Hunting & Fishing Hunting scope recommendations

[dreamlander]

I do more hunting these days and less shooting. I have sold all my ar's, desert tech, NF's, and Kahles that just weren't getting enough use. Most of that money went to optics and camera gear.

I now want to put together my ultimate budget hunting setup for under $2000 total.

Rifle will be a Tikka t3 lite in 7mm rem mag with 24" barrel. I have a couple tikkas and they have great actions, good triggers, and just shoot everything. If there is anything else out there close to their price let me know.

I would consider an aftermarket stock as I feel that is their weak point.

Anyway, on to the scope. This is where I need some help. I have the SWFA SS on 3 rifles and think they are great for price, but would like to step up in optical quality. I will buy used if I can. I am in no hurry.

Here are my requirements starting with most important.

1. Tracking
Scope must have target turrrets that track consistently and true

2. FFP reticle
I want left and right holds for sure. I would prefer not to have the busy "tree", but it isn't out of the question

3.Good glass
Just that. Think better than my Super Snipers.

4. Zoom
3-15x would be ok, prefer 3-18, maybe 5-20, but no higher minimum than 5x.

5. Mils
I prefer mils, but it isn't a deal breaker

6. 50mm or smaller objective

I don't care about weight so much with the light rifle. I don't want to spend more than $1200 used or new.
I have looked at Swarovski Z5, NF shv, Vortex pst, Maven, and Leupold. How would these compare to my Super snipers?
The used price on Vortex Razors seems to be way down these days. I am starting to think a used Razor might be my best option.

Any suggestions or experience on scopes and reticles would be appreciated. Let me know of some good stocks that won't break the bank as well.

 

[lash]

This GAP deal on the discontinued Bushnell LRHSi is killer and punches way above it's weight for the price. It has everything you want including better glass. You literally won't get anything better for $750, or evn $1500, IMO.

EDIT: Forgot link
https://www.snipershide.com/shooting/threads/gap-deal-on-bushnell-lrhs-scopes.6875083/

 

[dreamlander]

I definitely missed that one. I think I like the SWFA SS mil reticle more, but if this Bushnell is as good as everyone says I think I will have to pick one up at that price. I think I can get used to that circle, heck maybe I will like it.

This GAP deal on the discontinued Bushnell LRHSi is killer and punches way above it's weight for the price. It has everything you want including better glass. You literally won't get anything better for $750, or evn $1500, IMO.

EDIT: Forgot link
https://www.snipershide.com/shooting/threads/gap-deal-on-bushnell-lrhs-scopes.6875083/

 

[Jmo]

The circle is extremely easy to overlook at that price point.

 

[WoobieJ]

I do more hunting these days and less shooting. I have sold all my ar's, desert tech, NF's, and Kahles that just weren't getting enough use. Most of that money went to optics and camera gear.

I now want to put together my ultimate budget hunting setup for under $2000 total.

Rifle will be a Tikka t3 lite in 7mm rem mag with 24" barrel. I have a couple tikkas and they have great actions, good triggers, and just shoot everything. If there is anything else out there close to their price let me know.

I would consider an aftermarket stock as I feel that is their weak point.

Anyway, on to the scope. This is where I need some help. I have the SWFA SS on 3 rifles and think they are great for price, but would like to step up in optical quality. I will buy used if I can. I am in no hurry.

Here are my requirements starting with most important.

1. Tracking
Scope must have target turrrets that track consistently and true

2. FFP reticle
I want left and right holds for sure. I would prefer not to have the busy "tree", but it isn't out of the question

3.Good glass
Just that. Think better than my Super Snipers.

4. Zoom
3-15x would be ok, prefer 3-18, maybe 5-20, but no higher minimum than 5x.

5. Mils
I prefer mils, but it isn't a deal breaker

6. 50mm or smaller objective

I don't care about weight so much with the light rifle. I don't want to spend more than $1200 used or new.
I have looked at Swarovski Z5, NF shv, Vortex pst, Maven, and Leupold. How would these compare to my Super snipers?
The used price on Vortex Razors seems to be way down these days. I am starting to think a used Razor might be my best option.

Any suggestions or experience on scopes and reticles would be appreciated. Let me know of some good stocks that won't break the bank as well.

Used razor 3-18x50 MOA is my vote for sure. Or if you come across a AMG for weight savings I'd go with that. I went with the AMG and I am in love.

 

[WoobieJ]

As far as stocks go, there's some carbon fiber options out there. Kiwi composites I think?

Finally, a Yo Dave trigger upgrade and you're set.

 

[260284]

PSE Composites is getting ready to start selling their stocks in the USA. They weigh a little more than 2 lbs.

 

[65x55guy]

+1 on the LRHSi. They sell routinely on here used for $800-900, so even if you missed the $750 deal you can grab a good one easily for same ballpark. I’ve owned 3 and Love the clarity. The reticle is no issue for me at all.

 

[260284]

I have a German Gun Stock Predator that is 3.5 lbs and I have a Ranger model on order that is 2 lbs 7 oz for a lighter hunting rifle.