Need help deciding on a scope.

[CCloutier04]

I've been a long time lurker around here, not as much for the long range hunting aspect (as I shoot most my animals under 50 yards) but more because I seem to find the best info/answers to my questions here.

I have an Elk/Mule deer hunt booked for this fall and have been looking to upgrade my scope on my .300 WSM. I've narrowed it down to a couple, but I want to know which one you guys think.

Leupold VX-3 CDS: 3.5-10 X 40

Or

Nikon MONARCH 3 w/ XR turrets: 3-12 X 42

I'm worried about the scope height and getting a good check weld if I need to get medium mounts for the 42.

Also my max shooting range would probably be 400 -500 yards if that matters.

Thanks guys.

 

[Senderofan]

Here's a screaming deal on a scope with German glass....which tends to give a sharper image and better color rendition than most. And at $399.....you're saving some bucks for rings and ammo.

Meopta Optics - CameraLand NY

Wayne

 

[CCloutier04]

Thanks, for the response. That scope has an even larger objective lens so my cheek weld concern would be even greater.

Any one else have any thoughts?

 

[ohiohunter]

Thanks, for the response. That scope has an even larger objective lens so my cheek weld concern would be even greater.

Any one else have any thoughts?

Incorrect. All 3 scopes in this thread will be fine in low rings leaving the cheek weld the exact same for them all (disregarding eye relief). Only when your bell/front objective size forces you to move to medium rings you will have an increase in scope height, then your cheek weld comes in question.

 

[Sully2]

Zeiss Conquest 4-14 scope.

 

[CCloutier04]

Incorrect. All 3 scopes in this thread will be fine in low rings leaving the cheek weld the exact same for them all (disregarding eye relief). Only when your bell/front objective size forces you to move to medium rings you will have an increase in scope height, then your cheek weld comes in question.

Ok, I was under the impression that the 42mm objective may make me move to medium rings, I guess that was my real question. But you're saying even a 44mm objective will fit in low rings?

 

[ohiohunter]

Yes, depending on rail, cant, bell size, barrel contour, and actual ring height you should be able to run lows up to 50mm give or take. I shoot mediums on an mtu barrel and 60mm objective with 20moa cant.

 

[Senderofan]

Ok, I was under the impression that the 42mm objective may make me move to medium rings, I guess that was my real question. But you're saying even a 44mm objective will fit in low rings?

There are 25.4mm's per inch....so 4mm difference....actually half of that for a circle, 2mm, is about .08" closer to the barrel versus the 40mm front objective.....all other things being equal. If you have a one piece base....they generally add about 1/4" to the height of the scope...or more....so with low rings....you could do a 44mm. IMHO.

Wayne