If you were going to put glass on a Sako 85, .260 Remington, used on deer/feral hog anywhere from 50 yards (over feeders for the pigs) to unlimited (deer along gas line right-of-way), what would it be? Let's assume we're using the Sako Optilocks unless you have a different suggestion.
Ideal scope for Sako 85 260 Rem
- Thread starter 33nuts
- Start date
What is your optics budget? There are so many scope choices (brands, models) to choose from which are good for this purpose that it really is a budget decision. From roughly $1K to $5K+ (although there are cheaper models under $1K that may suffice if you can get by with lower quality).
Also, there is the decision to either buy a scope made in communist China where your purchase will support the CCP, or buy a scope made in free countries.
Also, there is the decision to either buy a scope made in communist China where your purchase will support the CCP, or buy a scope made in free countries.
duncansuds
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- Weyburn, SK
Yep. Great option.
With a range of 50-500+ yards, you are going to want/need to look at scopes with larger magnification ranges e.g., 5-8x magnification ranges, with the low end around 2-4 power for those close shot on pigs at the feeder. Top end magnification should be based on your shooting ability as to what range you are comfortable with shooting at game.
You may also want to look at various ballistic type reticles or adjustable turrets too for dialing in on those longer shots.
With a quality rifle as your Sako, you may want to look at higher end optics from Leupold (VX 5or 6HD), Swarovski (Z5,6 or 8), Zeiss, Kahles, Schmidt & Bender, NightForce, etc.
The determining factor may be your budget. But also consider what your main hunting/shooting activity will be; is it going to be used mostly for the closer shots, or the the longer shots?
Consider shooting light as well. Quality of light transmission and exit pupil characteristics may be important too. And despite what most people will tell you, the optics engineers will confirm that tube diameter does not improve light transmission and brightness under low light conditions; it provides better windage and vertical adjustment range in a scope for long range shooting. And it adds weight to a scope, so this should be a consideration too. If stand hunting, not a big issue, but if you plan on spot and stalk hunting, you will not want to mount a large, heavy scope on your rifle.
This will help you determine if you need a scope with better characteristics for the close range shots than the long range (and vise-versa), and pick the right scope for you.
Good examples may be 2-10, 3-15, 3.5-18, 4-24, 4.5-14, etc. 5 power as the starting point may be too much for good shooting at 50 yards..you will have to see for yourself.
Whichever scopes you look at, make sure you take them outside and look at objects close and far to ensure that it will provide the field of view you need at close range, while being able to zoom in well on details of objects at long range.
You may also want to look at various ballistic type reticles or adjustable turrets too for dialing in on those longer shots.
With a quality rifle as your Sako, you may want to look at higher end optics from Leupold (VX 5or 6HD), Swarovski (Z5,6 or 8), Zeiss, Kahles, Schmidt & Bender, NightForce, etc.
The determining factor may be your budget. But also consider what your main hunting/shooting activity will be; is it going to be used mostly for the closer shots, or the the longer shots?
Consider shooting light as well. Quality of light transmission and exit pupil characteristics may be important too. And despite what most people will tell you, the optics engineers will confirm that tube diameter does not improve light transmission and brightness under low light conditions; it provides better windage and vertical adjustment range in a scope for long range shooting. And it adds weight to a scope, so this should be a consideration too. If stand hunting, not a big issue, but if you plan on spot and stalk hunting, you will not want to mount a large, heavy scope on your rifle.
This will help you determine if you need a scope with better characteristics for the close range shots than the long range (and vise-versa), and pick the right scope for you.
Good examples may be 2-10, 3-15, 3.5-18, 4-24, 4.5-14, etc. 5 power as the starting point may be too much for good shooting at 50 yards..you will have to see for yourself.
Whichever scopes you look at, make sure you take them outside and look at objects close and far to ensure that it will provide the field of view you need at close range, while being able to zoom in well on details of objects at long range.
