Need a optic for my hunting rifle.

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Alpheus

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In the market for a scope for my hunting rifle. I'm looking at getting a Sako or Tikka, so I want to top it with some quality glass.

My rifle will be in the .308-30.06-7mmRM range, so I'll need something with the power, objective size and magnification range to take full advantage. Something around 4-12x should be good. Objective size in the 40s.

Budget is $1500-ish.
 
I would point you at a Leupold VX3 3.5-10x. Keep your top end magnification at or under 10x and you should avoid having to go with an adjustable objective, which is a PITA on a hunting rifle. 40mm objective is as big as I would go for a hunting rifle, but I like smaller objectives and lower power rather than more power and being forced to use a large objective. I also like a lower powered bottom end which, until the zoom revolution of a few years ago, really limited the top end power. I've been a 10x maximum guy for so long it's hard to convince myself that I want or need more. Currently I don't have a hunting scope over 3-9x and if I was forced to choose just one I wouldn't feel under equipped with a 1.5-5x Leupold.
 
Leupold was one brand I've looked closely at, but have few offerings with target turrets. Anyone got a Zeiss Conquest HD5 3-15x42? Looks like it might fit the bill nicely.
 
Alpheus said:
In the market for a scope for my hunting rifle. I'm looking at getting a Sako or Tikka, so I want to top it with some quality glass.

My rifle will be in the .308-30.06-7mmRM range, so I'll need something with the power, objective size and magnification range to take full advantage. Something around 4-12x should be good. Objective size in the 40s.

Budget is $1500-ish.
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Loading your own ammo or shooting factory, sounds like you are looking forward to some long range shooting. If you get a scope with a Plex reticle with the measured ticks you won't have to worry about messing with turrets. FS
 
Nikon Monarch 3 4-16x42mm, a little under $500. Comes with a variety of reticles to choose from. I personally use the Mil-Dot. Very nice glass for essentially a budget scope. Takes 1" rings, I personally run medium Leupold Mark 4's. I also had their 6-24x40mm with Nikoplex reticle, sold it to a friend because the Nikoplex just didn't do it for me. But that being said it too was a very nice scope and would recommend it to anyone.

Now if you're willing to spend a little more than $1500, Leupold Mark 4 LR/T M1 or M5 6.5-20x50mm. Excellent piece of glass. Larger objective means greater light capture in low lighting conditions. Again a variety of reticles. Takes 30mm rings and again I use medium Leupold Mark 4's.
 
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Have a look at the Nightforce 2.5-10x42, heck of a good scope and you can get it with turrets.

Plain Sight Solutions, P&D, Hirsch Precision, and Alberta Tactical all handle Nightforce. I've dealt with all four firms and can say they are all good to deal with. And customer service is great with all of them.
 
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What I would recommend is pay attention to EE where you can defiantly pick up a leupold mark for or a nightforce for under 1500.

Personally just got a leupold mark 4 4.5-14x50mm ER/T FFP for $1000 (yesturday) and acouple weeks back I picked up a Leupold Mark 4 LR/T M1 6.5-20x50mm. Thats the route that I would go looking for a new scope.
 
Traveler said:
What I would recommend is pay attention to EE where you can defiantly pick up a leupold mark for or a nightforce for under 1500.

Personally just got a leupold mark 4 4.5-14x50mm ER/T FFP for $1000 (yesturday) and acouple weeks back I picked up a Leupold Mark 4 LR/T M1 6.5-20x50mm. Thats the route that I would go looking for a new scope.
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No question the EE yields some great deals. However the only caution when buying certain brands second hand, particularly Leupold or Zeiss, is to find out where they were purchased - there is a vein of grey-market Leupold and Zeiss in Canada which could lead to distressing warranty complications. Caveat emptor.
 
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