Western Set UP

[HunterEldridge]

I am putting together the needed gear to start hunting out west. I recently purchased a tikka 7mm mag and trying to settle on a good optic in the 1500$-1800$ range. I have been looking into the VX-5, VX-6, and Vortex LHT line of scopes. I think i want to stay with the SFP design. Any suggestions would be appreciated!

 

[gr8fuldoug]

Swarovski Z5

Zeiss V6

Steiner Predator 4

Nightforce NXS

Leupold VX-5HD

As a long standing supporting vendor here on the forum it is our pleasure to assist in discussing different options and opportunities with you. Please give a call, 516-217-1000, when you have a few moments

 

[jaredg]

I run a MeoPro on my Tikka 7RM, I would add that to the list. Also, on the Swaro I would consider the Z3 series over the Z5. I run a Z3 on my Tikka 270WSM

 

[kickemall]

I don’t trust Leupold or Vortex as I and many others have had problems with them. In that price range I think a Zeiss V4 gen 2 with zero stop and locking turrets is one of your better options. Doug from Cameraland is great to deal with and will treat you right.

 

[JFK]

I just picked up a Nightforce shv 3-10 as it checked a lot of the boxes I was looking for in a scope. I’d check them out as they are within your budget. The 3-10 is SFP. I purchased the moar reticle as it works well for a point and shoot with 200 yard zero, has wind holds, and dials accurately should the need arise. Downsides are no zero stop and a very short tube making mounting on a long action finicky.

 

[Gone4Days]

Make sure that your glassing setup is your budget priority. In most western hunting, glass, tripod and head are the most important and expensive gear you need.

I hunt with a Kimber 308 and Vortex Razor LHT (not the most expensive setup) but my glass is alpha. 8x42 Swaro SLC for chest rig, 15x56 Swaro SLC for tripod, Sirui VA-5 head and Sirui T-024SK tripod…..and a Athlon Ares G2 spotter for digiscoping and scouting.

Also, when hunting here in the west weight is very important as you will be humping all your gear up and down hills, canyons and mountains. My rifle total with scope and rings weights 6.72 lbs.

 

[AZ_Hunter_2000]

Look at Form’s scope test results. Your budget is in a sweet spot and there’s some nice scopes. Look at the Trijicon Credo HX.

But with your budget you can get a demo Nightforce NX8.

 

[Overdrive]

I'm a Huskamaw scope guy, been using them for 12 years and all my rifles are either set up with a Huskamaw or will be.
I guided a guy last Fall in Wyoming who didn't want to fly out with his rifle from back east, so we had rifles in camp for him. Took him to the range in the afternoon with my rifle, the next morning he shot his buck at 421 yards, one shot right behind the shoulder.
I'd strongly look into Huskamaw we had 5 different rifles up there to shoot and all the hunters went with the Huskamaw set up over the other scopes. One hunter brought his own rifle set up with a Leopold with cds, first shot 389 miss, second shot low gut shot, moved in as the buck went into a draw out of sight. Third shot put him down.