scope opinions for 243

T

thunderbolt62

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Trenton, ON
Got a new Axis in 243 and need to replace the cheap Bushnell. Looking at Vortex or Nikon but unsure what power is really needed. Mostly for deer hunting with the odd bit of coyote thrown in. Max range will be under 200 yards for most shots. Which would best suit 1.5X5, 2X7 or 3X9?
 
I have a Vortex Viper HS/LR 2.5-10x32 FFP on my Tikka lite in 243.

It is a awesome scope for a light weight hunting rifle that you want to accuratly hold over with for long range shots.

Check it out!
 
traditionally a 3-9x40 is a hunters scope, has a great range of power and the selection is endless. $500 will give you more then adequate optic. Vortex, Bushnell, Zeiss, Burris all have great models starting at $500 and go north from there.

Cheers!!
 
K0na_stinky said:
How come you wouldn't go bigger?
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There's not a lot of difference but it gets you down to 2x which is just that little bit better than 3x for close work. You don't need more than 7x (unless you think you do,) and a 2-7x is typically a bit cheaper than the same make and model in 3-9x. It might be slightly smaller in the objective bell size which is a bit more convenient for carrying and allowing mounting lower. closer to the bore.


And a reason for not going above 9x is that beyond there you might want adjustable parallax, and never add another complication if you don't need it.
 
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thunderbolt62 said:
Mostly for deer hunting with the odd bit of coyote thrown in. Max range will be under 200 yards for most shots. Which would best suit 1.5X5, 2X7 or 3X9?
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I'd go 2x7 or fixed 4. Nice to keep it lightweight.

K0na_stinky said:
How come you wouldn't go bigger?
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A 2x7 is a very nicely balanced lightweight scope for eastern deer hunting. I carry mine at 2x and 7x is plenty at the range or for longer shots.
 
I used to go 3-9 x 40ish on all my hunt rifles just because it seemed the norm. I put a 2-7x33mm Leupold on my .243 Savage lightweight hunter (for coyotes and deer) just to keep the weight down (just a hair under 6.5lbs empty :cool: ). Now I wonder why I went 3-9 for so long.

I have ever used it at greater than 5x or 6x on the hunt with my 3-9x glass. Example: I think my longest shot for moose where I hunt in Ont is maybe 300y. Maybe. 7x is plenty for moose. For the range or longer shots go bigger but most people, myself included, have no business taking a 300+ shot at deer/coyote sized game unless the conditions are perfect.

Try it. You'll like it :d.
 
I personally would stay with 2-7 or 3-9 for hunting out to a couple hundred yards is more than enough.
Last year a friend of mine and I compared his Leopold to a Redfield Revolution he was wanting to buy from another friend of ours. Both scopes were 3-9x50. When comparing the two scopes the first thing we noticed was the Redfield crosshairs were more open in the middle giving you a better view. They were equally clear and bright. The Leopold was $200 more than the Redfield. He has since bought 2 more Redfield scopes. I bought the 3-9x50 and am more than happy with it. They run just over $300.
Scott...
 
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Hi before you buy check the cross hairs since you want this as a duel purpose rifle what might be fine for deer might be to thick for yokes. Fine cross hairs allow you to see more of your target. Power wise I would go with a 3-9 x40-50. Don't cheap out on the rings or base, a scope is only as good as the mount
 
gks said:
Hi before you buy check the cross hairs since you want this as a duel purpose rifle what might be fine for deer might be to thick for yokes. Fine cross hairs allow you to see more of your target. Power wise I would go with a 3-9 x40-50. Don't cheap out on the rings or base, a scope is only as good as the mount
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Yokes?

50mm scopes are overly large and require higher rings for mounting. They really don't work well for a general use lightweight hunting rifle. The EE is full off them for sale from shooters who realize this.
 
thunderbolt62 said:
All very valid arguments. Leaning toward a vortex 2X7 until I get a chance to see them in person...
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Cabelas has a 2-7 vortex on sale right now if that's what your eyeing up. I have a Nikon monarch 2.5-10 on my 243 x-bolt which is probably the best all around scope I have, which include a diamondback, elites, a legend, a vx1 and a prostaff. As said before a 3-9 is plenty for deer and that configuration is usually one of the more reasonably priced as well, and a 40mm objective vs a 32mm may give you a few extra minutes at last light which may be important for deer hunts.
 
With a good rest I find 9X limiting past 200yds. Going lower than 3X is good for in close though. 2.5-10 would be my thought if funds allow. I have a VX-II 3-9x50, it really helps me see better at the very end of shooting light. I should have a Vortex Diamondback 2-8 this fall, will compare them in low light when I get the chance.
 
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