Scope experience

mike84z28 · Dec 3, 2016

So I'm looking for a new scope for my browning .270wsm. This is strictly for deer hunting and hog hunting. Shots may be up to 275 yards as there are stands that have the distance. The scope must be capable of zoom up to 20 as my eyes suck. Price range I would like to be under $600 if possible. Does anyone have real world experience with a brand or model that may suit my needs ?

Thanks

Whitebread · Dec 3, 2016

mike84z28 said:
Shots may be up to 275 yards as there are stands that have the distance. The scope must be capable of zoom up to 20 as my eyes suck.
Thanks

Sucks getting old don't it.

LAram567 · Dec 3, 2016

The only scope that I would want to hunt with that goes up to 20x close to that price range would be a leupold vx-6 since some models can be variable from 3x-18x. You'd be looking around $1,000. I believe vortex will have some good offerings in your price range if you don't care about the lower magnification.

Have you used that amount of magnification to shoot at ~300 yards before? Because that is a serious amount of magnification for that distance.

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mike84z28 · Dec 3, 2016

LAram567 said:
The only scope that I would want to hunt with that goes up to 20x close to that price range would be a leupold vx-6 since some models can be variable from 3x-18x. You'd be looking around $1,000. I believe vortex will have some good offerings in your price range if you don't care about the lower magnification.

Have you used that amount of magnification to shoot at ~300 yards before? Because that is a serious amount of magnification for that distance.

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I have not used that amount although several of the guys I hunt with do. That's why I'm looking for real world experience.

mike84z28 · Dec 3, 2016

Whitebread said:
Sucks getting old don't it.

In some ways it sure does

mickey · Dec 3, 2016

Hold off on buying a vortex right now.
New models coming out 2017 and are to be announced Monday.

Personally I would buy a leupold over the vortex though.

Magdump · Dec 3, 2016

I gotta go with LAram on the magnification, I have a scope that goes to 24x and it takes a little while to find the target when it's cranked up, even at 300.

If 12x or even 16x would work for you, there would be more in the Nikon/Vortex realm within your price range.

There is another option or two for even less, and I will stand by both, as I have owned and used both with no issues.
The Simmons Predator Quest series in a 50mm I let a friend of mine have.

The other was a Leatherwood Hi-Lux I got from Sportsman's Guide, I have 2, one goes to 16 and the other to 24x. They are heavier than most scopes but not unbearably and they do hold zero and hold up well. Research them for yourself. The ret is a BDC sniper type with plenty of hash marks. They run way under $200 and have been around a while.
Optics are very decent. I'll post some pics and a link in a few.

Ok, back with pics. This is the 16x on my Ruger American .22. Target turrets and focus. I expect some boos and sneers, but only from those who have never owned one.

The big one sits atop my Mosin and makes the 500 yard shot an easy task

http://www.sportsmansguide.com/product/index/leatherwood-hi-lux-6-24x44mm-rifle-scope?a=1803786

Barry J · Dec 3, 2016

I bought a Nightforce with an illuminated reticle. Helps these old eyes for the early morning and late afternoon shots. Probably a little out of your price range.

This is the one I have. http://www.midwayusa.com/product/22...50mm-first-focal-side-focus-illuminated-matte

tallwalker · Dec 3, 2016

Ok, I am going to say it even though I am sure to get grief for it. Take a look at the offerings from Athlon www.athlonoptics.com. I bought a new high dollar Nightforce and wanted another one for a different rifle but couldn't justify it. Decided WTH and tried an Athlon argos in the $400 range. Gotta say it is every bit as good as the Vortex for less than half the price.

DAVE_M · Dec 3, 2016

Vortex Viper HS-T

Magdump · Dec 3, 2016

tallwalker said:
Ok, I am going to say it even though I am sure to get grief for it. Take a look at the offerings from Athlon www.athlonoptics.com. I bought a new high dollar Nightforce and wanted another one for a different rifle but couldn't justify it. Decided WTH and tried an Athlon argos in the $400 range. Gotta say it is every bit as good as the Vortex for less than half the price.

You got my interest. Nothing like an actual owner to sell me on much of anything. And it's a sad thing that folks expect scorn from others when buying or recommending something that has been proven to suit their needs.

mike84z28 · Dec 3, 2016

Keep them coming guys, this is exactly the type of feedback I was looking for.
Magdump for $89 I'm gonna order the leatherwood just to give it a try.

Magdump · Dec 3, 2016

mike84z28 said:
Keep them coming guys, this is exactly the type of feedback I was looking for.
Magdump for $89 I'm gonna order the leatherwood just to give it a try.

You won't be sorry. The 24x on my Mozy has held zero just fine after over 100 rounds/5-6 trips out. And the one on my .22 lets me make those long shots with a 60grain subsonic with ease.

rabiddawg · Dec 4, 2016

Keep in mind that as you increase the magnification the better glass is going to stay clear. Cheap glass will get fuzzy as you crank it up and it sounds as if that is your intent.

My experience says 14-16 will serve you well. I would prefer a quality 14x over a lesser quality 20+.

Whitebread · Dec 4, 2016

A few years ago I bought a Centerpoint 4-16x50 from Walmart for $60-70. I'm not one of those guys who say clichés like "you get what you pay for". I have shot deer with it. It held zero to my 30-06. But it is not what I would call accurate and repeatable. Adjustments don't track all that well. I wouldn't try dialing it up for elevation. The glass is not horrible compared to other lower end scopes. When I finished my Grendel I slapped it on there because when I went to buy the Nikon I wanted the Wife hinted that Christmas was coming. So I took the Grendel a shot it and windage is stuck so something fubared it. I haven't beat that scope up I'm pretty kind to my glass no matter the price. I think I at least got my moneys worth.

mike84z28 · Dec 4, 2016

rabiddawg said:
Keep in mind that as you increase the magnification the better glass is going to stay clear. Cheap glass will get fuzzy as you crank it up and it sounds as if that is your intent.

My experience says 14-16 will serve you well. I would prefer a quality 14x over a lesser quality 20+.

Probably would not use 20x for the shot however I would like a good look at what I'm shooting 16 x may be an option. So whAt scopes with 16x do you actually have experience with ?

rabiddawg · Dec 4, 2016

Vortex viper hst 4-16. Pst 6-24 both clear to the max power. We don't hunt with these unless my daughter and wife go with us. They get the lighter guns and my son and I pack the heavier ones.

Bushnell elite 6500 4.5-30 above 20 gets very fuzzy

Leupold vari x 3 4.5-14x50 clear to max

Fwiw, my primary hunting guns wear 3-9x 50 Nikon and zeiss

One last thing, I don't like second focal plane scopes for hunting. Both those vortex are sfp one is illuminated the other is not. The reticle gets awfully small in low light and hard to see. The illuminated one solves that problem but if you crank the magnification up it can wash out your view of the target. Even on low illumination. I love sfp for target shooting

lsufan1971 · Dec 5, 2016

http://www.cabelas.com/product/hunting/optics/riflescopes%7C/pc/104791680/c/104752080/sc/104535180/leupold-174-vx-6-riflescopes/1317142.uts?destination=%2Fcatalog%2Fbrowse%2Friflescopes%2Fleupold%2F_%2FN-1100055%2B1000003881%2FNe-1000003881%3FWTz_st%3DGuidedNav%26WTz_stype%3DGNU

Cabelas has the Leupold VX6 3-18 for $899 right now. I know its over your budget but this is a badass optic. Buy once cry once. If your a Cabelas member they sent out coupons last week for $75 off if you spend over $500. That will pay the taxes.

LAram567 · Dec 6, 2016

lsufan1971 said:
http://www.cabelas.com/product/hunting/optics/riflescopes%7C/pc/104791680/c/104752080/sc/104535180/leupold-174-vx-6-riflescopes/1317142.uts?destination=%2Fcatalog%2Fbrowse%2Friflescopes%2Fleupold%2F_%2FN-1100055%2B1000003881%2FNe-1000003881%3FWTz_st%3DGuidedNav%26WTz_stype%3DGNU

Cabelas has the Leupold VX6 3-18 for $899 right now. I know its over your budget but this is a badass optic. Buy once cry once. If your a Cabelas member they sent out coupons last week for $75 off if you spend over $500. That will pay the taxes.

Woah, that's for the 50mm objective with the Fire Dot too. That's a pretty damn good deal. If I had the extra cash I would definitely pick one of those up. I think the closest you can find those for online is just under $1200.

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hunter5567 · Dec 6, 2016

I have a Nikon Monarch 3 4-16x50 Side Focus scope on my Remington 700 SS 270 WSM. 2" groups at 300 yards using Federal Premium 130gr Nosler Ballistic tip ammo, small fold out table, cheap MTM plastic rifle rest, and a folding camp stool.

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