Dual purpose scope for new rifle build

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firstshot425

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Georgetown, TX
In the past, I have used Leopold quick release rings to switch back and forth between my hunting scope (3-9x40 Burris Bal Plex) and my range scope (Simmons 6.5-20x50) that I used for working up hand loads. However, for the past two seasons I have actually been hunting with the 6.5-20x50 and have gotten used to having that high zoom available when I need (want) it. This is especially true when hunting hogs and making those "just below the ear" shots. The Leupold quick release rings have worked quite well, always getting me back to within 1/2" of original impact. The Simmons and Burris scopes have been "Ok" for my purposes, but by no means "great".

So, with all that said and in light of my new 7mm-08 build, I have decided to upgrade the optics for the new rifle, and would appreciate hearing your opinions and recommendations.

Here is some info to help with those opinions/recommendations:
  • The rifle will be used primarily for hunting deer, hogs and the occasional coyote here in central Texas.
  • 90+% of my hunting here in Texas is from elevated blinds so, to a degree, total rifle weight is not an issue.
  • Deer often come in very low light conditions (before sunup & just before dark)
  • Hogs and coyotes are often hunted at night with use of external light mounted to scope.
  • Low light hunting capability is a critical requirement (min 50MM Obj min)
  • Rifle will also be used for informal target shooting out to 500 yards and for load development.
  • Large zoom range required to allow for close range hunting and long range target shooting so as to keep me from having to switch scopes.
  • Target knobs and excellent tracking required.
  • A "0 Stop" would be a huge bonus. I plan to set the "0 Stop" for my primary bullet and develop an "adjustment" table for other bullet types/weights.
  • Price range: ~$1,000 give or take a couple of hundred.
  • I expect a HUGE improvement over my current Burris / Simmons scopes

Currently being considered:
Zeiss Conquest HD5 Rifle Scope 5-25x 50mm Plex Reticle
Appears to be relatively new to the market; however, everything I have read about it so far has been positive.

So.... what are your thoughts, opinsions, recommendations?

Thanks for your imput
firstshot
 
Vortex Viper PST 4-16 or 6-24. They are just under 1k and great scopes.

Bushnell Elite HDMR 3.1-21. They went up in price with the new model but the ones from a couple years ago had a list price of around 1300. If you can find the older ones that would definitely work.

You are solidly in the price range for a used Nightforce.
 
Low light hunting capability is a critical requirement (min 50MM Obj min)
Click to expand...

The lense quality is far more important than size. Everything else being equal a 40mm scope set on 8X lets in exactly the same amount of light as a 50mm scope at 10X. A higher quality 40mm scope will be brighter than a cheap 50mm lense. Your Burris will be much better in low light than the much larger Simmons you have.

Currently being considered:
Zeiss Conquest HD5 Rifle Scope 5-25x 50mm Plex Reticle
Click to expand...

An excellent scope, but for low light use anything above about 10X will be useless with a 50mm objective. I'd concentrate on quality and a lot less X's on the scope. A scope that tops out at 9X or 10X is plenty for your stated needs and gives all the low light capability you can use. The scopes objective size must be at least 5X greater than it's magnification in order for it to be useful in low light. Lower powered scopes are much less expensive, for the same money, you will get much more quality.

At the $1,000 price point there are lots of good scopes, including Zeiss. I just wouldn't get carried away with too much magnification.
 
C-Grunt
Thanks for the suggestions. I'll check them out.

jmr40
The reason for the high zoom is for target shooting / load development. I'm not looking for or expecting low light performance at the higher magnifications. I'm looking for a scope that can perform both hunting & target rolls so I don't have to change out the scope when I go to the range for load development.

For deer hunting in low light 10x will be more than adequate. When hog hunting at night I will be using a VRL1 scope mounted varmint light so lack of low light performance at higher magnifications will not be an issue.

As far as glass quality is concerned, shouldn't the Zeiss beat the Burris/Simmons all to heck and back?
 
Yeah, the Zeiss will be good. And for what you're describing, the bigger the objective, the better.
Minox has a 5-25X56 that should be pretty good.
The Trijicon Accupoint 5-20X50 might be worth considering.
 
Hey Haxby

That Minox looks good, but is a little out of my price range.

The Trijicon looks interesting.... which would have the better glass Trijicon or Zeiss?
 
You are absolutely right! I must have pulled up the wrong model. I'll definitely take a closer look. Like the 56MM Obj, 30MM tube, and illuminated reticle.

How will their glass compare with Zeiss?
 
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Leupold VX-3 in either 4.5-14 or 6.5-20x are in your price range, rival the Zeiss glass, are available with the CDS turret and have the legendary Leupold Gold Ring lifetime warranty.
You can't go wrong.
 
Thanks to all for your input!!! I've got it narrowed down to two.
  • Zeiss HD5 5-25x50
  • Nightforce SHV 4-14x56
Here is a comparison I put together on the two:
ScopeComparison_zps7076829f.png

Pro's as I see them

Zeiss Pro's:
  • Zoom Range - Low enough for hunting - high zoom better for target shooting
  • Zero Stop - Haven't ever used one but is a neat feature
  • Length - Not a biggie but just a little over 1/2" shorter (.63")
  • Available now
Nightforce Pro's:
  • IHR Reticle - I really like this reticle
  • Illuminated reticle available
  • Turret adjustment range
  • Better Exit Pupil and field of view. (I assume is linked to zoom range and tube/objective size)
Questionable:
  • Nightforce 30 MM Tube vs Zeiss 1" Tube
  • Nightforce 56 MM Objective vs Zeiss 50MM Objective.

With all that said, it's still a toss-up.

Unanswered Questions:
Assuming all else is equal, what does the bigger tube and objective get me?
Is the Nightforce glass as good as the Zeiss glass?
Will I even be able to get a Nightforce when they come out in April?

Any thoughts?

Thanks
firstshot
 
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The one I'd go with for under $1000 hasn't been mentioned yet and that is the SWFA SS 3-15.
 
Bigger objective lets more light into the scope.
Bigger tube, in this case, gets you more adjustment range. That's it.
Exit pupil = objective size / magnification. Generally. I don't know why the Nightforce exit pupil is under 4.
Field of view is not directly linked to anything else that you can find in the specs, except magnification.
Since you're considering lower magnification scopes, check out the Swarovski demos at CameralandNY.
 
Zeiss has great glass though I've never looked through the model you are looking at. I can say that the glass on my Nightforce NXS is phenomenal. I have seen better in a S&B but havent seen better in anything under 2k.
 
Thanks again to everyone for your input !!!!

After thinking about it overnight & today, I think for me it all boils down to which I like better: the 5-25 zoom of the Zeiss or the illuminated reticle of the nightforce.

My original goal was a dual purpose scope that is primarilly for hunting but capable handling both low light hunting as well as target shooting duties.

With that said, I've decided to go with the Zeiss 5-25x50 HD5.

Thanks again to all who helped me make this decision. As soon as I get my new 7mm-08 build in, get the new scope on it, and spend a little time at the range, I will provide full report.

firstshot
 
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