Which scope

[Boman]

Gentlemen,

Please help. Leupold 3.5-10x50 or 4.5-14x50? What are the pro's and cons of both? This is going on a custom lightweight .340wby.

This last season I was hunting in the timber,had a 3-9 scope on and I actually needed to turn it up to 9 to make the shot. I just couldn't make out the elk and brush well enough on the lower power. At 9 I could see clearly my shooting lane, but I could have used more magnification I think. I've never had that problem before. I was all set on the 3-9 or 3-10 power but now I'm wondering if I should step up. Shooting ranges from 20yds to 600yds with this rifle.

Also I need to think about ruggedness because of the rifle. I need a very tough scope as I've had two scopes fail on this rifle already. I'm also considering a Schmidt & Bender 3-12x50 because of their reputation for being stout.

What do you guys think?

 

[AJ Peacock]

I own both and would choose the 4.5x15 for a big-game rifle. Both good scopes, but the 4.5x15 is a nice range for western hunting.

AJ

 

[Dead Beat]

+ 1 with AJ

 

[long450]

I have both also and for general purpose hunting I prefer the 4.5x14. If I am hunting 90% tight cover with running shots I perfer the 3.5x10. That is why I have both. If I had to choose only 1 then the 4.5x 14 would be the one,

 

[Boman]

You guys think the Leupold will hold up? I called Leupold and the guy I spoke with recommended a 2-8x36. Said lighter and smaller is better. I told him I get that but that's not what I need. Couldn't get him to say the 3-10 or 4-14 would live. Which makes me wonder. Should I get the Schmidt&Bender?

 

[HeskethPritchard]

Boman

IMHO S&B are the best and definately up to the job. Never owned a Leupy but the guys here like 'em and they are tellin you the 4.5 -14x is the job. So all you got is a straight choice; S&B or Leupy!

Make the call and get out huntin

 

[Boman]

anyone else?

 

[AJ Peacock]

You guys think the Leupold will hold up? I called Leupold and the guy I spoke with recommended a 2-8x36. Said lighter and smaller is better. I told him I get that but that's not what I need. Couldn't get him to say the 3-10 or 4-14 would live. Which makes me wonder. Should I get the Schmidt&Bender?

They will both hold up.

I've had my 4.5x14 on my 8lb 7mm Rem Mag for the last 5 years it works fine. Guess what scope I had on it before that? 3-10, it worked fine too, that one is on a 7mm-08 now.

AJ

 

[LewisH]

S&B has several models of 4X-16X scopes. If the significant price difference is no problem go with the S&B. The S&B is a much better scope; it's in the same class with Zeiss Diavari and USO.

The Zeiss/Hensoldt scopes are fantastic, and very expensive, but I don't think they are currently available in the U.S.