Long range/hunting scope selection

RedRabbits

Regular
Rating - 100%
2   0   0
Hello all!

I’m looking for suggestions and help with locating an appropriate scope for my new longrange/hunting rifle.
Im not an experienced hunter nor a long range shooter. Shotguns and their sports has always been my focus along with dabbling in milsurp collecting. Ive grown tired of packing a mil spec enfield though the bush for deer and bear and have bought a rifle capable of reaching out across those large clear cuts. Like i said before im NOT an avid hunter and the rifle will be shot against steel primarily. Ive been looking at offerings from all manufacturers in the 16-25 power range and have a budget of $1500 and under. I would prefer to go with a FFP scope with Mils rather than MOA but it appears the options available in Canada are very limited. I really like the Vortex Pst 5-25 but cannot find one thats not an MOA scope....
 
I wouldn't even consider anything larger than say 4-12x for hunting unless you're going to be in the mountains. At too high a magnification all you see is hair. Is it shoulder? Neck? Ass?
 
What are you going to hunt and a what distance? Most experienced hunters would not shoot at anything beyond 400 yards.
 
I like to shoot medium/long range (300-600y) on targets as it makes the 100-250y shots easier. Reallistically most shots in the hunting field are 200 yards and in, usually inside 100 yards. I would recommend a Leupold Vx5 3-15x44 with their ZL2 MOA turret. Firedot duplex is my reticle preference.
 
I just got a Bushnell LRHS 4-12 , off the EE, $850 great scope.
For most of my hunting ( big game ) I always keep it on 4x as this is enough out to 2 to 3 hundred yards.
 
FWIW I do almost all of my long range shooting at 10-12 power. Only when we get past 1200 meters do I feel like I need a little more and might crank it up to 16-18x.

I'm running a NF SHV 4-14 F1 on my hunting rifle. Great glass and I know I can rely on the turrets. I would also look at the Bushnell elite tactical scopes and the Vortex PSTs but I wouldn't put a PST on a 7mm or 300 mag. Their reticles have a tendency to come loose under heavy recoil

Edited to say, I got my SHV off of the EE for $1200 plus shipping.
 
Last edited:
I wouldn't even consider anything larger than say 4-12x for hunting unless you're going to be in the mountains. At too high a magnification all you see is hair. Is it shoulder? Neck? Ass?

This

When shooting in the field at long range, you need an optic which will allow you to analyse stuff around your target and all the way to it in order to see any change in wind conditions.

My choice have been made on a weaver tactical 3-15 illuminated FFP and one thing you really want to have for hunting, is locking turrets if they are exposed.
Before you buy, make sure you have checked all you need and want, because so really nice scopes have a lifetime waranty only for original buyer.

This said, shot mooses aroud 400 yards and all my shots were at minimum power. And no problem to get the gallon jugs at 900@ 15X
 
Have a look at the new Athlon Midas TAC 6-24, FFP, mils, all the current desired features except illuminated reticle. Under your budget... very nice glass, deadly tracking.

If I can help, please pm or email.

Jerry
 
I've been dabbling in the Long Range discipline for a couple of years (since moving to SK).

Not an expert by any means, but have tried several different scopes.

The reticle is really where the rubber meets the road, so to speak. A reticle that's great for big game in low light is a lot different from a reticle that's optimised for long range varmints.

My advice is, carefully consider what you need vs what you want.

I have a Bushnell LRHS 3-12 that works really well for me. Not ideal for small varmints, but for coyotes on up it works great. Targets to 880yd, coyotes to 600+. Heavy though.

Ive found preference for 3-15 or 3-18 as the ideal magnification range, but I place emphasis on portability (I walk more than most hunters I know).

Vortex Razor LH 3-15x42
Leupold VX5HD 3-15x44 or VX6 (non HD, used) 3-18x50 are my recommendations unless you want to run around with a biathlon sling (backpack) ;)
 
I'd suggest a Bushnell LRTSi 3-12 (at the low end of your budget) and the NF SHV 4-14F1 (at the high end). I've had both and still have 3 LRTSi. I actually prefer the reticle and the turrets (10 mil/rev) on the Bushy. Both track super reliably and are tough. Glass in the NF is a hair better and I prefer a high end of 14 vs 12. Can't go wrong with either.
 
Hello all!

I’m looking for suggestions and help with locating an appropriate scope for my new longrange/hunting rifle.
Im not an experienced hunter nor a long range shooter.

You don't mention what the rifle is or what you consider long range. From your opening statements I would suggest what ever you decide on a lot of practice may be in order before any shots on game are considered.
 
I like to shoot medium/long range (300-600y) on targets as it makes the 100-250y shots easier. Reallistically most shots in the hunting field are 200 yards and in, usually inside 100 yards. I would recommend a Leupold Vx5 3-15x44 with their ZL2 MOA turret. Firedot duplex is my reticle preference.

I too love my vx5 hd 3-15, but I prefer the windplex reticle. I dial for elevation, and hold for windage.
Personally, anything over 18 power is too much. If you need a spotting scope, buy a sporting scope. not fun to lug around a heavy scope while hunting.
 
Last edited:
So this is just my opinion but for long range hunting I prefer a sfp scope with turrets you can either dial or in my case use the redical at max power. I have a leupold vx6hd 3-18x50 and its amazing i know you have a price limit but spend as much as you can afford on glass clarity over magnification that cant be stressed enough.
I do have a vortex viper pst on my bcl102 and i use it for predator hunting its a good scope aswell but i have to use buis at anything under say 70yd as the redical is so small. If i had to have one long range hunting scope it would be sfp with good tracking turrets.
 
Back
Top Bottom