Optic guidance for a Springfield waypoint 2020

[Danielbear22]

I recently ordered the rifle in 6.5 Creedmoor and I need help trying to be pick an optic for such a rifle. I'm new to such a build of a rifle and would like something that would compliment the rifle and the caliber it's using. The rifle will be mostly used ag the range and with the hopes of being able to hunt longer distance if the opportunity presents itself.

I'd like to think any rifle and a shooter with enough experience and experience with that rifle is capable of doing great things for sure but for a rifle like this I want to make sure the set up is just right.

I'm shifting towards leupold. Maybe their vx-3hd series? What would you guys recommend?

 

[BlackRam]

Leupold makes great scopes and I have successfully used their Vari-X III, VX-III and VX-3 versions over the past 30 years, on most of my rifles. The newer VX-3HD should provide good service for you in a light, compact scope with a good range of variable power choices to choose from. Most are about 12" long and weigh less than a pound.Lifetime warranty service and service center in Okotoks, AB is a bonus. Good service on the only scope I ever sent there years ago (fell and banged the scope on the rocks - fixed without charge and back on rifle in 11 days)

I have a 4.5-14x40 on my 6.5 CM and it is working well out to 500 yards for me. Mine has the Varmint reticle, which a finer reticle with the hashmarks and dots for 300-500 yards increments and 10 and 20 mph crosswind holds. Fine reticle for target shooting and hunting in better light conditions. For the target shooting I do like the higher power magnification that 14 power gives me.

I have the 3.5-10x40 on my 6.5x55 SM and it has worked well for hunting out to 300 yards for me over the years (while I can shoot out to 500 with the B&C reticle, I have only done so at the range, and not while hunting). Slightly heavier reticle that is good for all lighting conditions during legal shooting hours. For most hunting scenarios, I find that 10 power is sufficient, as any higher magnification magnifies the wobble when aiming while hunting in the field from various shooting positions and makeshift rests. Also gives better field of view.

I know there are many who prefer the older scopes to the newer ones. I have not had the opportunity to compare the older VX-3 to the new 3HD's as yet. My newest Leupold in th 3 series is the VX-3i in the 2.5-8x36 on my 250 Savage, and so far it has provided good service.

As a note, I have purchased a VX-5HD 2-10x42 with the Firedot reticle for my 338 Federal. My first illuminated reticle. Should prove handy for black bears and moose in the thick timber and/or under low light conditions. Definitely a more expensive scope.
Looking at the 3-15x44 version for my 6.5 PRC rifle build. Hope to find the illuminated B&C reticle version for it, when it comes time to get the scope.

Over the past 37 years of hunting and shooting with scoped rifles, I have only taken a handful of game over 300 yards and 1 beyond 400 yards that was unwounded (misjudged the distance on that elk!). Average shot distance has been just 137 yards! (And I hunt all terrain types from bush and fields, to mountain and prairie)

Hope this helps, for what it's worth, as it is just my personal opinion and experience.

 

[Danielbear22]

Thanks alot. I've grown up on leupold scopes and my dad saying "it's leupold or nothing". Plentybof other great manufactures but it's simply a preference. I'll start making a list and researching these scopes. Thank you!

 

[DMS1]

Just a note, from someone thats had both. There is less than 1 ounce difference between the VX5 2-10 and the 3-15 with the 44mm objective. I would never purchase the 2-10 again, they are priced about the same.

 

[jparent]

Leupolds are nice but i would look at Swarovski. Once you go Swaro it's hard to go back. For that rifle you definitely want the best glass you can get.

 

[mareshow]

Lots of missing information on this request.

Are you a Mils or MOA person?

do you want exposed turrets?

do you plan on dialing for wind or distance?

What's your budget?

Is weight a concern?

are you using this in low light situations?

 

[BlackRam]

I too own Swarovskis. All I have at this time are in the Z3 line (3-9x36 and 3-10x42's). I did have a Z5 3.5-18x44, but have sold it.
The glass is great, and they are light scopes (a bonus on a hunting rifle). And the price of the Z3 scopes has dropped dramatically after the higher lines came out, making them more price point available to the average hunter who doesn't have as deep of pockets for these top tier scopes.
I do prefer the older TDS reticle to the newer BRH reticle (the larger dots in its configuration detract from its use for me).

Have to admit that I do prefer the Leupold B&C reticle...could be because I have more of them and have used them for more years.
The advantage for me, on my hunting rifles, is that Swarovski aluminum scopes caps are more expensive, and they do not make them for all their scopes' lense sizes (???). While the Leupold's are not exactly cheap, I do like them better. When open, they can fold flat to the scope. This will help them from snagging when moving through the thick bush.

I also like the Kahles scopes I have, and hope to find a couple more of their older hunting scopes w/ TDS reticles. Greta scopes; light weight with great low light resolution. Too bad we can only find their higher end tactical scopes today.

At the end of the day, it will come down to where and how a person hunts with the rifle, and the attributes most important to the shooter for the application.
Weight, size, magnification, etc.
I wouldn't hesitate to recommend either of these scopes, if you come across one that will suit your needs and desires. But as you were leaning towards Leupold, that was why I stuck to that brand in my first post.

For me, I have various rifles set up for various hunting scenarios, and the scopes are matched to the rifle for these purposes.
For close range work in the brush, where high end magnification isn't always needed, a lower low end magnification is a bonus for field of view, and ability to see the entire animal and track it as it moves through the forest. This is why I went with the VX-5HD in 2-10 on the 338 Federal, as there may be instances where I will end up in larger meadows or on a cutline while hunting the thick bush.
For those where it will be more open terrain hunting, I do not need as low of magnification on the bottom end of the scale, and may need more magnification (10-14 power) for longer shooting distances. And this is where I am looking at the VX-5HD in 3-15 for the 6.5 PRC.
In overall consideration of weight, balance and protection, I stick to objective lenses of no larger than 44 mm for my higher magnification scopes.

 

[mikeyb]

I have a VX-3HD 3.5-10 on my Cross, super light and very nice. 10x is plenty of magnification in the field without eating too much field of view on the low end. I like it, but need to get some more time with the CDS dial.

Specifically, I've been using the Vortex Dead-Hold BDC for a dozen years on a dozen scopes and love it for hunting. I've just gotten used to shooting using the holdovers in the reticle vs. dialing for elevation. I've tried other similar BDC reticles from Leupold and Athlon and Swarovski but they don't "feel" the same to me when I spot them through the glass.

Old habits die hard, so it's something worth considering. But if you end up with a Leupold scope on the gun it'll be good-to-go. I hear the customer service has gone to #### but if it's warranty or repair needed, Korth does fine work with very reasonable time frames - I'd just reach out to them directly.