opinions on scopes and mounts

[wubba_65]

Hey all,

new member to the forum, joined because I am looking for information and opinions on scopes for my new Browning a-bolt eclipse in a 270 wsm. The Rifle will be used for hunting deer, hogs, and the occasional moose (I have a 30.06 for moose as well, but if I have a tag and am carrying the 270wsm it will die!). I want to get into target shooting and pushing the distance that I am comfortable shooting. Ideally I would like to be happy reaching out to 600 yards, but this is strictly an arbitrary number that I have come up with, and have no idea if it is really realistic with the caliber and optics that I am looking at. This gun will be primarily a hunter, used in a mix of open field and hunting oil leases and cut blocks. I don't mind spending less, but the max budget is around $1000.00

With that background, here are the scopes that I am looking at.

1. Ideally I would like a SWFA SS 3-9x42, because of the lower purchase price, and the FFP reticle. I know that SWFA doesn't ship to canada, but if someone knows of a way to get them here please post up.

2. Steiner predator xtreme in a 4-16x50, I like this scope due to its good reviews regarding glass quality, and am interested in the CAT coating.

3. Trijicon accupoint in a 2.5-10x56, interested because of the illum reticle. Would probably go for the mildot in with amber center dot, but interested in the triangle as well.

4. The last scope that I am considering is the Burris elliminator 3, which I know is way outside of my price range, but as I don't yet have a range finder, this would perform the duties of the scope and rangefinder in one, with the added bonus of calculating BDC automatically. Not 100% sure about the technology, but it is something that I am looking at. I am aware of the drawbacks of having the rangefinder built into the scope, and probably won't go this way, but looking for someone with real experience with the scope. Not really interested in the Elliminator 1 as the reviews I've read point to the newer technology being far superior to the first version.

So there it is, my short list. I haven't looked at any of these scopes in person yet, hoping to go and get some real world viewing in next week. All should be available locally in Edmonton, with the exception of the SWFA. If people have other suggestions I am open, but definitely looking for good glass quality and a fairly low wide angle to be able to sight in on prey that is fairly close to me. I am leary of the 4-16 as I am worried the FOV might be too narrow at the lowest magnification. THanks for reading and in advance for any replies.

Cheers,

Evan.

 

[kamlooky]

Trying to combine target and hunting scopes gets to be a juggling act.
I would recommend a scope with the highest power you can
find without the AO.
I have a 2.5-10x50 4200 on my BLR 358win and think it's a great
set up for my crappy shooting eye.

 

[Mystic Precision]

For my walkabout hunting rifle, I have given up on high mag scopes (side focus or front AO). They just get in the way and knock into all manner of stuff.

I have a Sightron SII Big Sky 3-9x42 w HHR reticle. This is a basic scope with exceptional optics. At 9X, I can resolve the grout lines on a chimney at over 700yds.

I leave it on 5.5 to 6X because the reticle markings index with my 7-08. I can hold center out to around 250yds, first line down 350yds, next line 450yds. Good enough for what I want to do. The turrents can be hand adjusted and have markings to you can dial for further shots - not a true target turrent so you can get lost.

Going back to a standard size and weight scope has made my rifle far nicer to carry around.

I would have no issue aiming at a fig 11 size target at 1000yds. Not fine pinpoint aiming as the reticle vs target is getting big but enough to have some fun and smack some boulders.

Jerry

Jerry

 

[bearkilr]

If this is to be primarily a hunting scope, as you state, I would steer clear of any adjustable turret target type scopes, the exception being the Swarovski BT, but that's out of your current price range. The turrets have a tendency to move at unwanted times and you'll find yourself checking to make sure they haven't done so constantly. Also, there's a good chance you won't have time to make adjustments in a hunting situation. I'm not sure what your comfortable max range is for hunting, but anything 400 and under with a 270 WSM will require nothing but a standard duplex reticle.

I'd stay away from a scope with an objective larger than 50mm, it's unnecessary for legal hunting times and the same goes for targets unless you get into the 20x and above magnification.

If you're planning to shoot 500-600 yards at targets, you need a minimum of 14-16x on the upper range IMO and an adjustable objective. For hunting, I think 5x is the max on the bottom of the magnification, any higher and close range shots can be annoying at times.

I've never looked through a Steiner scope, they're pretty new, but in their other optics line they're considered a bit above mid grade. I would also suggest you consider the Zeiss Conquest line, great scopes for the money. If you're willing to up your spending limit by a few hundred $$, say $1200-$1400, you can get into premium optics like Leica or S&B, swarovski Z3 and used Z5 as well. Personally, I think it's worth it, especially if you plan to keep your set-up and do a fair amount of shooting.
My $.02 and experiences anyhow.