I have decided it is time for me to upgrade my optics for my rifle. I am looking for a scope that will allow me to shoot and see better in low light scenarios. I still need range as it will be going on my Sako Finlight 7 mag. Here are specifics for waht i am looking to accomplish. What are your thoughts for brand and style of reticule?

- Long Range Shooting
- See reticule in low light
- see animal in low light
- fog proof, water proof

I want to be < $800. I am gun shy about buying used optics not knowing how the scope was handled.

Thanks for looking.

up

You could probably pick up a Leupold VX-III 4.5x14x50 or maybe even a 6.5x20x50 for that price. Either a standard duplex retical or a heavy duplex should work for your needs. Stay away from the fine cross hairs or target dot for low light conditions.

Buy once, cry once, enjoy it forever. Get a Nightforce! 3.5-15x50mm or 56mm. You can pick up a good used one for $1100 to $1200, and they are tanks. I wouldn't hesitate to buy a used one. Once you play with a good scope, you won't want a less expensive one.

Otherwise, look at a Vortex Viper series, maybe the new Super Sniper HD models (swfa).

Zeiss Conquest 4.5x14x44 on at Gander Mountain yesterday for $799. I have never owned one but had I not bought the EMP yesterday I was going to leave with that scope. I was very, very impressed. I did do an in store side by side comparison with the VXII and VXIII and the Conquest was superior. I have no idea about low light but reviews on here suggest it does not get any better than the conquest in this price range.

Seeing a reticule in low light means having good exit pupil/light gathering, and usually means a thicker reticule.

Shooting long range usually means have a fine reticule so that it covers less of the target.

So there's either a decision or a compromise to be made here. You'll have to decide that one for yourself.

I agree with Chad though. If I were to ever foot the bill for a nightforce, I would not hesitate to buy used. Everyone I have ever seen was in fact built like a freaking tank.

thanks guys. I am going to look into Nightforce and Schmidt Bender. Basically what happened here is that i have to grovel to my wife for extra budget. Luckily my birthday is less than a month after xmas. Maybe get a combo present. For the price of these scopes it may have to be my birthday, xmas, and fathers day! LOL

I put a Mark 4 Leupold on a friends 222 last yr..great optics,
and scope..about 1K...I use a Burris 312 XTR 3X12 w/mil dots
Ill, ect..stout scope...works as good as my buddies Zeiss 14x
I could shoot way past legal time on moonlit nights..DD