Paradox of choice paralysis....

[PaulB84]

I'm going to buy my first "really" high end optic, but am really running myself in circles.

I have a couple Leupold vx6s, an SWFA HD, a Leupold MK4, etc. Up til now that has been "high end" for me.

I'm building kind of a "one and done dream rifle". Probably a factory Proof in 7 BC. It will be exclusively a hunting rifle.


I'm looking at things like the Swaro Z8i 2.3-18, NF NX8 2.5-20, Leupold MK5s etc. (I know these are all wildly different).

What would you recommend for a "buy once cry once" optic for hunting everything from deer to antelope to moose to bear? Is the Swaro reliable/hard use enough? S&B? Trijicon Tenmile?

Durability and reliability are top of my list. Can't have a ruined hunt bc of a failure. Illuminated reticle is a must have. I like FFP but could go either way depending on turret and reticle styles. Glass quality and weight i guess are equally important, but less so than reliability. I was looking hard at the NF but read some not awesome things about the eye box and shootability.

Help! Thanks!

 

[Jason Snyder]

I’m loving my Maven RS1.2 MIL. I’d buy it again in a heartbeat.

 

[BCDJR]

Khales

 

[PaulB84]

Khales

Been trying to parse the difference between Kahles and Swarovski... seems like Swaro might have higher end glass and is lighter while the Kahles has more robust internals? But that's just based on googling.

 

[sndmn11]

SWFA HD,

NF NX8 2.5-20,

Trijicon Tenmile?

RS1.2 MIL.

Yes to these. No to the others except for the S&B; I've never tested one, but believe the commonly suggested models would retain zero.

 

[atmat]

Please do not buy yourself a Swaro or Leupold for your one-and-done dedicated hunting rifle

 

[PaulB84]

The Leupold part i get ....out of curiosity why not the Swarovski? Durability?

Please do not buy yourself a Swaro or Leupold for your one-and-done dedicated hunting rifle

 

[Marbles]

S&B. Tough and reliable with amazing glass. Fit the optic to your needs, but a Polar or PMII 3-12 would be my top choices.

 

[atmat]

The Leupold part i get ....out of curiosity why not the Swarovski? Durability?

Both of them are known for not being durable.

You don’t wanna spend a fortune on a Proof and then top it with a scope that won’t retain zero.

 

[BBob]

Durability?

Yes

 

[PaulB84]

Is S&B going to be nightforce/trijicon tough?

The polar looks incredible.

Also, am I gonna get tarred and feathered if I put a 3k optic in Talley one piece ring/bases? Them and the Leupold back country 1 piece have been my go to, but only the Talley is available in 34mm

Or should I just go back to a traditional 2 piece ring and base?

Thank you for all the advice and recommendations thus far

 

[BBob]

Or should I just go back to a traditional 2 piece ring and base?

What rifle/action are you talking?

 

[PaulB84]

Probably a Proof Elevation, or the Temu version (savage ultralight with an aftermarket stock)

 

[BBob]

Of those I’d stick with the Origin action with the factory pinned and bolted rail. Add premium rings like the Area 419 Hunter and go to town.

 

[PaulB84]

Copy that. I tend to like to get things as low as possible but this is good advice

 

[BBob]

Copy that. I tend to like to get things as low as possible but this is good advice

If APA would do another run of their rings I’d recommend them because they’re available lower but every size has been out of stock for a long time now. Makes me wonder if they’ll ever make them again or discontinue.