Hi I am thinking of buying a Sako 85 stainless laminate in 260 remington. I would like some advice on a good scope and rings for hunting and for some long range target shooting. I probably would consider spending up to 1500-2000 for a nice scope and rings but I would consider a cheaper scope if it meets my criteria. I would prefer the scope be light and have excellent clarity glass as well as excellent light gathering. Probably in the 2x-14x ish maginification.
Need some scope advice
- Thread starter mrsmitty
- Start date
ILoveBigRacks
Regular
- Location
- Beaumont, AB
In that range, you'll have lots of quality glass to choose from. Nightforce or a Schmidt & Bender would be my first choice. Magnification is a bit trickier. Depending how long you mean by long range target shooting, you may be better off getting 2 quality scopes with QD rings to change off between hunting and target shooting. Most common variables in hunting rigs are generally, 2.5-8, 3-9, 2-10. My variable hunting scopes max out at 12x or 14x, with some less. If you're shooting long range, guys commonly end up with a 20x or 24x top end, some less and some more.
A 4.5-14 would be middle ground I would think if you were set on only one scope. Don't know if that gives you the top end for your long range work - again it depends on what ranges and what type of shooting you're planning. You can get a couple of Zeiss Conquests or Leupold VX-III's in two different mags for a couple of thousand bucks and both are very good quality scopes.
A 4.5-14 would be middle ground I would think if you were set on only one scope. Don't know if that gives you the top end for your long range work - again it depends on what ranges and what type of shooting you're planning. You can get a couple of Zeiss Conquests or Leupold VX-III's in two different mags for a couple of thousand bucks and both are very good quality scopes.
I have to echo what racks said. For hunting take a good hard look at the conquest line, I personally would take it over a vx-III, but both would work very well in the 700-1000 price range. Target scopes are different than hunting scopes, target scopes and light weight usually do not go hand in hand. I would just go for a conquest with rapid-Z and get a great huinting scope and the ability to ring gongs a long ways out. If you want ultra precision buy a target rifle and then think about that nice target scope.
I have a Sako 85 .260 and have a VX3 3.5-10x40 on it, with optilocks. If you were doing more long range shooting than anything, I would look at a 4.5-14. You can get those models with a CDS elevation turret, which is easier to dial for long range targets.
Buddy, I just love the standard Sako Optilock Rings for whatever scope you chose. If you are not familiar with them, they feature a spherical band that goes around the scope and fit into a spheric hole in the ring so they are self centering and the scope cannot be bent or stressed during installation. They are the best you can find anywhere as far as I am concerned.
I would however make a couple changes to the way you install Sako rings.
1) If you are a perfectionist (as am I ) TIG Weld the rings to the base, any half decent local welder can do this for you. I recomend this because the screw that holds the ring to the base is shallow and you will strip it before you get good force on it to tighten it up. If you are fearfull of welding, then at least JB weld the rings to base - and dont be shy with the stuff - get it on the screw and screw threads also. If you ever decide to take it apart, just put in in the oven at 300 F for about 15 minutes and it will come apart.
2) Remove the stupid little pin on the rear base so that when you slide it forward onto the tapered dovetail it will make even contact on both sides and wedge into position.
3) You will notice that once you do step 2 above - the base will reside forward too far and partially block your loading / ejection port. This can be cured by the addition of some shim stock (I recomend pop can material) evenly on both sides of the tapered dovetail. 1 piece on each side should be perfect. Then the base will sit in line with the rear part of the action.
I would however make a couple changes to the way you install Sako rings.
1) If you are a perfectionist (as am I ) TIG Weld the rings to the base, any half decent local welder can do this for you. I recomend this because the screw that holds the ring to the base is shallow and you will strip it before you get good force on it to tighten it up. If you are fearfull of welding, then at least JB weld the rings to base - and dont be shy with the stuff - get it on the screw and screw threads also. If you ever decide to take it apart, just put in in the oven at 300 F for about 15 minutes and it will come apart.
2) Remove the stupid little pin on the rear base so that when you slide it forward onto the tapered dovetail it will make even contact on both sides and wedge into position.
3) You will notice that once you do step 2 above - the base will reside forward too far and partially block your loading / ejection port. This can be cured by the addition of some shim stock (I recomend pop can material) evenly on both sides of the tapered dovetail. 1 piece on each side should be perfect. Then the base will sit in line with the rear part of the action.
Last edited:
As for scope, you might want to have a good look at March. These are unreal!!!
Check out the magnification range 2.5 to 25! The military went nuts over them at the shot show.
http://www.deon.co.jp/march/25X-25X42_hunting.html
They are sold by Kelby's in the USA and they have no problem shipping to Canada
Check out the magnification range 2.5 to 25! The military went nuts over them at the shot show.
http://www.deon.co.jp/march/25X-25X42_hunting.html
They are sold by Kelby's in the USA and they have no problem shipping to Canada
Last edited:
