Scope Reccomendations?

View · by **CJB** on Thu Oct 17, 2013 6:42 am

I use a Browning Lightning BLR (.308 WIN) for deer hunting. It's currently got an ok scope (I'm not sure on the brand or magnification, but it does the job) but I've been thinking of upgrading. I always see ads for Leupold, Nikon, Ziess, etc. Does anyone have a 'go to' brand they have found is above the rest for brightness, clarity?

Typical shots are 100-250 yds from an elevated stand/blind. Not looking to drop a TON of cash, but with so many choices in the optics world, I'm not even sure where to start.

I've also been intrigued by the optics with the ballistic reticles and whatnot but I'm not quite sure I really need all that.

Suggestions?

View · by **Holland&Holland** on Thu Oct 17, 2013 7:30 am

Well this would do you just fine
http://www.mnguntalk.com/viewtopic.php?f=22&t=47022#p491566

But since you did not state a price and just stated go to brand for clarity/brightness, I would have to state the Swarovski z6 series would be that in my opinion. :twisted:

Honestly though of the three you listed you really can't go wrong with the VX3, the Monarch, or the Conquest

View · by **yukonjasper** on Thu Oct 17, 2013 8:26 am

VX3 on my 30-06 for the last 23 years. But H&H is right, each of those manufacturers have quality options. Most places that sell them will have them mounted on some simulators so you can see what your getting. Those won't let you see what's going on for low light capability, but you can at least get your hands and eye on them.

View · by **yuppiejr** on Thu Oct 17, 2013 10:08 am

I think the Weaver/Nitrex TR1 3-9 scopes that Natchez is blowing out at $99-$130 a pop are the best buy out there right now. Made in Japan, 94% light transmission, I'd put them one very small notch behind the Nikon Monarch 3-9 UUC that sells for $200-$250 in terms of optical quality.

In the truplex reticle, gloss black is $99, matte black is $120... lifetime warranty through Weaver.

http://www.natchezss.com/product.cfm?co ... c=exrbSrch
http://www.natchezss.com/product.cfm?co ... c=exrbSrch

I don't think a ballistic reticle on a .308 is really necessary for elevated stand hunting shots out to 250 yards, I swapped my Monarch BDC's over to the Nitrex Truplex reticle scopes on my hunting rifles including a 7mm Rem mag and haven't looked back.

View · by **grousemaster** on Thu Oct 17, 2013 7:58 pm

Redfield Revolution, made by Leupold in the USA

View · by **yuppiejr** on Thu Oct 17, 2013 9:29 pm

Redfield Revolution scopes are assembled in the USA, the glass is made in Asia... The Revenge series is manufactured in the Philippines.

There is a write up comparing some different value priced scopes that's worth a read over on the Opticstalk forum, seemed objective and well written even if it is a couple years old:

http://www.opticstalk.com/inexpensive-s ... 21176.html

View · by **farmerj** on Thu Oct 17, 2013 9:52 pm

I would never buy a scope again if there isn't an optics chart to look at hands on.

https://www.google.com/search?q=optical ... 1#imgdii=_

View · by **ex-LT** on Fri Oct 18, 2013 7:30 am

I've had good luck with Leupold, Nikon, Burris, and Swift. None of them will break the bank, they all have lifetime warranties, and I have a hard time noticing any glaring differences between the four.

View · by **shooter115** on Fri Oct 18, 2013 9:04 am

For that rifle, caliber, purpose and expected ranges I would go with this http://www.midwayusa.com/product/439467/vortex-viper-hs-rifle-scope-30mm-tube-25-10x-44mm-v-plex-reticle-matte

The Vortex Viper glass is better than Leupold VXIII series, their guarantee is second to none, 30mm tube and a huge magnification range. For under $400 this is a really good piece of gear.

View · by **grousemaster** on Fri Oct 18, 2013 9:05 am

yuppiejr wrote:Redfield is assembled in the USA, the glass is made in Asia...

There is a write up comparing some different value priced scopes that's worth a read over on the Opticstalk forum, seemed objective and well written even if it is a couple years old:

http://www.opticstalk.com/inexpensive-s ... 21176.html

Who has Glass made in the USA?

View · by **jshuberg** on Fri Oct 18, 2013 11:40 am

US Optics is the only manufacturer that uses US made glass. Zeiss, Vortex, S&B and a few others use German glass. All others use the same Asian suppliers. Companies like Leupold supposedly have first pick of lenses, but the vast majority of scopes use lenses made in the same handful of Asian producers under contract.

View · by **LePetomane** on Fri Oct 18, 2013 5:00 pm

Nikon Monarch is a good scope at a reasonable price. I put one on my CZ and I am happy with it. Zeiss, Leica and Swarovsky are all fine optics but they are pricey. I knocked down two antelope in two years with my combo.

View · by **qualcorp** on Fri Oct 18, 2013 5:43 pm

Nikon scope with a deer head emblem on it

. Ok maybe not funny, how about Falcon or Millett for a mid price scope. Both have served me well and a very good warranty -J

http://www.falconoptics.com/
They offer a very nice reasonable priced product have one mounted on one of my .308 holds zero perfectly, mildots are right on-drop back to 200 yds. shot placement is where it is suppose to be
Limited lifetime warranty

View · by **Erud** on Fri Oct 18, 2013 7:07 pm

jshuberg wrote:US Optics is the only manufacturer that uses US made glass. Zeiss, Vortex, S&B and a few others use German glass. All others use the same Asian suppliers. Companies like Leupold supposedly have first pick of lenses, but the vast majority of scopes use lenses made in the same handful of Asian producers under contract.

Unless they have changed something in the last 2 years, USO is using German glass.

View · by **CJB** on Sat Oct 19, 2013 12:03 pm

Thanks everyone for the suggestions. I had my rifle out at the range yesterday and what I currently have is a Simmons 3-9x40. With no adjustments, I'm still shooting 1/4" groups at 100 yds, dead center. I see no reason to change it for this season.

I'll start researching the items you've all listed here and go window shopping.