I don't know a d@mn thing about scopes...

[Jagger0502]

back to your vortex thoughts yes, they are a great scope, best warranty and will do everything you need it to. Stay around the 3x, 4.5 at the most. If you pick a scope that you have an option for FFP or SFP stay with the FFP. (First focal plane, second focal plane) You can PM me for more details on this. Same with leupold. Both have good resale value if you want to upgrade. Save your money on adjustable turrets and just do hold over, chances are starting off that is a bit advanced to do adjustments and something you can grow into if you want to give it a try. Pick the amount you want to spend, stay on the lower side of the power. Mount the scope with a good base and set of rings and you will be set with a good rifle to hunt with.

 

[Rob5589]

Welcome to the forum!

What's your absolute max budget?

Where do you plan to hunt, terrain wise?

 

[_Scooter_]

I found another LGS that has the rifle I want in stock with a pretty big selection of scopes, will mount it for free and give me a deal if I buy the rifle and scope through them, so I'm going to head over there tomorrow. I can still probably get whatever scope I want for $50 less online, but I'd rather give an LGS my money and they'll lap the rings and do the install correctly. Hoping to have a better experience than I did yesterday with someone who doesn't mind a customer asking questions. Was ready to buy the rifle today, too but that experience was pretty crappy. I've bought firearms from that shop before and despite the really bad reviews they get online I never had that kind of experience until today.

 

[_Scooter_]

Welcome to the forum!

What's your absolute max budget?

Where do you plan to hunt, terrain wise?

My initial budget for the rifle was $1200 and was budgeting $800 for a scope, but I'm most likely picking up a boring, run of the mill Tikka T3x SS. Utilitarian tool that will get the job done and free up cash for a better scope, better binoculars, better boots, etc.

back to your vortex thoughts yes, they are a great scope, best warranty and will do everything you need it to. Stay around the 3x, 4.5 at the most. If you pick a scope that you have an option for FFP or SFP stay with the FFP. (First focal plane, second focal plane) You can PM me for more details on this. Same with leupold. Both have good resale value if you want to upgrade. Save your money on adjustable turrets and just do hold over, chances are starting off that is a bit advanced to do adjustments and something you can grow into if you want to give it a try. Pick the amount you want to spend, stay on the lower side of the power. Mount the scope with a good base and set of rings and you will be set with a good rifle to hunt with.

This is what I needed to hear. I appreciate the very helpful info. Figuring out I don't need to spend a ton to get a scope that will work well with what I intend to do with this rifle, and still won't necessarily be cutting any corners or sacrificing much for the most part. Also means I can get a better set of binoculars!

I do understand the FFP vs. SFP. I was thing though that in the lower budget scopes they're probably all SFP?

 

[Rob5589]

As to caliber, any reason you want the '06? The Tikka is fairly light and can be considered a hard kicker by some. The '06 isn't a monster but, not what I would recommend as a first ever rifle.

Sounds like you need to do some more research before making a purchase. Keep reading, keep asking questions. You have time before deer season here in CA.

 

[_Scooter_]

As to caliber, any reason you want the '06? The Tikka is fairly light and can be considered a hard kicker by some. The '06 isn't a monster but, not what I would recommend as a first ever rifle.

Sounds like you need to do some more research before making a purchase. Keep reading, keep asking questions. You have time before deer season here in CA.

I'm sold in the .30-06. Dont want to start a dreaded caliber debate, and I'm sold on the Tikka. I have read through ENDLESS threads on every possible forum, spoke to everyone I know and read up a ton on the pros and cons of many popular calibers. Lets just say for my intended use and only wanting to own one rifle right now the .30-06 is just what seems like the right choice for me. Ask 10 other people the same question and I know I could potentially get many different answers, none of them wrong, maybe some more right than others, but a lot of it is also personal preference. I've also come to the conclusion that with several calibers, although they can generate pretty heated debates and people can be VERY opinionated and passionate about THEIR caliber, but when it comes down to it, for the shooting large game at shorter distances that I'll most likely be doing it's kind of splitting hairs between those popular calibers.

Been to quite a few shops, shouldered quite a few rifles, and for price, weight and quality it's what I want. I could afford more, but don't feel the need to at this point with this being my first rifle. I'd rather have a more stripped down basic rifle to cut my teeth on and something more utilitarian that still is more accurate than I am. Also don't want a rifle I'll have to baby or worry about damaging out in the field. Sure, the Christensen Arms Ridgeline is a damn sexy rifle to look at and felt great, but right now it isn't going to make me a better shooter. The money saved getting the Tikka will be better served by getting better optics, better boots, etc. If I thought spending less on the Tikka would result in me not getting an accurate rifle I'd for sure be looking at a more expensive firearm. It's like getting the base model car or the limited version. Both do the same job, one is just more refined, but they still both get you to where you're goin the exact same way! Just need to figure out what scope to go with.

 

[SDHNTR]

Have you looked at the Howa 1500/Leupold Randy Newberg special for sale at Sportsman’s Warehouse? That’s a hell of a one stop shop combo! $1600, one and done.

 

[GSD20]

Leupold VX3i in a 3.5-10x50 scope is a good huntimg scope. If you can find a vortex razor hdlh 2-10x40 at a good price jump on it. They were discontinued and I picked up 2 at $399 each from sportsman warehouse. Really good glass and and at low light. I also own a trijicon accupoint in a 2-10x56 with illuminated mil square reticle and it is very clear glass and good at low light. They can be had for around $500. Both beat the VX 3i in low light.

 

[6mm Remington]

4.5-14x40mm Leupold with the B&C reticle. My son and I each have one of these with the one inch tube. I don't think the gain from the 30mm tube is worth the extra weight (slight) and how it looks on the rifle too. The Tikka is a slender rifle that is pretty light. A larger scope would seem to overpower it to me.

4.5x is plenty low for every very close and quick shooting. I have never felt compromised by having a 4x or 6x fixed power scope on all of my rifles. The only rifle of mine that has a variable is my 280AI that has the 4.5-14x40mm scope on it. The B&C reticle works really nicely to help with hold-over on farther shots. It's easy and simple to use. Just practice with it and it's second nature. Leupold has always worked well for me.

There would be nothing wrong with the 6x42mm Leupold fixed power scope either with the duplex crosshairs. I love that scope and their 6x36mm fixed power. Both are superb!
David

 

[6mm Remington]

Both your caliber and rifle predictions are very good. You will really like both. 165 gr. Accubond or Partition in your 30-06 and you can hunt most everything in North America. I killed a grizzly bear last fall using a 280AI and 140 gr. Nosler Accubonds. One shot at 158 yards and he died almost instantly.

 

[sd375]

I have a VX 3i 3.5-10 x 40 mounted on a 30-06 myself. To me, it’s a perfect combination. Keep it dialed down to 3.5x when hunting the thick stuff, you can always turn it all the way to 10x for longer shots. I prefer the smaller objective lenses when given a choice, they mount closer to the barrel and help me keep my face down close to the stock.

 

[sneaky]

I'm sold in the .30-06. Dont want to start a dreaded caliber debate, and I'm sold on the Tikka. I have read through ENDLESS threads on every possible forum, spoke to everyone I know and read up a ton on the pros and cons of many popular calibers. Lets just say for my intended use and only wanting to own one rifle right now the .30-06 is just what seems like the right choice for me. Ask 10 other people the same question and I know I could potentially get many different answers, none of them wrong, maybe some more right than others, but a lot of it is also personal preference. I've also come to the conclusion that with several calibers, although they can generate pretty heated debates and people can be VERY opinionated and passionate about THEIR caliber, but when it comes down to it, for the shooting large game at shorter distances that I'll most likely be doing it's kind of splitting hairs between those popular calibers.

Been to quite a few shops, shouldered quite a few rifles, and for price, weight and quality it's what I want. I could afford more, but don't feel the need to at this point with this being my first rifle. I'd rather have a more stripped down basic rifle to cut my teeth on and something more utilitarian that still is more accurate than I am. Also don't want a rifle I'll have to baby or worry about damaging out in the field. Sure, the Christensen Arms Ridgeline is a damn sexy rifle to look at and felt great, but right now it isn't going to make me a better shooter. The money saved getting the Tikka will be better served by getting better optics, better boots, etc. If I thought spending less on the Tikka would result in me not getting an accurate rifle I'd for sure be looking at a more expensive firearm. It's like getting the base model car or the limited version. Both do the same job, one is just more refined, but they still both get you to where you're goin the exact same way! Just need to figure out what scope to go with.

For someone who has never owned a rifle you've certainly mastered step one in the firearms world. Form a strong opinion and don't listen to others. You'll fit right in over at 24hr campfire.

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

 

[Laramie]

4.5-14 is a great selection imo. 3x9 wouldn't be bad either. Stay with the Leupold upper end models and it will be a forever scope.

 

[Spoonbill]

I'm sold in the .30-06. Dont want to start a dreaded caliber debate, and I'm sold on the Tikka. I have read through ENDLESS threads on every possible forum, spoke to everyone I know and read up a ton on the pros and cons of many popular calibers. Lets just say for my intended use and only wanting to own one rifle right now the .30-06 is just what seems like the right choice for me. Ask 10 other people the same question and I know I could potentially get many different answers, none of them wrong, maybe some more right than others, but a lot of it is also personal preference. I've also come to the conclusion that with several calibers, although they can generate pretty heated debates and people can be VERY opinionated and passionate about THEIR caliber, but when it comes down to it, for the shooting large game at shorter distances that I'll most likely be doing it's kind of splitting hairs between those popular calibers.

Been to quite a few shops, shouldered quite a few rifles, and for price, weight and quality it's what I want. I could afford more, but don't feel the need to at this point with this being my first rifle. I'd rather have a more stripped down basic rifle to cut my teeth on and something more utilitarian that still is more accurate than I am. Also don't want a rifle I'll have to baby or worry about damaging out in the field. Sure, the Christensen Arms Ridgeline is a damn sexy rifle to look at and felt great, but right now it isn't going to make me a better shooter. The money saved getting the Tikka will be better served by getting better optics, better boots, etc. If I thought spending less on the Tikka would result in me not getting an accurate rifle I'd for sure be looking at a more expensive firearm. It's like getting the base model car or the limited version. Both do the same job, one is just more refined, but they still both get you to where you're goin the exact same way! Just need to figure out what scope to go with.

I have a t3 in 30-06 with the 4.5-14 leupold on it. I have been pretty happy with the setup, I originally had a vortex on there and found out the hard way that you get what you pay for. (Scope showed its cheapness in low light). I also have a 3.5-10 on another rifle and like that scope better, but either one and you will be happy. I wouldn’t bother with the cds system since you don’t plan on dialing.

 

[_Scooter_]

Ended up buying a Leupold VX-3i 3.5-10x40mm w/ CDS.

I know I didn't need the CDS, but the shop gave me a great deal on that scope, so it was only like $50 more than what the non-CDS version was, so I figured it may be money well spent and better chance to grow with the scope down the line. Who know, maybe I wasted the extra $50. Time will tell.

Thanks for those that help me understand everything better and made recommendations.

 

[_Scooter_]

For someone who has never owned a rifle you've certainly mastered step one in the firearms world. Form a strong opinion and don't listen to others. You'll fit right in over at 24hr campfire.

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

If visiting quite a few LGS and driving a couple hundred miles during the process and doing a bunch of research, speaking to quite a few friends and co-workers who know more than me about rifles and took all that info and made my own educated decision well before becoming a member on this forum means I have a "strong opinion and I don't listen to others", than sure, I guess I'm guilty as charged.

I simply didn't want to derail a thread and send it off in a different direction when the discussion was about scopes. Whenever caliber discussions start they never seem to end well and people get pretty heated so I really wanted to avoid going down that road. Sorry if it ruffled a few feathers.

 

[sneaky]

If visiting quite a few LGS and driving a couple hundred miles during the process and doing a bunch of research, speaking to quite a few friends and co-workers who know more than me about rifles and took all that info and made my own educated decision well before becoming a member on this forum means I have a "strong opinion and I don't listen to others", than sure, I guess I'm guilty as charged.

I simply didn't want to derail a thread and send it off in a different direction when the discussion was about scopes. Whenever caliber discussions start they never seem to end well and people get pretty heated so I really wanted to avoid going down that road. Sorry if it ruffled a few feathers.

I could care less. Visiting LGS and talking to friends talls me they made the decision for you based on their likes. That's fine. Go buy a thousand dollars worth of ammo and shoot, that'll do you better than any caliber selection or scope choice ever will. I hope you got one of the Leupolds that actually dials and returns to zero correctly, it's an issue they need to correct moving forward.

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

 

[_Scooter_]

I could care less. Visiting LGS and talking to friends talls me they made the decision for you based on their likes. That's fine. Go buy a thousand dollars worth of ammo and shoot, that'll do you better than any caliber selection or scope choice ever will. I hope you got one of the Leupolds that actually dials and returns to zero correctly, it's an issue they need to correct moving forward.

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

Hardly. What I found was everyone had their own recommendations and preferences. Nobody made the choice for me. Plenty of friends recommended .308, others went with .270 (including the people at the shop I bought the rifle from (and other firearms in the past). Not everyone was telling me to go with a .30-06. But from now on I'll make sure all my choices and purchased go through you first for approval.

 

[slowelk]

I like you, Scooter. You know what you want and are kind of sassy.

 

[Laramie]

Scooter, imo, you made great choices and have a very capable rifle/scope combination for anything in North America. Happy hunting