[Random Discharge]

I'm shopping for a scope for my Savage Model 16 308. It is the short action "Weather Warrior" model. I plan to use the rifle mainly for hunting deer in the southeast US. But it will most likely be my only high power rifle (I know, we've all told ourselves that story before! But really, I mean it!). so I don't think I want to limit myself to a fixed low power scope (2x-3x) well suited only to the deer woods, but not much else. But neither do I have any pretensions of being a great long range rifle shot. I'm also thinking that between the shorter barrel and on this rifle and the caliber, it's not like I'm firing a flat shooting 270 or magnum round anyway. Where I'm going with all this is, does it really make sense to put an adjustable scope that goes to 9x on this rifle for me?

I'm looking hard at the Bushnell Elite 3200 2-7x (about $200), and, for another $100, the Weaver Grand Slam 1.5-5x. I'm also thinking a one peice Leupold base versus a two peice base mount. My main concern with these scopes is they have smaller objectives than the 3-9x versions - will I lose significant light gathering or field of view because of this?

I'm not an experienced rifle hunter, and would greatly appreciate feedback, comments, and alternate suggestions. Money is not a huge factor, but neither am I in the mood to spend silly amounts of it, e.g. $1000+ on a Swarovski scope is right out. I'm looking for good value and performance.

Thanks for the help!

[Art Eatman]

I've used a 2x7 on a .243 for over 30 years. Never felt like there was any problem about magnification or light-gathering. (Generalizing again, lesser magnification doesn't require as large a lens diameter.)

High magnification is helpful in seeing bullet holes in paper, or in taking a really good look at a buck before you shoot. However, there's always the inexpensive spotting scope, and binoculars work well in the field.

I had zero difficulty in making a one-shot kill at around 350 yards with my 3x9 set on 3X, "once upon a time". And, I'm able to get one-MOA three-shot groups with a 3X atop my 7mm08.

I've never really seen any benefit to one-piece bases. Most have three screws instead of a two-base system's four, so there's no benefit insofar as withstanding recoil is concerned. I've used Weaver (or Weaver-style) bases since 1950. (Conetrols are prettier...) I'm a cheapskate on some things--if they work.

Check out WalMart for Leupold scopes. They have a catalog which lists them, if what you might want is not in stock. They can get any of the line. IIRC, the VX1 2x7 is around $200, give or take...

Art

[Random Discharge]

Thank you for the reassurance Art. A 2-7 with a two peice Weaver base it is. I couldn't find a Leupold VX1 at Walmert, but they carry a Leupold "Rifleman" for $189 that is covered by Leupold's full warranty. Looks like it might be a rebranded VX1 for Walmart.
R. D.

[Art Eatman]

If you go to the Leupold website, they show the differences between the Rifleman and the VX1. For your stated purpose, the Rifleman will do just fine.

Art