I should have my 7mmWby barreled action back shortly and am going to need to find a different scope for it. Rifle will be used 90% for hunting the rest slow shooting steel at distance. The hunting I hope for is shots as little as 100yds in the woods to several hundred over fields. I would like something that has good glass and is bright for low light conditions. I don’t think I NEED exposed turrets but am not opposed to them. The other question is FFP or SFP? I’ve heard arguments for both. Thoughts?
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Rifle Scopes Solid hunting scope
- Thread starter mercracing
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Too many options for that purpose. I basically default to a NF 2.5-10 for that job, but if you don't care about dialing, and want to spend less money and save weight, the Leupold 2.5-8 is one of the best scopes ever made for point blank range hunting. Really excellent light transmission, even compared to its close siblings. Very lightweight, and a custom BDC turret is available if you like that sort of stuff.
I like that the NF can be used for precision stuff, but is still small and relatively light for all day hunting on foot. I have not tried the SHV version of that scope, but would absolutely not hesitate if you like the features. Well worth getting matching rings from NF if you go the NF route.
I like that the NF can be used for precision stuff, but is still small and relatively light for all day hunting on foot. I have not tried the SHV version of that scope, but would absolutely not hesitate if you like the features. Well worth getting matching rings from NF if you go the NF route.
Whats your budget and what magnification range do you prefer?
Some hunters prefer a SFP reticle, some prefer FFP. I think it depends on the individual scope, reticle design, and magnification range. I don't mind exposed turrets on a hunting rifle but I do prefer capped windage knobs and locking turrets and/or zero stops as things get bumped pretty easy.
Some hunters prefer a SFP reticle, some prefer FFP. I think it depends on the individual scope, reticle design, and magnification range. I don't mind exposed turrets on a hunting rifle but I do prefer capped windage knobs and locking turrets and/or zero stops as things get bumped pretty easy.
I’ve had the SHV come up in conversation before. I haven’t had a chance to look through one either. I guess I hadn’t given much thought to the lower power scopes. Perhaps I should change my thinking.
Budget I would like to be in the 700$ish range. I’m defiantly in agreement with you on locking turrets. I guess in my mind a 2-10 MIGHT work, but I think it might be a challenge for the rare times of ringing steel at a mile or so. A 3-15/18 wouldn’t be the worst either. I have a friend with a Gen 2 razor that he likes but it’s MOA. Currently I’m shooting MIL for my target rifle, but I don’t think it’s the end of the world to put MOA on this rifle.
The only thing available that I would consider worthwhile for your intended purposes in that price range is the Weaver tactical 3-15.
https://www.natchezss.com/weaver-su...llum-enhanced-mil-dot-reticle-emdr-matte.html
https://www.natchezss.com/weaver-su...llum-enhanced-mil-dot-reticle-emdr-matte.html
SWFA 3-9x42 or 3-15
Burris XTRII 2-10 or 3-15 (these will be a bit over budget but you can probably find them used here)
Vortex Razor LH seems to get some positivity
Used Bushnell LHRSs usually are $900 used.
Leupold VX? are going to be solid for a pure hunting scope as well.
If I were building a pure hunting rifle, I’d look closely at the SWFA 3-9. Only negative I can see is uncapped windage. Follow that by one of the Vortex LH optics in your given budget.
Since you mentioned several hundred yards, you MIGHT could get away with a good 1-6 or 2-8 powered optic. For the Southeast where I live, a 1-6 would be quite dandy.
Burris XTRII 2-10 or 3-15 (these will be a bit over budget but you can probably find them used here)
Vortex Razor LH seems to get some positivity
Used Bushnell LHRSs usually are $900 used.
Leupold VX? are going to be solid for a pure hunting scope as well.
If I were building a pure hunting rifle, I’d look closely at the SWFA 3-9. Only negative I can see is uncapped windage. Follow that by one of the Vortex LH optics in your given budget.
Since you mentioned several hundred yards, you MIGHT could get away with a good 1-6 or 2-8 powered optic. For the Southeast where I live, a 1-6 would be quite dandy.
I don’t have any experience with Weaver or SWFA. Are they decent scopes? I see them mentioned on here but I haven’t paid much attention to them.
I’m running vortex vipers on all my hunting rigs with no complaints. Pst hs-t and an hs. Really like the bdc reticle on the hs model. Super fast holdover for hunting out to 600 yards and it doesn’t break the bank. I think they are around $500.
Yes. They are excellent build quality scopes. I would rank either above a Leupy MK4. They are both built like tanks. Excellent tracking and very acceptable glass. The Weaver has locking turrets. Both are made in Mil/Mil both are at your $700 budget.
You're not going to get anything proven for under $700 that has reliable tracking for your LR shooting and good low light performance which is a huge asset on a hunting scope. You'll likely either need to double your budget (at minimum) or chose one role.
The minimum I'd recommend would be an LRHS or LRTS. There's also the new Leupold LRP which has the right features and the glass is nice but it's new to the market and unproven. Personally I'd go with a NF ATACR F1 4-16, it's very proven but it going to cost you north of $2K for a new one, used ones with the fairly undesirable MIL-R reticle can be had for as low as $1700. I just got a Leupold MK5 that I'm testing out but it's too soon to give any reliability feedback on.
The minimum I'd recommend would be an LRHS or LRTS. There's also the new Leupold LRP which has the right features and the glass is nice but it's new to the market and unproven. Personally I'd go with a NF ATACR F1 4-16, it's very proven but it going to cost you north of $2K for a new one, used ones with the fairly undesirable MIL-R reticle can be had for as low as $1700. I just got a Leupold MK5 that I'm testing out but it's too soon to give any reliability feedback on.
Thanks for all the feedback guys. If I had to pick, I would say I need it to be a hunting scope. Lots of light being a huge plus. Decent reticle being up there also.
Look for a deal on a Swaro Z3 3-10 or 4-12 with the BRX or BRH reticle. That's going to be your best bet and you should be able to get one for $750-$800.
Swaro was one I have thought about. I don’t see many on here. I should probably try keeping an eye out elsewhere.
I'd like to suggest looking at the new Steiner H4Xi 3-12x56. It's been for sale in Europe for a while, but brand new in US. Euro hunting style is a bit later in the evening than usual here, so they tend to demand lots of light transmission (hence the 56mm). They also like stupid simple reticles, but the US version has a nicer tree style, so it will be fun for steel days. Made in Greeley Colorado, which is nice. Over your budget goal by a couple hundred.
(I work for Burris and Steiner and am hugely biased!)
(I work for Burris and Steiner and am hugely biased!)
I will be listing a couple 3-12 LRHS for $800 shipped each once I have over 100 post and legit to post in the PX. 
Only reason I am selling the 3-12 LRHS is because its a bit big for the lightweight rifles that they sit on (5 and 5.5 pound hunting rifles).
I am going to 3-9 SWFAs just to save some size and weight. But if you are wanting to take your 7 WBY to a mile the 3-12 LRHS with parallax adjustment, zero stop, 12X on the top end, and capped windage may be better for your application as I have no plans to shoot the rifles these scopes sit on beyond 700 yards in all honesty.
I also have a NF 3-10 SHV with MOAR I will be listing shortly as well for $700 as well.
Only reason I am selling the 3-12 LRHS is because its a bit big for the lightweight rifles that they sit on (5 and 5.5 pound hunting rifles).I am going to 3-9 SWFAs just to save some size and weight. But if you are wanting to take your 7 WBY to a mile the 3-12 LRHS with parallax adjustment, zero stop, 12X on the top end, and capped windage may be better for your application as I have no plans to shoot the rifles these scopes sit on beyond 700 yards in all honesty.
I also have a NF 3-10 SHV with MOAR I will be listing shortly as well for $700 as well.
Nice. Yeah I would be contacting @alaskalanche about his LRHS 3-12's.
IMO, those scopes are about perfect for an all round hunting/LR shooting scope.
Now, if the SS 3-9 had lower profile adjustments and zero stops...that would be tough to beat IMO.
IMO, those scopes are about perfect for an all round hunting/LR shooting scope.
Now, if the SS 3-9 had lower profile adjustments and zero stops...that would be tough to beat IMO.
You really cant have it all. Hunting out to a few hundred yards, a capped 8 power is plenty. Ringing steel at 1 mile requires lots of elevation and good adjustable turrets. Two totally different things, and hard to get both at any price,,let alone 700. Ive taken a NF 2.5-10 out to 1325 or so, and while it is not ideal, it is doable. I would say pick a role, either hunting or LR, and go from there.
So, in a question about hunting scopes, we bring up the possibility of picking up a running person?
Gotcha.
Look, I get it. The SS10x rubs a lot of guys the wrong way. Its $299, and it performs right along side $2999 scopes. Lets not pretend that 10x can't do %95+ of what the OP wants. And if a running animal at close range is the only thing it can't do...
Swarovski z3 with ballistic turret. I have one on my m70 30-06 and it works great. I can stay in the woods way longer than a vx3. I have mine set for 200-500
I might go to a z5 just cause but the z3 has been fine for me for years
I might go to a z5 just cause but the z3 has been fine for me for years
We've still got some of the HD5 3-15s laying around at a killer price.
https://www.sportoptics.com/zeiss-conquest-hd5-rifle-scopes.aspx
https://www.sportoptics.com/zeiss-conquest-hd5-rifle-scopes.aspx
Mmm, I've had it side x side with great 'hunting glass' (Swaro Z3 and VX6) , and the SS doesn't give up much. I agree - its not primo hunting glass. But its way better than "not even close".
If the 10x is a concern, the 3-9 can do good things as well. And the reticle is a bit thicker.
What can be done, especially by experienced, skilled people, is not necessarily the best way to go. There really is no argument for a fixed 10 today. I have no idea why Sinclair likes them, but Imimagine that given his preference for S&B, the fixed 10 was the best compromise for weight and power. Plus he hunts out west, and Id be amazedmif he normally takes game at less than a few hundred yards.
An appeal to an expert is not a good way to present an argument. Look it up if you want to know why.
Surprised the Steiner 3-15 T5Xi isn't mentioned. Super compact scope. Id choose that or the NF 4-16. Whichever I could get a better deal on. Both are drop ded sexy. My 338 LM has the 3-15 on it and I love it.
If you want to do any long range steel hitting, you almost have to have exposed turrets to get consistent hits. Hunting only no steel? pick of the litter 2-10's is plenty and maybe even a nice 1-6 or 1-8 if u rich. lol.
Regards,
DT
If you want to do any long range steel hitting, you almost have to have exposed turrets to get consistent hits. Hunting only no steel? pick of the litter 2-10's is plenty and maybe even a nice 1-6 or 1-8 if u rich. lol.
Regards,
DT
I really like my LRHS and my LRSTi, both 4.5-18. There are lighter scopes out there, but I use mine as dual purpose match/hunting scopes.
Check out the deal that GA Precision has on the LRHSi 4.5-18. They are in or very close to you budget and the LRHS illuminated reticle is about perfect for a close shot on 4.5x.
Check out the deal that GA Precision has on the LRHSi 4.5-18. They are in or very close to you budget and the LRHS illuminated reticle is about perfect for a close shot on 4.5x.
i wont wade into the stuff above.
two of my favorite scopes for HUNTING are weaver super slams and leupold fx scopes. either a 4x or a 6x, and you are good from 0-320 yards. living east of the 'sippi, i'd lean more toward a 4x than 6x. the lionshare of shots at game in my life are way under 100.
the weaver super slam 2-10x44 is a great hunting scope as well. i dont know if the are made anymore. they are worth a look though.
lots of guys like variable power....i prefer the fixed. less shit to go wrong and you get more scope for the money.
all that being said, i see no reason a swfa 6x wouldnt work, the only downside being they are big and heavy for a hunting rig.
two of my favorite scopes for HUNTING are weaver super slams and leupold fx scopes. either a 4x or a 6x, and you are good from 0-320 yards. living east of the 'sippi, i'd lean more toward a 4x than 6x. the lionshare of shots at game in my life are way under 100.
the weaver super slam 2-10x44 is a great hunting scope as well. i dont know if the are made anymore. they are worth a look though.
lots of guys like variable power....i prefer the fixed. less shit to go wrong and you get more scope for the money.
all that being said, i see no reason a swfa 6x wouldnt work, the only downside being they are big and heavy for a hunting rig.
As usual, you see a lot of replies without considering what the OP asked for.
part of the problem is all of the requirements weren't spelled out in the original post.
These are the requirements:
90% hunting
typical hunting distances to several hundred yards
occasional steel "at distance"
good light transmission
budget 700 dollars
This is why I recommended the Weaver GS tactical. It checks the boxes and comes in under budget.
part of the problem is all of the requirements weren't spelled out in the original post.
These are the requirements:
90% hunting
typical hunting distances to several hundred yards
occasional steel "at distance"
good light transmission
budget 700 dollars
This is why I recommended the Weaver GS tactical. It checks the boxes and comes in under budget.
I agree those are a great option for sure. I had my buddy put one on his 300 WM primarily for hunting with occasional steel plinking to 700 and maybe to 1K. Though I still like the SWFA 3-9X42 over the Weaver 3-15 especially the reticle of the SWFA, but he was convinced he needed more than 9X to shoot to 700 yards.
Especially since the 3-9 is much smaller and lighter. But the easy tooless turret reset is nice and I wish Tim Kulin would come up with zero stop shims for them.
Here you go! Bam! Wish I didn’t just have a $1300 brake job on my truck!!!
Burris veracity is a great scope designed for hunting and around 600ish I believe. Awesome glass and a nice but simple bdc reticle and windage hold overs.
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