Scope for Elk hunting

[Texas sniper]

I'm going on my second elk hunt this year and need some opinions on a scope. I took two guns last year one mounted with a Burris xtr and one with a sightron s3. I love both of these scopes but had the turrets move in the saddle scabbard on both. So to the point, here's what I need. Budget is around $1k. At least 20x magnification. Need turrets that I can dial but they need to be lockable or capped. Optical quality is always a plus but for this project durability is more important. Thanks for your help.

 

[JMW67]

I'm going on my second elk hunt this year and need some opinions on a scope. I took two guns last year one mounted with a Burris xtr and one with a sightron s3. I love both of these scopes but had the turrets move in the saddle scabbard on both. So to the point, here's what I need. Budget is around $1k. At least 20x magnification. Need turrets that I can dial but they need to be lockable or capped. Optical quality is always a plus but for this project durability is more important. Thanks for your help.

its a little more money but I like the leupold vx5 4-20 should do everything you want and more

 

[gr8fuldoug]

How about the Steiner GS3 4-20x50 - 4A? We've got it on sale for only $749.99, reduced from $1,099.99
The Steiner GS3 "game sensing" scope utilizes exclusive CAT (color adjusted transmission) lens coatings to amplify contrast in the peak human vision sensitivity range. The optimized contrast effectively separates game from leafy or shadow-dappled backgrounds, exposing your target to a clean, accurate shot. And the GS3 5x zoom range lets hunters from eastern whitetail country to western big game ranges pair their new scope with their favorite centerfire, rimfire or muzzleloader rifle. And or course, Steiner's bedrock reliability will always deliver unfailing performance, whatever firearm or target you prefer.

Versatile enough for prairie dogs, big game or the bean field.

• Magnification 4x-20x
• Tube Diameter 30mm
• Length 16.4
• Weight 28.2 oz
• Item no. 5012 (4A)

New 5x Zoom Range
provides sharp resolution at long distances for more accurate shooting for wide open areas.

CAT™ Color Adjusted Transmission
amplifies contrast in the peak human vision sensitivity range, to spot game in any environment.

Steiner 4A Reticle
provides a simple, uncluttered aiming tool

Short Mounting Length
of just 5.4 inches for mounting on short actions, muzzleloaders or lightweight mountain rifles.

Rugged 30mm Tube
milled from solid aluminum stock so there are no welds or seams, for greater strength and durability.

Waterproof/Fogproof
durable construction you can trust to stand up to any cold or wet condition.

Field of View at 100 meters	25.8 - 5.5
Eye Relief	3.5 - 4.3 in.
Exit Pupil	11.0 - 2.5 mm
Length	14.9 in.
Weight	28.2 oz.
Diopter Adjustment Range	+2 to -3
Elevation Adjustment Knob	Resettable Zero
Wind/Elevation Click Value	1/4 MOA
Elevation Range at 100 m.	64 MOA
Wind Range at 100 m.	48 MOA
Parallax/Focus	Side Focus
Parallax/Focus Range	164 ft. to infinity
Nitrogen Filled	Yes
Waterproof/Fogproof	Yes
Special Features	CAT™ Color Adjusted Transmission Coatings
Warranty	Lifetime Heritage Warranty

 

[hthunter]

I believe Sightron now makes a zero stop model SIII. Not sure if they lock though.

 

[excaliber]

Zeiss V4 6-24x50 with zero stop.

 

[Texas sniper]

Thanks for the info. I'm going to look into all of these. Hey gr8tful, do you know what the turrets look like on the Steiner? Couldn't find a picture of them exposed.

 

[gr8fuldoug]

I am out of the store today, however, if you call the store and speak with Jeff or Joel just ask them to take a picture with the caps removed and e-mail it to you
516-217-1000

 

[entoptics]

Sig Whiskey 5-25 and Bushnell Forge 4.5-27 are two options. Both have zero stops and locking turrets. W5 has a capped windage turret.

I have the W5, and it's outstanding. Might be a little over your budget, but with a good coupon code, or savvy shopping, could probably be had around $1100. Only issue is that it's 2nd focal plane only. Has a sweet built in level, good hashed reticle, and illumination. The glass is VERY good, and it's quite compact (though not particularly light weight).

The Forge might be hard to come by, as I think they're in the process of being discontinued. They come in SFP and FFP. The only flaw I can find is no illumination, particularly bad for the FFP, as the reticle is tiny and hard to see at low power. If it had illumination, you could use it like a red dot for "up close" work.

 

[Texas sniper]

I'll have to check out the sig. I've heard good things but never actually handled one.

 

[Forcedoutage]

I'd go with the leupold VX-5HD

 

[zr600]

Look at some of the newer trijicon models of scopes too.

 

[Rick Richard]

On my elk hunting rifle, I have a Zeiss V6 3-18x50 and am very happy with this choice. Positive clicks on the turrets, light in weight and maintains zero when dialing up and down.