I've come into a Kimber Classic Select in 280 AI and I'm going to need a scope for it. I'm essentially looking at a Zeiss Terra 3-9 or a Leupold VX3i 3.5-10, but was wondering if anyone here had either opinions on either of those optics or an alternative suggestions. Thanks in advance.
Scope advice?
- Thread starter rkm456
- Start date
First you have to know/say exactly what you are going to do with the gun. What kind of shooting. How far etc. You can get away with $300 no problem for some applications. For other applications you have to spend well onto 4 figures.
If you are not relying on cranking turrets and or good tracking then pretty much anything will work.
If you are not relying on cranking turrets and or good tracking then pretty much anything will work.
That's a fairly lightweight rifle, right? I have the Leupold on a Tikka in .308 Win and I like it. It's lighter in weight than many of the alternatives, and the exterior dimensions of the eyepiece are smaller which gives more bolt clearance.
I bought mine with the intent of hunting, it does just fine banging the gong at 300m.
I bought mine with the intent of hunting, it does just fine banging the gong at 300m.
Out of those two I'd go with the 3.5-10. Couple ounces lighter, better scope, better looking and I'd bet on it being able to be mounted lower. That Zeiss ocular assembly can interfere with bolt handles. I've had the 3.5-10 and similar 4.5-14 on Kimbers and they are right at home there.
Since you mentioned other suggestions a Leupold VX-3 4.5-14 30mm side focus weighs the same as the Zeiss, or a couple ounces more than the Leupold. Best 2 ounces I ever carried, when the range gets longer.
Going the other way, a 2.5-8 VX-3 will shave another ounce and looks pretty good on a Kimber.
Since you mentioned other suggestions a Leupold VX-3 4.5-14 30mm side focus weighs the same as the Zeiss, or a couple ounces more than the Leupold. Best 2 ounces I ever carried, when the range gets longer.
Going the other way, a 2.5-8 VX-3 will shave another ounce and looks pretty good on a Kimber.
I looked at the 2.5-8 and was very tempted, but I wanted something with a little more horsepower given both the round and that it'll mostly be seeing range use. I looked at a 30mm but to me it looked at little bulky for the rifle in question. I ended up settling on a VX-3i 4.5-14 CDS and I'm really excited to get it.
Well this is what it'll look like when you get it on. Couple select grades; one with a 4.5-14 and the other with a side focus.
Well this is what it'll look like when you get it on. Couple select grades; one with a 4.5-14 and the other with a side focus.
I think I'll be a pretty happy camper then. I'm excited to finally add a gold ring to the stable
What's your overall opinion of the rifles? and what calibers are yours in if you don't mind me asking?
I dont find it bad at all. It has a different feel; with the initial impulse seeming blisteringly fast; but then it doesnt amount to much. Sort of like a major league pitcher wound up and threw a potato chip at you. Its straight back and over fast.
That kind of reminds of my Vanguard Back Country in 300 wby. People were adamant that a gun that light in 300 would kick like a mule. To be honest I didn't find it kicked much more than my savage 10tr in. 308. I was almost underwhelmed by it. I figure stock shape and the recoil pad on the Weatherby had something to do with it. I think Kimber uses the same pad.
