Scope for hunting Elk - budget $1,500 or less

[captainjoe]

I have been trolling the forums here and haven't found yet someone else asking the same question I am trying to answer. I am looking to buy a scope for a Savage 300 Win Mag to hunt elk. I need something that will allow me to shoot in close ranges if I am cruising the timber shooting at about 10 yards and then up to 600 yards (or possibly a bit more) in the open meadows. My idea hunting situation would be to hunt up through timber to some favourite clearings and then set up for longer shots.

My budget is $1500 or less, though my Mrs. would probably appreciate it and approve the purchase faster if I could work it $1,000 or less. I don't want to spend money unnecessarily on stuff I don't use, but then again this is a lifetime investment and I'm prepared to ante up if need be to get the right thing.

What would you buy and why? I'm a bit on option overload. I don't want to spend a whack of money and then regret it later! I'm not the kind of hobbiest that has a dozen scopes around that I can afford to buy, play with and switch around.

 

[pyroducksx3]

With your budget I'm thinking nightforce 3.5-15 or a vortex pst 4-16. Reasons good scopes with reliable click values/repeatability, good glass, lifetime warranty and both are loaded with features ( illuminated reticles, ffp reticles, moa reticles and adjustments) these are what I would be looking at with your budget and purposes, hope that helps.

 

[streetglideok]

May look into Leupolds, VX3, VX7, or the brand new VX6. Also may look at the Zeiss Conquest models, as well as the Swarovski Z3 and Z5 models for that price. Im running a vari-x III 3.5-10 on my 7mm mag, and a 4.5-14 on my 300RUM, but my wife clamps my budget a little more then yours does.

 

[edjfadz]

Captainjoe, I was in the same situation and after reading forums and doing my research I ended up with a Swaro Z5 3.5x18 BT plex for a 300 Weatherby. Just received the scope and couldn't be happier, great low and high magnification, light weight, clean glass and BT turrets for any load for different big game

 

[davewilson]

i think the 4-14 Zeiss Conquest with the z-800 reticle or whatever they call it would be a great scope. or the Z3 Swarovski 4-12 with the BRX or BRH reticle would be great also. for shooting the ranges you want, a ballistic reticle is the way to go.

 

[gcamp54]

1+ on the NF NSX 3.5-15x50. I just ordered one for my 300WSM. I know this is a little more ($1750) than you want to spend but I think it would be well worth it. Bear Basin Outfitters allows you to finance w/o interest for 6 months. If you pay $35 up front you can finance for 1 year w/o additional charges other than the $35. I've bought 3 optics from them under this system and so far it has worked well for me.

Binoculars, Spotting Scopes, Rangefinders, Rifle Scopes, Leupold Scope


Gordon

 

[sp6x6]

Captjoe, I agree with Dave W. that would get you going. I have shot many elk out to 850 with a Vari 3 Leupold, mine was a mildot tact. But varmint or B&C reticule or CDS would be good for 600-700 bills. Im still shooting mine on a 325wsm, it took bulls at 501 and 15 yr old son at 540 in last few years 4-14 x40

 

[tpbscha]

I have a Zeiss Conquest 4.5-14x44 with the rapid-Z 800 and just got back from SA safari. I took plains game out to 550yds with my 338RUM and the scope was perfect. For low light the the 50mm may be a touch better but that is personal preference. Good scope for the money!

 

[Scot E]

If it were me the perfect scope for the application you mentioned would be the IOR 2.5-10x42 FFP with MP8 Dot. It is a MIL/MIL setup with illumination. At 13.5 inches and 21 oz, it is a real nice scope setup especially for a carry gun.

There is a SFP also but I like FFP and the MP-8 reticle. I have read very good reviews about this scope too. It is on the short list for my meat gun!

A couple sites with scope info!

2.5-10 x 42 30mm MIL/MIL Tactical FFP MP-8 Dot Illuminated Reticule

IOR 2.5-10x42 Tactical 30mm Rifle Scope

 

[Iron Worker]

If it were me the perfect scope for the application you mentioned would be the IOR 2.5-10x42 FFP with MP8 Dot. It is a MIL/MIL setup with illumination. At 13.5 inches and 21 oz, it is a real nice scope setup especially for a carry gun.

There is a SFP also but I like FFP and the MP-8 reticle. I have read very good reviews about this scope too. It is on the short list for my meat gun!

A couple sites with scope info!

2.5-10 x 42 30mm MIL/MIL Tactical FFP MP-8 Dot Illuminated Reticule

IOR 2.5-10x42 Tactical 30mm Rifle Scope

I just sold that scope i had mine mounted on a RRAs coyote AR-15. Its a tactical scope. Great glass mechanically is was flawless. Didn't care for the 42mm bell would rather 50mm. IOR makes a awesome 4.5x14x50mm with hunting reticle. Its under $1500.

 

[Scot E]

I just sold that scope i had mine mounted on a RRAs coyote AR-15. Its a tactical scope. Great glass mechanically is was flawless. Didn't care for the 42mm bell would rather 50mm. IOR makes a awesome 4.5x14x50mm with hunting reticle. Its under $1500.

Is that scope first or second focal?

 

[highridge1]

Zeiss Conquest 4.5-14x44 would be perfect for what you describe. Nightforce is too heavy and doesn't have the quality of glass as the Zeiss.

 

[Iron Worker]

Is that scope first or second focal?

The scope I'm suggesting I think is SFP. What I had was SFP

 

[captainjoe]

Thanks everyone for your links and advice. I'm digging through all the options... you've given me plenty to think about! http://www.longrangehunting.com/forums/images/smilies/smilie-gun.gif