Im looking to buy a scope to top off my new long range hunting rig. It is chambered in 300 wm and will be used for hunting in the mountains etc. Most shots will be taken from 200 to 1200 yards. So im looking for something with good magnification while staying light. Right now i have a chance to get a zeiss hd5 5-25x50 for around 850$. Is there a scope in the 1200 and lower price range that can beat the clarity and weight of the zeiss? I know the vx3 is 6 oz lighter but to my eye the glass in it is weak.

CONQUEST HD5 5-25x50
Magnification5 x25 x
Effective Lens Diameter mm50
Exit Pupil Diameter8.5 mm2 mm
Twilight Factors14.535.4
Field of View at 100 yd21 ft4.2 ft
Objective Viewing Angle4 °0.8 °
Diopter Adjustment Range+-3 | 2 dpt
Eye Relief90 mm
Parallax-Free in yards50-Infinite
Adjustment per Click at 100yd0.25 inch
Centre Tube Diameter25.4 mm
Eye Piece Tube Diameter44 mm
Objective Tube Diameter60 mm
Water Resistance400 mbar
Functional Temperature in °F-4 | +145 °F
Length14 inch
Weight in Use26.6 oz

How far is "long range" to you?

Sorry just updated. Shots will range from 200 to 1200 with the majority being under 800.

Bushnell Elite Tactical
SS 5-20
Vortex Viper PST (lightest weight one on the list)

^^All Mil/Mil scopes^^

I recommend a class to learn to use what you get, and a year of practice before taking shots as far as you mentioned.

Zeiss makes great glass, but they are not in the business of shooting distance, same as Swarovski. That statement makes people get butt hurt around here, but it is simply the truth.

The Zeiss would not be remotely on my list. The lower end models don't have much internal travel and aren't known for great internals when dialing a lot. I'd look at Bushnell Elite Tac line, Vortex Viper PST or better, NightForce works well too. I would highly recommend something with a zero stop, while it isn't a must have it makes things tons easier especially in the field under stress.

Bushnell 3x12 elite long range hunter...can be found for less than a 1000 from time to time...1100 online...lighter, and sleeker than most tactical scopes, with the same glass as the tactical elites...

I just picked up a burris XTRII in a 2x10...I picked mine up used for $500, but they look to be 800-900 dollars. The glass looks good too... They have a 3x15 and a 4x20 that is right at your budget limit.



I love my bushnell elite tactical DMR 3x21 but most are more than your $1200 price tag..maybe some of their other tactical line has some that fits your needs.

I have 2 vortex scopes, one 5x20 razor, and a 6.5x20 viper...both have been good. I would trust Fireman JG on his PST recommendation,as he has some trigger time behind one, and other than a small glitch I had with my razor, they have been fine scopes.

Ed

I would look into the bushnell lrhs. Pst glass leaves some desired clarity for me
I would also call around to places out of state where your $1200 can take you further

2x. Free shipping and no tax plus volume buying can make a different at this price.

Another good option.

I like the reticle, though some could find it too busy. 3X on the low end is great. 12X on the high end is fair, a little more magnification for precise shots at long range would be better. Capped windage knob is excellent. First Focal Plane is my preference by a wide margin, but if you're using the reticle you'll probably be at max power on this scope anyway. My experience with upper end Bushnell glass is nothing but positive. The Bushnell ERS I have looks more clear than a Gen II Vortex Razor.

They make an 18x that can be had

I picked up a used Nightforce NXS for $750. Don't see too many deals like that.

Thanks for the information. It seems I might not have made my needs clear.

Scope must be light (hd5 is heaviest I would like to go at 26 oz.)

The magnification has to be 18x plus for my eyes

I know there are a lot of leupold haters out there but I personally have had great results with the 3 I have had. Any thoughts on the Leupold VX6 4-24x52? Illumination, ballistic reticle and turret, only MOA but I know it well.

The 6 and 7 supposedly track better than last models although I know of more than a few mk6 scopes being off. Just remember if it is a sfp the reticle only works correct on one power magnification. One can setup subtensions at different magnification but care needs to be taken.

Bushnell LRHS 4.5-18 weighs 26.5oz
Vortex Viper PST 6-24x50 weighs 23oz

I personally love Leupold, but if you want to shoot long range (beyond 500 yards) you need certain tools to do it consistently. While the 4-24 VX6 has the glass, and turret, I think there are better tools, that maybe more durable for day to day cranking..that being the bushnell...or one of the other scopes mentioned..I too started off with MOA, and some of my scopes are still set up that way (nightforce) , but I prefer mil, mil it is easier. Hey if you want the VX6, then get after it, most look to be beyond the $1200 price tag that was orginally set, and if you want a Leupold to shoot beyond step up to a Mark 6--well worth the extra cost.

https://www.leupold.com/hunting-shooting/scopes/mark-6-riflescopes/mark-6-3-18x44mm-m5b2-34mm/

Ed

Mils are easier to remember wind holds on the fly. MOA you'll need a chart to refrence, and that is not good when lining up on hide with adrenaline flowing.

Second Focal plane means the reticle is only correct at one magnification, usually max or close to it. When the lighting gets a little low you may not want to be at maximum magnification. The same is true in heavy mirage, backing magnification down helps improve clarity.

I think your money can be spent better elsewhere than that Leupold.

Have you checked out the nightforce shv. Newer scope from them, pretty clear. If you look around you can get it for about $900. It doesn't have zero stop but for another $140 you can get it illuminated. Just a thought.

Another option would be the Nightforce SHV if you want a SFP scope. I really hope your handloading by the way as 1200 is a long way even for a 300wm on game unless you are at really high elevations.

Leupold V-6 or Nightforce