.223 Varmint rifle needs scope?

[YodaVader]

I am considering two scopes at the moment:

Nikon Monarch 6.5-20 target dot
Weaver Grand Slam 6-20X target dot

If anyone has experience with either of them please let me know what you think.

One of my two .223s is in "need" of a new scope. I have Leupold Vari-XIII 6.5-20 50mm which I like very much but the equivalent today is way up there. It was on my 700 LTR but the scope was sent back to Leupold for a reticle change. The other scope which is borrowed off my 10/22 is a Weaver V16 which is currently mounted on my Savage 12BVSS.

Any help appreciated.

 

[.45man]

YodaVader,

I hear you on the cost of the scopes......One thing you may consider, is purchasing a used scope off Goingbroker.com or Fbay.com

I recently purchased a used Leupold VX-III 8.5x25x40 AO from Fbay.com for $520.00...... I had an agreement with the seller to evaluate it for three days, plus you have Leupold who backs the product.......I wiped out a Leupold fixed 4X EER scope which was mounted on my Freedom Arms Model 83 several years ago. Leupold replaced it for free.

You can see a picture of the new Leupold target scope on my RRA AR-15 in this shot....HERE It is the flat top AR with the bipod....

All the best!!!

 

[aaron77]

.45man--

Could you tell me a little about your experience (or anyone for that matter) with the Leupold VX-III 8.5x25x40 AO? Any suggestions for reticles for this application?

 

[NailGun]

YodaVader, I have a Nikon Monarch 5.5 x 16.5 x 44 on my .223 Rem. It is a good quality scope. It is resettable, very clear, gathers light well, has very good resolution, and I think it is well suited for the range of a .223 Rem. However, if you need more power, the 6.5 x 20 would probably be excellent also. I have looked through Weaver's stuff. I clearly read a price tag across the entire distance of Sportsman's Warehouse with one. (other hi-bukk name brand scopes didn't do as well, at least for me.) I will be giving one of the Weavers a try, next time around. Good Luck, NailGun

 

[ocabj]

Weaver Grand Slam. Awesome scopes. Weaver makes good stuff. Underrated by many. The Weaver T-series scopes are the ones that get all the attention in their product line.

 

[vmfrantz]

I have the 6.5x20 leupold on my rem 700 varmit rifle. I can say I love it. I would recommend the scope to anyone. I cant see how anyone would be dissapointed with this scope.

 

[.45man]

YodaVader,

Re the Leupold VX-III 8.5x25x40 AO scope, the clarity is excellent. I purchased my first one in 1999 and mounted it to the Winchester M70 .308W seen in the link in my previous post (to the far left).

The 40mm objective mounts lower on bolt guns, but on an AR, that is not such a concern as you want to get the scope higher so when you cheek the stock, your eye lines up ok.....You can see in the link in my previous post that the scope mounts are extra-high Leupold Mark IVs, so the objective is quite elevated leaving plenty of room for a 50mm if you wanted.

Unfortunately Leupold no longer makes this scope , so you will have to find one second hand on the auction circuit. Anyone who purchases a scope of this type knows what they are doing so if you purchase it used, you could always send it in to Leupold for a “once over” before you mount it.

The adjustable objective is great for focusing at various distances.
This scope has enough magnification that you can clearly see the holes from a .223 in plain paper from a distance of 250 yards.

Great quality, 1/8 minute adjustments, will take a 4” sunshade also made by Leupold…..I like it…….

NEGATIVES: The only thing to complain about is that the exit pupil at full magnification is a little on the small side compared to a 50mm objective, but I wanted a lower profile more than anything else (and the fact that the price does not send me over the deep end). Eye placement is critical to ensuring a clear, full image when using this scope at max mag.

If you purchase one used, make sure you get an evaluation period to try it out……Hey, if you don’t like it, drop me a line and I will purchase it from you…….

Best wishes......

 

[redneck2]

I've got a 6.5x20 Leupold on my AR. I tried a Nikon and the Leo VX-III side by side. We were trying to read a road sign with each one.

At first, the Nikon looked fine. With the Nikon, you could see the sign. With the Leo, you could read the sign. Unless I'd have tried them side by side, I'd have thought them equal.

 

[gbran]

My vote goes to the Weaver. Probably because I've had such good luck with them. I won't however, knock the Nikon.

 

[YodaVader]

Thanks for the replies - yeah .45man I did look around on eBay. In fact bought a used 4X Leupold handgun scope a few years back. I would not rule out a used Leupold. One feature I like about the Nikon and Weavers were the availability of target dot reticles.

I sent my Vari-XIII back to Leupold for a target dot installation.