Suggestions for a 30-06

I am looking for a scope for my 30-06 and the reviews vary wildly, so I figured I would get first hand accounts on a good scope. I don't plan on making shots more than about 300-400 yards absolute max, but I would like to be able to zoom in pretty good at that distance. I know Vortex makes some pretty good ones, but I am open to really any reputable brand..

Leupold VX2 3-9x40, or I think there is a VX3 4-10x40 or better. VX3 is a far superior scope in glass and light gathering. Burris Signature mounts.

Nikon prostaff 7, 4-16x 42

Leupold VX3 4.5-14

I had this on mine for years. Recently gave it to my brother because I'm basically retiring my 30-06 for other reasons.
But for this thread to be fruitful, what is your budget?

Leupold vx2 or vx3, or a nikon prostaff or buckmasters, or a burris fullfield, or Bushnell trophy.

Best suggestion

I'd suggest a VX-3 or VX-3i 3.5-10x40mm. I think all the VX-3s are probably sold by now, so probably the -3i model.

Mil reticle.



If I go any farther than that, some people get feathers ruffled for some reason.

^^ The best reason to do it!

I would look at vortex 2.5-10 or 4-16 pst. I would say mil/mil as at 400 you need to make adjustments

Alright, Cast.

Having used a Viper PST for a few years, it is a good scope. I had a problem with how easy the turrets would turn, often getting moved while the rifle was slung. I have an idea that may help with that, but never tried it, I sold the scope.

CCoker got me in touch with a Burris rep, and I asked for an XTR II to review. They have a 5X magnification and a wide variety of magnification ranges to choose from.

1.5-6X
2-10X
3-15X
4-20X
5-25X

I chose the 3-15X wanting the ability to get a sight picture quickly when an animal is very close, and knew 15X is plenty for me to take to 1000 yards. This far I am extremely pleased with the scope. I can in fact get a perfectly focused sight picture at 20 yards, all the way out to 1K, and everything in between. The glass is better than a PST, the turret clicks are very positive, to the point you have to really mean to turn them, which is perfect. Zero stop, illuminated that self kills after being left on for 2 hours, side focus of course, first focal plane of course, complete with Burris's own scope caps that have been outstanding, as well as a sun shade for those that like them. I think Burris went into the project wanting to compete with Vortex Viper PST, and from what I have seen using the scope, Burris has left Viper PST in their dust.

When I was hunting in Colorado. I set my 4-16 to 1.5 mils and perdiocally checked it. I never had the turret rotate on me.

If you look around you can get a deal on bushnell and my new 34mm tube scope is far better than the pst

You might call this stupid logic but I've bought a bunch of scope for rifles and I now start with a default based on price, performance, and flexibility of use. The default scope is a Leupold VX2 3x9 40 mm long range reticle. If that isn't appropriate for the rifle or use planned, I better have a good story to convince myself that I made the correct decision. I do buy other scopes, but in every instance, I can explain why I chose to do so. I think this is a good place to start, and I can't imagine in not being a good choice for your .30/06.

Can't go wrong with the VX-2 3-9x40.

Unless you're trying to routinely hit at 300-400 yards, like O.P. said, where there is actually gravity and wind.

You might consider one of these,

SWFA SS sale



SWFA is currently discounting some of their SS scopes. Prices good through the weekend.

All 3-15X42s $500 for the SFP and $560 for the FFP
3-9X42 HD model for $500
10x42 HD for $700

http://swfa.com/SWFA-SS-C187.aspx

That gets my vote too, unless you are feeling flush, then you could go VX3 3.5-10 or 4.5-14 without adjustable objective.

Great options there, as well.

I really want a Burris in 4-20. I'm happy to hear it's performing well . I've read several reviews and all talk about the great features for the money.

First, let's talk magnification. A good 3-9 scope will work just fine for hunting, but these days I prefer 4-16 or 4.5-14, the reason being that I like more magnification for hunting on field edges and senderos. And, crank it up on a 100 yard range and you don't need a spotting scope. Makes shooting for groups far more enjoyable. And a 3-15 or a 4-20 scope would be equally good for my needs.

Turrets: if the OP is a deer, pig, coyote hunter at ranges under 400 yards, turrets are not required. If head shooting ground squirrels at distance, go for the turrets.

SFP versus FFP - if max range is 400 yards and you're a deer, pig, coyote hunter, it doesn't matter. Beyond 400 yards, it can matter. Mostly these days I hunt with a Vortex Viper 4-16 PST FFP, and I really like it, but a shot over 400 yards is rare. My other rifles mostly carry Leupold VX3 4.5-14x40 scopes with the Varmint Hunter reticle.

As for a best manufacturer, I prefer Vortex and Leupold, but I'd sure like to try that new Burris. And I've had solid service from Bushnell and Weaver over the years.

And, for a good solid value in a hunting scope, the best scope for a relatively low price is, in my opinion, the Burris Fullfield II in 4.5-14. I bought a couple of them and was very pleased. And get the BDC reticle.

I've always felt that a good 3x-9x was the standard scope on a deer rifle. I originally graduated from a straight 4x as the old timers said that is all you ever need(I am now the old timer - LOL). I spent many years hunting South Texas & did something radical, I put a 6.5x-20x40 Leupold on my .270. Best thing I ever did & after that I had a number of fellow hunters follow suit. I don't shoot running deer unless all the conditions are ideal, which never happens. Also I do a lot more looking than I do shooting. I hunt out of deer blinds these days. A varmint scope with a duplex on my .270 seems to fit my needs perfect. So think about your needs before you buy. BTW: if you buy a good quality scope under $700 & you don't like it, there is always someone that will buy it from you.

Just FWIW...

To each his own. For big game hunting I'll stand by my statement. Punching paper would be different.

I'll stand by it too...except I'd still go with the 3.5-10x over a 3-9x.

http://texashuntingforum.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/5759376/1

I have been using the above formula for a while now on my hunting rifles. Works well if you put in the range time.

I think the a VX-2 line is about the best bang for your buck scope for what you pay. The VX-3 is a better scope, I have one, and if you have the money I recommend getting one. But I do believe you get more for your money with a VX-2.