Advice on New Hunting Scope

[SDHNTR]

If March ditched the hare brained idea of big zoom in a hunting scope and made that same scope body with a 4 or 5x erector, it’s probably all I would own. High zoom is a gimmick, IMO.

 

[SDHNTR]

I have noticed that with my mom and sister they can't find animals or targets well when the scope is cranked up so we have to back the power down for them and then turn it up when they find it. I appreciate the explanation and all makes good sense.

Now combine that with recoil and a high-pressure situation. It’s a bad recipe.

 

[Axlrod]

“Nelson from Seekins he mentioned to stay away from a NF NX8 as in his opinion they are junk. He mentioned the vortex lht is a great scope as well as the leupold mark 5.”

That might be the most butt backwards thing I’ve read in awhile. Nelson from seekins needs to explain that statement

I think he meant Nelson from the Simpsons!

 

[LongWayAround]

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

New feautures for LRHS2

www.gaprecision.net

 

[762 ULTRAMAGA]

Just another opinion here, but I strongly disagree. I owned one for two years. Tried to like it. Never could. There was always some significant compromise optically, which is exactly what happens when you cram that much zoom into that short tube. The big NX8 is twice the scope, less money and far more user-friendly.

Commie!

 

[wpeach1912]

I have good luck with the LHT 4.5-22, and I’d say it’s one of my favorite hunting scopes. I shot several NRL Hunter matches with it, took it to missouri, Colorado, and Idaho hunting. It rode on atvs and my Kifaru gun bearer for many miles. Never had a zero issue or tracking issue with it. FOV is a bit narrow though

 

[cuerro viejo]

If March ditched the hare brained idea of big zoom in a hunting scope and made that same scope body with a 4 or 5x erector, it’s probably all I would own. High zoom is a gimmick, IMO.

Ditto, 8x plus erectors are dumb

 

[nobody]

Obviously 95% of the guys here would tell you to get a NF no mater your budget and call it a day.

This statement is objectively false. The most common scope recommended on this site, by far, is the $1200 Maven RS1.2, followed closely by the SWFA 3-9 and 3-15 (if available, and are priced WELL below the $1k mark), then an SWFA fixed 6x or 10x, with the 10x being available right now for $350.

More dollars spent doesn’t equate to more durability or ruggedness or reliability. Glass quality doesn’t matter until the scope functions as an aiming device, especially since a scope’s one and only job is to steer bullet to target, and until it does that job perfectly, there’s no amount of glass quality that can make up for the fact that it’s not durable or wanders zero or won’t track correctly.

LOW makes optics for nightforce, and they also make the vortex Razor LHT. One is know to work day in and day out, and one is know for a great warranty program. Just because it’s made at LOW, doesn’t mean it’s all made to the same spec. Optics marketing companies spec a design to an OEM, and that OEM manufactures what the optics marketing company (because virtually no optics company makes their own stuff in house 100% of the time) dictates. If they spec a rugged, reliable, work-every-time optic, then that’s what LOW builds. If they spec an ultralight, high mag scope and don’t mention durability, then that’s what LOW builds.

To the OP, start here:

Rifle Scope Field Evaluations

rokslide.com

Spark notes version, you want a Maven RS1.2, Trijicon, Nightforce, SWFA 3-9/3-15/fixed 6x/fixed 10x. Those optics range from $350-$3500, pick whichever fits your budget. Then mount it in good rings (nightforce ultralight, ARC m-brace, Burris tactical, etc), torque everything TIGHT with loctite/nail polish/paint pen, and go shoot and live happily ever after.

 

[AlpineBeard]

This statement is objectively false. The most common scope recommended on this site, by far, is the $1200 Maven RS1.2, followed closely by the SWFA 3-9 and 3-15 (if available, and are priced WELL below the $1k mark), then an SWFA fixed 6x or 10x, with the 10x being available right now for $350.

More dollars spent doesn’t equate to more durability or ruggedness or reliability. Glass quality doesn’t matter until the scope functions as an aiming device, especially since a scope’s one and only job is to steer bullet to target, and until it does that job perfectly, there’s no amount of glass quality that can make up for the fact that it’s not durable or wanders zero or won’t track correctly.

LOW makes optics for nightforce, and they also make the vortex Razor LHT. One is know to work day in and day out, and one is know for a great warranty program. Just because it’s made at LOW, doesn’t mean it’s all made to the same spec. Optics marketing companies spec a design to an OEM, and that OEM manufactures what the optics marketing company (because virtually no optics company makes their own stuff in house 100% of the time) dictates. If they spec a rugged, reliable, work-every-time optic, then that’s what LOW builds. If they spec an ultralight, high mag scope and don’t mention durability, then that’s what LOW builds.

To the OP, start here:

Rifle Scope Field Evaluations

rokslide.com

Spark notes version, you want a Maven RS1.2, Trijicon, Nightforce, SWFA 3-9/3-15/fixed 6x/fixed 10x. Those optics range from $350-$3500, pick whichever fits your budget. Then mount it in good rings (nightforce ultralight, ARC m-brace, Burris tactical, etc), torque everything TIGHT with loctite/nail polish/paint pen, and go shoot and live happily ever after.

Sorry I have not had a chance to conduct the same statistical analysis of scope recommendations that you have… I hope that if I did, your analysis would not prove to be “objectively false” but I’ll take your word for it. I think most would understand what I’m saying… I’m not against NF either I’ve owned a dozen of them at least. I’ve seen a few Maven optics and they’re fine, though I have no plans to purchase one.

I am not suggesting that all scopes made by LOW are equal in every way, there are always compromises made with the goals for a scope design and materials used. I was illustrating that there are scopes brands some may have never heard of that could infact be as good or better than scopes you have heard of… most scope manufacturers don’t design or manufacturer their own scopes, some design parts of the scope in-house and may even install certain parts themselves.

Ive worked in the industry in a few capacities over the years (even had to sign some NDA’s) and have had the opportunity to see large sample sizes of certain optics. All I can say is some companies seem to have won the marketing game… it appears to be at least as important as making a good product. Luckily for us most well known manufacturers seem to be trying to make decent products.

This forum is lucky to have someone like you to provide us with the objective facts. I can only offer opinions which are subjective. I’ll humbly take your corrections under advisement. I hope you’re on the Hide too… we need some help over there.

 

[762 ULTRAMAGA]

Ditto, 8x plus erectors are dumb

They are which is why the NX8 is so finicky and tough to get behind.

The March FX 4.5-28 that SDHNTR referenced is a 6x erector and there's nothing optically challenged about it,
if there was I wouldn't own it.
I'll put it this way, with the massive FOV it's faster for match style shooting than my ZCO 527, which is why it's on my NRL hunter setup.

 

[cottonant]

He probably mentioned to stay away from the little NX8 as the eyebox is finicky. It may not be the most user friendly scope, but it’s a far cry from junk! Leupold and Vortex on the other hand…

You can go down this rabbit hole and end up with analysis paralysis. I’ll shortcut this for you. Especially for an older hunter who probably doesn’t want to learn new tricks.

NightForce NXS 3-15x50. It’s all he will ever need and not too much to confuse him, and it won’t let him down. No, he absolutely doesn’t need more magnification (despite his old eyes). In fact, any more mag is actually detrimental and he will lose valuable field of view, which is critically important. If he won’t listen and absolutely has to have more magnification, then he needs to go with a first focal plane scope, which he may not like. Most will lose the reticle viability and usability of the lower few X of mag.

For $2k and under I agree. Own two of them (actually one is a 56mm). They're heavy duty set it and forget it scopes that track well, have good eye relief and an easy to understand MOAR reticle.

 

[cuerro viejo]

They are which is why the NX8 is so finicky and tough to get behind.

The March FX 4.5-28 that SDHNTR referenced is a 6x erector and there's nothing optically challenged about it,
if there was I wouldn't own it.
I'll put it this way, with the massive FOV it's faster for match style shooting than my ZCO 527, which is why it's on my NRL hunter setup.

I’m speaking to March’s 8x “plus” line specifically the 10x… example the 1.5-15x42… that’s almost unusable at top mag ranges

 

[SDHNTR]

They are which is why the NX8 is so finicky and tough to get behind.

The March FX 4.5-28 that SDHNTR referenced is a 6x erector and there's nothing optically challenged about it,
if there was I wouldn't own it.
I'll put it this way, with the massive FOV it's faster for match style shooting than my ZCO 527, which is why it's on my NRL hunter setup.

You know what, I apologize. I misread your original post. The March I had was the 2.5-25x52. It was optically challenged. I have no experience with the scope you mentioned, but being 6x, I’m sure it’s much better.

 

[Thinkingman]

I would absolutely stay with a SFP for hunting(unpopular opinion-here come the flames!).
For my usage, having a wide FOV at 3X is very important...You said your father doesn't feel that way but when things happen fast, I want easy target acquisition.
3-18 SFP was the last range I bought for hunting (Meopta, which are now apparently out of favor until they get their US facility in order).

 

[762 ULTRAMAGA]

You know what, I apologize. I misread your original post. The March I had was the 2.5-25x52. It was optically challenged. I have no experience with the scope you mentioned, but being 6x, I’m sure it’s much better.

I appreciate you clarifying that, very solid of you.
Yeah the FX 4.5-28 might be the only scope that March has hit out of the park.
That wide angle lens with highmaster glass is beautiful to look through.
Just as importantantly it's proven to be very durable and tracks true.

 

[UPThunderbolt]

Hello all,

I am looking for recommendations for a new scope for my father's dream rifle build. The gun he is having built is a Seekins slam 7 prc. I am fairly new to top end glass as we have always run cheap 3-9 scopes and just recently started getting into the serious stuff. I will lay out some information below that will hopefully you guys guide me to possible scopes for him.

Hunting conditions:
-We live in Wyoming and hunt primarily elk, mule deer, and antelope.
-We are backpack hunters and strap our guns to our packs and hike in.
-Shots can be anywhere from 30 yards to out to 1,000.

Looking for in a scope but not required:
-We are wanting a scope that stays true from taking abuse of slipping and falling on shale and just being bounced around on pack. When we go out to the range, they are extremely babied in the truck, so the real abuse is coming in the field.
-Would like locking turrets, but can also be good solid turrets that won't rotate when rubbing against the pack. If turrets aren't locking windage, must be capped as we have had a scope that the windage wasn't and cost us an animal from being rotated in the pack and did not check before making the shot.
-Magnification range: As my father puts it he needs quite a bit of magnification because his eyes are old haha. He is looking for top end magnification to be in the 20's minimum. He will rarely dial below 9 power because he is used to it and doesn't need a really low magnification for those up close shots even if the animal is running.
-The weight of the scope isn't a big deal as the rifle is already 5.5 lbs roughly. Leaving more weight for a scope to tame that recoil and allow for a good, reliable scope.
-Budget is top end 2,000 dollars but can go up a little if the right scope is more.

Current scopes:
-On my mom's rifle she has a vortex razor lht 4.5-22 scope. We have had great success with this scope tracking true and always holding zero. So this scope is a definite possibility for him but we wanted to see what else was out there.
-I had a gen 1 now leupold VX6hd and just recently had to send it in for warranty because anytime I would dial for a distance shot it would not be accurate. They said they saw no issue and sent it back. So I believe the gun may be recoiling the scope too hard and this is on a light weight 7 prc so nothing insane and it has a suppressor.

Scope talk with others:
-We are not brand loyal to any and just try and find the best scope for the application. In talks with Matty Nelson from Seekins he mentioned to stay away from a NF NX8 as in his opinion they are junk. He mentioned the vortex lht is a great scope as well as the leupold mark 5. He did say that leupold 8 or so months back fired their entire QC department as quality was really lacking and some junk scopes were going out the door.

Scopes we have looked at:
-With him I have looked at the leupold mark 5, we have the vortex lht at home, and a night force atacr. He likes a traditional duplex as thats what he has hunted with for 40 years but also likes a Christmas tree style now for wind holds.

I look forward to hearing people's thoughts and opinions on this and we both really appreciate any and all help. Please ask any other questions you might think of that would help.

I don’t profess to be an optics expert, but you might want to take a look at the offerings of Tract Optics. They keep the price down by selling only online. They also offer a 15% law enforcement/military discount. I’ve owned Leupold for 50 years and have been very happy with them. Two years ago I purchased a 3-15x42 Tract Toric (it is a mid-level unit) for an Alaskan moose hunt. We put that scope side by side with my partner’s VX6 and the only advantage we could find for either scope is that my Tract Toric was substantially less expensive. And, it did the job at 450 yards.

Good luck on the search.

 

[SDHNTR]

I appreciate you clarifying that, very solid of you.
Yeah the FX 4.5-28 might be the only scope that March has hit out of the park.
That wide angle lens with highmaster glass is beautiful to look through.
Just as importantantly it's proven to be very durable and tracks true.

If/when March ever gets US service, I’d probably write the check right on a FX away. I had to send mine back to Japan twice and it cost about $140 each time.

 

[Marbles]

If you insist top end be above 20x

Schmidt Bender 3-21x50mm Exos LP 2.BE D7 1cm ccw ST II LT/ST Riflescope 757-911-75D-L1-E8

FREE SHIPPING on Schmidt Bender 3-21x50mm Exos LP 2.BE D7 1cm ccw ST II LT/ST Riflescope 757-911-75D-L1-E8

www.eurooptic.com

For cheaper and only slightly below 20x

Schmidt Bender 3-18x42mm Meta US LP7 2.BE CCW Posicon Capped Turrets Riflescope 158-811-71G

FREE SHIPPING on Schmidt Bender 3-18x42mm US LP7 2.BE CCW Posicon Capped Turrets Riflescope 158-811-71G

www.eurooptic.com

Personally I would change criteria and go with a Maven RS 1.2 in mil.

 

[Formidilosus]

If/when March ever gets US service, I’d probably write the check right on a FX away. I had to send mine back to Japan twice and it cost about $140 each time.

You will be disappointed. They still have all the weird things that March is known for- unbelievably short/sensitive DOF, the center of the FOV is clear, but in both examples I have seen/used- there is a noticeable donut or fishbowl effect on the outer 40% or so- extremely irritating. Also, one lasted about 450 rounds of use before requiring service due to consistent loss of zero.

 

[SDHNTR]

You will be disappointed. They still have all the weird things that March is known for- unbelievably short/sensitive DOF, the center of the FOV is clear, but in both examples I have seen/used- there is a noticeable donut or fishbowl effect on the outer 40% or so- extremely irritating. Also, one lasted about 450 rounds of use before requiring service due to consistent loss of zero.

Dammit! Back to my lusting for a 30mm ATACR then.