Western Deer/Pronghorn Scope Recommendations

[WYChap]

First, there are a lot of good topics in here and I've searched some of them as a starting point. And I realize some of these have been beat to death. Sorry to start another.

I'm in the market for a scope to sit atop my Bergara 6.5 PRC. I plan to use it for open country mule deer and antelope hunting. It's not likely at all that I'll take a shot beyond 500 yds. I enjoy the stalk too much and am not much a fan of taking really long shots on game.

I had a Leupold VX5-HD 3-15 on it with the wind plex reticle. I didn't care much for the turrets compared to how other brands feel and I would like an illuminated reticle, though it isn't a must. I also hit the local indoor range a fair amount and wouldn't mind a bit more zoom for those sessions and these old eyes.

So I would like recommendations for a scope with a maximum zoom of anywhere from 16X-20X and maybe up to the 25X and a 30mm tube. I don't intend to range with the scope so I have no preference for FFP or SFP. I would like a reticle that is illuminated, if possible, and is a little more on the simple side. Basic drop compensation and windage holds are fine. Zero stop is probably important too and I don't mind dialing for drop. Positive clicks is important. I really want the best optic and a generous eye box as my eyes are starting to go a little bit. I don't want to struggle to find a clear sight picture. I am not rough at all on my rifles or optics, but don't want something that wouldn't hold up to a small drop or have a good warranty. Top end on the price spectrum is probably $900.

I've recently looked through the Burris Signature HD 5-25 and the Viper PSTii 5-25. The Burris seemed like an exceptional buy but it has been a long time since I've owned one. Always hear the horror stories with Vortex, though I had great luck with one in the past. Night Force could be an option but will need to find a good deal on a used one. Tract? Don't know a thing about them. Trijicon? Similar. Maven? Love my spotter and binos, but they are a touch over the budget unless considering the CRS.3.

Appreciate honest feedback from all of the experienced users.

 

[juju]

Would you consider less magnification if it got you better images at lower magnification?

 

[WYChap]

I'm not terribly keen on dropping below about a 14 upper magnification. While I rarely if ever shoot at top magnification at game, I may use it to zoom into something for more detail and certainly would like it for the bench shooting. I have a 3x-9x on another rifle and at the range the crosshairs cover the entire target center.

 

[Macintosh]

Mentioning only because you called it out as one you are considering: I have a PST g2 5-25. Personally, you couldnt pay me enough to hunt with it. First, it doesnt hold zero worth a darn, and neither do any of the 4 or 5 of these used by folks I shoot with. Second, the reticle is all but invisible until the magnification is too high to make standard hunting shots (ie the vast majority of my shots even in the open are around or under 200 yards, where I want a wider field of view to keep the animal in my FOV after the shot). Its a basic and mostly-functional PRS scope that works fine for casual rifle games if you dont mind rezeroing frequently, but imo isnt worth the price, and isnt reliable enough to hunt with. Pick something different.
If you like that reticle I’d look for a trijicon tenmile ffp 3-18. Its a similar scope to the viper, similar reticle, but its a reliable scope, has much better glass to boot. You could find one used for not that much more than a new viper.

 

[nobody]

Nightforce SHV 4-14
Trijicon Tenmile 3-18
Maven RS1.2
SWFA 3-15

Zero retention matters. There isn’t a scope on the market, whose optical quality is so incredible that it overcomes the fact that it won’t hold zero or survive a washboard road.

Read through these, and let it guide your decision-making. Welcome to Rokslide.

Rifle Scope Field Evaluations

rokslide.com

 

[juju]

A clear 14x is a gracious plenty. Knock the geegaws off the shopping list in favor of better quality basics. Trijicon has options that meet your budget. The drop test idolatry on here may seem overboard, but you do have to hold zero to shoot 500 yards. And dial repeatably if you're going to dial.

On your 3-9x, try shooting at the corner of a large square. Line up the corner to the corner rather than trying to divide it evenly. Or, if you want to hold center, make the target larger until you get the sight picture you prefer. Precision does not require high magnification.

 

[WYChap]

A clear 14x is a gracious plenty. Knock the geegaws off the shopping list in favor of better quality basics. Trijicon has options that meet your budget. The drop test idolatry on here may seem overboard, but you do have to hold zero to shoot 500 yards. And dial repeatably if you're going to dial.

On your 3-9x, try shooting at the corner of a large square. Line up the corner to the corner rather than trying to divide it evenly. Or, if you want to hold center, make the target larger until you get the sight picture you prefer. Precision does not require high magnification.

I've been searching the Trijicon offerings a little bit and have a local shop where I could actually look at a couple of models. I don't see anything in the $900 range for the Tenmile line. A few sale prices get close on the Accupoint and Credo lines. Are either of the latter two worth looking at?

 

[juju]

Yes, Credo.