Rifle Scopes 34mm Tube Good Hunting Scope Recommendations Please

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Blueknight99

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Sep 23, 2019
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#1
Looking at a ceiling of $$2500-3000, I was researching some high end scopes for hunting rifles. Currently have a Leupold VX3i 3.5-10 40mm and looking to upgrade to a higher end scope.

Minimum Criteria:
30 or 34 mm Tube Diameter
At least 50mm Objective Lens Diameter
Max Magnification of at least 10 or 12x
Starting from 3.5x, 4x, or 6x doesn't matter

This will be going on my Browning X-Bolt HC Speed for this season and on to a custom carbon fiber barreled rifle later next year.

What are your favorite scopes and what do you suggest? Opinions and advise highly welcome! Thank You!
 
#2
Tangent Theta TT315M 3-15×50.
A bit over $3k new, used come up on occasion. Just under 28oz. Worth every ounce and penny.

S&B PMII 3-20×50 Ultra Short. Used for $3k quite often.

20190819_110111.jpg


20190818_161350.jpg
 
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#5
Between the below three which one would you prefer personally on your hunting rigs

- Night Force ATACR 5-25 56F1
- Kahles K318i 3.5-18 50
- S&B PM II 3-20 50
 
#6
Also, how about the Vortex Razor HD Gen II 4-26 56. Seems to cost almost as much as the above three at around $2700 new. Also, the third most used in PRC competitions (I know those are different than hunting but still ...). Feel a bit uncomfortable paying that much for a Vortex though ;)
 
#7
Blueknight99 said:
Also, how about the Vortex Razor HD Gen II 4-26 56. Seems to cost almost as much as the above three at around $2700 new. Also, the third most used in PRC competitions (I know those are different than hunting but still ...). Feel a bit uncomfortable paying that much for a Vortex though ;)
Click to expand...

Do you want a 3 pound scope on your hunting rifle?
 
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#8
Just realized it’s close to 3 pounds /1400 grams after looking up its details after I posted. Please ignore the Vortex. Don’t want to lug around something that is that heavy.
 
#9
The Leupold Mk5 HD range seems to be a lighterweight one but some of the reviews I’ve seen online seem to indicate some of the owners are not happy with some nitty gritty issues.
 
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#11
My ultralight hunting rifle (28 Nosler) has a Swaro Z8 2-16x50, and my long range hunting rifle (300 NM IMP) has a Nightforce ATACR 4-16x42. I love the low profile turrets of this Nightforce for a hunting rifle. Either one of these scopes will knock your socks off. If you like to dial everything, go with the Nightforce. If you are okay holding over in the reticle, go with Swaro.

I don't see the need for more than 16x magnification in a hunting rifle, even for extreme range. You will just end up with excessive weight and bulk.
 
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#12
Blueknight99 said:
Between the below three which one would you prefer personally on your hunting rigs

- Night Force ATACR 5-25 56F1
- Kahles K318i 3.5-18 50
- S&B PM II 3-20 50
Click to expand...

We have a pristine A List Kahles K318i RSW SKMR3 Factory demo scope for just $2,750.00 right now :)
 
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#15
Ideally yes, as I haven’t shot a MilRad reticle ever and I only have a few weeks left for my hunting trip. So, not sure if I will have enough time to relearn the MilRad stuff, but plan to do that soon. Still will keep that in mind and IM you in case I decide that way. The Kahles K318i is a superb scope.
 
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#16
Blueknight99 said:
Ideally yes, as I haven’t shot a MilRad reticle ever and I only have a few weeks left for my hunting trip. So, not sure if I will have enough time to relearn the MilRad stuff, but plan to do that soon. Still will keep that in mind and IM you in case I decide that way. The Kahles K318i is a superb scope.
Click to expand...

I can get you an ETA on the MOAK version as well :)
 
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#19
Blueknight99 said:
I would like that. I am leaving on the 27th October for the hunt, would want it atleast two weeks before that so that I could zero my rifle.
Click to expand...

MOAK Left Side Windage is in stock, Right side is 2 weeks out. Give me a call at 916-670-1103 for anymore information and to order :)
 
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#21
Question for you OP - for a hunting rifle why would you choose Kahles over Swarovski? My understanding is they share distributors out of Austria, and they have comparable quality/reliability/warranty. If anything, Swaro has better glass based on the few times I have looked through a Kahles.

For a hunting rifle that will be carried long distances, all else being equal I will always choose the lighter scope. The K318 is ~33oz. A Z6i 3-18 is ~22oz. That makes a big difference in elk country.

Just curious why you are wanting to put a tactical scope on a hunting rifle. Not disagreeing that the K318 is a sweet piece of glass.
 
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#22
Just looking at the best scope overall. The weight is something to consider though. The Kahles have the Swaros beat on the reticles and Swaros probably have better glass and lighter weight.
 
#24
I use both a Burris XTR2 and a Kahles K624i on my hunting guns. Are they heavy? Yes. It’s one area where I’m willing to pack some extra weight in my kit. I even packed in a Sig Tango6 3-18 on my muzzleloader. My next rifle will be a little lighter weight and will likely wear my Kahles or a Sig Whiskey5.
 
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#25
I totally agree about not compromising on optics. Don't get me wrong, I have no issue carrying heavy glass in the field. I bring a Kowa 88mm spotter with me on every hunting trip, and it's pretty much a boulder in the pack. Just making sure the OP is thinking about weight =)
 
#28
Are you looking for a FFP Tacitcal/Hunting crossover scope? or for a high end SFP hunting scope?

With crossover scopes, overall, I think Tangent Theta TT315M 3-15x50 is still the one I would go for overall. It weighs 27 ounces which is very light for a scope of this type.

If you like a little more magnification, March 3-24x52 is pretty much the only good quality crossover FFP scope that is lighter.

I have both TT315M and March and like both, albeit for different reasons. There are other good options of course, but with crossover scopes I really like to keep the weight reasonable and most tactical scopes are heavy. Aside from the two I mentioned, there is Vortex AMG 6-24x50 (which I also have) that is excellent, but 6x on the low end is higher than a lot of people like for hunting. It really depends on where you hunt, though.

With high end hunting scopes, my two favorite ones are Leica Magnus and Blaser Infinity, although S&B Polar is an interesting option as well.

ILya
 
#29
I am debating between a S&B Polar T96 in FFP 4-16 56 or the Kahles K318i 3.5-18 50 . I know both are different (weight differences aside) with the Kahles having the SKMR3 reticle and the S&B T96 with more low light transmission.
 
#30
I haven't used a Tagent theta but would like to. I have been happy with my 4-16 ATACR, and NX8 2.5-20.

For hunting scope you should also consider how long getting your scope repaired.
 
#31
If I had to pic a dedicated scope for a hunting rig the new nx8 looks pretty appealing. 2.5-20 power is a great usable range on everything from 20 yard shots to 1200 or farther if you so chose. I haven’t gotten to spend much time behind one so I can’t talk about glass quality something in that 3-15 range and as light as possible if it’s a mountain gun. I’m currently in the same boat looking for a lightweight hunting scope but I don’t have the same funds you do lol. If I did though it be looking at the nx8 then maybe the theta or kahles as mentioned above
 
#32
Read about the NX8. Seems good. Added to the decision making process. Will decide by tonight. Now the comparison is between:

- Swarovski Z6(i) 3-18x50 P (~??, pricing seems to be on the higher side for what it is, although some of the folks say the glass is better than any of the below, but don't have any personal experience)
- S&B Polar T96 in FFP 4-16 56 (~$2,200)
- Kahles K318i 3.5-18 50 (~$2,750)
- NightForce NX8 2.5-20 x 50mm MOAR ( not in stock at the ones I checked)
- NightForce NX8 4-32 x 50mm mil (~$2k) - but not sure about that much zoom
 
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#34
Blueknight99 said:
Read about the NX8. Seems good. Added to the decision making process. Will decide by tonight. Now the comparison is between:

- Swarovski Z6(i) 3-18x50 P (~??, pricing seems to be on the higher side for what it is, although some of the folks say the glass is better than any of the below, but don't have any personal experience)
- S&B Polar T96 in FFP 4-16 56 (~$2,200)
- Kahles K318i 3.5-18 50 (~$2,750)
- NightForce NX8 2.5-20 x 50mm MOAR ( not in stock at the ones I checked)
- NightForce NX8 4-32 x 50mm mil (~$2k) - but not sure about that much zoom
Click to expand...


I can speak on 3 of those scopes, sort of ;).

I’ve never been behind a z6i, just a z8i...I have the 2.3-18x56.

I also have a Polar 4-16x56 ffp.

And the Kahles, never used the 3-18 but had a 624i for a bit.

I wouldn’t say the glass on the Swaro is “better” than the Polar, but definitely better than the Kahles. The Swaro is crisp and clear from edge to edge, and the color & contrast is top notch. The Polar is excellent, bright, crisp and clear. During dusk/dawn, it really stands out. But in bright conditions, there is a small amount of CA at the very edges. The Kahles was underwhelming...CA, and resolution well below what I’d expect in a scope at its price point.

Never seen the nx8, but the specs are intriguing. And are you sure on the price for the Polar? Unless they’ve dropped recently, the FFP models were a bit more than that. My p4f reticle Polar was over 3k.
 
#35
Langford said:
I can speak on 3 of those scopes, sort of ;).

I’ve never been behind a z6i, just a z8i...I have the 2.3-18x56.

I also have a Polar 4-16x56 ffp.

And the Kahles, never used the 3-18 but had a 624i for a bit.

I wouldn’t say the glass on the Swaro is “better” than the Polar, but definitely better than the Kahles. The Swaro is crisp and clear from edge to edge, and the color & contrast is top notch. The Polar is excellent, bright, crisp and clear. During dusk/dawn, it really stands out. But in bright conditions, there is a small amount of CA at the very edges. The Kahles was underwhelming...CA, and resolution well below what I’d expect in a scope at its price point.

Never seen the nx8, but the specs are intriguing. And are you sure on the price for the Polar? Unless they’ve dropped recently, the FFP models were a bit more than that. My p4f reticle Polar was over 3k.
Click to expand...

Perfect! Just the reply I was looking for. Appreciate that. So right now, put the Kahles and NightForce out of contention for my purposes. Both great scopes but here are my reasons:

- Nightforce NX8: Not available before my hunt and no time to wait.
- Kahles 318i: Great scope but for hunting (mainly this year), my personal needs are great clarity, and low light transmission (mainly dawn). Put aside for next year to go on my Precision Rifle build.


Will check how is the pricing difference between the Sawaro Z8/Z6 and the S&B Polar T96 and will take a swing.
-----------
 
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#36
Blueknight99 said:
Perfect! Just the reply I was looking for. Appreciate that. So right now, put the Kahles and NightForce out of contention for my purposes. Both great scopes but here are my reasons:

- Nightforce NX8: Not available before my hunt and no time to wait.
- Kahles 318i: Great scope but for hunting (mainly this year), my personal needs are great clarity, and low light transmission (mainly dawn). Put aside for next to go on my Precision Rifle build.


Will check how is the pricing difference between the Sawaro Z8/Z6 and the S&B Polar T96 and will take a swing.
-----------
Click to expand...

I have the 4-32 Mil-C NX8 that will be here today, also the Kahles he compared was the K624i which the K318i has superior glass too.
 
#37
Blueknight99 said:
@jbuck88 - How is your experience with your NX8? How does it compare to your ATACR? Tangent Thetas are super nice, but right now out of my budget :)
Click to expand...

So far it seems like a great option for a smaller hunting crossover. The glass is a slight step down from the ATACR, but it's a slightly more compact with a better FOV and 50mm vs 42mm objective.

I've been hunting this scope for a couple of months and have 4 deer with a dozen grouse mixed in. All have been head and neck shots. The units I've been hunting is heavy woods and max around 100yds. I did have to turn the illumination on for the last deer since it was heavy cover towards the end of the day. Next week I'll be hunting a different area where longer shots are usually all you get. Then drew a cow elk tag for November. So should have a better idea after this fall.

I do really like this scope. I like that the parallax adjustment goes down to 11yds and am trying to sell my AMG to get another one for a Vudoo.

Edit: I forgot to add that probably my favorite difference between the nx8 and the ATACR is the eye piece doesn't rotate as you change power. The flip cover would seem to always interfere with my bolt.
 
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#40
After much debating went ahead with the Swarovski Z6i 2.5-15 x 56 BRHi. Called up Dough @ CameraLandNY and placed an order today. Can’t wait for it get here and put it on my scope.
Langford said:
I can speak on 3 of those scopes, sort of ;).

I’ve never been behind a z6i, just a z8i...I have the 2.3-18x56.

I also have a Polar 4-16x56 ffp.

And the Kahles, never used the 3-18 but had a 624i for a bit.

I wouldn’t say the glass on the Swaro is “better” than the Polar, but definitely better than the Kahles. The Swaro is crisp and clear from edge to edge, and the color & contrast is top notch. The Polar is excellent, bright, crisp and clear. During dusk/dawn, it really stands out. But in bright conditions, there is a small amount of CA at the very edges. The Kahles was underwhelming...CA, and resolution well below what I’d expect in a scope at its price point.

Never seen the nx8, but the specs are intriguing. And are you sure on the price for the Polar? Unless they’ve dropped recently, the FFP models were a bit more than that. My p4f reticle Polar was over 3k.
Click to expand...

What height rings do you have on your Swaro? I just ordered a Z6i 2.5-15 x 56 BRHi and not sure what height rings to get my 20 MOA rail. Is 1.125" going to be enough for the 56mm Swaro bell or should I go for 1.375" ? Just trying to benchmark based off of yours. Btw...my rifle is the Proof Research Elevation in 6.5 CM with the Sendero Contour CF wrapped barrel.
 
#41
Blueknight99 said:
After much debating went ahead with the Swarovski Z6i 2.5-15 x 56 BRHi. Called up Dough @ CameraLandNY and placed an order today. Can’t wait for it get here and put it on my scope.


What height rings do you have on your Swaro? I just ordered a Z6i 2.5-15 x 56 BRHi and not sure what height rings to get my 20 MOA rail. Is 1.125" going to be enough for the 56mm Swaro bell or should I go for 1.375" ? Just trying to benchmark based off of yours. Btw...my rifle is the Proof Research Elevation in 6.5 CM with the Sendero Contour CF wrapped barrel.
Click to expand...
I don’t have that exact rifle or barrel or scope but my rifle with a 20 moa rail and a barrel a bit thicker than the proof sendero will clear a 56mm Bell with .92” rings. Hope that helps and if not I’m sorry lol
 
#42
Mine is on an AR, so it’s not apples to apples...but I have it in a Seekins MXM 1.45” height mount.

6D26ECF2-044D-41C2-8A17-EE972CDAA866.jpeg


Again, not apples to apples...but this is the the Polar, which is 56mm and just a little bit longer than the Swaro, in a 1.18” Spuhr mount. Also a proof light sendero barrel contour on a 20moa Seekins Rail, 700 action. This clears with more than enough room, so the Swaro in the same height mount would be fine.

2BB04351-6ECA-4A6F-BC57-1CD7BAB7C8D9.jpeg
 
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#43
Langford said:
Mine is on an AR, so it’s not apples to apples...but I have it in a Seekins MXM 1.45” height mount.

View attachment 7159048

Again, not apples to apples...but this is the the Polar, which is 56mm and just a little bit longer than the Swaro, in a 1.18” Spuhr mount. Also a proof light sendero barrel contour on a 20moa Seekins Rail, 700 action. This clears with more than enough room, so the Swaro in the same height mount would be fine.

View attachment 7159049
Click to expand...

Thanks appreciate the advise. I guess then the Nightforce 1.125" Ultralight Unimount should suffice for my Swaro.

By the way super coooool hunting rig...like the bamboo pattern and color on your stock. By the way, is that the stock color, or are those stickers/skin on your stock and barrel? What stock is it btw?
 
#46
I read about the first half of the posts so forgive me if this has already been mentioned. But why not the March 3-24x52? Bottom end that you want, stellar glass, and about 23oz. Comes in MOA as well.

*EDIT* you said 34mm tube. Ignore my comment!

7D21958B-E286-480B-8012-EC2A73CA4797.jpeg
 
#47
bmicek said:
I read about the first half of the posts so forgive me if this has already been mentioned. But why not the March 3-24x52? Bottom end that you want, stellar glass, and about 23oz. Comes in MOA as well.

*EDIT* you said 34mm tube. Ignore my comment!

View attachment 7160269
Click to expand...

Nah! You are good, the 34mm was initial requirement. Preferable but not must. Went ahead and got a Swaro Z6i 2.5-15x56.

But was also looking at the Leica Magnus in 2.4-16x56 to see how it compared to the Swaro as I am getting a good deal on it.
 
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#48
I’ve yet to get behind a Leica Magnus, but Ilya’s praise of them makes me want to. And the killer deal Eurooptic/Scopelist had on them made it almost too good to pass on (not sure if the sale is still going or not). I really have no use for another high end hunting scope, but I’d love to try one out.
 
#49
Euro Optic has some good deals on the "non-illuminated" Leica Magnus scope where they are upto 40% off but the illuminated ones are still the same price (more or less). I would have almost bought one if it was an illuminated reticle (saved a grand's worth of Benjamins), but I am happy with my Swaro Z6i for the moment :)
 
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#50
Blueknight99 said:
Looking at a ceiling of $$2500-3000, I was researching some high end scopes for hunting rifles. Currently have a Leupold VX3i 3.5-10 40mm and looking to upgrade to a higher end scope.

Minimum Criteria:
30 or 34 mm Tube Diameter
At least 50mm Objective Lens Diameter
Max Magnification of at least 10 or 12x
Starting from 3.5x, 4x, or 6x doesn't matter

This will be going on my Browning X-Bolt HC Speed for this season and on to a custom carbon fiber barreled rifle later next year.

What are your favorite scopes and what do you suggest? Opinions and advise highly welcome! Thank You!
Click to expand...
For hunting the Riton scopes are great. Very affordable and Veteran owned. Really good glass for the price
 
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