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.

 

[TagStew]

I have the LHT and am very happy. Weight is primary driver for me, optics were functionally equal when compared to other rifles with March, loopy, Steiner, NF but at a significant cost and weight savings.

 

[SDHNTR]

I have the LHT and am very happy. Weight is primary driver for me, optics were functionally equal when compared to other rifles with March, loopy, Steiner, NF but at a significant cost and weight savings.

I’ll play nice. There is way more to optics, and the stuff that actually matters, has nothing to do with weight. In fact, there is generally an inverse relationship between scope quality and ounces.

 

[TagStew]

I’ll play nice. There is way more to optics, and the stuff that actually matters, has nothing to do with weight. In fact, there is generally an inverse relationship between scope quality and ounces.

I’ll play nice. There is way more to optics, and the stuff that actually matters, has nothing to do with weight. In fact, there is generally an inverse relationship between scope quality and ounces.

SD, no need to play nice, but I will caution you, this is a post about first hunting scope. Please preach your immense field experience from behind your keyboard.

I interpret the primary goal of this post is to prevent someone from waiting on the sidline. If I wasn’t so focused on eating tag stew maybe I would be better ridiculing support and keeping people out of the field like yourself.

 

[AZ_Hunter_2000]

SD, no need to play nice, but I will caution you, this is a post about first hunting scope. Please preach your immense field experience from behind your keyboard.

I interpret the primary goal of this post is to prevent someone from waiting on the sidline. If I wasn’t so focused on eating tag stew maybe I would be better ridiculing support and keeping people out of the field like yourself.

Here is an example for you...

An individual can spend about $1000 on a Trijicon Credo HX (2.5-15x42) or an individual can spend about $1300 on a Razor LHT (3-15x42). If the 4 ounce difference between the two is too much of a weight penalty for a significant increase in reliability, then the individual should look at the Fitness/Nutrition sub-forum. The $300 in savings can get the individual an annual subscription to a well known hunter-focused fitness program and a well known nutrition program. Or it can be applied to anger management counseling.

 

[SDHNTR]

SD, no need to play nice, but I will caution you, this is a post about first hunting scope. Please preach your immense field experience from behind your keyboard.

I interpret the primary goal of this post is to prevent someone from waiting on the sidline. If I wasn’t so focused on eating tag stew maybe I would be better ridiculing support and keeping people out of the field like yourself.

Toughen up buttercup.