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.

 

[JGRaider]

That's a tall ask in the current market.

I have a Zeiss V6 that checks a lot of boxes in theory. I've had no issues with it, I dropped it *HARD* and impacted the right side (wind turret) on the ground then the other side smacked my eyebrow hard enough to cut me, and it didn't budge, and has went on to kill stuff since then. But would I buy another one after reading the reviews here?

Kinda doubt it. I love the optics reviews here, but man they sort of ruin the whole market for you. lol.

ETA: Yeah, I'd look hard at the Trijicon offerings

I'll never understand this logic........a guy's got a proven scope that works, but due to the fact that he's read/heard on the internet he all of the sudden doesn't trust them anymore, etc, he doesn't recommend them.

Knowing the OP won't shoot past 250 yds, there are loads of scopes that will work well, including the above mentioned Tract Toric (Schott glass). Since many makes and models will work, I'd first make sure I "get along" with the reticle, that it will work in the hunting environment I know I'll be hunting in. That Meopta mentioned is superb, but as mentioned the ongoing CS is questionable. I never met an S&B I'd spend that amount of money for personally.

 

[solidstars43]

A zeiss 8x56 on top, great combination, granted for close woodland stalking lower magnification might be useful, but great light gathering and so simple and effective

 

[Chris in TN]

I'll never understand this logic........a guy's got a proven scope that works, but due to the fact that he's read/heard on the internet he all of the sudden doesn't trust them anymore, etc, he doesn't recommend them.

There are useless opinions on the internet then there are well supported opinions and tests.

The drop tests here are fairly well done. So I pay attention to them. I believe them to be among the better-supported ‘things I’ve read on the internet’.

I’m not swapping all of my existing scopes but I absolutely do see the value in buying ‘tougher’ scopes for future use. But I’m also not advocating for brands that have failed in the drop tests even if mine have performed well.

The single best way an individual like me can influence future scope durability in a positive way is to spend future money in such a way as to send market signals that users want greater assurance of durability.

Some people read the drop tests and swap out every scope they own. Some read them and dismiss them entirely. I think a middle ground approach is reasonable. I see it as triage - I’ll swap the most important ones first. That means I have a muzzleloader that’s getting re-scoped before I build the next ‘perfect’ rifle with a new scope and can. Priority is getting existing guns to a more reliable place (that muzzleloader kills half or more of my big game animals and has an $200 vortex on it that holds zero but already has a weird wiggle in the zoom ring that I distrust)). Others can choose other paths. I think mine is fairly defensible.