Lets talk rifle scopes...

Robert Hankins

Robert Hankins

Joined
May 19, 2003
Messages
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Lets talk rifle scopes...
Inbound I have a BBL 223 savage bolt gun and need some scope/Optics suggestions.
Used to be neck deep in all the latest info on the market while doing my own ReLoading as well. That was 15 plus years ago so I ask for your expertise.
This gun will be a serious user and will do more field time than range time.
There are Coyotes trembling as we speak:D
Out here in AZ desert open shots are the norm from 75 to 300 yds. Mainly dusk and dawn light conditions.
I need to see what I am attempting to give a Dirt Nap too!
 
I really like the Springfield fixed 6x with the range finders they use. Very slick.
 
Not sure what your price point is--and with optics you do seem to get what you pay for---usually...

I'm a huge fan of Swarovski and they make some fabulous scopes...I also have a Kahles which is a bit less money, but essentially the same optical quality.

In the middle range you can't go wrong with a Leupold--check out their mil-dot tactical scopes--really help when you are shooting at variable ranges (although a 5.56 will be pretty flat over the range you mentioned).

If you are looking for something on the "value" end of the scale I recently picked up a Mueller Optics 3x9 with a lighted center dot #4 reticle. It's a great deal for what you get (IMHO) Japanese optics, German Engineering, with Chinese Assembly (but decent quality control). E.A. Brown has them for less than $150 and I'd say the optical quality is similar to my Jap scopes (Nikon/Pentax) with probably a less sophisticated external look.
 
I've got a Savage .223 bolt with a Weaver V24 on it. Crystal clear optics, from 6x all the way through to 24x. Won't break the bank either. Have not had to adjust my 100 yd zero since installing it.
 
I am building an ultra-light take down carbine on a 10/22 receiver. Due to the take down feature, I have decided that the "scout" rifle configuration would fill my needs. I would be able to remove the barrel from the action without changing zero.

Has anyone had experience with a low power, 2.5-4, scope with a 9" or so eye relief? Also trying to figure out how to mount it...

Blinker, how did that shooter run?
 
I use a 1x Burris on my Enfield scout, and a Leupold 2.5x on my Model 7 scout. I love them. Very fast, good out to 3-400 yards if you hold off.
 
Hello my friend.
Leupold is very hard to beat. The VarXIII 4.5 X 14 X 40mm adj AO is a good all around variable.
Can't beat the lifetime warranty. Even if your not the original owner.
I recently traded for a Leupold that had badly scratched lens. Sent it off to Leupold, and they fixed it. Only charges to me were shipping it to them.
 
Dusk and dawn, 75-300 yards...I'd go with an old standby like the Leupold 3-9x50 Vari-X II, or 3.5-10x50 Vari-X III, or something similar from a good manufacturer.
Seems like those are the "standard" for deer rifle scopes in my area, though most people are way overscoped, IMO, and I bet they stay on the lowest setting 90+% of the time, and rarely stray over 6x, unless someone is checking out a rack across a large greenfield, or hunting a light line.
Sounds ideal for your situation, though.
I'm not up to date on Savage. Did they ever come out with a short action, or are the smaller calibers still on a standard long action? That can affect scope selection based on eye relief, and distance between rings.
Hope you enjoy that rifle. I know Savage's bolt guns aren't expensive, or very refined, but most people I know who owned them have been very happy with their accuracy.
 
I like Leupold stuff. Tasco makes durable units as well if you're price motivated.
For moving targets at 75-300 yds. - maybe something in a fixed 4X. Anything over that is overkill unless you use it for spotting as mentioned previously.
30mm tube might be nice if available for light transmission but the price seems to bump up for those.
 
Hey, Robert!

For killer light transmission at a reasonable price point, look into a Pentax Lightseeker - it will blow away a Leupold Vari-X III and they can usually be had for around $300-$350.
 
Nikon or Burris are a couple of good choices, that won't break the bank.
 
Robert my personal recomendation is a brand called "Hakko" say a 5x15 or so these are by far the best glass ive ever looked through, and lifetime warranty . i have 2 scopes by this company on 2 different rifles . anything from 0 -350/ 400 yard's i can hit in the eye no bull . i had a hunting friend with me at the range once who bet me 20 buck's i could not hit a quarter at 300 yard's . he lost i hit the coin 3out of 3 shot's . i have to agree with the guy's here buy the best you can 1 time and use it forever .
 
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