I dont know anything about rifle scopes

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gumbellion

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In the past I have always hunted big game with open sights.
I just bought a savage 111 in 30-06 and need to buy a scope for it
I will be using it for moose and deer. Distances over 200 yards are possible
What am I looking for to get a quality scope, and what do I need 3x9-40, or...
Any input is greatly appreciated
I will probably try and find something in the EE but want to have a short list of what I would like. I think I would like to keep it under 500 for a used one.
Its just overwhelming with so many options, brands, etc
Thanks!
 
I like fixed power scopes on my hunting rifles, specifically Leupold 4x scopes. At the distances I take game ( 350m max ) these are plenty for me and they are light, robust and to me look nice and clean on a rifle. I have used variables but found I always set it on 4x and left it there, anyway that's my 2 cents.
 
You won't go wrong with a NEW Leupold VXII 3x9 x 40. $350.00 - $400.00. A good all around hunting scope that doesn't break the bank. Warranty (if necessary) is handled in Alberta....quickly, with no BS!! Buying used optics, well, buyer beware!
 
I just picked up a couple of Zeiss Conquest 3-9x40 for hunting rifles for $399+tax. Model is discontinued so heavily discounted. Excellent glass and at the price I paid a real good value buy.
 
So im taking that I should go with a new scope to avoid any issues.
Do they eventually wear out/get screw up from being on a gun that is fired a lot. Im thinking just the kick of the rifle might eventually wear something out kind of deal?
 
My Leupold I have on my go to rifle is 29 years old and has had more than 25K rounds pass under it and I finally sent it to Korth ( warranty for Leupold) as it is getting less bright perhaps due to wear on the lens coatings. When buying a scope check the warranty as with all things made they can fail but good ones fail lesss often.
 
If they are built right they stand up to recoil for tens of thousands of rounds. A good quality used scope from an honest seller can be a very good thing. Leupold doesn't restrict their warranty service to the original owner so that is a reason to choose them amongst used scopes, but the Canadian agent, Korth, has denied coverage on Leupolds that they didn't import and sell here, so be sure you trust the provenance of a used Leupold.

People like to say "You get what you pay for," but that isn't necessarily true. You pay what you pay, and you get what you get, and if you don't know what you are buying they may be completely unrelated.

Anything good costs, including quality optical glass, coatings on the glass to optimise the brightness and clarity and reduce scratches, good engineering of the mechanism, quality of other components, reliable consistency of assembly. And features. All else being equal, you'll pay more for higher magnification, bigger objective lenses (they let in more light, in some cases more than you can use, so it's a waste, and they affect the field of view), lighted reticles (powered by batteries that can run out just at the wrong time,) a 30mm main tube diameter instead of 1", and cool advertising and marketing which doesn't add real quality or value to the product.

A 3-9x40 is enough magnification and if the quality is there, bright enough and clear enough for about 99% of the hunting 99% of us do. If you keep it simple on the "features" so that more of your purchase price is buying optical quality and mechanical reliability, you will get more real value for your money.
 
To what others have said, I'd add pay attention to reticle selection. You want something easy to identify in low light for hunting so go with duplex style (thick) reticles over the thinner target variety. Also, rings and mounts are an important consideration and can add significantly to the cost of your setup. I'd favor basic and rugged over gimmicky, self aligning, quick detaching, light and lacy systems but that's just me. You won't need to spend $500 for rings and base for your rifle but don't just opt for the cheapest you can find either. Butler Creek lens covers, or something similar, are good.

Hope this helps.
 
One inch diameter has been the standard in N.America for almost as long as scopes have been more common than not on hunting rifles, but 30mm tubes have been increasing in proportion in this market. (I think they have been more popular in Europe for longer than here.) Definitely not the same ring size, but as the 30mm is no longer rare here, neither are the rings for them.
 
Since you used open sights up to now, you might be a lot happier with a lower power wide angle scope.

Something like a 2 X 7 or 1.75 X 5 is far better in close, and nothing is faster on running game.

Another bonus is that your eye does not have to be exactly right to get a sight picture.
Very handy when that buck comes up behind you or moose stands up right beside you as paddle by.

Unless you shooting 600 yards. making longer shots on big game will not be a problem.
 
I just picked up a Zeiss 3x9x40 for under $400. Best value for money anywhere as far as I'm concerned.
This was about a month ago and my LGS is now sold out, but I bet if you called around you could find one left over at that price.
It's something that will likely last you a lifetime and brighter then many 50mm objectives in low light. Sits nice and low on the gun too.

Good luck and be sure to let us know what you end up with.
 
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