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Sub $600 scopes ?
#7851031
05/25/20 11:38 PM
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Joined: May 2014
Posts: 695
USMC89
OP
Tracker
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OP
Tracker
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.
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Re: Sub $600 scopes ?
[Re: USMC89]
#7851043
05/25/20 11:49 PM
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 12,162
wp75169
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 12,162 |
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.
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Re: Sub $600 scopes ?
[Re: USMC89]
#7851066
05/26/20 12:03 AM
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Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,847
jlsbassman
Pro Tracker
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Pro Tracker
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.
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Re: Sub $600 scopes ?
[Re: wp75169]
#7851075
05/26/20 12:10 AM
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Joined: May 2014
Posts: 695
USMC89
OP
Tracker
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OP
Tracker
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 695 |
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.
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Re: Sub $600 scopes ?
[Re: USMC89]
#7851077
05/26/20 12:10 AM
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Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 11,513
rickym
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 11,513 |
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Re: Sub $600 scopes ?
[Re: USMC89]
#7851089
05/26/20 12:20 AM
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Joined: May 2014
Posts: 695
USMC89
OP
Tracker
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OP
Tracker
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 695 |
What about a Zeiss conquest?
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Re: Sub $600 scopes ?
[Re: USMC89]
#7851106
05/26/20 12:31 AM
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Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 5,168
scottfromdallas
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 5,168 |
A lot more options sub $600 in the 4-12 range.
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Re: Sub $600 scopes ?
[Re: scottfromdallas]
#7851227
05/26/20 02:25 AM
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Joined: May 2014
Posts: 695
USMC89
OP
Tracker
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OP
Tracker
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 695 |
What do you recommend? A lot more options sub $600 in the 4-12 range.
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Re: Sub $600 scopes ?
[Re: USMC89]
#7851286
05/26/20 03:31 AM
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Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 5,168
scottfromdallas
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
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.aspxI 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.
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Re: Sub $600 scopes ?
[Re: USMC89]
#7851651
05/26/20 03:22 PM
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Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 5,432
Big Fitz
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
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.
I was wrong...on anything technical. Fitz............. is right, ya know............
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Re: Sub $600 scopes ?
[Re: USMC89]
#7851696
05/26/20 04:09 PM
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Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,176
Korean Redneck
Extreme Tracker
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Extreme Tracker
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!
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Re: Sub $600 scopes ?
[Re: USMC89]
#7851862
05/26/20 06:02 PM
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Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 5,900
Jgraider
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
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.
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Re: Sub $600 scopes ?
[Re: USMC89]
#7851906
05/26/20 06:56 PM
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Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 46,950
Gravytrain
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
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
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Re: Sub $600 scopes ?
[Re: Gravytrain]
#7852632
05/27/20 03:27 PM
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Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,318
freerange
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,318 |
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
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Re: Sub $600 scopes ?
[Re: freerange]
#7853184
05/28/20 12:50 AM
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Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 46,950
Gravytrain
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
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. ^^^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
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Re: Sub $600 scopes ?
[Re: USMC89]
#7853191
05/28/20 12:55 AM
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Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 5,872
GLC
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 5,872 |
Cant beat swfa in that range
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Re: Sub $600 scopes ?
[Re: USMC89]
#7853852
05/28/20 06:54 PM
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Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 267
AZ_Hunter_2000
Bird Dog
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Bird Dog
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.
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Re: Sub $600 scopes ?
[Re: USMC89]
#7854651
05/29/20 02:59 PM
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Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 1,755
eneat1119
Pro Tracker
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Pro Tracker
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 1,755 |
Trijicon Accupower 4-16x50 selling now for $600. Love the two I have.
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Re: Sub $600 scopes ?
[Re: Gravytrain]
#7854890
05/29/20 06:58 PM
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,084
supersixfour
Pro Tracker
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Pro Tracker
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. 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
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Re: Sub $600 scopes ?
[Re: USMC89]
#7854892
05/29/20 07:01 PM
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Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 4,191
Rowney
Extreme Tracker
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Extreme Tracker
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 4,191 |
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
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Re: Sub $600 scopes ?
[Re: supersixfour]
#7854903
05/29/20 07:09 PM
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Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 46,950
Gravytrain
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 46,950 |
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. 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
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Re: Sub $600 scopes ?
[Re: USMC89]
#7855059
05/29/20 10:14 PM
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Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 738
Jhop
Tracker
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Tracker
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.
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Re: Sub $600 scopes ?
[Re: USMC89]
#7856719
05/31/20 09:01 PM
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Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 119
corps2010
Woodsman
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Woodsman
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.
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