Looking for a good Hunting scope

Blastattack

Blastattack

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Hey everyone, I need some assistance. I just purchased my very first proper hunting rifle; a new vintage FN Winchester Model 70 featherweight in 30-06, and I need classy scope to go with it. I am willing to spend up to $1000 on good glass.

I know the burning question: What is the intended use?
Well, this is my first hunting rifle and it's gotta be general purpose. I doubt I will be taking any shots outside of 300 yards in the foreseeable future. I would like the bottom magnification to be no more than 3x. Right now I am heavily favoring some model of Leupold as their scopes are sleek and elegant and don't have a big boxy eyepiece. A ballistic reticle would be nice but is not strictly necessary. The rifle will likely be sighted in for 200 yards and kept there.

What are some options?
 
I'm sure someone will be along shortly to counter my argument, but look at Zeiss Terra scopes, they come it at half the price but use European glass. I have two, a 3-9x42 and a 2-7 and I like them a lot.
 
I would go with a Leupold 2.5-8x36 or 3-9x40 and you are good to go for your intended purpose of a 300 yard hunting rig. The VX-2 or VX-3 are both nice and will be well within your budget. You could even move up to a VX-R series if you like. I really like the Leupold scopes for hunting as they are relatively compact and don't have a huge eyebox.
 
3.5-10 x 40 VX3 with B&C reticle. Actual magnification is 3.3-9.7. For one less X, one less ounce and one less inch you could go 2.5-8. Its not going to make much difference hunting, maybe some at the range. The slightly longer tube on the 3.5-10 is a little more flexible for mounting position if you happen to need to move it back. I've got a 3.5-10 on my own FN Featherweight in .270.


I'd get the B&C whether you plan on using it or not. It doesn't weigh anything, doesn't hurt anything and who knows what the future brings.
 
I use a Vortex on mine. Prices vary depending on options but they have a good warranty, clear glass good reticles and have always been helpful when I deal with the company and there representatives
 
I took a different route - (but using your specs). I bought a Bushnell Trophy XLT (DOA) 4x12 40mm ($200 from Walmart). I slapped it on a T3 Hunter (30-06) and reckoned at 300m being the longest shot. Walmart Federal 150gr ammo - I was going to zero at 100m but I ended up with it zero'd at 200. It shoots 1/3 moa at 300m and pretty flat, 1.5 inches high at 100, 6" drop at 300 (the scope has blobs on it to help estimate drop). I know... howls of anger at the optics heresy - but as it is your first scope - find out what you really like for $200 (lots of reticles out there) and then if you want to upgrade - drop the big $$.
 
There was a Leupold LPS 2.5 to 10x 30 mm not long ago on EE boards for $700. I have used the same scope for 10 years they are stunning clear and have wide field of view at 100 y
LPS offers an astoundingly high 99.65% light transmission
 
I just picked up a Leupold VX 2 3-9x40, and I really like it. Very versatile scope, and within your budget you could get one with the custom dial system. That's what I would have done had I had another hundred or so to play with.
 
BigUglyMan said:
I was going to say 2.5-8x but there's nothing wrong with the 3.5-10x. At least you had sense enough to avoid the hype and stayed away from a 30mm tube and 50mm objective.
Click to expand...

Yeah, they would kind of defeat the purpose of having a Featherweight gun. Makes sense on a tactical build, but not so much on a light-ish hunting rifle. I do have the Sightron 120-50x60 on one of my .22s though.
 
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