I'm in the market for a new scope, possibly 2.

Not interested in the moa/mil stuff at this juncture. Looking at the classic plex for my current setups. Typical deer, pig, whatever walks out hunting scenarios, under 300 yards, day/dusk of importance in some woods a lot lately in the sands of Comanche county. Going on a 6mm Rem and 30-06.

I'd like to stay in this realm, because I feel its a great concession to the next level of vx-6hd, V6/8, Swarovski, Leica, etc I would love, but better step than a 3-500 dollar scope, and could stay on the rifle for life, or until I reach the financial level of a 2k+ scope.


Basically looking at the following:

Leupold VX-5HD 4-16x44 6-24x50
Zeiss Conquest V4 4-16x44 6-24x50

Any other recommendations I should be considering, Burris, Bushnell?
I will say that I'd get a scope with different reticles if it's a current steal or just as quality glass, but not paying that L or Z name premium, just know it would be ignored and used as a plex with lots of dots/hashes.

Thank y'all.

Not knowing your location, is it reasonable for you to purchase in person from a major retailer in Plano?

VX-5 HD 3-15 with the firedot duplex. I can’t think of a better scope for your needs.

Yeah, I'm in Mansfield, so would just toll road it up for an hour and make an afternoon of if...then escape before traffic hits.

I bought this at Scheels, my second. Bought my first one about 5 years ago and hunted it hard. My favorite hunting scope, all time for me. This one at Scheels is in their case, not on line for $899.00. They may have a few left. Another member here posted a few days ago they still had stock.

Of the two scopes you mentioned, I own the Luepy and have a buddy who has the Zeiss...glass is very comparable. I don't like the Zeiss turrets and how they zero, enough it would keep me from buying one.

One other scope I'd add to your list to look at, Vortex Razor LHT 3-15x...I like the reticle better than anything the other two offer.

Good luck, the good news is you are looking at nice scopes and I'll doubt you'll be disappointed with any of them.

I’m the guy with the Zeiss. I concur with this assessment on ALL accounts as I own the LHT also.

If you are a veteran luppy and vortex have a good discount program

OP, SWFA is close to you and they will have a tremendous selection you can put hands on to evaluate. I'd also suggest considering a Christmas tree type redicle. Once you try one, you'll never go back to a duplex.

I vote VX-5hd

Given his distances and usage, the SWFA 3x9 HD would be a solid option. https://www.swfa.com/swfa-ss-hd-3-9x42-tactical-30mm-riflescope.html

I concur.

Pic rails on both rifles, good Weaver style rings, move the scope to both rifles as needed. Dang good glass, reticle, and turrets in that scope!

The SWFA 3-9 HD is a great scope.

And exactly what he said he didn’t want or need.

Since the OP specified "under 300 yards", can't imaging why a 2-12x VX6 w/duplex reticle wouldn't work fine. I'd personally pick a Tract Toric 3-15x with their T plex. It's superb.

Last purchase, I looked at Tract. In the end I stayed with what is proven to me. You have a Tract? I'm always open to learn about a maker I'm not familiar with.

I've had that Toric for several years now. It's been paired with a 7mag, 30-06, 7-08, and currently my son's 260. Tracks like a champ, superb glass, great hunting reticle.

FFP and non-illuminated reticle are bad options for low light hunting applications

VX-5HD with IR. It's the best hunting scope available in that price range, IMO.

it's a little under your price range, but the maven crs.2 is on my short list for a next scope. https://mavenbuilt.com/products/crs-2-4-16x44-sfp

this outfit has demo conquests for sale https://redhawkrifles.com/zeiss-3/

$8-1200 I would go Swarovski 100%. Z5 2-10x

Trijicon Accupoint 2.5-10 is right in that range as well. I have both a Leupold VX5-HD with Firedot and an Accupoint. I don’t think you could go wrong with either.

Might take a look at meopta optika 6 line, built like a tank excellent glass

so I've seen Red Hawk pop up a couple times now.

Are they reputable? I can't find any descriptions on what kind of condition level these demos are they have on sale. I'd love to snag a Zeiss for 7 or 800 bucks, but am left wondering what kind of demo use they had....


Thanks for all the replies, and it has really helped narrow things down to basically, who can get it to me the fastest and cheapest.

Swarovski Z3- It's now discontinued, but still available online from a variety of retailers. I have the Swarovski Z3 4-12x50 with the BRH reticle on one of my rifles and just bought another one yesterday for $700 that will be delivered on Thursday. I also have the Zeiss Conquest 4-16x44- can't go wrong with that one either. Both are very clear and let in lots of light at dawn and dusk.

The Z3 is not discontinued. Not sure who or why this was said but they have these being built as quickly as they can to fill an insane amount of backorders.

I just assumed it was discontinued because it showed as unavailable on most sites. Even Swarovski.com didn't have an option to add to cart.