OT: scope for rifle

[ronpolk]

Looking to buy a new scope for my 30-06. I’ve had a Nikon on there for years, that I’ve been happy with. I recently bought a 35 that I’m going to put that Nikon on.

Wouldn’t mind going back with a Nikon again but wanted to see what the pack recommends.

 

[aTotal360]

Vortex. Best bang for your buck.

 

[greenbean.sixpack]

How far do you want to shoot? If you're not going to shoot over 150 yards or so, I wouldn't put a bunch of money into a high dollar scope, a $50 - $100 Bushnell, Simmons or Tasco is fine. If you do want to get into 300+ yard shots (i'm never going to shoot that distance), then put a lot of money in the scope and go high end. I don't want to have $500 or more tied up in a scope that I don't use, i'd rather put that money into guns and ammo.

 

[J-Dawg]

Vortex is the hot topic these days, and rightfully so. They are quality.

I really like my Leupold Vx-3 on my hunting rifle.

 

[NTDawg]

I'm for spending more on a scope than a rifle. Nikon Monarch are nice scopes and I like my Zeiss. Better optics really help at first light and right at dusk. They also help when it is cold and your breath fogs up the glass, my Zeiss will fog up some but not as bad as some scopes I have used. Whatever scope you buy make sure you mount with good rings.

 

[Car Ramrod.sixpack]

You can't go wrong with Leupold.

 

[ronpolk]

How far do you want to shoot? If you're not going to shoot over 150 yards or so, I wouldn't put a bunch of money into a high dollar scope, a $50 - $100 Bushnell, Simmons or Tasco is fine. If you do want to get into 300+ yard shots (i'm never going to shoot that distance), then put a lot of money in the scope and go high end. I don't want to have $500 or more tied up in a scope that I don't use, i'd rather put that money into guns and ammo.

Where I hunt often now, I’m probably max 250-300 yards. I think the Nikon I have I paid $250 maybe. It’s been great but I’m hoping to get one that is a little better on longer range. It’s been great within probably 150, which is I’m moving it to that 35.

 

[Palmettodog]

Go to Riflescopes.com then click on the Sample list, lower left hand side of page. I purchased a Swarovski Pro Hunter for under $1500 a couple of years ago. Also a good place for binocs. I got a set of Steiner's for under $500.

They have all brands at all kinds of prices, just depends on the condition.

 

[aTotal360]

Vortex's warranty is awesome. If you drop it out of a deer stand (even if its your fault) and it breaks, they'll send you a new one. I know lots of optics companies offer the same thing, but they typically make you jump through hoops before they honor it. Vortex just ask that send back the broken scope and they'll send you a new one.

 

[Pilgrimdawg]

Never go cheap on your scope. I recommend Swarovski, Zeiss, and the higher end Leupolds. There are other good ones but I have experience with these. Get good glass and always insist on models with a fixed eye relief distance. If you are on a budget, put more in the scope than the rifle.

 

[ronpolk]

Go to Riflescopes.com then click on the Sample list, lower left hand side of page. I purchased a Swarovski Pro Hunter for under $1500 a couple of years ago. Also a good place for binocs. I got a set of Steiner's for under $500.

They have all brands at all kinds of prices, just depends on the condition.

Thank you, I’ll check that out.

 

[greenbean.sixpack]

Never go cheap on your scope. I recommend Swarovski, Zeiss, and the higher end Leupolds. There are other good ones but I have experience with these. Get good glass and always insist on models with a fixed eye relief distance. If you are on a budget, put more in the scope than the rifle.

This is overkill advice for most people unless they're into long range competition shooting or hunting out west with 500 yard shots. For 99.99% of MS whitetail shots, most scopes over $300 are overkill. Take that extra $1,200 and buy an AR or handgun (if you can find one) and/or spend it on ammo. Scopes are the sizzle, guns are the steak.

If Biden wins, there will be panic buying for the first few weeks/months, also look for executive orders to be be issued to make it as hard as possible to buy firearms and high capacity mags and taxes on ammo to skyrocket. Stock up now.

 

[M R DAWGS]

Leupold for me. I’ve tried many different brands and Leupold is just better. I’ve never owned a Vortex though.

 

[cowbell88]

Rule of thumb that I’ve always heard is go at least same dollar for glass as you do for gun.

Now, with that being said, I have a Konus pro on my 35 wheelen. Absolutely love it with the blue or red dot at the center point. Clear and takes a beating on gun and by me. I’ve had it about 10 years. Only been “knocked” off one time, and pretty certain someone in camp cranked the dial down cause I’d been bragging about shooting does with head and neck shots. Missed one right after that, and it was 6 in low at 100 yds.

 

[ronpolk]

This is overkill advice for most people unless they're into long range competition shooting or hunting out west with 500 yard shots. For 99.99% of MS whitetail shots, most scopes over $300 are overkill. Take that extra $1,200 and buy an AR or handgun (if you can find one) and/or spend it on ammo. Scopes are the sizzle, guns are the steak.

If Biden wins, there will be panic buying for the first few weeks/months, also look for executive orders to be be issued to make it as hard as possible to buy firearms and high capacity mags and taxes on ammo to skyrocket. Stock up now.

I think this is already happening to an extent. The guy I bought the 35 from said he’s having trouble keeping up with demand right now.

 

[Mobile Bay]

I am going to let y'all in on a little secret. Konus. Not very well known outside the target shooting community. They make excellent optics. I can see a .30 cal hole on paper at 300 yards with my 60x spotting scope. And it was less than $100. Never had a chance to try it further.

 

[Pilgrimdawg]

This is overkill advice for most people unless they're into long range competition shooting or hunting out west with 500 yard shots. For 99.99% of MS whitetail shots, most scopes over $300 are overkill. Take that extra $1,200 and buy an AR or handgun (if you can find one) and/or spend it on ammo. Scopes are the sizzle, guns are the steak.

If Biden wins, there will be panic buying for the first few weeks/months, also look for executive orders to be be issued to make it as hard as possible to buy firearms and high capacity mags and taxes on ammo to skyrocket. Stock up now.

I agree with you on the ammo but we are going to have to agree to disagree on the scopes. You are probably a younger guy. Older eyes appreciate and need the benefits of good optics. The good news is that if you buy low end now, it gives you an excuse to get new stuff later on so it’s a win / win either way. The only losers are the far left folks that don’t want us to have any of these things that provide us with so much fun and protection ( from them ).

 

[aTotal360]

2x on your glass. If I had $1000, I'd buy a savage Axis and spend the remaining $600-700 on my glass. Rifles today are made extremely well. The rifle will always outperform the shooter. It's not like 40 years ago where only a select few in the middle of a production run were consistent. Good optics just make the job easier.

 

[karlchilders.sixpack]

Thought NIKON exited the rifle scope business, last year. Plus one for Vortex.

 

[EagleDawg97]

Vortex, Leupold, or Ziess

Vortex one step down from the top end of their range is very good.

Leopold VX3 is hard to beat, but can be pricey.

I have a Ziess Conquest on my main hunting rig, at the time that was the best glass for the money about 5 years back.

 

[karlchilders.sixpack]

Top end, No Night Force?

 

[Jeffreauxdawg]

I have not seen it mentioned, but I love my Burris Fullfied II. I put it on my .308 10 years ago. It is clearer and brighter than my old Leupold vxII by a noticeable amount. I bought it because it has a longer eye relief, which I like. Also... After sitting in my closet for 3 years after a move I took it out earlier this summer to sight it in and it's still dead on.

It's not in the class with the high end scopes from Zeiss, Steiner, or Schmidt and Bender... But I will put it up against some of the Leupolds and Nikons of the world all day.... At about $200. And it has a foverever warranty.

View attachment 17743

I also love the reticle. Simple and functional.

View attachment 17742

If you liked the Nikon, get the Burris and a shitload of ammo for what the others will cost.

​

 

[ronpolk]

Thought NIKON exited the rifle scope business, last year. Plus one for Vortex.

They may have... that would explain the lack of inventory everywhere.

Definitely going to check out vortex with all the recommendations.

ETA: you’re right they are out of the business of scopes. I just thought the lack of inventory everywhere was related to COVID.

 

[thatsbaseball]

Didn't know that but you're right.

 

[catvet]

Leupold is the best bang for your buck. Great quality without going to the upper level Zeiss, Swarovski, etc which will hit the 2k range and up. Not a fan of Vortex. Quality is just not at a high standard. Pay a little more and get a Leupold

 

[turkish]

The argument could be made that optics value has improved right alongside that of rifles over the least decade or 2.

Wanna be a killer. Spend your money on ammo and practice.

I think the right $700 rifle and $400 scope range gets you a quality LIFETIME MS whitetail setup these days. Tikka, Meopta, maybe. Those cheaper rifles out there are super accurate (I own some), but I have my doubts about long term quality and parts.

 

[Bucksnort_Dawg]

I’m a vortex guy. Hard to beat for the price and warranty.

 

[Dawgbite]

1. German glass
2a. Japanese glass
2b. American glass
3. don’t waste your money

 

[qball.sixpack]

Lots of great glass out there. The gap has narrowed. I have virtually every brand listed here in either scopes, spotting or binocs. Love my Swaro’s but but Leupold has just won me over —great quality, lifetime warranty and Made in America by god!! Btw—as stated, glass should definitely be a priority over rifle. Happy hunting and knock em dead.

 

[karlchilders.sixpack]

Ha ha,

a scope can't make a rifle shoot,

it can only point the direction.

 

[Bulldog Bruce]

no matter which brand you decide check out Optics Planet. I have gotten excellent deals there.

 

[catvet]

Also check ebay. Best deals in scopes you will find.

 

[Mobile Bay]

The argument could be made that optics value has improved right alongside that of rifles over the least decade or 2.

Wanna be a killer. Spend your money on ammo and practice.

I think the right $700 rifle and $400 scope range gets you a quality LIFETIME MS whitetail setup these days. Tikka, Meopta, maybe. Those cheaper rifles out there are super accurate (I own some), but I have my doubts about long term quality and parts.

Gun quality has gone to **** over the last several decades. Starting when Winchester decided to cheap out in the 60's, then the Colt/UAW strike in the 80's, and continuing on to the absolute trash that calls itself Remington now.

 

[Wizard.sixpack]

Vortex. Best bang for your buck.

I couldn't disagree more...

 

[NTDawg]

I don't have an issue with anything you said about scope quality from a distance stand point in Mississippi with the exception of hunting in the Delta. I personally haven't taken shot longer than 150 yards in years, not sure how comfortable even attempting a shot over 250 yds. I just don't take the time to shot often enough. The last several years where I'm hunting the deer are on top of me before I see them. The issue for me isn't about distance it is about light gathering. There isn't a lot of difference but there is a difference particularly when are you in the woods as opposed to open fields. It gets dark much faster in thick woods than on open fields. Several years ago I saw a deer right at dark in the thick woods. He kept disappearing and reappearing and at the last possible moment he gave me a shot. If I would have had a cheaper scope the shot would have not been possible.

 

[EagleDawg97]

If you are only wanting to hunt at 8am and 4pm (good lighting conditions), any $150-200 scope will work perfectly fine. In that range I find the Redfield revolution and the Burris full field to be really good scopes. For the money it’s pretty hard to beat a Redfield Revolution 3x9x40 or 3x9x50.

Now I shot a nice 8pt last year in the first 2 minutes of legal shooting light on a foggy morning at 165 yards. My aging eyes can’t do that with a $150 scope. That one was shot with a Vortex Viper, but the leupold VX3 or a Ziess Conquest would have handled it also. The additional $200-600 over the $150 scopes puts you in the game in the first few minutes of legal shooting light and the last few.

 

[Pilgrimdawg]

If you are only wanting to hunt at 8am and 4pm (good lighting conditions), any $150-200 scope will work perfectly fine. In that range I find the Redfield revolution and the Burris full field to be really good scopes. For the money it’s pretty hard to beat a Redfield Revolution 3x9x40 or 3x9x50.

Now I shot a nice 8pt last year in the first 2 minutes of legal shooting light on a foggy morning at 165 yards. My aging eyes can’t do that with a $150 scope. That one was shot with a Vortex Viper, but the leupold VX3 or a Ziess Conquest would have handled it also. The additional $200-600 over the $150 scopes puts you in the game in the first few minutes of legal shooting light and the last few.

Eagledawg is 100 percent correct. Quality optics extends your shooting light significantly early and late. Also, if you get tired of just hunting white tails around here and decide to make a trip out West, you will really appreciate the quality optics and their benefits. LONG shots are the norm out there. The ballistic turrets that are now available can help you achieve some amazing long range accuracy.

 

[IBleedMaroonDawg]

Leupold.

 

[greenbean.sixpack]

If you are only wanting to hunt at 8am and 4pm (good lighting conditions), any $150-200 scope will work perfectly fine. In that range I find the Redfield revolution and the Burris full field to be really good scopes. For the money it’s pretty hard to beat a Redfield Revolution 3x9x40 or 3x9x50.

Now I shot a nice 8pt last year in the first 2 minutes of legal shooting light on a foggy morning at 165 yards. My aging eyes can’t do that with a $150 scope. That one was shot with a Vortex Viper, but the leupold VX3 or a Ziess Conquest would have handled it also. The additional $200-600 over the $150 scopes puts you in the game in the first few minutes of legal shooting light and the last few.

No offense, but this is stretching it. I have a 25 year old Bushnell (i think i paid $30 for it at Wal-Mart) on my trusty Model 742 Woodsmaster and bust Whitetail all time up to the end of legal shooting hours. An expensive scope pulls in a little more light, but it don't pull in so much that it's a game changer for the average person.