Which 3-15x44 scope - Leupold VX5 vs Vortex Viper, etc

[saddlereaper]

I’d personally put together a hunting rifle and range rifle separate, instead of trying to marry the two. You’ll just end up there in the long run so do it now and save yourself. I’m assuming this will be primarily a hunting rifle. If your shots are under 200 hunting then put a 2-8 or 3-9x40 on it. Capped turrets would be fine Leopold or Vortex are fine if it’s a gun that’s just hiked to the tree stand or blind from the truck. In the future, get a 223 or 6.5 for a range gun and put a higher mag scope on it.

I don't disagree. I think this train of thought certainly has merit, but I have a lot of other expenses to consider and putting together 2 dedicated rifle set ups is not in the cards now. And correct - I'd say 70/30 hunting to target focused.
The gun will be a T3X superlight in 6.5CM (*gasp*) so I think it will do both nicely.

I’ll echo @blackhawk219 ‘s advice, I have vortex and leupold in my safe, using them successfully for less rigorous hunting. However, when spending more money, especially at and above $500, I expect and want durability. Given your specs, that scope will be something that can be used all over the country, thus, it will be nice to know you have something on the more durable end of the spectrum should a particular hunt present itself.

In short, the right tool for the right job

I'm on the same page with that train of thought. I am a buy once cry once kinda guy.... to a point. I'd have a hard time spending more than say $1,500 on a scope, but I do appreciate quality optics. I don't feel my ability and budget right now warrants spending any more than that, and even that is probably a bit spendy for me.

Maven RS1.2 2.5-15x

Seeing this recommended now a few times, assuming for good reason, so I'll add it to the list. I'm not brand loyal but I haven't handled any or looked at maven optics in a while.

 

[saddlereaper]

Between those two choices, I would get the SWFA 3-15x.

I just wish SWFA offered a simple illuminated reticle option.....

 

[Q_Sertorius]

I just wish SWFA offered a simple illuminated reticle option.....

Yeah, I get that. Look hard at the Trijicon AccuPoint 4-16x if illumination is a need.

 

[saddlereaper]

Another thing I've found eye opening is the alarming number of folks here that have had bad experiences with Leupold.
How can such a well-established company be known for churning out (seemingly) unreliable tracking optics and yet commanding such prices, I wonder...
Are they just a good marketing machine these days or are they still the box store gold standard?

 

[Q_Sertorius]

Another thing I've found eye opening is the alarming number of folks here that have had bad experiences with Leupold.
How can such a well-established company be known for churning out (seemingly) unreliable tracking optics and yet commanding such prices, I wonder...
Are they just a good marketing machine these days or are they still the box store gold standard?

Most people don’t shoot very much. Many more baby their rifles. And they are the box store gold standard.

Explaining to my dad that I had a rifle scope that retained zero when it fell off the truck was fun. Every time he sees my Trijicons and SWFA’s he asks me how I afford them and I have to remind him they are less than most of the competition.