Returning Hunter Scope

[Wertherman]

Hi all,

I’m getting back into hunting after a break and could use some guidance.
After everyone was so helpful with my rifle situation earlier, I’m now looking for some recommendations on a scope for my Tikka.


I just moved to Colorado, I’ll be going on my first rifle elk hunt and mule deer hunts this year. I bought a Vortex Viper 2–10x42 two years ago for whitetail rifle, but after seeing some drop test results on Vortex optics, I’m hesitant to trust it in the high-stakes situations I’m headed into.

With that in mind, among the optics that have been drop tested, what would you recommend for a new hunter who has limited experience beyond 100 yards and has never dialed, and has never used MILs? Also, what would you do with the Viper? Keep it as a backup, sell it, or something else?

What rings does everyone use too?

Thanks,
Matt

 

[Kyguy]

I'd make sure that everything's torqued down the way it needs to be and take that sucker out and do some drop testing before I change anything else.

 

[Snowhunter11]

You can search drop tests.

Based on what you are saying a trijicon credo would probably suite you best. Sell the vortex and thank us later. Rings that work well warne mtn and UM rings.

If you are open to dialing and mils a few more options for sure!

 

[Wertherman]

You can search drop tests.

Based on what you are saying a trijicon credo would probably suite you best. Sell the vortex and thank us later. Rings that work well warne mtn and UM rings.

If you are open to dialing and mils a few more options for sure!

Definitely open to learning if that changes suggestions

 

[Dave Thomas]

Trijicon, nightforce or wait for the new shoot to hunt scope.

 

[jaredg]

what cartridge & what price?

 

[Wertherman]

what cartridge & what price?

I don't have a strict budget, but I think the highest I'd go is 1400 as I can get the maven at that price. I've seen one of those and I think its plenty good, but I don't know if I need that much scope. I'm shooting 30-06 until I am fully converted by the 6mm thread... I don't plan on shooting past 300 will be the maximum range for me barring perfect conditions this year and I don't see myself ever shooting past 400.

 

[jaredg]

I think you're on the right track. I don't know much about them except that they do make a scope in your price range that will pass the infamous drop test.

 

[thinhorn_AK]

Trijicon accupont 3-9

 

[Castle Rock]

Athlon Helos 2-12
If you don’t intentionally break it by throwing it on the ground it will do you well.

 

[23lions]

I'd recommend the Trijicon Credo 3-9x40. Great scope, nice glass.

 

[Wrench]

If I build a 300 yard 30-06 I top it with a 3-9 4200/elite or a zeiss/mepota/cabelas instinct (previously made by meopta and exactly the same as the conquest).

Sight that gun in 1.5ish inches high at 100 and rock on. No need to dial. No need for the extra weight. The above scopes have proven to be very reliable and optically very good especially for the price point.

This coming from a guy who can have whatever he wants and has several rifles wearing the above..... as well as a safe full of much more expensive dialing scopes.

 

[Kyguy]

If I build a 300 yard 30-06 I top it with a 3-9 4200/elite or a zeiss/mepota/cabelas instinct (previously made by meopta and exactly the same as the conquest).

Sight that gun in 1.5ish inches high at 100 and rock on. No need to dial. No need for the extra weight. The above scopes have proven to be very reliable and optically very good especially for the price point.

This coming from a guy who can have whatever he wants and has several rifles wearing the above..... as well as a safe full of much more expensive dialing scopes.

I agree with this except the scope would be something that's actually readily available... Trijicon Huron 3-9. Or a Nightforce SHV 3-10 if an extra 6 ounces isn't going to kill you.

 

[IdahoHntr]

Athlon Helos 2-12
If you don’t intentionally break it by throwing it on the ground it will do you well.

I’ve broke 2 and haven’t even been able to put 100 rounds down range total. No abuse. Less than 50 miles riding in a truck. They break if you look at them wrong. Ha.

 

[Snowhunter11]

The two scopes I currently use for Elk, deer, sheep, etc..

SWFA 3-9HD mil / warne MTN rings
Maven RS1.2 mil 2.5-15/ UM rings

They have been tested and passed forms drop, rattle, and dial test. They hold up to drops/falls/jostles well for me in the mountains and plains. I can easily dial out to 630 yards and back without problems. I recommend both scopes/rings. If you have time to wait they both run sales at some point in the year. Otherwise they are still a fair deal with the asking price as well. Best of luck