Optic for a Sako Finnbear

[Wesson Smith]

I recently ran across a pre-'72 L61R 30-06 in VG condition that inevitably followed me home.

I've been struggling in trying to decide on the optimal scope for this rifle. Yesterday I looked at an older, used Swarovski in 3-9x36 at a local shop. I don't remember the model, but it's in superb condition, and I think I can get them down to around $600 for the scope.

I'm well aware of the Swarovski reputation, but I'm just wondering if a 3-9 magnification is enough scope for this rifle. I regularly target shoot at 200 and 300 yards, and I'm not really concerned about it for that purpose. I guess my question concerns other applications. Do you guys think the scope might sell me short if I were, for example, to eventually do some hunting other than in a mountain or stalking type setting? I think the scope is a perfect match for this gun, but I don't want to get boxed into a corner, so to speak. Opinions or suggestions would be muchly appreciated!

 

[USSR]

I've got a 3-9X Redfield Illuminator on my Pre-72 Sako L61R. For a hunting rifle, I don't see why you would need more magnification.

Don

 

[Reid73]

Yes, 3x9 is "enough scope" for a 30/06. In fact, I would say that a 2x7 would be quite sufficient.

Better yet, a quality fixed-power 4x would be lighter, smaller, cheaper, and more durable than a variable; and would handle the great majority of hunting situations that you are likely to encounter.

That's my opinion, which is worth what you pay for it. But Jack O'Connor felt the same way ... and he probably had 25x the field experience that you and I put together will ever have!

There's nothing wrong with buying a vintage Swarovski if you wish. Just be aware that there have been significant technological advances over in the past couple of decades, and a mid-range current production scope from Bushnell will likely outperform an older scope from Swarovski, Zeiss, Kahles, etc.

BTW, congratulations on your L61R. I have one in .375H&H. They're nice rifles.

 

[Wesson Smith]

Thanks, guys. Much appreciated. I think I ran into a problem with this particular Swarovski that may force me to look elsewhere. It would appear that the tube is not long enough for the base that's on the rifle. I may not be able to position the rings close enough to each other to accomodate the 1" portion of the tube. My second thought was a Leupold MK-3, so I might look into that if this doesn't fly. I guess my original concern was that a 9 max magnification might not lend itself to semi-accurate shots at 500 yards or longer. Based on the input so far, it looks like the 3-9 will fit the bill for general purposes. It's just personal preference, but I really don't want to get locked into a fixed-power scope. Once the "marriage" has taken place, I'll try to get some photos up. I'm pretty excited, cuz it really is a beautiful gun.

 

[Reid73]

By all means cater to your preferences, not mine. There's nothing especially wrong with a 3x9, if that's what you like.

I have to ask if you are really contemplating 500+yd shots for hunting applications.

I don't say that these cannot be done; that you're not a good enough shot (although "semi-accurate shots" is simply not good enough for hunting purposes); or that the .30/06 isn't enough cartridge. However, 95% of hunters are well advised to limit themselves to 300 yards or even less. And if you must shoot game at long distances, a flatter shooting calibre is probably a better choice.

Looking forward to your pics!

 

[Wesson Smith]

Man, I'm sorry I didn't make myself very clear. My bad! No, I'm not skilled enough
to take a 500+ yard shot at prey. That would probably be irresponsible on my part,
unless I was a crack shot and had the eqipment to back it up. I have occasional
opportunities to do some fairly wide open plinking in South-Central Ohio where
a 500 yard shot is not at all uncommon. I guess to boil my question down,
am I even going to be able to see my mark at that distance with 9X magnification?

My edit: I would someday like to venture out West and maybe get an intro to
mule deer or antelope. Probably never happen, but I can always wish.

 

[CB900F]

Wesson Smith;

Yes, you can see a big game animal at 500 yards with a 3-9X, or 3.5-10X variable scope. And yes, given that you've done your homework on the range, you can hit it & cleanly kill it with a .30-06. But, you have to have earned your "A's" on the range first.

If you like the idea of a Euro scope for your Sako, by all means look at the Zeiss Conquests. I currently own one & will almost certainly own more. The one I now own is a 3.5-10X 44mm mil-dot, on a Tikka .338 Winchester magnum. Another piece of fine glass is the Weaver Grand Slam series, which is on my .30-06. That gun is what I took a pronghorn with at a lasered 470 yards. Most of the time I try to hunt up closer, just wasn't possible at that time & the conditions favored the shot. But, it was a shot I knew I could make.

900F

 

[Wesson Smith]

Well, I went with the Swarovski. There was just about zero allowance for
the scope to move in the original rings, but it fit perfectly and fortunately
the eye relief was just where I needed it. I'm hoping to get out to the
range with the Sako sometime next week. After I get it zeroed at 100 yds.
I'm hoping to give it a crack at 200 and 300. I'll try to post a range report
and pics of the rifle. Thanks again for the input, folks.