Scope for Tikka T3 SL .308

[69ChrisCraft]

I bought my wife (newlywed) a rifle for her wedding gift. I'm not much of a gun guy but I need to outfit her with a decent scope.

I'd like to keep the scope simple, durable and light. Initially I liked the idea of a fixed power (either 4 or 6) but pickins are slim and I've read mixed reviews on the FX-2 line from Leupold. Also, I'm not familiar enough with rifles to know if a fixed power is a good match for the ballistics of the .308.

It will be used this fall on her first mule deer hunt in the high sierras. However, we are looking at relocating to Northern CA, OR, ID or CO.....so the rifle needs to be well rounded.

Any help guys?

 

[colonel00]

How far do you think you(she) will reasonably want to be able to shoot? Also, what's the budget for the scope? I know it's your wife's but there's no reason to skimp on a scope if you can afford it as you may just find yourself grabbing the gun for a hunt someday as well.

 

[69ChrisCraft]

How far do you think you(she) will reasonably want to be able to shoot? Also, what's the budget for the scope? I know it's your wife's but there's no reason to skimp on a scope if you can afford it as you may just find yourself grabbing the gun for a hunt someday as well.

I'd say 250 yards is a reasonable expectation. Until I get her on a live animal I'm going to stay on the conservative side. It's very likely the rifle will be used for other species. My bush plane owning uncle just purchased a spread (including strip) in Homer, AK.

I'd say the budget is around $500.

 

[WestNE]

Would be hard to beat a VX3 2.5-8 for simple reliability. Great quality, tough, lightweight, and repeatable with a little more flexibility than a fixed power. Add CDS or LR reticle if ranges increase.
Nick

 

[Jason Snyder]

It's even harder to beat a fixed 6x Leupold for simplicity and reliability.

 

[jherald]

Would be hard to beat a VX3 2.5-8 for simple reliability. Great quality, tough, lightweight, and repeatable with a little more flexibility than a fixed power. Add CDS or LR reticle if ranges increase.
Nick

I have this very scope on my .308. I have the CDS dial in MOA. It's a very handy set-up all around for the lightweight rifle. You just can't beat it. It's not too big, not too small, variable, slick trick with the CDS dial and dope cards. You just cannot go wrong with it, especially on a lightweight .308

 

[Cantharellus]

I put a Vortex Viper 4-12x40 on my Tikka T3 and have been very pleased with it. Hard to beat the Vortex Warranty.

 

[Shrek]

Cameralandny.com , a sponsor here , has the Meopta Meopro 3.5-10x44 on sale for $299 until the 31st. You have to call to get the Dougs on vacation sale price. It's a steal of a deal.

 

[B.S.]

I'm a big fan of the Leupold 2.5-8, great scope, but still light and compact. I'm planning on using one on a .308 i'm putting together. The CDS elevelation dial is a really nice add as well as you add distance.

 

[bbrown]

The VX3 2.5-8 is a damn nice lil scope. I ended up with the VX2 3-9x40 CDS on my SL .308 and it has been a good lil scope for the sale price I grabbed it on.

 

[ofl0926]

Cameralandny.com , a sponsor here , has the Meopta Meapro 3.5-10x44 on sale for $299 until the 31st. You have to call to get the Dougs on vacation sale price. It's a steal of a deal.

I have this scope on my 270wby and really do like it. I was extremely happy with the purchase. The glass is extremely clear. Don't think your going to find a better scope in that price.

 

[6mm Remington]

6x36mm Leupold fixed power scope would be just perfect!

2.5-8x36mm Leupold variable almost as perfect!

Both trim and light high end optics. Very good scopes.

 

[snowcamoman]

As mentioned the Leupold 2.5-8-36mm is a super scope for a .308. It's what I have on my Forbes .308 and it's great. Couldn't ask for a lighter setup that will cover all the ranges you'll typically shoot with a .308. A fixed 6 isn't a bad option either.

 

[69ChrisCraft]

I decided to go with the Leupold FX-II 6x36....bought her an Ultralamina 32 bag on sale with the money I saved over springing for the VX-3.

I have been eyeing that Meopta scope for some time but haven't heard much either way....it's also another 6 ounces.