More Rifle Scope help please...

[itgoesboom]

As mentioned previously, I have a Weatherby Vanguard that needs a new scope. Currently it has a Mueller 2-7x32 on it. I haven't even sighted it in with that scope yet, but I know I want a high quality scope, something that will really last a lifetime.

Previously I had mentioned my choices as a Leupold VXIII, Zeiss Conquest, or a Kahles.

But I am still having trouble, and true to my nature, now there are more options I am looking at.

So here it is:

My Budget is $600 or less. I can go all the way up to $600, or I can go lower if possible. If under $600 I might be able to get a new .22lr rifle to practice cheaply with.

Use will be hunting and range work. This will be on my only hunting rifle, a vanguard in .30-06, which will be used for deer, elk and bear, and maybe coyotes if they cross my path.

The absolute most important thing is durability. This is likely the only time that I will have the cash to buy a "high end" scope (high end to me anyways), since the money is coming from an inheritance. I want this scope to last my lifetime, and well into my childrens or grandchildrens lifetime.

I would prefer something with some sort of ranging system built in, preferably mil-dot, but other systems would work too.

Options right now are:

-Leupold VXI, VXII, and VXIII
-Zeiss Conquest
-Nikon Monarch (looking at 3.3-10x44 AO with Mil-dots)
-Burris Full Field II & Euro Diamond (Black Diamond is just out of my range for mil-dots).

Any other options?

I know that a $200 Leupold or Nikon would probably work just fine for me, but for once in my life, I would like to get a high quality item.

Thanks for the input.

I.G.B.

 

[bigant]

As mentioned previously, I have a Weatherby Vanguard that needs a new scope. Currently it has a Mueller 2-7x32 on it. I haven't even sighted it in with that scope yet, but I know I want a high quality scope, something that will really last a lifetime.

Previously I had mentioned my choices as a Leupold VXIII, Zeiss Conquest, or a Kahles.

But I am still having trouble, and true to my nature, now there are more options I am looking at.

So here it is:

My Budget is $600 or less. I can go all the way up to $600, or I can go lower if possible. If under $600 I might be able to get a new .22lr rifle to practice cheaply with.

Use will be hunting and range work. This will be on my only hunting rifle, a vanguard in .30-06, which will be used for deer, elk and bear, and maybe coyotes if they cross my path.

The absolute most important thing is durability. This is likely the only time that I will have the cash to buy a "high end" scope (high end to me anyways), since the money is coming from an inheritance. I want this scope to last my lifetime, and well into my childrens or grandchildrens lifetime.

I would prefer something with some sort of ranging system built in, preferably mil-dot, but other systems would work too.

Options right now are:

-Leupold VXI, VXII, and VXIII
-Zeiss Conquest
-Nikon Monarch (looking at 3.3-10x44 AO with Mil-dots)
-Burris Full Field II & Euro Diamond (Black Diamond is just out of my range for mil-dots).

Any other options?

I know that a $200 Leupold or Nikon would probably work just fine for me, but for once in my life, I would like to get a high quality item.

Thanks for the input.

I.G.B.

If your going to use it for hunting, do you really think you'll be able to use the Mil Dot system quick enough for your shot? If you really do have a chance at long range shots I would suggest a Range Finder and then possibly do a optic with some type of Hold overs.

Also I know that the VX III's have the ability to range with the Duplex recticle. Plus you can use the fat part of the Recticle as a hold over. Zeiss Conquest are nice, but Leupold is the way I would go just in case of Optic failure and they will replace it since this is a once in a life time purchase.

what ever you decide contact me since I sometimes can get you into something a little nicer with my pricing

Ant

 

[itgoesboom]

If your going to use it for hunting, do you really think you'll be able to use the Mil Dot system quick enough for your shot? If you really do have a chance at long range shots I would suggest a Range Finder and then possibly do a optic with some type of Hold overs.

Probably don't need it, but I would still prefer it. I am considering the Boone and Crockett reticule if I get the VXIII, but that reticule seemed awfully small when I looked through the scope when checking it out.

I won't be able to afford a range finder, unless I kept the price under $300. Figure $150 for a rangefinder (basic), and then $150 for a .22lr, and I hit my budget.

I.G.B.

 

[hoghunting]

If you want to keep the cost down and still get a good scope, I recommend the Burris Fullfield II 3-9X40 with the ballistic plex reticle. I have one on a Tikka T3 300 WSM and it works perfectly in the field- even in fading light. It can handle recoil and keep its zero. To help you decide, you can get this scope on e-bay for $150 - $175.

 

[only1asterisk]

I think you can save yourself some money by dropping the mildot requirement, but if you want to learn the system you need a scope. If you want the capability to judge holdover, the Burris BallisticPlex is just what the doctor ordered. Before I went out to spend $500 on a scope, I’d make sure the rifle deserves it.

David

 

[Infidel]

Of the scopes that you mentioned, I think that the Zeiss Conquest is definitely the best. The 3.5-10x44 (and the 3.5-10x50) model is available with an excellent mil-dot reticle, and the scopes are tops.

My favorite place to get them is The Optic Zone. They have or will get reticle options that are not listed on their Web site. Call and talk to Jon or Tammi. Wonderful people.

And by the way, Zeiss has a lifetime transferable warranty.

 

[kennyboy]

I recommend a Leupold. You can get a VXIII 4.5-14X40 for $600. Unless you are shooting at 500+ yards or so you won't need all that power, especially since you will be hunting medium/big game animals. You can get a VXIII 3.5-10X40 for $550 or 2.5-8X40 for $400-480, depending on the crosshairs. These prices are from www.cabelas.com, but you can shop around and undoubtedly find these same scopes elsewhere cheaper.
For your use, I would recommend the 3.5-10X40. It can be used for close shots as well as far and will leave you with $50 or so. The 2.5-8X40 may be a little underpower, depending on what distance you will take your shots. For 200 yds or less, this scope is substantial. Anything over that, definately go with the 3.5-10X40.