Purely Hunting Rifle Scope - Need Recommendations

[rking453]

This. A compromise either way, but I have found the 3-9 with a post to be quick to get on target at close range. The FOV is obviously less than a 1X or 2X, but is still pretty good at 3X. I really wish Trijicon would make the 1-4 or 1-6 Accupoint in a 1" tube. Even the Huron or Ascent in a 1" tube. I think they'd sell really well, especially for muzzleloaders and guys in the NE and other places that track deer as their main form of hunting. A combination of lightweight, short, and wide FOV. Basically a replacement for the VX3 1.5-5X20 is what I have always been after, and would love the top end to be more than 5.

Yeah the 2.5-12x42 would be the closest match for me I think. The 2.5 is holding me back a little. I've put a lot of hours in with my current setup, a Husqvarna 1640 with a 1989 Leupold Vari-X III 2.5-8x36. There have been many times where 1.5x to 2x would have been appreciated.

 

[rking453]

S&B klassik

Were they ever made in a lower mag range? I am only seeing a 3-12 on their website right now.

 

[Macintosh]

@rking453 I’d look at the s&b options, klassik I think is no longer made, or at least no longer imported, but there is a zenith now I think. Or look used. Good scopes imo. (i have a 3-12klassik, but have not used the 1.5-6 options)

I am totally on board with wanting some magnification to thread the needle thru the hardwood whips. I have been using a accupoint 1-6 for 2 seasons now. So far have really enjoyed it, I think its an exceptional scope for the purpose and it is justifiably popular with the hard-core tracking guys in new england. On the plus side—unlike many of the higher zoom scopes the eyebox is still really great. The only complaint Ive ever heard is that its a lpvo and people assume the light gathering is terrible. It has a 7mm exit pupil at about 4x or below, though. Personally when Im sitting at those few minutes I am not shooting thru thick whips, so I have not found the scope lacking. I suppose thats got a lot to do with an individuals eyes though. Or maybe they are in one of the (very) few unicorn states with shooting hrs a full hr before/after. Regardless, if you find a good option in the 2-8 or 2-10 range Im paying attention. I havent found it yet.

 

[rking453]

@rking453 I’d look at the s&b options, klassik I think is no longer made, or at least no longer imported, but there is a zenith now I think. Or look used. Good scopes imo. (i have a 3-12klassik, but have not used the 1.5-6 options)

I am totally on board with wanting some magnification to thread the needle thru the hardwood whips. I have been using a accupoint 1-6 for 2 seasons now. So far have really enjoyed it, I think its an exceptional scope for the purpose and it is justifiably popular with the hard-core tracking guys in new england. On the plus side—unlike many of the higher zoom scopes the eyebox is still really great. The only complaint Ive ever heard is that its a lpvo and people assume the light gathering is terrible. It has a 7mm exit pupil at about 4x or below, though. Personally when Im sitting at those few minutes I am not shooting thru thick whips, so I have not found the scope lacking. I suppose thats got a lot to do with an individuals eyes though. Or maybe they are in one of the (very) few unicorn states with shooting hrs a full hr before/after. Regardless, if you find a good option in the 2-8 or 2-10 range Im paying attention. I havent found it yet.

I appreciate the insight, it sounds like you and I are hunting in similar environments. Through my searching so far, it seems 1.5 to 2x by 8 to 10x optics with a belled objective are much more popular in Europe. I'm optimistic regarding the Kahles Helia 1.6-8x42i. Seems to be perfect for what I want. I don't think anyone retails them here so it would have to be imported. My biggest question is durability and reliability though. I put a line out over on the stalking directory forum to get some opinions from our friends across the pond who have had access to these for a few years now.