Rifle Scopes Deer Rifle Scope Recommendations

Taiosi

Taiosi

Private
Minuteman
Aug 19, 2020
2
0
London
#1
I haven't bought a hunting scope in a very long time and wanted to get some suggestions. Here are the requirements:
  1. Low light performance is a big deal. We can hunt until 30 minutes after sunset and on a cloudy day, it is downright dark.
  2. As I've aged I like more magnification. 14x would probably be the minimum. 20x would not be too much on the top end.
  3. Needs to hold zero, but I won't be cranking the knobs much once it's sighted in.
  4. Weight is not that big a deal--it will be on a stand rifle in 260 Rem.
  5. Price matters. I could scare up maybe $1000 but I'd rather spend less.
The one scope I have that fills this bill now is an old (and long discontinued) Zeiss Conquest 6.5-20x50. I've heard that the newer Zeiss's in this line are not as good and they sure cost a lot more. That said I'm open to pretty much any brand.

I would appreciated any thoughts you would share.
 
#3
IMO you have a decision. If you want 20x+ you're going to have to give up glass quality and light transmission.

I know many aren't Leupold fans anymore. I've personally never had an issue and I like them. The Vx3 line or higher would get the brightness you desire.

I also have a Swarovski Z3 3-10x42 that I like a bunch.

I have a Vortex HST 6-24. It has the magnification you desire but IMO it's nowhere near as bright or clear.

Lots to consider and rank in order of importance. Personally, I'd rather have the brighter scope and less magnification.
 
#4
I ended up picking another Leupold VX5HD for this year. I already have a 2-10 so I went with a 3-15 with the windplex. I was going to get another NX8, but it's kind of bulky and catches on my pack straps.

The other i was considering was the Vortex LHT 3-15. Both in the same price and similar reviews. However the Leupold is made in the USA, so that was what tipped the scale.
 
#5
A good option for a scope, is one Vortex Diamondback Tactical 4-16x44 (or it comes in 6-24x50) FFP, or the Vortex Strike-eagle in 3-18x44 (or it comes in 4-24x50) SFP. These are “budget” scopes, both coming in at under $500. However, they both offer incredible 1/4 MOA adjustments, or both come in Mil. The strike eagle comes with a reticle that can light up to red and green, and the DBT comes with possibly the best FFP reticle for this price range on the market.

If you can spend a little more money, little can beat the Nightforce SHV 4-14x50 (or it also comes in 5-25x56). The price for this scope is upwards of $1000, but if you have the money, you will always drop that buck if your fundamentals are good.

Both of these scopes have incredible accurate and have incredibly clear glass, making you able to see the deer clearly at 1000 yards.
 
#7
I would stay away from anything with a fine duplex if you want to see it in low light.

If you are up for some budget creep the Swarovski Z5 is a couple hundred and would have the low light covered.

The
 
#9
I think a Viper PST from Vortex, with its illuminated reticle, wold work well for you. If you are shooting deer, I'm guessing your max range would be around 300 yards, so I don't know if you really need or want as much magnification as you think you do. I have confidence it will hold zero. I'm not as confident that it would return to zero reliably (although plenty of folks do have such confidence). But since you won't be dialing, that shouldn't matter to you. It's well-within your budget, which should give you no excuse for skimping on rings.
 
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#11
jbuck88 said:
I would stay away from anything with a fine duplex if you want to see it in low light.

If you are up for some budget creep the Swarovski Z5 is a couple hundred and would have the low light covered.

The
Click to expand...
I just compared the Swaro Z5 next to NF NXS and I felt it was much better glass and the BRH reticle was a ton easier to see than the NP-R2 reticle, both non-illum. Glass was similar to Leupold 6HD. Fine duplex can be difficult in low light.
 
#12
Taiosi said:
I haven't bought a hunting scope in a very long time and wanted to get some suggestions. Here are the requirements:
  1. Low light performance is a big deal. We can hunt until 30 minutes after sunset and on a cloudy day, it is downright dark.
  2. As I've aged I like more magnification. 14x would probably be the minimum. 20x would not be too much on the top end.
  3. Needs to hold zero, but I won't be cranking the knobs much once it's sighted in.
  4. Weight is not that big a deal--it will be on a stand rifle in 260 Rem.
  5. Price matters. I could scare up maybe $1000 but I'd rather spend less.
The one scope I have that fills this bill now is an old (and long discontinued) Zeiss Conquest 6.5-20x50. I've heard that the newer Zeiss's in this line are not as good and they sure cost a lot more. That said I'm open to pretty much any brand.

I would appreciated any thoughts you would share.
Click to expand...

Product Description

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Product Description

Product Description | Camera Land NY
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Product Description

Product Description | Camera Land NY
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#13
Taiosi said:
I haven't bought a hunting scope in a very long time and wanted to get some suggestions. Here are the requirements:
  1. Low light performance is a big deal. We can hunt until 30 minutes after sunset and on a cloudy day, it is downright dark.
  2. As I've aged I like more magnification. 14x would probably be the minimum. 20x would not be too much on the top end.
  3. Needs to hold zero, but I won't be cranking the knobs much once it's sighted in.
  4. Weight is not that big a deal--it will be on a stand rifle in 260 Rem.
  5. Price matters. I could scare up maybe $1000 but I'd rather spend less.
The one scope I have that fills this bill now is an old (and long discontinued) Zeiss Conquest 6.5-20x50. I've heard that the newer Zeiss's in this line are not as good and they sure cost a lot more. That said I'm open to pretty much any brand.

I would appreciated any thoughts you would share.
Click to expand...
So, you mentioned a stand. Are you hunting in the forest? In any case, how long are the potential shots?
 
#16
I'd go with a Leupold VX3i in whatever power you desire. Sounds like your price range is in the mid-range and these are hard to beat for the money. The Terra line has so many negative reviews that I would steer clear of them. Vortex makes a decent scope, with a great warranty, that you will probably end up using in the first few years.
 
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#19
I have vortex PSTs 4-16x on my hunting rigs and they are great for that last bit of light.
Go elletbrothers for a lot of decent scope recomondations.
Burris XTR II is also an excellent scope however the reticle is pretty fine and I find in low light I have to turn on the lit reticle to see it in the last 15min of legal shooting.
 
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