$1000 budget scope. Need help.

[Cornbinder]

I read a few of these but their either older or over my budget for this. Just picked up a new (to me) 300 win mag that I will be using for elk hunting. My only scopes have been Vortex Viper or Razors but they are a bit older now and not knowing what else is out there or if any of it is worth it, I thought I’d ask here. My range with this gun will be no more than 600 yards hunting but I will try to get out to 1000 at the range just to see if I can do it. It’s not a chassis gun but will end up getting a new stock. Haven’t decided which one yet. Not overly concerned with weight on this particular rifle as most the hunting I do these days are day hikes at the trails end or one way drop offs on end to end trails. I hunt with the main frame pack with a couple bat wings so I can haul out what I went in for. I never stay out there anymore. I’m always in camp at night. So packing this gun long distances with all my gear isn’t going to happen. I was at a Cabelas about a week ago, explaining this and the optics counter guy was telling me that the Viper PST gen 2 5-25x50 was a better bang for my buck than the razor. He didn’t even offer up a different scope. I’ve had old vx3 Leupold 4-9x30 in the past but after wrecking one and not getting anywhere with the service department I switched over to vortex. Been relatively happy with them. Then you look through your buddies Night Force and you get half pumper! But it costs as much as my daughters Subaru! So I’ve read some stuff about Maven and as much as I’d love to get a NF I think it’s just overkill for my needs at this point. For years I’ve just held over with my scopes to adjust for elevation and wind. As long as there are hash marks on the reticle I’m pretty good at getting the job done but after watching some videos I’d like to be able to dial in what I need. I’ve also watched videos from Anthalon, Gunwerks, Arken, Sig and a few others about their scope. Watched a few of the gun guys on YT who seem to test everything under the sun about what they use. Names I’ve never heard of or names I always considered super budget. So I’m here asking for some advice. My budget for this scope is 1000 bucks. Help me out please. Thanks up front for any and all help. Truly appreciate it.

 

[Luked]

Your going to get a lot here that are not fans of Vortex and Leupold. And for good reason if you dig enough.
Your best bet is going to be a Maven RS1.2
There is also a Nightforce SHV like that is also pretty good.
I would assume your wanting a First Focal plane. I would.
Both the Maven and the Nightforce SHV are around $1200. But are scopes you will not have issues with

 

[Brontosaurus]

WTS - NF SHV F1

Selling my NF SHV F1 in UM tikka lows. Couple dings in parallax and windage caps but perfectly functional. Mil R reticle. $950 shipped

rokslide.com

I can get you $50 under budget

 

[huntsman22]

Bushnell LRHS-2 4.5-18 x 44 G2H reticle | G.A. Precision

New feautures for LRHS2

www.gaprecision.net

 

[gr8fuldoug]

It's our pleasure, as a long standing supporting vendor here, to discuss the different available options and special opportunities with you. Please give a call, 516-217-1000, when you have the time. Thanks

 

[jamesmc8]

Maven is having a sale thru their custom shop. Select "Holiday Specials" and then you can customize a RS1.2. Sale is 10% off and customization is free so ends up being $1080 for the scope. With shipping/tax would probably put you about $1125.

 

[Spoonbill]

SWFA 3-15 would fit your needs. 750, ffp and reliable.

 

[jamesmc8]

Good rec, solid glass and 3oz lighter too!

 

[Sealee12]

I'm also eyeing up the Maven 10% off sale for a new RS1.2
Having compared it side by side with NF SHV and Trijicon Credo, I truly believe it has the best set of features for the hunter for the money. I am no expert, but it sure does check a lot of boxes.

 

[Cornbinder]

Your going to get a lot here that are not fans of Vortex and Leupold. And for good reason if you dig enough.
Your best bet is going to be a Maven RS1.2
There is also a Nightforce SHV like that is also pretty good.
I would assume your wanting a First Focal plane. I would.
Both the Maven and the Nightforce SHV are around $1200. But are scopes you will not have issues with

Thank you for the advice. I’ll definitely look into the maven and NF scope.

Your going to get a lot here that are not fans of Vortex and Leupold. And for good reason if you dig enough.
Your best bet is going to be a Maven RS1.2
There is also a Nightforce SHV like that is also pretty good.
I would assume your wanting a First Focal plane. I would.
Both the Maven and the Nightforce SHV are around $1200. But are scopes you will not have issues with

so I’m pretty new to this forum and I just read about 20 reviews on different scopes from formidilous (might not be spelled correctly) and all I can say is I’ve been in the dark for years I guess. Strong marketing campaigns and high profile tv personalities sure can hide a lot of problems. I need to get my hands on the NF and the Maven. I’ve seen the maven a few times at cabelas or scheels but never put my hands on one. The NF is going to be a harder find around here. Aldo never even knew Trijicon made rifle scopes. I have a pistol red dot of theirs and a few years back had an acog on my gasser but never knew they made an actual bolt gun rifle scope. Thanks for clearing the deadfall out of my way and opening my eyes. This forum for both this and my rifle have really been helpful.

 

[MattS87]

Not sure if you’ve found a rifle scope yet or not, but i would definitely take a good hard look at the a company called Arken. They make extremely quality scopes with good glass and that track perfect for well under $1000. As long as you’re interested in FFP and don’t mind weight. I think you’d be better off with an Arken than any other scope under $1200.

 

[trip3k]

Isn’t scope shopping a joy

 

[Davyalabama]

600 yards hunting, 1,000 yards playing. $1,000. It depends on your hunting, are you hunting very early light and last light or woods hunting too where you need light gathering? To me, these are different scopes for 600 yards hunting and 1,000 playing. I want great optics and light gathering.

Counter guys, I'd take them with a grain of salt if I were you.

 

[Cornbinder]

Not sure if you’ve found a rifle scope yet or not, but i would definitely take a good hard look at the a company called Arken. They make extremely quality scopes with good glass and that track perfect for well under $1000. As long as you’re interested in FFP and don’t mind weight. I think you’d be better off with an Arken than any other scope under $1200.

I’ll check them out. Thanks.

 

[Cornbinder]

Isn’t scope shopping a joy

Nothing anymore is a joy unless you enjoy the research project part of it. I’m my own worse enemy though. I over analyze everything trying to pick the perfect set up that will work now and in the future if I do this, or do that etc. Probably can’t go wrong with any of these scopes for my ability. I’m waiting for the show season which starts here in a few weeks and will buy one after that. Everyone on here has been super helpful and the drop test that’s on here eliminated a few that I thought would be my choice. I know Maven will be there and hoping Trijicon will as well.

 

[Blooze]

600 yards hunting, 1,000 yards playing. $1,000. It depends on your hunting, are you hunting very early light and last light or woods hunting too where you need light gathering? To me, these are different scopes for 600 yards hunting and 1,000 playing. I want great optics and light gathering.

Counter guys, I'd take them with a grain of salt if I were you.

I started following this thread because I’m looking for similar. What’s your recommendation for early light/last light (no woods hunting) for 600 yards hunting and 1000 yards playing?

 

[TKP1991]

I just recently purchased a Nightforce SHV 3-10 with the MOAR reticle and capped turrets so I have the ability to hold over or the minimal dialing I may do. Many people think differently but the 10x magnification with clear glass seems adequate for my hunting ranges. So far I am very impressed and say it is worth checking out.
Tyler

 

[Yoder]

Look at the Rifle Scope Field Evaluations under Long Range Hunting. I bought a Trijicon Credo based on that info. Way more experience there than I could ever offer.