Confused?

[rolly]

I am looking for a new scope for my 308 bolt gun, but haven't been in the scope market for years and learning about a ton of newer/better features, NONE of my previous scopes have ever had. Zero stop, First Focal Plane, Illuminated reticles, side focus, exposed turrets, mil/mil settings, 30mm tube, lots of elevation adjustment, etc (things I would want)... The plan for the gun is obviously long range hunting (600 yd max), but capable of M.O.M. (minute of man, torso shot) at 800-1000 yds. Not dropping Elk at 3.9 miles or p-dogs at 1900 yds. Nothing like that. Just want to spot, stalk, range, and cold bore one shot drop any antelope or deer at 600 or less. I have shot a couple dozen deer over 350 yds out to 450 yds with a Tikka M695 in 7mm Mag and 3-9x Nikon Monarch for years. Going tactical/long range mid level scope price point $900 or less. Here's the ones I've been looking at, but after 50 reviews of X vs. X and 1000's of opinions, I haven't gotten any closer to a decision. I know these don't have all the features I want in a single scope, but which are the best fit for what I'm trying to do, with features and price being most important, followed by warranty (knock on wood, I've never had a major scope malfunction). Help me out ya'll....again, this IS a hunting gun, not a bench baby.

Viper Vortex PST FFP 6-24x 50mm
Weaver Tactical FFP 3-15x 50mm
Bushnell Elite 4200 6-24x 50mm
Bushnell Elite 6500 2.5-16x 50mm
Zeiss Conquest 4-14x 50mm
Zeiss Conquest HD5 3-15x 42mm RZ600 reticle
Leupold Mark 4 4.5-14x 40mm
SWFA Super Sniper 5-15mm 50mm
Sightron SIII 6-24x 50mm
Swarovski Z3 3-10x 42mm BRH reticle

I'm sure I missed at least a dozen in the same type/price/feature range....

 

[MudRunner2005]

Have you looked into either of these?

Vortex Viper HS Long Range Rifle Scope 30mm Tube 6-24x 50mm Side Focus

Vortex Viper HS Long Range Rifle Scope 30mm Tube 4-16x 50mm Side Focus

I am thinking of getting the first one (6-24x50) for my 7mmSTW and putting my Zeiss Conquest 6.5-20x50 w/ Target Turrets on my A-Bolt II 7Mag for deer hunting.

Never owned a Vortex before, but read nothing but positive reviews about them.

 

[CLKHunter]

I am looking for a new scope for my 308 bolt gun, but haven't been in the scope market for years and learning about a ton of newer/better features, NONE of my previous scopes have ever had. Zero stop, First Focal Plane, Illuminated reticles, side focus, exposed turrets, mil/mil settings, 30mm tube, lots of elevation adjustment, etc (things I would want)... The plan for the gun is obviously long range hunting (600 yd max), but capable of M.O.M. (minute of man, torso shot) at 800-1000 yds. Not dropping Elk at 3.9 miles or p-dogs at 1900 yds. Nothing like that. Just want to spot, stalk, range, and cold bore one shot drop any antelope or deer at 600 or less. I have shot a couple dozen deer over 350 yds out to 450 yds with a Tikka M695 in 7mm Mag and 3-9x Nikon Monarch for years. Going tactical/long range mid level scope price point $900 or less. Here's the ones I've been looking at, but after 50 reviews of X vs. X and 1000's of opinions, I haven't gotten any closer to a decision. I know these don't have all the features I want in a single scope, but which are the best fit for what I'm trying to do, with features and price being most important, followed by warranty (knock on wood, I've never had a major scope malfunction). Help me out ya'll....again, this IS a hunting gun, not a bench baby.

Viper Vortex PST FFP 6-24x 50mm
Weaver Tactical FFP 3-15x 50mm
Bushnell Elite 4200 6-24x 50mm
Bushnell Elite 6500 2.5-16x 50mm
Zeiss Conquest 4-14x 50mm
Zeiss Conquest HD5 3-15x 42mm RZ600 reticle
Leupold Mark 4 4.5-14x 40mm
SWFA Super Sniper 5-15mm 50mm
Sightron SIII 6-24x 50mm
Swarovski Z3 3-10x 42mm BRH reticle

I'm sure I missed at least a dozen in the same type/price/feature range....

Whats the budget?

 

[Sully2]

Bushnell Elite 6500 2.5-16x 50mm
Zeiss Conquest 4-14x 50mm
Zeiss Conquest HD5 3-15x 42mm RZ600 reticle
Leupold Mark 4 4.5-14x 40mm
Swarovski Z3 3-10x 42mm BRH reticle

I'm sure I missed at least a dozen in the same type/price/feature range....

My selection would come from these

 

[MudRunner2005]

Also, this is an excellent scope! I have one, and it is a phenomenal scope for the price.

Zeiss MC Conquest Rifle Scope 6.5-20x 50mm Side Focus Target Turrets

 

[rolly]

CLKHunter: Budget is under $1000, but I would really prefer to be in the $800 range if possible.

Was at my local Scheel's store and saw some super clear Zeiss' on clearance for under $800. I believe they were a 3-10x for $649? and 4.5-14x Conquest and $739?. They also had the Swarovski I listed and man was it crystal. For a dedicated hunting rifle, not sure what the have to have's really are as the Vortex that I listed seemed really cluttered, especially if on the lower end of the power scale. I don't have any first hand experience looking thru the Weaver, Bushnell's, Sightron, or Super Snipers.

MudRunner2005, I will check those out as Scheel's has those in stock as well.

Sully2, could you elaborate a bit for me? I'm really looking for what makes one or any better than the other for what I'm after. Personal preference for me is based on reviews of those with a ton more experience with these newer features and having used any of these scopes. Appreciate the help in advance.

Thank you all for your replies. I will check out some of the others mentioned if I get the chance.

 

[MudRunner2005]

MudRunner2005, I will check those out as Scheel's has those in stock as well.

Rolly, I have one of those Zeiss Conquest 6.5-20x50 target turret scopes like i posted. And let me tell you....For the money, I really don't think that scope can be beat. I bought mine back when they were still selling for close to retail ($1,079) and have not regretted it. It was my 2nd Conquest. I have had another one since 2008 and it has been excellent, too. I can honestly say that I feel you will be quite content with the Zeiss once you get to take it outside and look through it. Inside the store, it's hard to get impressed with any glass, but if the salesman will take it outside for you, and let you look through it.....Go for it. You will be awestruck that an $800 scope can be that clear.

Also, this is an excellent scope! I have one, and it is a phenomenal scope for the price.

Zeiss MC Conquest Rifle Scope 6.5-20x 50mm Side Focus Target Turrets

 

[MTBULLET]

I've used, or still have, all you listed except elite 6500. They ALL work, are good quality. The one to choose is the one that YOU like. get the scope that best "fits" you and learn how to use it. Not all optics have the same "clarity" for all shooers, every one's eyes and needs are different, that's why all the manufacturers are still in business.

 

[CLKHunter]

Rolly, I have one of those Zeiss Conquest 6.5-20x50 target turret scopes like i posted. And let me tell you....For the money, I really don't think that scope can be beat. I bought mine back when they were still selling for close to retail ($1,079) and have not regretted it. It was my 2nd Conquest. I have had another one since 2008 and it has been excellent, too. I can honestly say that I feel you will be quite content with the Zeiss once you get to take it outside and look through it. Inside the store, it's hard to get impressed with any glass, but if the salesman will take it outside for you, and let you look through it.....Go for it. You will be awestruck that an $800 scope can be that clear.

What he said. Pick any zeiss that fits your needs and you will love it. The way Conquests are priced nowadays, I honestly think there is no better buy out there.

 

[Sully2]

CLKHunter: Budget is under $1000, but I would really prefer to be in the $800 range if possible.

Sully2, could you elaborate a bit for me? I'm really looking for what makes one or any better than the other for what I'm after. Personal preference for me is based on reviews of those with a ton more experience with these newer features and having used any of these scopes. Appreciate the help in advance.

Thank you all for your replies. I will check out some of the others mentioned if I get the chance.

Quality of construction; quality / clearness of the elements; general operating.