Better Scope Option for Elk Hunting

[kaikens]

Hello everyone, I’m a new member. I’ve been poking around the site because I’m planning to go on a western elk hunt for the first time next year. I’m from the eastern part of the country, so I’m starting to acquire the gear that I would need but don’t currently have. One thing I could use is a potentially more reliable riflescope. Admittedly, I use a lot of Vortex Diamondback scopes, and they’ve worked great for me. But they also ride in a padded case to the range or to hunt, and they take leisurely walks to/from a treestand (or the ground). Under these scenarios, they’ve worked well for the price. Of course, reading on here there are a lot of less than stellar opinions/test results, so I’m considering different options. I’m not made of money, nor do I want to go all out for something that might be a one-time trip. (I hope it won’t be, but you never know.) I also want to make sure I invest in the most important gear, like good boots and a pack.

I’m planning to limit shots to 400 yards, or so. I don’t regularly shoot long distances, and ethically for me (not judging anyone else who has more ability than I do), this seems like a good target. To that end, these are the optics options I’m currently considering. Any thoughts?

• Inexpensive, but potentially more reliable SFP scopes. I’ve heard good things about Burris Fullfield II’s (3-9x40), some Sightron scopes, etc. These can be had for <$200, give or take, which I love. I like that the zoom isn’t crazy, so I should be able to hold over for 300+ yard shots using the highest magnification and not feel like I’m zoomed in too much. I also like that the minimum magnification is something I could still make use of where I usually live / hunt.
• Vortex Viper HS 2.5-10x44 SFP. These can be had for about $250 new because they are on clearance – Vortex stopped making them. Likely better glass than option 1, but perhaps less reliable?
• Vortex Strike Eagle 3-18x44 FFP. I have one of these currently. The feature set is good, it’s held zero well, etc., but it’s more scope (and weight) than I probably need. Also, reliability might be a concern. I can sell this to help fund another acquisition, and I am leaning towards doing so.
• SWFA 3-9x42 FFP. I know this is the standard, and I like the features. If there’s a good Black Friday sale for it, I just might pull the trigger. I’m also open to used ones. The $600 base price is hard for me to justify. (I know some people like the Trijicon scopes near this price. If I’m going to shell out the cash, it would probably be for the SWFA due to it being FFP.)

I know some others might mention the SWFA 6x. When available, I certainly like the price. A fixed 6x, however, seems suboptimal when shots could be close. I know people love them, and I’m open to people advocating for it, but I think I would prefer less magnification.

What do you all think? Am I missing anything? Thank you in advance!

 

[jfk69]

Considering I put two SWFA 3x9’s on a . 280 and a 7 mag and have a 3x15 in the safe waiting on a final decision between a .300 PRC or a 6.5 PRC, all for western hunts, you have my answer. FWIW, I have more Burris scopes than any single brand and I don’t have, nor would I have, a Vortex scope. Still would choose the SWFA every time.

And don’t sleep on the 6x. It’s perfect for your use case. 6x is fine 20 yards away…

 

[Tmac]

I’ve had good luck with Burris scopes for set and forget. I’ve not babied them nor have I drop tested them.

I’d have no issues with a fixed 6x up close and have several SWFA 6x’s on rifles we hunt with, they work great. If you decide to go fixed 6x SWFA, and can’t find one, I believe I have one old exposed knob model here NIB I could sell you.

 

[Scoutfan]

I just got back from an elk hunt. Took my dad's old 30/06 with fixed 6x on it. Never felt handicapped by it. I killed a lot of stuff with that setup,from less than 20 yards to over 400. So a swfa 6x sounds like a great choice for a budget. My main hunting rifles have trijicon and swfa variables.