Newb needing help

[FirstTimer]

Hey guys, first big game hunt this year (elk in Colorado). I've only hunted small game before so needless to say, I'm doing a lot of gearing up. I've picked the rifle (Savage Engage 30-06); now I'm looking at scopes, but I just don't know much about optics. I'm thinking mid-range on the price and this one looked good to me in terms of bang for the buck: Leupold VX-3i 3.5-10x40mm CDS Wind-Plex. Any reason why this wouldn't be a good combo with the rifle I picked, or anything else I should know before buying? Any advice would be appreciated. TIA.

 

[wannakillabigbull]

What is your expected maximum range? Are you planning on taking shots at long distances?

 

[TBHasler]

Perfect selection for "mid-range" investment. Buy it, then go shoot an elk!

 

[SOIHUNT]

Should be plenty of scope and they are well designed! Good luck on your hunt,

 

[B rad]

Shot my first elk with a savage 30-06 and a 40$ scope. You don't need anything special if your not shooting to far out. I practiced for 150yds as I live on the coast. Good luck out there!

 

[DRUSS]

that's better glass than my first couple bulls fell too. not sure if CDS is needed or not? depending on your shots expected.

 

[FirstTimer]

@wannakillabigbull Honestly, almost all my rifle experience is with M4s. I've only shot a 30-06 a handful of times, so I can't honestly say what my max range will be, but I'm guessing 250-300 yards for this year. I really wanna know wth I'm doing before trying to go much farther than that. And @DRUSS, it does have the CDS, which seems like it could come in handy, but if I didn't need it I don't guess it'd be hurting anything up there.

Really appreciate the info from all you guys.

 

[wannakillabigbull]

it does have the CDS, which seems like it could come in handy, but if I didn't need it I don't guess it'd be hurting anything up there.

Adding an exposed turret introduces another mode of failure. I personally don't recommend an exposed turret hunting scope to anyone that doesn't need it because they can get bumped easily enough and cause you to miss a shot. With a capped turret you have one less thing to worry about.

 

[thinhorn_AK]

There’s a vx3i 3-5-10 without CDs in the classified adds for 300 bucks, I’d go by that.

Ps, it isn’t my scope for sale, I just saw it there, seemed like a solid deal.

 

[gr8fuldoug]

Good morning and welcome to RS,
It would be my pleasure to discuss different options with you if you have a few minutes to give a call, 516-217-1000.
Doug

 

[Beendare]

Since olionions are like - you know what.....

$550 rifle just needs a scope that will hold its zero. Plenty of those, i wouldnt spend big bucks now.

You probably will upgrade your rifle and scope in the future- most guys do ... i would keep it simple now.

 

[FirstTimer]

Adding an exposed turret introduces another mode of failure. I personally don't recommend an exposed turret hunting scope to anyone that doesn't need it because they can get bumped easily enough and cause you to miss a shot. With a capped turret you have one less thing to worry about.

@wannakillabigbull, I took your advice on the CDS and went with a version of the same scope that doesn't have that, which made it a little cheaper too. Appreciate everyone who gave me some input. Thanks!