Best scope - 25-06

Looking for a new scope for my Remington 700 Sendero chambered in 25.06. Whitetail/Mule Deer/Axis. What do you recommend and why?

There are all sorts of "best" to choose from. Best scope for a decent price is Nikon. Best scope for low light, reliability and ruggedness without any concern for cost is either Zeiss or Swarvoski. Every other brand compares against them and will try to sell themselves as being as good, or almost as good for less money. Nikon is the only brand that I will buy if I want to save a buck and still have a decent scope on something that I'm not taking overseas or on an expensive out of state hunt.

Awesome - thanks Eddie! I like your analysis, and to clarify - I am just looking for a good all around scope. Early morning, mid-day, evening, overcast, hot..etc.

For 2-500 yard shots do you have preference?

I am sold on Vortec or Leupold, I have a pair of Nikon binoculars, not real expensive, but 400 dollar range, and they need some repair and Nikon wouldn't stand behind them . My son has a pair Leupolds and they dropped off the 4 wheeler going about 40 mph, sent them in and leupold sent him a new pair, no charge. I know your talking scopes, but same principle. Vortec has a lifetime no fault guarantee.

Leupold VX3 to 6 for me ... but not overly budget friendly for a general purpose scope. Similar with the Zeiss & Swarvoski ... all have great glass but not cheap

... but the Nikon will be close and much more budget friendly. I would recommend going with a 4-12 variable power or even higher on the top end (like 4-16). Moving to a 30mm tube over a 1 inch will give you better view and light, and moving to a 50mm objective will get you more light in low light conditions as well.

with all that said, a Nikon 4-12x40 should do 98% of general type hunting for you and very budget friendly with decent optics

I have a 4-12x40 Redfield that I bought on closeout a few years back that does a very good job on my little 22-250 Rem 700 and beats the snot out of the various scopes I had available and/or could afford the first 30+ years of my hunting

Take a look at the Meopta Meopro. They are great scopes for the money. Here is a link to a really good deal.

https://cameralandny.com/shop/brand...0137-3af5-00163ecd2826?variation=1927212

I agree with Eddie. I consider Nikon scopes to offer good value unless you're someone who likes to stay past shooting hours and make shots into the shadows. It's time to pack up and head back to camp when I need a scope to see movement or confirm that what I'm seeing with the naked eye is a deer. I just don't hate deer enough to stay any longer.

For what it's worth, I've found my Winchester Model 70 prefers 100 grain rounds more than 120 grain bullets. Noticeably tighter groups with 100 grain bullets.

Leupold for me, made in USA and lifetime warranty. They are tough and good at dawn and dusk. I have a VXIII 6.5x20 on mine. Made a few shots past 300, but most are under that.

Awesome. You guys have provided great information that I can think about. Thanks again!

Agree on Leupold but I have a lot of guns and have other brands. Mostly I hunt my own place and shots over 100 yards are unusual. My elk rifles both have Leupolds.

I always start with Leupold. Great company, I've had their stuff 40 years. I have a VX6, VX5HD and VX3i. Burris is my second choice, having two. If you would state your budget that would really help nail down a specific recommendation. For good deals (and I'm talking great prices) shop refurbished and discontinued at Midway USA and Natchez. My last two purchases were a refurbished from Midway and a discontinued from Natchez. The refurbished seemed to be brand new, and the discontinued was a Burris from Natchez.

I will second the Meopta Meopro. Cameraland always has some great deals on them

Best on a hunting rifle? Eddie nailed it. Zeiss or Swarovski. They are what the rest try to compare to.

Leopold is a good scope, but I think they are overpriced when compared to Nikon. For the same money, you can get more scope with the Nikon.

If you're serious about 500 yards, particularly on a game animal, I think you need something better than has been mentioned so far, or at least stay with the VX5-6 types.

This!

Yep. The SWFA 3-9x42 HD would get the nod for me. Tough as nails, good glass, and very reliable reticles and tracking.

I have two 25.06 rifles and both have Leupold VX5 HD 3x15x44 scopes. Outstanding clarity daytime and low light. CDS dial for holdover to 900 yards engraved free from Leupold, you supply your ballistics from your bullet of choice. Made in America and excellent warranty. I have 6 rifles with the VX6 and VX5 HD scopes. CDS dial is dead on for all of them. The VX5 is $1000 just for perspective. Good luck with your decision.

Wow - more great insight! I like the sound of VX5's, certainly will look at them! Thanks again, fellas.

The "BEST" has already been said (Ziess or Swarovski) but a decent scope for a good price is Redfield. Owned by Leupold and very clear and good light gather for dusk.

Leupold VX-6HD in 3-18X50 with firedot. It has never let me down. I also have Kahles and Swarovski scopes that I bought used off of Gunbroker. They are very nice, but I like the Leupold warranty.

I used to be a Nikon fan as well...Had a Problem with a defective product? And switched to Vortex. Their low-end glass is as good or better than the high end Nikons.

No it isn't.

Switching all my scopes over to Vortex going forward.

Nikons work!

I look at it this way. When you have a great buck at first or last light that you are ready to shoot, you want the best low light scope you can buy. This is for the shot or for the evaluation of the animal.

I will never own another scope besides a Zeiss. You get what you pay for IMO.

I prefer Nikon scopes because they do a great job while leaving money to spend on range fees and ammo that maximizes shooter accuracy.

I've really enjoyed my Winchester 25-06 Model 70. I consider it one of the most under-rated calibers ever made.