texashuntingforum.com logo
Main Menu
Advertisement
Affiliates
Advertisement
Newest Members
nmmuledeerhunter, Dzia-Dzia, TraeMartin, Beatixre, MooseSteed
71989 Registered Users
Top Posters(All Time)
dogcatcher 110,788
bill oxner 91,416
SnakeWrangler 65,417
stxranchman 60,296
Gravytrain 46,950
RKHarm24 44,585
rifleman 44,461
Stub 43,769
Forum Statistics
Forums46
Topics537,038
Posts9,719,697
Members86,989
Most Online25,604
Feb 12th, 2024
Print Thread
Page 1 of 2 1 2
Sub $600 scopes ? #7851031 05/25/20 11:38 PM
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 695
U
USMC89 Offline OP
Tracker
OP Offline
Tracker
U
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 695
In the market for a new hunting scope and am not up to date on ones that have come out the last 4-5 years. What I am looking for would be something that holds light really well and stays true. Would like it to be in the 3-15x range. It will be mounted on a Tikka in .308. I know everyone has their opinions, so let’s hear them.

Re: Sub $600 scopes ? [Re: USMC89] #7851043 05/25/20 11:49 PM
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 12,161
W
wp75169 Online Content
THF Celebrity
Online Content
THF Celebrity
W
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 12,161
I would shop around for a VX-5 3-15. After buying the VX6 3-18 for twice the price I found out it was the same glass and mechanics as the 5 with lots of bells and whistles I didn’t want. I should have bought the 5. Excellent optics. If you’re not dialing I can’t recommend a better scope.

Last edited by wp75169; 05/25/20 11:50 PM.
Re: Sub $600 scopes ? [Re: USMC89] #7851066 05/26/20 12:03 AM
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,847
J
jlsbassman Online Content
Pro Tracker
Online Content
Pro Tracker
J
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,847
For a 308 I would look at a 3-15X42 SWFA SS either ffp or sfp. I prefer the sfp but either can be found in the price range or under. Great scopes, simple to use.

Re: Sub $600 scopes ? [Re: wp75169] #7851075 05/26/20 12:10 AM
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 695
U
USMC89 Offline OP
Tracker
OP Offline
Tracker
U
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 695
Originally Posted by wp75169
I would shop around for a VX-5 3-15. After buying the VX6 3-18 for twice the price I found out it was the same glass and mechanics as the 5 with lots of bells and whistles I didn’t want. I should have bought the 5. Excellent optics. If you’re not dialing I can’t recommend a better scope.


Thank you. No dialing on this gun for sure. I want capped turrets. Longest shot will be around 3-350 yards. Reasoning for wanting the 15x magnification will be able to see and judge deer a little better.

Re: Sub $600 scopes ? [Re: USMC89] #7851077 05/26/20 12:10 AM
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 11,512
R
rickym Offline
THF Celebrity
Offline
THF Celebrity
R
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 11,512
Swfa or a vortex viper



Re: Sub $600 scopes ? [Re: USMC89] #7851089 05/26/20 12:20 AM
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 695
U
USMC89 Offline OP
Tracker
OP Offline
Tracker
U
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 695
What about a Zeiss conquest?

Re: Sub $600 scopes ? [Re: USMC89] #7851106 05/26/20 12:31 AM
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 5,168
S
scottfromdallas Online Content
THF Trophy Hunter
Online Content
THF Trophy Hunter
S
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 5,168
A lot more options sub $600 in the 4-12 range.



Re: Sub $600 scopes ? [Re: scottfromdallas] #7851227 05/26/20 02:25 AM
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 695
U
USMC89 Offline OP
Tracker
OP Offline
Tracker
U
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 695
What do you recommend?
Originally Posted by scottfromdallas
A lot more options sub $600 in the 4-12 range.

Re: Sub $600 scopes ? [Re: USMC89] #7851286 05/26/20 03:31 AM
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 5,168
S
scottfromdallas Online Content
THF Trophy Hunter
Online Content
THF Trophy Hunter
S
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 5,168
I tend to recommend Trijicon these days. They have 2 newer hunting models in 3-12 power but my favorite is the 3-9 AccuPower.

I have 3 of them with Mil Square reticles. It's only a 3-9 but it's has great glass and illuminated reticle.

https://www.sportoptics.com/trijicon-accupower-rifle-scopes-3-9.aspx

I would check out the Trijicon website for some of the newer hunting models. They recently dramatically expanded their line of scopes.

Last edited by scottfromdallas; 05/26/20 03:32 AM.


Re: Sub $600 scopes ? [Re: USMC89] #7851651 05/26/20 03:22 PM
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 5,432
B
Big Fitz Offline
THF Trophy Hunter
Offline
THF Trophy Hunter
B
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 5,432
Based on the OP's desire for light gathering, I would not recommend the SWFA 3-15 as it does not have the HD glass. I love those scopes for target shooting and have 4 of them but I would not put it on a rifle I planned to hunt at dawn or dusk. I would also think a Leupold VX-5 would be an outstanding choice. Take a look at their Boone & Crockett reticles, they will help you with hold overs.


Originally Posted by onlysmith&wesson
I was wrong...on anything technical.

Originally Posted by Sailor
Fitz............. is right, ya know............
Re: Sub $600 scopes ? [Re: USMC89] #7851696 05/26/20 04:09 PM
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,176
K
Korean Redneck Offline
Extreme Tracker
Offline
Extreme Tracker
K
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,176
I'd agree with Scott on the accupower. I don't have the 3-9, but I have the 1-4 and 2.5-10 and I really like both of them.

As for another option in the power range you're looking for, some of these bushnell models with 2.5-15x look like great options. I have no experience with them.


I'm a dude who likes long barrels!
Re: Sub $600 scopes ? [Re: USMC89] #7851862 05/26/20 06:02 PM
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 5,900
J
Jgraider Offline
THF Trophy Hunter
Offline
THF Trophy Hunter
J
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 5,900
The Tract Toric 3-15x is a superb scope. Holds zero, capped turrets, focus is smooth and easy, great reticle thats easy to see in inferior light reminds you of a #4. Had mine on a 7mag, 7-08, 6.5CM, 260REm, and 30-06 and it's help up great. Optics are outstanding as well. They are a very underrated scope.

Re: Sub $600 scopes ? [Re: USMC89] #7851906 05/26/20 06:56 PM
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 46,950
G
Gravytrain Offline
THF Celebrity
Offline
THF Celebrity
G
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 46,950
Honestly I'd rather have a scope that starts at 2x and is light weight for hunting, I have a 2-7 vx3 on my 308.


Upon us all, upon us all, a little rain must fall
Re: Sub $600 scopes ? [Re: Gravytrain] #7852632 05/27/20 03:27 PM
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,318
F
freerange Offline
THF Trophy Hunter
Offline
THF Trophy Hunter
F
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,318
Originally Posted by Gravytrain
Honestly I'd rather have a scope that starts at 2x and is light weight for hunting, I have a 2-7 vx3 on my 308.

^^^I guess thats way old school these days but im with you. 2.5 x 8 for me. To each his own.


At some point in life its time to quit chasing the pot of gold and just enjoy the rainbow. FR
Keep your gratitude higher than your expectations. RWH
Re: Sub $600 scopes ? [Re: freerange] #7853184 05/28/20 12:50 AM
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 46,950
G
Gravytrain Offline
THF Celebrity
Offline
THF Celebrity
G
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 46,950
Originally Posted by freerange
Originally Posted by Gravytrain
Honestly I'd rather have a scope that starts at 2x and is light weight for hunting, I have a 2-7 vx3 on my 308.

^^^I guess thats way old school these days but im with you. 2.5 x 8 for me. To each his own.

What's funny is your post made me check, my mind must be broken, perhaps just worn. My 308 wears a 2.5-8 vx3 not a 2-7! My 2-7 is on my 260 and it's a Vortex Viper.


Upon us all, upon us all, a little rain must fall
Re: Sub $600 scopes ? [Re: USMC89] #7853191 05/28/20 12:55 AM
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 5,872
G
GLC Offline
THF Trophy Hunter
Offline
THF Trophy Hunter
G
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 5,872
Cant beat swfa in that range


Re: Sub $600 scopes ? [Re: USMC89] #7853652 05/28/20 03:13 PM
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 1,539
O
okstatefan Offline
Pro Tracker
Offline
Pro Tracker
O
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 1,539
I am not a big fan of Vortex, but I do have one of their scopes that I can highly recommend. It is from the Razor HD LH line.

https://www.amazon.com/Vortex-Optics-Razor-Second-Riflescopes/dp/B019ZUE18W?th=1&psc=1

I have the 1.8-8 and have had it out past 200 yards a couple of times. They also have a 2-10

Re: Sub $600 scopes ? [Re: USMC89] #7853837 05/28/20 06:36 PM
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 32,601
sig226fan (Rguns.com) Offline
duck & cover
Offline
duck & cover
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 32,601
BURRIS.

Re: Sub $600 scopes ? [Re: USMC89] #7853852 05/28/20 06:54 PM
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 267
A
AZ_Hunter_2000 Offline
Bird Dog
Offline
Bird Dog
A
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 267
Almost all of the SWFA scopes (on their web site) are backordered (been than way for some time). I did look at grabbing one for a 6.5 CM (90% range and 10% hunting loaner). I wanted something in the 3-15 range but they only have 1-6, 2.5-10, and fixed 12. I got tired of waiting for them to replenish their stock so I went with another brand.

There are a lot of awesome deals on optics right now if you shop around.

Re: Sub $600 scopes ? [Re: USMC89] #7854651 05/29/20 02:59 PM
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 1,755
E
eneat1119 Offline
Pro Tracker
Offline
Pro Tracker
E
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 1,755
Trijicon Accupower 4-16x50 selling now for $600. Love the two I have.

Re: Sub $600 scopes ? [Re: Gravytrain] #7854890 05/29/20 06:58 PM
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,084
S
supersixfour Offline
Pro Tracker
Offline
Pro Tracker
S
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,084
Love the 2.5-8 vx3! It creates a nice, lightweight balanced rifle.
3-15 or 4-16 is too much magnification for most hunting, makes a rifle top heavy, and your light transmission is going to suck at higher magnifications.
For open country my recommendation would be a 2-10 or 3-12 for versatility and balance.
If you woods hunting the 2.5-8 is ideal.

Originally Posted by Gravytrain
Originally Posted by freerange
Originally Posted by Gravytrain
Honestly I'd rather have a scope that starts at 2x and is light weight for hunting, I have a 2-7 vx3 on my 308.

^^^I guess thats way old school these days but im with you. 2.5 x 8 for me. To each his own.

What's funny is your post made me check, my mind must be broken, perhaps just worn. My 308 wears a 2.5-8 vx3 not a 2-7! My 2-7 is on my 260 and it's a Vortex Viper.


Last edited by supersixfour; 05/29/20 07:01 PM.

NRA Life Member

Re: Sub $600 scopes ? [Re: USMC89] #7854892 05/29/20 07:01 PM
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 4,191
R
Rowney Offline
Extreme Tracker
Offline
Extreme Tracker
R
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 4,191
Sig Sig Sig Sig Sig....


As to the species of exercises, I advise the gun. While this gives moderate exercise to the body, it gives boldness, enterprise and independence to the mind...Let your gun therefore be your constant companion of your walks--Thomas Jefferson
Re: Sub $600 scopes ? [Re: supersixfour] #7854903 05/29/20 07:09 PM
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 46,950
G
Gravytrain Offline
THF Celebrity
Offline
THF Celebrity
G
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 46,950
Originally Posted by supersixfour
Love the 2.5-8 vx3! It creates a nice, lightweight balanced rifle.
3-15 or 4-16 is too much magnification for most hunting, makes a rifle top heavy, and your light transmission is going to suck at higher magnifications.
For open country my recommendation would be a 2-10 or 3-12 for versatility and balance.
If you woods hunting the 2.5-8 is ideal.

Originally Posted by Gravytrain
Originally Posted by freerange
Originally Posted by Gravytrain
Honestly I'd rather have a scope that starts at 2x and is light weight for hunting, I have a 2-7 vx3 on my 308.

^^^I guess thats way old school these days but im with you. 2.5 x 8 for me. To each his own.

What's funny is your post made me check, my mind must be broken, perhaps just worn. My 308 wears a 2.5-8 vx3 not a 2-7! My 2-7 is on my 260 and it's a Vortex Viper.




Yep, Vxr 2-7 with the FireDot would be my choice under $600 if he can find one.


Upon us all, upon us all, a little rain must fall
Re: Sub $600 scopes ? [Re: USMC89] #7855059 05/29/20 10:14 PM
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 738
J
Jhop Offline
Tracker
Offline
Tracker
J
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 738
I have both the VX5HD and Whiskey 5 both in 3-15x44 with 30mm tubes. The Leupold parallax adjust is much easier to turn and access than the Whiskey 5. The whiskey 5 has an illuminated MRAD type reticle and anti-cant lights. So it has more options on the reticle but the view seems more cluttered to me over the VX5HD's windplex reticle. The elevation clicks are very close together and you can turn past your intended number very easy on the whiskey 5. it's also heavier than the VX5HD. My first impressions of the two scopes is the Leupold VX5HD is a better scope. I mounted up the Sig on a Savage mod 10 FCP-SR to see if it changes my opinion once I start shooting with it. While the reticle I have on the Sig Whiskey 5 is alright to target shoot the the Leupold glass is far superior to the sig glass and a better hunting optic.


Retired U. S. Army, which means I still have to work to make a living.
Re: Sub $600 scopes ? [Re: USMC89] #7856719 05/31/20 09:01 PM
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 119
C
corps2010 Offline
Woodsman
Offline
Woodsman
C
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 119
Meopta Optika6... Camera Land had them on sale the other day for $549. 3-18x56 FFP Z-Plex.....several other models for cheaper.

Page 1 of 2 1 2
Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread

© 2004-2024 OUTDOOR SITES NETWORK all rights reserved USA and Worldwide
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.3