Advice on New Hunting Scope

[Dobermann]

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.

I appreciate all you wrote in general, but for the OP's stated use, these options may not be the way:

Shots up to 1000 yards, wants max mag in the 20s, and weight doesn't matter ... the Minox ZP5 with THLR reticle would likely be first pick for a hunting option.

@KandK22 - have you checked out the eval of this scope here?

 

[Babarkidd]

If you read through this there is lots of valuable information.

 

[KandK22]

I appreciate all you wrote in general, but for the OP's stated use, these options may not be the way:

Shots up to 1000 yards, wants max mag in the 20s, and weight doesn't matter ... the Minox ZP5 with THLR reticle would likely be first pick for a hunting option.

@KandK22 - have you checked out the eval of this scope here?

I have never heard of Minox before so I will add that to my reading. I have been slowly but surely going through the field evals for all possible scopes and there is a ton of really valuable information in their that is helping me learn so I really apricate the work done for those because anyone can pick up a scope and be like its got x,y features and does this does that but to put a scope through its paces and show how it performs when you need it is the most valuable when looking at a scope.

 

[Dobermann]

I have never heard of Minox before so I will add that to my reading. I have been slowly but surely going through the field evals for all possible scopes and there is a ton of really valuable information in their that is helping me learn so I really apricate the work done for those because anyone can pick up a scope and be like its got x,y features and does this does that but to put a scope through its paces and show how it performs when you need it is the most valuable when looking at a scope.

It's worth reading the eval thread, and the Q&A thread - those are the most comprehensive sources I'm aware of for information on both the ZP5 and the THLR reticle. And don't let the reticle's innovations - or people who say they don't understand it - put you off. Lots of info in threads about how and why it works.

 

[AlpineBeard]

The minox ZP5 is world class optically! For people who love high contrast (like me) it’s hard to beat. Obviously a scope has to function first and foremost but I also enjoy a pleasing image. Everyone’s eyes are different but for me the optics I’ve personally seen rank something like this off the top of my head.

1. TT 7-35
2. TT 5-25, S&B 6-36
3. Zeiss LRP S5, ZCO 4-20, Minox ZP5
4. RG3 6-36, Zeiss S3 6-36, Element Theos 6-36
5. Valdada Recon G2, S&B 5-25, ZCO 5-27
6. Delta Stryker 5-30, NF ATACR 7-35, Zeiss LRP S3 4-25, Leica PRS 5-30,
I could go on for days

 

[teph45]

LHT 4.5-22... also echo the VX6 HD comments above - that's bright and crisp glass in a lightweight platform as well, but I prefer the Vortex.