Which new scope for $1000 budget

[teamtoppin]

If I had a $1000 budget which scope would you get and why?

I had been looking at the Vortex PST or Viper HS in 4-16 with illuminated reticle.

I also was looking at the Zeiss conquest 4-16 or Swarovski Z3 in 3-15 with Ballistic turret.

I also had been contemplating the Vortex PST in FFP. I have never used the First Focal Plane scopes before and do not know if they are complicated to use or hard to see early or late with low light levels.

I know this is a rather broad question, but I just bought an expensive rifle that will get this scope and my other second rifle will either get a vortex PST or viper HS

I am open for suggestions and would like to purchase in next two weeks.

Feel free to comment on bases and mounting options as well. I was thinking of using a Picatiny rail type system and Vortex rings. Any other suggestions are appreciated.

 

[Shrek]

Swarovski z3 4-12x50 with BRH reticle. As good of glass as you can get for under $1000. BRH reticle is in mils and supported by Swarovski ballistics program and it's light for the size and power at 14.5 ounces. I got mine from Doug at Cameralandny.com for less than $1000. Call and see what type of deal you can get. Btw , Cameralandny.com is a sponsor here.

 

[Jager]

Z3.

 

[cjleon23]

Z3! Love mine! Comes with a nice and easy ballistic chart.

 

[spdrman]

The PST FFP is no different than a SFP as far as light gathering goes. It if your planning on using a reticle its actually easier to use than a SFP scope because it doesnt matter what power your on the subtension is always the same where as a SFP you have to be on max power. I've never used or looked through the Zeiss or Swaro scopes so I can't comment on those, I've owned several Vortex H.S. and P.S.T scopes though and have been happy for the most part with them. Only complaint is I had to put 20 moa rails on guns I wanted to shoot beyond 800 yards with, for having 30mm tubes the Vortex scopes really lack in the elevation adjustment range

 

[LaHunter]

Leupold VX-3 4.5-14 X 50mm LR This scope retails for somewhere around $750. I had the Leupold Custom Shop install an M1 dial on mine for elevation adjustments for somewhere around $200ish. This is what sits on my 7mag. Excellent glass, precise MOA adjustments, durable, outstanding customer service and warranty.

 

[Matt Cashell]

If optical performance or light weight is your priority, then go for the Z3. If you want excellent tracking and drop-and-hold performance, go for the PST.

The Leupolds are good scopes, but some have less reliable tracking, and variable eye relief (VX-3, Mark4 series).

 

[rsbhunter]

I have the Zeiss conquest 6.5x20 with the target turrets....had a turret knob made to match the ballistics of my 300 RUM....First scope that tracks perfect..have shot out to 500 yards, and any place I dial, it shoots.......again and again.....also have a Leupold VX 3 30 mm with the hunter reticule that is amazingly clear and tracks 100%... I will never again buy cheap optics...you DO get what you pay for with glass...rsbhunter