Preferred scope for a moderate range, LW hunting rifle

[blackdog]

I'm in the planning phases right now of building a .280AI for a light(er) weight hunting gun. The .260 and .338 Edge that I shoot now are both north of 15lbs with 5-22 Nightforces on top so I'm planning on building something to finish around 9lbs or under with scope.

And while I'd love to set one of my NF's on this, I know there is some additional weight with them. So with that in mind, I'd love to hear some suggestions for a scope for this outfit. Some additional thoughts - I would prefer to dial and not hold over, prefer MOA and not MILS, and will probably limit this gun to a max of 800 yards. Also, something under $1000 would be preferred as well if possible.

 

[Aldon]

I went with a Leupold VX-6 2-12X42 (corrected) using pretty much the same criteria for my 6.5-06AI. You can send the CDS coupon in for custom elevation turret. I have never used a Swaro but those who have looked through both tend to settle on it being between the Z3 and Z5 i believe for comparison.

And I like the illuminated red dot that auto turns on/off and you can adjust brightness although it has its upper end limit which I do not need. I like it on very dim for low light.

I like the optics and features at a price at or around 1K depending on reticle and power.

Edit - The CDS at those ranges would likely fit the flatter trajectory cartridges best

Edit 2 - It came down to this or the Zeiss HD5.....

 

[Beluebow]

Vortex PST or Sightron SIII sounds about what your looking for.

 

[emn83]

Vortex PST or Sightron SIII sounds about what your looking for.

that's what i was thinking

 

[Sully2]

Zeiss 6.5-20 now for $5XX from Cameraland. $200 more for target turrets but thats still way below your $1000 mark.

Ive got one here waiting on a 7mm-08 to be built to set it on

 

[MudRunner2005]

I 2nd the Zeiss 6.5-20x50 with target turrets. I have one on my 7STW and it's great.

 

[blackdog]

I 2nd the Zeiss 6.5-20x50 with target turrets. I have one on my 7STW and it's great.

Is that the 'Conquest' model?

 

[angus-5024]

6.5-20 is more magnification than what your looking for in a LW rifle. I would stick to a 4.5-14ish. I would probably even go with a 2.5-10 to save weight and for those close shots (which are usually more likely). I have used my 2.5-10x44 PST out to just over 800 yards and find it ample. If you knew that a lot of shots would be in the 600-800 yards range I would go with a 14x or 16x on the top end, but if they were the "once in a while" type shots I would go as low as 10x.

 

[.284]

Save a bit longer and get a Swarovski 3.5-18 with the brh reticle. I use these on my hunting rifles and depending on the caliber I'm out to about 7-800 yards with a 100 yard zero. Awesome scopes

 

[MudRunner2005]

Is that the 'Conquest' model?

Yes. You must remember, even though the Conquest is Zeiss' affordable line, that doesn't mean it's junk. In fact I would have Conquests over every other scope under $1000. I have 2 Conquests, and their quality is just as superb as the Victory and Diavari lines. They were built by ZEISS in their NY plant, and come with a lifetime warranty. Their customer service is 2nd to none, as well.

After owning 2 Conquests (one of them since 2008), I would never hesitate to buy another one for any of my other rifles.

4.5-14x50 vs 6.5-20x50 is not that much difference in weight. They are 1" tube scopes, so they are not very heavy. They are very sturdy made. Sure, they won't be as light weight as a Swarovski, but they are more rugged for field work.

If you are looking for low magnificaiton, light weight, and the best glass in the business, check out one of these:

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/48...-35-10x-50mm-illuminated-4d-dot-reticle-matte

I have one just like it, but without the illuminated reticle. They are some of the sharpest and clearest hunting scopes I've ever looked through.

They are also ultra lightweight at only 16.5 oz....

 

[blackdog]

Any thoughts on the Bushnell Elite 6500 2.5-16x42? I can pick a new one up for about $450. No turrets but perhaps Kenton could fix that for another $100. Thoughts?

 

[Boman]

Im looking for a scope for the same purpose. I looked at the Swaro 3-18x50, very nice scope. I just don't care for the turrets. I don't know why they don't go to a conventional target elevation turret. I also looked at the Zeiss 6.5-20. seem to be a very nice scope, but I want to get a look at the new hd5 models. I don't care for the vortex glass. and as I mentioned before, I can't find a sightron to look through. the new Leica scopes look nice, but it seems like they've already discontinued them. it seems like we're all looking for the same scope, and nobody really makes it...

 

[LDHunter]

Any thoughts on the Bushnell Elite 6500 2.5-16x42? I can pick a new one up for about $450. No turrets but perhaps Kenton could fix that for another $100. Thoughts?

That's a great price for an E6500 and is well below wholesale. I own 4 E6500's and although the clarity of the optics rivals scopes that cost more than double the cost of the E6500's, I'm not so sure you'll be happy with turning turrets on one.

They perform well but if you're looking at shooting game beyond 400yds and turning turrets, I think I'd look at a scope that is WELL KNOWN for precise tracking in any situation.

I don't think I'm qualified to tell you what scopes qualify for that distinction but I don't think my Bushnells do so reliably every time. However quality of workmanship and clarity of optics are nearly unequalled.

Bob

 

[marinetowgunner]

Swarovski z5.....3.5-18 BT with 4w reticle would be the route that I would go. Excellent glass, good weight, intuitive turret system that can be used however you want, and a reticle that allows for a great sight picture while giving you the ability to see behind the reticle and have some type of windage hold.

Swarovski Rifle Scopes