Scope for 6.5 creedmore

[Eltigreblanco]

Well I'm sure this been asked , but I couldn't find anything so bear with me. I just picked up a tikka I'm looking for optics for it. I'd like to be able to shoot out to 750yds. For those who shoot out to this distance what magnification do you use? I find no matter what distance I'm shooting I always crank the magnification all the way up no matter if its 50yds or 450yds which I'm sure is a bad habit. Any suggestions on scopes would also be appreciated

 

[BAKPAKR]

I have a SWFA 3-9 on my Tikka 6.5. I really like it. I have only used it on game twice, with the farthest shot being 417 yards; however, I have used it out to nearly 1200 yards on inanimate targets.

I used to think I needed more than 9x for longer shots but the SWFA has changed my thinking on that.

 

[mt100gr.]

I have a 10x swfa on a 6.5 CTR, a 3-10 SHV on a 6.5 superlite and a 3-9 on a 6.5 kimber. I have shot them all pretty long. The kimber hasn't been stretched to 750 but the tikkas have done that and more at 10x.

 

[Eltigreblanco]

I have a SWFA 3-9 on my Tikka 6.5. I really like it. I have only used it on game twice, with the farthest shot being 417 yards; however, I have used it out to nearly 1200 yards on inanimate targets.

I used to think I needed more than 9x for longer shots but the SWFA has changed my thinking on that.

What about the swfa do you like so much? Is it the clarity. I dont know a whole lot about optics

 

[thinhorn_AK]

I also have a 3-9 SWFA on my tikka. You asked another person what they like so much about it so I’ll give my 2 cents....it’s a reliable dialing scope for a good price. That’s it, imo they are nothing dance but they are dead nuts reliable when dialing a lot.

 

[BAKPAKR]

I also have a 3-9 SWFA on my tikka. You asked another person what they like so much about it so I’ll give my 2 cents....it’s a reliable dialing scope for a good price. That’s it, imo they are nothing dance but they are dead nuts reliable when dialing a lot.

^^This.

If you do a search, on this forum or others, for “Tikka SWFA,” you will wind up with hours of reading. A lot of people are using that combination. When I was scoping my Tikka, reliable dialing was my number 1 requirement. From what I read (and have subsequently experienced), the SWFA scores high in that category, and at a very good price.

The 30mm SWFA is almost a half pound heavier than a one inch scope of the same power range and it has a first focal plane reticle that some people do not like. I can live with both of those things as I have complete confidence in the scope’s ability to dial accurately. I liked mine enough that I picked up a second one during the last sale that is just sitting on the shelf waiting for a rifle.

If you decide to go with a SWFA and don’t need the scope immediately, SWFA usually has a couple good sales during the year, including a Tax Day Sale and a Black Friday Sale. I think I got both of mine for about $460 each.

FYI - I did set up on a Bighorn ram last fall at a little over 600 yards. I didn’t wind up shooting, but the 9x upper limit of the scope did not leave me thinking, “I need more power.”

 

[MidGAHunter]

Two questions that would help people guide you would be 1) What is your budget? and 2) Do you plan/want to dial or simply use holdover reticle?

 

[Eltigreblanco]

^^This.

If you do a search, on this forum or others, for “Tikka SWFA,” you will wind up with hours of reading. A lot of people are using that combination. When I was scoping my Tikka, reliable dialing was my number 1 requirement. From what I read (and have subsequently experienced), the SWFA scores high in that category, and at a very good price.

The 30mm SWFA is almost a half pound heavier than a one inch scope of the same power range and it has a first focal plane reticle that some people do not like. I can live with both of those things as I have complete confidence in the scope’s ability to dial accurately. I liked mine enough that I picked up a second one during the last sale that is just sitting on the shelf waiting for a rifle.

If you decide to go with a SWFA and don’t need the scope immediately, SWFA usually has a couple good sales during the year, including a Tax Day Sale and a Black Friday Sale. I think I got both of mine for about $460 each.

FYI - I did set up on a Bighorn ram last fall at a little over 600 yards. I didn’t wind up shooting, but the 9x upper limit of the scope did not leave me thinking, “I need more power.”

Thank you for that info. I will do some searching

 

[Eltigreblanco]

Two questions that would help people guide you would be 1) What is your budget? and 2) Do you plan/want to dial or simply use holdover reticle?

I would like to stay under 1k, and I want to dial. Sounds like I need to start looking into the swfa.

 

[MHWASH]

I’m using a swfa 3-15 on my Tikka 6.5. I have shot out to 1000 with it. If I was after big game only I would probably go 3-9, I use a 3.5-10 on my 270 and am quite happy with it. I chose the 3-15 with the intentions of shooting long range coyotes.

 

[skierhs]

I would like to stay under 1k, and I want to dial. Sounds like I need to start looking into the swfa.

I would also look at some of the NF SHV scopes. The glass clarity is outstanding and the the dialing is spot on. The best part though is how tough the scopes are. They’re true to their brand when talking about how tough the scopes are.

 

[Stalker69]

I always like more, if I need to use it to see bullet holes at 100 yards, count points on a distant animal or what ever. I always can turn it down, but you can’t always turn it up enough. That said, I went 5-20 nightforce.

 

[JollyRoger]

I’ve got several Tikkas. Over time they’ve worn SWFA 3-9, a SWFA 3-15, Nightforce SHV 4-14, and a Nightforce ATACR 4-16. All solid scopes that have held zero and dialed great for me.... you can’t go wrong with them. I practice and make good hits with them (on a 223 and a 6.5) regularly out to 750 with them all.

The 3-9 is light, reliable, relatively inexpensive and does great. I’ve used mine on several rifles and calibers and haven’t had an issue. I hunted with it hard for good while on a T3X 6.5cm. But now it’s permanently glued to a T3X 223 with the Sportsmatch rings. It’s easy, simple, accurate, lightweight.

For under a grand you could watch for a used SHV. I got a 4-14 FFP for under a grand and it’s a great scope. Heavier than SWFA but I like the reticle and extra magnification a lot.

Although I do shoot regularly at distance with the 3-9 I do admit it’s easier with the little higher mag. Depends on how important weight, magnification and cost is to you.


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[wyosam]

For hunting my T3x 6.5 cm wears a 2-10 rs2. Maven. I ring steel out to 600 (max at my range) with it. It will also occasionally wear a 6-24 x50 vortex for prairie dogs or other long range precision work.


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[xziang]

Following for curious myself. Looks like I might be keeping an eye out for a sale on the SWFA thanks Bakpakr

 

[JonS]

No love for the Bushnell LRTS that Cameraland is selling for a song. 3-12, like mine quite a bit?
Have one on a 308 and a 4.5-18 on the 300 win mag.
I like them alot

 

[northwoodstraveler]

Just picked up one of the Bushnell after another member who’s opinion I trust recommended it. If it’s as good as he states it seems like a good option if you aren’t looking to break the bank.

 

[Wrongside]

No love for the Bushnell LRTS that Cameraland is selling for a song. 3-12, like mine quite a bit?
Have one on a 308 and a 4.5-18 on the 300 win mag.
I like them alot

It's a fantastic option, and a screaming deal at those prices. A little heavier than the SWFAs, but a few more features too.

I have the 3-12 LRHS (the now discontinued hunting version of the LRTS) on my Tikka 6.5CM and its there to stay.

 

[RazAlGhoul]

I have the SWFA SS 10x42 on mine and love it, Accurate.

 

[CBECK61]

I would check out the leupold VX5HD 3-15. Great glass and light weight. I've got one on a 6.5, 7mm, and my muzzleloader. Probably pushing 1k rounds through the 3 guns. Haven't taken game past 550 but very confident on steel at a 1000 yards with the 2 centerfire's. All three scopes have tracked well and been consistent. I like the power range for do all hunting. 3x is great for closer shots in the bush and 15x is enough for big game out at range. I love the locking turret so it doesn't get bumped on a pack or bush wacking. Under $1k.