Thoughts on Alpine Optics

[HamiltonIV]

Hello, new member here, thanks for all the great info.

I won an Alpine Kodiak 3-9x scope at an auction a while back and finally got around to mounting it on my Winchester Model 70 XTR Sporter 30/06. I am able to shoot decent groups with it but every time I try to adjust it to bring it to center, the point of impact jumps way farther than the attempted adjustment. Sometimes off the paper! My buddies tell me to take a sawzall to it and throw it in the trash, is there really no hope for this scope?

Thanks in advance

 

[T3ninja]

Yeah, if everything else is in working order. And it goes off paper, it's probably trash. Looking online I found similar models and it looks like it's in the $100 range. That's asking a lot from a $100 optic on a pretty light, hard recoiling rifle.

 

[HamiltonIV]

Thank you sir! I am inclined to agree...

 

[HamiltonIV]

Okay, so I will be replacing the Alpine scope, what would be a good replacement? I am new to big game hunting but I've been a lifelong bird hunter. Several friends have convinced me to take up deer hunting, so I am going to give it a go. We live in So Cal, and I will be hunting in the Mojave National Preserve. I will be using my Winchester Model 70 XTR Sporter 30/06 at ranges up to 300 yards. I see all kinds of features and options but I'm not really sure if they are useful in the field...

I didn't get drawn this year so I have some time to make a decision, I would appreciate any advice you could offer.

 

[ducky]

How much do you want to spend is the big question? For your hunting needs I'd look at traditional 3-9X40 scopes like the Burris Fullfield II/E1, Bushnell Elite/3200, Leupold Freedom/VX-II/VX2, Zeiss Conquest/Terra, or Swarovski Z3. Just keep it simple with a duplex reticle or ballistic reticle like the Burris Ballstiplex or Leupold Long Range Duplex. At 300 yards you will not need much bullet drop compensation with a .30-06.

You should find something in your price range as I gave you a fairly wide band as far as price goes. There are other good brands I've missed in this power range, and a few that I listed that will have to be found NOS or used. I'd probably stay away Nikon unless it's a smoking good deal since they are discontinuing all rifle scopes and warranty support for them. I've got a couple of Nikon scopes and I like them, but I won't buy anymore.

 

[HamiltonIV]

Thanks ducky, I'm thinking in the $400 to $500 range. How about the features I see like "Side focus" and "Zero Lock"? Are they actually useful?

 

[T3ninja]

If you're wanting to spend 4-500 I'd call camera land. Talk to doug or Neil. they have some really good optics at reallu good prices. If I were you I'd jump on one of their meopta "optika 6" optics. It's a very feature packed optic at a really good price especially their " sale/close out stuff.



To answer some of the questions "side focus"... yes that's pretty much a must have for anything with precision especially at distance. A "zero lock/ zero stop" Is another "must have" IF you plan on dialing turrets for your shots. If you strictly plan on only using reticle/sub tensions for hold over, then it's not as important. I know these answers are kinda broad and vague but you're in the right place to ask these questions.


I don't have any personal experience with optics ducky mentioned , but they'll all serve you well I'm sure. However, I've never been much of a fan of a the 3-9 scopes I prefer something with a little more broad magnification, 2-12 2-15 3-15 3-18 Something along those lines. I will say though, And I bet most will agree, Buy a better quality low power scope, instead of a higher power low quality scope. Good luck

 

[BallisticsGuy]

Listen to your buddies.

 

[HamiltonIV]

Thanks T3ninja! I'll check out camera land! I'm not familiar with Meopta, you have been happy with their products?

 

[HamiltonIV]

Yeah BallisticsGuy, I'm planning of doing just that!

 

[Deleted member 48126]

Your price range you're asking a lot. Doug from camera land can help you out tremendously. I would look at the mid tier Bushnell.

 

[T3ninja]

I have 2 meopta products. My opinion, both have features and quality above their price point.

 

[Skimbleshanks]

3-9 is an OK range for most hunting though I prefer a bit more. 4.5-14 is what I really find most useful.

 

[ducky]

I will be using my Winchester Model 70 XTR Sporter 30/06 at ranges up to 300 yards.

Thanks ducky, I'm thinking in the $400 to $500 range. How about the features I see like "Side focus" and "Zero Lock"? Are they actually useful?

If all you're hunting and shooting at is 300 yards just keep it simple, you don't need a scope with all the bells and whistles. Since you're new to shooting rifles with scopes, just get a basic scope and learn the basics. Once you get the basics down and want to stretch things you'll probably buy a different set up anyway.