A 3-9x scope or the bigger ones for savage Axis

Status
Not open for further replies.
Joined
Dec 24, 2018
Messages
1,410
Location
Texas
So I have my Axis 30.06 that I got a few weeks ago which still needs a scope. I have 30mm weaver mounting rings on it. This is my first time setting a scope up on a rifle.

My question is which type of scope would be best? I have someone who is wanting to give me their Vortex Diamondback 4-16x44 scope for it but to me who's never worked with scopes, have a feeling it's a little big for my use. Although the idea of long range target shooting does appeal to me, I don't think this is the kind of rifle I'd use that kind of scope on. I'm talking hunting in East Texas where the ranges might never reach beyond 300 yards, although I do want to be capable of doing 600 yards if need be.
That said it seems to me that a 3x9 scope will suit my needs adequately. I'm looking at a Vortex Vanquish 3-9x 40mm scope which looks about right for what I need.

I'm new to scopes, please explain to me what I need to know.
 
3-9x for a hunting rifle is perfect.

With genuine respect, if you are asking this question, then you are likely some time and a few rifles away from hunting at 600 yards and, if you want to get there by meticulously punching holes in paper or making strikes on steel at that distance (which I thoroughly endorse), then the Savage Axis in 30-06 is by no means near the ideal rifle with which to be doing so.

For 30-06 MPBR zeroed at 200, a mid range 3-9x40 will suit you just fine and make for a good hunting rifle set up.
 
I happen to now prefer scopes with power ranges ending in the mid teens +.
For general use a 2-8 upto a 4-16 are all good options, you don't HAVE to use them on Max power, but it's there if you want it.

I'm going to assume the 4-16x44 is actually a Diamond Back Tactical FFP scope? If you can get that one for free (ands it's working ok) then that's what I'd probably do, those are decent scopes, and a better option than most cheap starter scopes.

This holds true if your looking at doing any beyond mpbr range shooting. Being able to use your turrets and reticle to accurately adjust is a major boon once your outside of point and click range.



All that said, if your NOT comfortable with the DB for some reason you will probably be well served with a decent quality 3-9x40 also.
 
3-9 is pretty much the standard for general use, so I think you'd be happy with it.

That being said, my preferred range is in the 4.5-14 / 4-16 realm, I like having the extra magnification on the top end if needed and don't see a big difference between 3x and 4/4.5x on the low end. I think you'd also be happy with the Diamondback you described, or at least I would be.
 
I have 30mm weaver mounting rings on it. This is my first time setting a scope up on a rifle.

Better check to be sure. MOST hunting scopes use 1" rings. The scopes with 30mm tubes are generally the much larger target/tactical scopes.

It is hard to go wrong with a 3-9X40 scope. On 3X you have enough field of view for close range, quick shots and 9X is plenty for any reasonable range where you'll be shooting big game. Even a deer is a pretty big target, you only need magnification greater than 9X for small varmints.

Rings come in different heights. Most scopes with a 40mm front objective will fit most rifles with low rings. There are some exceptions where medium height rings will be needed. You only need high rings with scopes with 50mm or larger front objectives.

You don't need anything with a front objective more than 50mm and you don't need more magnification. When you go to more magnification or larger front objectives the scopes either cost significantly more, or if they are near the same price will be significantly lower quality. The 3-9X40 scopes by all manufacturers are where you hit the sweet spot on value for the dollar.

You can get a decent scope at around $200 MSRP. If you can find one discounted for less than $200 great. But I haven't found anything under $200 MSRP that I think is worth the money.

This scope sold for $200 for a long time, but lately I'm seeing it discounted heavily since they are replacing it with a newer version. This is my suggestion.

Buy The Burris Fullfield II 3-9x40 Rifle Scope at SWFA.com - SWFA Outdoors
 
Thank you everyone. All your posts have been helpful.

Today I went ahead and put the Vortex 4-16x44 scope on it and it's not as bad as I was expecting. Yes it's a tactical scope with a EBR reticles. I was thinking it would only work on a AR variant but it looks fine on my Axis. Just kinda weird having a scope that's worth more than the rifle on the setup.

I think I will save and collect some 3-9x scopes in the future. Thank you Jmr40 for the Burris suggestion. The Vortex Vanquish scope i was looking at originally is on sale at the moment.
 
Just kinda weird having a scope that's worth more than the rifle on the setup.

Honestly, this is the way I'm starting to go with my rifles.

Just about any factory bolt action can be made to shoot 1moa. Some might need a little polishing, bedding, maybe a new trigger spring or stiffening of the stock. Tune in some handloads and you're set.

But you can only hit as far out as you can adequately make out the target.

Inexpensive rifles, and high quality optics are the way I'm leaning lately. You can tune up the short commings on a rifle in alot of cases, you can't really fix poor glass.
 
My savage m11 223 came with a nikon monarch 4-16 ×42 it retailed at 459. Price of rifle was about the same. I took yhe nikon off and replaced it with a Leopold vx3l 3.5-10×50 with Boone and Crockett rectical more 895. Super clear glass.

That vortex will serve you well. 4 -16 is a good mag range, most of my scopes on hunting rifles are 4x or 4.5x at the low end and 12 -18 on the high end except my AR and 22lr those have 3-9×40's. I shoot 400 meters quite a bit and can see steel plates at 9x, AR, usually shoot at max mag on the range to see bullet holes in the paper when not shooting steel or doing load development.
 
More and more I look at 3-9x as big box fodder. They know you need a scope so they carry the economy of scale leader so you don’t walk without one. A 2-7x on a squirrel rig is great for someone like me who moves in to 20 yards or less, but nowadays I want x16 or so up top on a centerfire.

Scopes are similar to other products in that many companies offer economy to luxury with several magnification ranges in each series. True the 3-9x will nearly always be the cheapest option but only because so many are made. Within a specific scope series it won’t have better anything than its smaller or larger siblings with the possible exception of exit pupil size or eye relief but the same grade of glass with the same coatings, and same turrets.

Before you buy your second scope, because most people find them a worthwhile investment; familiarize yourself with terminology so you know what to look for and what it is you’re seeing. FOV, parallax, chromatic aberration, eye relief, eye box. Sometimes looking through a bad scope then a good scope makes clear how much there is to know before spending money.
 
Last edited:
I like 3-9x scopes on a deer rifle. It is frustrating when a deer walks out so close that all you can see through your scope on its lowest setting is brown. I guess what kind of terrain one hunts & whether the rig is primarily for the range or the woods could make a big difference in ones preference.
 
If you haven't already mounted your scope, you'll find that not all optics have enough length between the turrets and bells to mount properly. In some cases at all. The savage action is looong, so the distance has to be either shortened, extended bases, a rail or extended rings. It's the same for long action m11, versions, tried a nikon 3-9x40 Buckhalter 2 on one of my long action savage rifles it wouldn't fit, but the 4-12x40 did. Just a heads up.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top