Short range optic for heavy woods whitetail

[nighthawkf-117]

Hi all!
I recently built a full custom 6.5 PRC that is amazing and is now the only rifle I want to shoot long range. I have a Weatherby Vanguard in 308 that I am thinking will become a short range deer rifle. I hunt a lot of thick swamps, tamarack woods, cattails in northern WI and MN. This style of hunting I've only had one shot opportunity over 100 yards which was because I set up in a sole tree in a large area that had just been logged.

Currently I have a Vortex Diamondback tactical 3-9 on that rifle and I'm not a fan. Along with putting this rifle in a new stock I want to switch up the optic. I am thinking of something like a 1x red dot, LVPO or even a red dot with a magnifier. Quick target acquisition is very important to me and the ability to have 1x magnification would be very helpful. Anyone have any ideas or do something similar?

 

[JDBAK]

Vortex Razor 1-6, NF NXS 1-8 or ATACR 1-8 should fit the bill if you want 1x on the low end. The 8x image quality isn’t too that great though.

I used to use Leupold 1.5-5 Vari-X3 for a long time. The quality is not in the same league as the above, but it worked well for SE AK rainforest hunting, with quick shots as close as 20’.

 

[hereinaz]

I think an illuminated LPVO works best in that scenario. I played with red dot, LPVO, and low power scope 3x low power at the range. All will work, but I felt most confident and precise with the LPVO in the 0-100.

8x LPVO has the same long range potential as a 3-9 (past 600 yards confidently). Illuminated has essentially the same effectiveness as a red dot.

I have the heavy/inexpensive Arken 1-8 FFP LPVO for the 1-150 yard gun. They have a 1-6 SFP LPVO as well.

I only feel like my red dot is good inside 50ish effectively. It is on my shotguns and 300 blackout home defense. It is barely quicker to acquire and shoot.

 

[onlybrowning]

If you don't mind a little weight, the NF NX8 1-8 is a nice optic.

I've used the Leupold 1.5-5X20 with a lot of success as well, but you know that is not necessarily a popular, or highly recommended choice here.

 

[Marshfly]

I'd be looking hard at a Trijicon Credo or Huron 1-4x24 for that use case.

 

[06 SB]

Look at different manufacturers and their reticles to see what you like and what is in your budget. Meopta would be the first place I look then probably Steiner, Athlon then Vortex. If your budget is on the higher end Zeiss, Swarovski, Kahles are all good ones. To me it would come down to budget, glass quality, weight and reticle rather than manufacturer.

 

[RepeatPete]

I really like the few 1.5-6 options for the thick woods as they have larger objectives and seem to do better than LPVO’s in low light.