CZ550FS Fixed Power Hunting Scope

[bl4ckd0g]

I finally broke down and purchased a new CZ550FS in .270 for $30 under dealer cost and I'm going to save up for a nice, spnedy scope while I work on iron sight marksmanship.

Thinking of spending at least $500 on a fixed power scope used for the larger critters (minus Mr. Grizzly) in the rockies, so I have a few questions. Was considering a Kahles or Meopta.

1. Are the fixed powered optics really better than the variable power scopes in regards to clarity on the better scopes? I purchased a Burris Shart Mag and promptly returned it.

2. Is an illuminable dot scope really necessary for shooting at dark pelted game, or at night?

3. Is there much of a difference between the Euro and the American style reticles when sighting a several hundred yard shot?


I'd appreciate any suggestions that meet my criteria.

 

[Geno]

At what ranges do you anticipate (and are comfortable) shooting? For me, if I am going after early, early morning or very late night, then I would step up to a Leupold. I feel (based on my experiences) that for these conditions a Leupold scope is as good as one can get, regardless of cost. For mid-day hunting, a simple Tasco is great. I have taken dozens of game animals with a 4X Tasco Pronghorn.

The Leupold 4X and 6X are great. I suggest a 6X with A.O. They even have one with Target turrets. If you are going to be shooting at 100 yards or less, a simple 2.5X is fine, or a 4X. If you are planning to shoot between 100 to 300, a 6X is awesome! For Leupolds I have owned 2X, 4X, 3-9X, 4-12X, 3.5-10X and 4.5-14X. Edit to add T/C 2.5-7X (Now, I think that's all of them). Why I appreciate the fixed power is "run-out". That's when point of impact shifts as you run up and down the power ranges. It should hold its zero, give-or-take 1/8th of an inch over the course of 1,000 times running the power from 3-9 and back again. Yes, I am being serious. With a fixed power...it's a mute point.

For me, I'd say get either a 4X or a 6X. If you want the best of all worlds, and have ability to affront all situations, get a good electric dot sight, plus a Leupold 6X and have your iron sights. Now you have it all! Have all of them pre-sighted and ready to go. You must have a back-up scope/sight, and back-up sights to the back-up scope. I consider these as mandatory for all out-of-state hunts. Yes, I am speaking from experience here. Check around on prices...there are a lot of rip-offs out there.

Edit to add, at dawn and dusk, you will note that the color of the crosshairs change. This also happens when you put them on a dark target. In those cases, the crosshairs appears to be a golden color (mine do). To that end, I say no, illuminated crosshairs not necessary. Have you considered the Trijicon scopes or sights? http://trijicon.com/home.cfm?CFID=327676&CFTOKEN=60707468 If I did not purchase a fixed power Leupold, I would purchase a Trijicon before I would purchase any foreign scope. Some people swear by the Trijicon Tripower: http://trijicon.com/user/parts/parts_new.cfm?categoryID=11. I do think that the T/C scopes are worth consideration as well: http://www.tcarms.com/index.php. Their scopes are in the downloadable catalog.

Regarding the sighting at several hundred yards with a Euro-styled crosshair, that is precisely the reason I have never purchased one. I thought of purchasing a Leupold with Euro-styled crosshairs, because at first they looked cool to me. Then, when I put one on the rifle at the gun shop and stepped outside to test it, it seemed massively thick, and it cover entirely too much of the target. Too, the one I have seen, the crosshairs did not truly cross. There is a void area in which one is to place the target. I like to have greater precision available, and especially at several hundred yards.

Doc2005

 

[bl4ckd0g]

Anyone else have a recommendation on a fixed power scope?

 

[Campusninja]

Zeiss Conquest 4x32

http://www.zeiss.com/c1256bcf0020be5f/Contents-Frame/ec215ec620626f1e852571d700377d7e
You could get this model with the #2 reticle (looks like a lower case t sort of) for under $500.

 

[Z_Infidel]

Of course the choice is yours, but I'm not sure why you want to spend that much money on a fixed power scope. The Weaver Classic line of fixed power scopes is still available at very reasonable prices and these have a good reputation:

http://www.swfa.com/c-860-weaver-classic-k-series-rifle-scopes.aspx


And of course Leupold has some fine choices in fixed power scopes as well.


By the way, congrats on your CZ550FS -- I have one in .30-06.

 

[bl4ckd0g]

Is there any difference between the Japanese made Weaver K-series and the ones made in El Paso, TX?

I was thinking about picking up a K6.

 

[dakotasin]

1. Are the fixed powered optics really better than the variable power scopes in regards to clarity on the better scopes?

all else being equal, yes, fixed power has better clarity, brightness, and durability.

I purchased a Burris Shart Mag and promptly returned it.

don't blame ya a bit for that.

2. Is an illuminable dot scope really necessary for shooting at dark pelted game, or at night?

no - high end optics do amazingly well at night.

3. Is there much of a difference between the Euro and the American style reticles when sighting a several hundred yard shot?

i'll defer to somebody w/ experience in that regard.

Is there any difference between the Japanese made Weaver K-series and the ones made in El Paso, TX?

no firsthand knowledge here, either. everything i have *heard* indicates the weaver is a good buy - but it is not one *i* would make.

 

[Z_Infidel]

Is there any difference between the Japanese made Weaver K-series and the ones made in El Paso, TX?

The El Paso Weavers had steel tubes whereas the newer ones are aluminum. The newer versions might have slightly better optical quality, but that doesn't mean they are better overall. You can sometimes still find the older steel Weavers for sale on eBay.

 

[lgsracer]

I use a Bushnell Elite 3200 10x40 Matte Finish- Mil Dot Reticle. I have two of these and they are great. Binoculars.com has tem for $165.00

http://www.binoculars.com/products/...-finish-wrainguard-mil-dot-reticle-21561.html