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.

 

[Scottf270]

Athlon Helos btr 2-12 in mil. Yes it's Chinese, but everything about it makes it a fantastic hunting scope. Feature for feature nothing compares at it price point.

 

[Chris in TN]

Inside of 400 yards?

Trijicon Huron or Ascent in either 3-9 or 3-12 flavor. Under $500. You can't dial with it but you can use the BDC or MOA reticles for shots at that distance with no problem. For that matter the 3-9 with its duplex reticle and a 250-yard zero would allow you to use the lower part of the duplex out to perhaps 400 yards with most calibers. Not ideal, but entirely functional, and light years better than relying on a cheap scope for an expensive elk hunt.

For context, please understand: I own several Vortex scopes. I hunted (deer, 200 yards from my house) today with a Diamondback HP that has been great for $200 on a fairly high-recoil muzzleloader. But I wouldn't take it out west.

 

[kaikens]

Thank you all for your thoughts! I really appreciate them. Responding on a few of the topics:

@Scottf270 on the Athlon: I own one of their scopes and really like it. With that said, I think the testing of the Helos BTR 2-12 documented on this site has been less than stellar on the reliability front. And I think that’s what I’m really looking for – something that is more reliable than my current scopes. I sure do like the features of that Helos BTR, though…

@Chris in TN on the Trijicons: I will keep these open as an option. The one thing I struggle with a little bit is in justifying the price. Feature-wise, they’re so close to scopes I already own. I’m sure the reliability and glass quality is a significant step up, though. I think it’s a mental hurdle I have to get over. But If I’m shelling out $400 + for a Trijicon, part of me thinks I might as well go the full distance for the SWFA 3-9x42. Maybe after practicing with it, I might be comfortable stretching beyond 400? It would give me the option.

SWFA 6x: I looked through one of my scopes at 6x at a target about 10 yards away, or so. It’s probably just me needing to recalibrate western vs. eastern hunting, but it feels like too much. I’ll keep that offer open, though, @Tmac. Thanks! I really appreciate it.

I’m hoping I can align soon with someone that I might be hunting with. He’s got much more experience than me. It would be helpful to get his perspective on the topic since he literally knows the lay of the land.

If anyone has any other inputs, I’m certainly open to them!

 

[Kauaihunter]

The Huron 3x9 was $349 at PSA. Now out of stock. You can find deals by shopping a lot. The Huron line is mostly at $459 at EuroOptic, use Jake’s link and you can use the Rokslide25 code for $25 off.

 

[HairyScandinavian]

OP I think the Huron or Ascent is gonna be your best bet but if patient you could pickup a used Credo or one of those fugly SWFA's lol. Either way practice will be key and understand our West your dope will change a little bit. I've had a lot of different Leupold, Vortex, a Sig, and a few others and all our family rifles wear Trijicon or Nightforce now.

 

[kaikens]

Thank you, guys. Man, $350 is a good deal. It would definitely be easier for me to justify at that price point. I'll keep an eye on Black Friday deals. I've also added alerts for Ebay on the Trijicon scopes, in addition to the SWFA ones. You're not kidding on the SWFA looks, though! I have to agree they're pretty ugly with those super tall turrets. At least it's not my style, exactly.

 

[dahamp2003]

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!

Don't Elk hunting yet, but long range shoot and hunt whitetail in SC on basically the same budget you have. Id never buy a fixed power scope for hunting, and I have the fixed 10x SS by SWFA I've shot a mile with. Its an amazing scope dont get me wrong, just not for hunting unless you have to. Id personally go Arken EPL 4-16x, which is my current 7 PRC setup, and love it. The Vortex Diamondback Tactical is ok, would definitely get the job done but the Arken is better hands down. I mean I hunt deer with it all day, and also shoot 1000 yards with it on a regular basis. Theres not much more to consider really. It hasn't limited me in hunting in any way ever, and its also variable magnification and lightweight, relatively speaking for the features.