$400-$700 Hunting scope that is great quality?

Rmchap

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Nov 20, 2024
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I have a tikka T3X that needs a hunting scope. I currently have a Viper HS-T but I don’t like that the elevation turret does not have a zero stop and also does not have a locking mechanism to prevent the dial from being turned if bumped.

Looking to hunt out to 500 max.
Looking for something that dials accurate and is reliable/durable for field use and abuse.

Any recommendations? Thinking 40-44 mm objective lens, don’t need crazy high zoom. Was thinking Arlen, Burris, or Athlon….just wondering people’s thoughts.

Thanks
 
I have a tikka T3X that needs a hunting scope. I currently have a Viper HS-T but I don’t like that the elevation turret does not have a zero stop and also does not have a locking mechanism to prevent the dial from being turned if bumped.

Looking to hunt out to 500 max.
Looking for something that dials accurate and is reliable/durable for field use and abuse.

Any recommendations? Thinking 40-44 mm objective lens, don’t need crazy high zoom. Was thinking Arlen, Burris, or Athlon….just wondering people’s thoughts.

Thanks

The SWFA gen2 fixed 6x or 10x is comfortably within that budget. The 6x is currently sold out, but they come up on the classifieds quite often. I used a 6x and a 10x through most of this past hunting season and was very pleased with useability and performance.

The SWFA 3-9x is at the higher end of that budget (but requires a $20 aftermarket kit if you want a zero stop). I just picked up one of those on the Black Friday sale.

The SWFA 3-15x is just outside that budget, but an excellent scope.

I would pick one of those SWFAs over anything you have listed.
 
The SWFA gen2 fixed 6x or 10x is comfortably within that budget. The 6x is currently sold out, but they come up on the classifieds quite often. I used a 6x and a 10x through most of this past hunting season and was very pleased with useability and performance.

The SWFA 3-9x is at the higher end of that budget (but requires a $20 aftermarket kit if you want a zero stop). I just picked up one of those on the Black Friday sale.

The SWFA 3-15x is just outside that budget, but an excellent scope.

I would pick one of those SWFAs over anything you have listed.
I agree SWFA is a solid option at the OPs price point
 
I just ordered a 3-9 Credo and I should have it in hand tomorrow. I have a new 3-9 SWFA that I've not mounted. I'm going to compare the two and likely put the SWFA up sale or on a 223 range gun I have. I'm on the east coast, won't rifle hunt out west that much so I think a set it and forget it optic might be better for my purposes.
 
I'm on the east coast, won't rifle hunt out west that much so I think a set it and forget it optic might be better for my purposes.
SWFA 6x MQ Gen2 is pretty close to the ultimate set and forget optic IME -- and entirely capable in low light.
 
Arken EPL 4-16 is a great choice. Unlike the SWFA 3-9x, it has a zero stop, and excellent illumination. The Athlon Helos 2-12x does as well.
 
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