Trying to decide what to put on a 7mm-08. I plan on mostly using it for hunting and maybe some target shooting.

Thinking about a vortex razor lh 3-15 or leupold vx-3i 4.5-14 with the windage reticle. I know price is pretty far apart but they are the 2 best light weight quality scopes I have found so far. On the leupold I would have to dial for distance where on the vortex i could use the reticle. How does the glass compare? any others in the $500 to $800 range I should look at?

http://www.vortexoptics.com/product/vortex-razor-hd-lh-3-15x42-hsr4-riflescope/reticle


http://www.academy.com/shop/pdp/leupold-vx-3i-45-14x40mm-cds-riflescope#repChildCatid=3435661

Those are good scopes, but for hunting especially, have you looked at the Primary Arms 4-14 w/ACSS HUD ?

Take a look. There are a lot of video reviews on it so that you have a real good idea if that is what you are looking for.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W_a9RIaOZLI

Now if you would rather hunt in an ambush situation, then a Super Sniper scope @ $300 might be a better choice for you. They have excellent and accurate turret tracking if you would like to dope your scope for "1" shot. (I often hunt from ambush positions and still use the Primary Arms 4-14 x 44mm ACSS HUD scope.)

There are many video reviews for those as well.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wfqvvoOirrY

I have not looked at that particular Leopold. However, I do have the Vortex Razor LH 3-15. It will hold its own on clarity in low light compared to my Swaro SLC 10s (HD). Mine tracks well, turrets are good (not great but not bad either), and there is no zero stop (only an issue if you really dial A LOT of elevation). The glass is significantly better than the Vortex HS/HS LR.

I did look at the Cabela's branded Vortex that's around $800. It is noticeably darker than the Razor so I passed.

You can get custom turrets for the Razor LH from Kenton if you want to dial to known distance similar to the Leopold CDS.

I'd go with a fixed 4x, myself, or maybe a 1.5-4x33 if you want a lightweight scope.

Those are both fine but I would get the tmr reticle if you go Leupold. If you look online you can find better pricing. If you call the vendor you might be able to find them below MAP price

That razor glass is really good. Get a better reticle than wind turrets

Euro Optic has the older model vx6 for 899. That with TMOA reticle is what I would do. Probably the best value in a nice hunting scope right now

I think the one take away from all this should be,
While saving weight on a rig is great - especially the further you might be walking or tracking game in the back country, - but is using one scope rather than another a very wise decision when you are only saving 3/4 ounce or a couple of ounces? You can save way more weight on plenty of other pieces of equipment than to worry about saving an ounce or two in scope weight.

It comes down to reliability and pricing. The most reliable scope imo is twice as much and doesn't have the best glass. Glass power and ounces
What do you pic

I agree cuz I got one. When it comes to TOP quality and weight is very important. I don't thing you can beat Leupold.

You will find everyone on here will suggest what they have.

Next up would be a Swarovski but it will blow your budget

The new V6-HD is one BA scope but $$

The Razor LH is the best hunting scope I've ever owned. The glass smokes all my other scopes, including Nightforce SHV and Bushnell Elite Tactical. The power range is perfect for hunting, it tracks true, great reticle and it weighs 16.5 ounces. I'll never need another scope on a hunting rig.

I agree. The price is "my" final determining factor. But everyone has different priorities and may place one factor above all the others.

The two I mentioned are by far, the best bang for your scope buck. About, or less than $300. They are extremely popular for that reason, and for the fact that they are great scopes. Two very different scopes depending on how you want to hunt, or what type of scope you might be looking for.

I "pic" the Primary Arms 4-14x - 44mm @ $280. plus a $20 Sun Shade extension.
But I would also like to have the SWFA Super Sniper at a fixed 10x by 42mm for $300., and I will get one eventually when I get the extra money.

SHV ???? I may have to take a look through that Razor LH

Hit the gym, work out till 4-8 ounces isn't a major factor.

I'm glad you like the scope but in no way is it in the same league as the two the OP is considering.

As I rule I prefer Leupold to Vortex. In this case though I imagine the Razor has better glass and the turrets will almost certainly track more accurately.

Thank you.

Preach!

agree but I've never been a vortex scope fan or tikka but I'm coming around on tikka

I'm not a fan of Vortex either but the Razor line is excellent quality. I am a Leupold fan. For long distance target shooting I'd definitely consider a Razor over Leupold though.

No ATNs are junk and you are SPAM

There used to be a pretty sizeable weight difference between the compact scopes and the "normal" sized scopes (say, Leupold Ultralight 2-7x33 and VXIII 4.5-14x40). Not so much anymore - it's only a few ounces.

I've gone to "normal" sized scopes on my mountain rifles. I will say that a smaller scope profile is still a positive, especially if you do a lot of horseback hunting using a rifle scabbard and/or strap your rifle to your pack if you backpack hunt. Especially if you opt for a compact ultralight rifle (big scope on those kinda defeats the purpose).

You can't have it all. You can opt "all in" for compactness/light weight (as many serious backpack hunters do), "all in" for bombproof durability and/or big magnification, or seek a balance between the two (light/medium weight rifle with a "normal" size/weight scope). The reduction in weight of most rifles and scopes in recent years has made the latter option much more attractive. My current mountain rifle (Sako Finnlight with Leupold VX3 4.5-14x40) weighs about 7 1/4 lbs. fully rigged with a full magazine. But its "profile" is that of a typical hunting rifle/scope combo. So there is a tradeoff re:compactness.

If you don't backpack hunt and/or hunt in the mountains I don't think scope weight means a hill of beans difference.

Disclaimer: I don't shoot at ultra LR while hunting. If you do, a reliable dialing turret scope is a must. Those that weigh in on that don't seem to like Leupold for repeatability on that front. I don't dial so IDK.

I have had zero issues with Leupold's durability. That said, while I have done a fair amount of mountain hunting I am not a dedicated backpack hunter. I do know several who use Leupold scopes though without issue. But no doubt they are not as bombproof as a 2 lb. Nightforce (for example).

Yeah an SHV. It's the only Nightforce in the same price range. Did you want me to compare an $800 scope to a $3000 ATACR or a $4000 BEAST? right back at you, grumpy old bstrd.