by: Jpwillef on November 07, 2013, 01:10:21 PM

Title: Need help choosing scope!
Post by: Jpwillef on November 07, 2013, 01:10:21 PM: 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!
Title: Re: Need help choosing scope!
Post by: gonehuntin68 on November 07, 2013, 04:14:04 PM: My buddy and father in law both have Vortex scopes and like them a lot. Ive always liked the larger power scopes. KEEP IT.
Title: Re: Need help choosing scope!
Post by: huntandjeep on November 07, 2013, 06:25:12 PM: You won't regret a Vortex. I have a few of them on different rifles , one even replaced a :sry: Leupold
Title: Re: Need help choosing scope!
Post by: Rick on November 07, 2013, 08:06:03 PM: 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.
Title: Re: Need help choosing scope!
Post by: JJB11B on November 07, 2013, 08:12:10 PM: I too have several vot-tex scopes. I prefer them to comparible Leupolds. LOVE my Viper PST's
Title: Re: Need help choosing scope!
Post by: Jpwillef on November 07, 2013, 08:56:37 PM: 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?
Title: Re: Need help choosing scope!
Post by: Rick on November 07, 2013, 09:13:11 PM: Quote from: Jpwillef on November 07, 2013, 08:56:37 PM
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.
Title: Re: Need help choosing scope!
Post by: pilebuck on November 09, 2013, 10:31:26 AM: 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 8)
Title: Re: Need help choosing scope!
Post by: Toptwo on November 09, 2013, 11:09:51 AM: 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.
Title: Re: Need help choosing scope!
Post by: Jpwillef on November 09, 2013, 01:00:43 PM: 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.
Title: Re: Need help choosing scope!
Post by: Rick on November 09, 2013, 01:26:52 PM: Quote from: Toptwo on November 09, 2013, 11:09:51 AM
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.
Title: Re: Need help choosing scope!
Post by: slm9s on February 16, 2014, 12:53:36 PM: 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. 8)
Title: Re: Need help choosing scope!
Post by: Taco280AI on February 16, 2014, 01:21:37 PM: I'd look at the VX2 2-7x33 or the FX2 6x36
Title: Re: Need help choosing scope!
Post by: mountainman on February 16, 2014, 01:26:15 PM: Stick with the larger Vortex! No regrets! Those that think you need to go lighter should stay off the potatoe chips and beer? :chuckle: :chuckle: :chuckle:
Title: Re: Need help choosing scope!
Post by: Heredoggydoggy on February 16, 2014, 09:21:31 PM: 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! :tup:
Title: Re: Need help choosing scope!
Post by: bowhunterwa87 on February 16, 2014, 09:28:46 PM: Got the diamondback 4x12 on my ar. Had the same scope on my 25-06. Awesome glass. Stick w the vortex.