Good 3 to 9x Scope for Elk?

[Deanimator]

I'm still planning for next year's elk hunt in Oregon.

I've decided to stick with my Savage 112BVSS in .30-06, both because I'm familiar with it and to cut costs (I can't hunt with a rifle here, and a hunting specific rifle would just sit in the safe most of the time).

For this hunt I'm looking to replace my 6 to 24x Bausch & Lomb Elite 6300 with a 3 to 9 with a large objective.

Any moderately priced recommendations? I'm looking at Nikon.

 

[BigBL87]

It'll help to define "moderately priced."

 

[troy fairweather]

My minimum for hunting is a Nikon pro staff,

 

[DocRock]

Agree with Troy on Nikon Pro Staff. Also Vortex Diamondback, Leupold Vx Freedom all lower mid prices scopes that deliver. I would add a cheaper option and one slightly more expensive. I have been very impressed with Athlon Optics. I have not used the Talos 3-12x40 but if you can check one out, I would. And, if you can still find a Zeiss Terra 3-9x50, it's excellent value for money. I have seen them in EBay sub $300.

 

[cdb1]

For this hunt I'm looking to replace my 6 to 24x Bausch & Lomb Elite 6300 with a 3 to 9 with a large objective.

Why are you wanting a large objective?

 

[Deanimator]

It'll help to define "moderately priced."

Not more than the cost of the rifle.

 

[Deanimator]

Why are you wanting a large objective?

Field of view and light gathering.

 

[eastbank]

if you need larger than 40mm, a flash light may be in order.

 

[Chuck R.]

if you need larger than 40mm, a flash light may be in order.

Now that, was just a flat out awesome response.......

 

[BigBL87]

I think these would fit the bill pretty well and be relatively easy on the wallet.

https://www.natchezss.com/leupold-vx-2-rifle-scope-3-9x50mm-duplex-34-1-14-1-4-2-3-6-matte.html

https://www.natchezss.com/nikon-prostaff-p3-rifle-scope-3-9x50mm-bdc-reticle-black-matte.html

 

[Slamfire]

Cabelas has the American Marksman scopes for $180.00

I purchased several when they came on sale, I find nothing wrong with them. I like the large external adjustment knobs for windage and elevation. Now I don't have to find a coin to change E and W. The field of view is clear out to the edges.

Installed one on my Ruger #1 in 35 Whelen. Works just fine.





I like the reticule:

 

[cdb1]

Field of view and light gathering.

In my experience glass quality is much more important than objective size when it comes to light gathering. Also overall scope quality is more important than objective size when it comes to field of view IMO.

 

[earplug]

I don't hunt, but have recently bought and compete with a SWFA SS 3-9. Its a mil dot first focal plane scope without a parallax adjustment. The field of view and eye relief are much better then my previous Nikon 2-8 and Vortex 1-6.
The weight is much less then many first focal plane scopes. Its has been a trouble free tool.

 

[IdaD]

Leupold's midlevel stuff has always treated me well enough I haven't felt compelled to spend more. I'm not real familiar with what they currently offer but I have VX-II and VX-III scopes on my rifles and I've been very happy with them.

 

[troy fairweather]

I don't hunt, but have recently bought and compete with a SWFA SS 3-9. Its a mil dot first focal plane scope without a parallax adjustment. The field of view and eye relief are much better then my previous Nikon 2-8 and Vortex 1-6.
The weight is much less then many first focal plane scopes. Its has been a trouble free tool.

Is that normal ss 3-9 or the new ultralight they make.

 

[Jack B.]

IMO. Leupold make the best scopes. When it comes to scopes you get what you pay for. I have a VX-2 3-9x50 on a 30-06 and really love it.

 

[earplug]

Is that normal ss 3-9 or the new ultralight they make.

The normal good old 3-9. I think the new ultralight is a second focal plane scope.
I bought a sample list C grade and its served me well.

 

[cdb1]

IMO. Leupold make the best scopes. When it comes to scopes you get what you pay for. I have a VX-2 3-9x50 on a 30-06 and really love it.

Leupold does make really good scopes and I have more Leupold than any other brand, but I wouldn’t go so far as to say they are the best. I have a Meopta and a Zeiss that I feel are better than the VX-3 line yet cost about the same.

I’ve also heard enough noise about Leupold tracking that if I twisted turrets I most probably would go with another brand.

 

[DocRock]

Cabelas has the American Marksman scopes for $180.00

I purchased several when they came on sale, I find nothing wrong with them. I like the large external adjustment knobs for windage and elevation. Now I don't have to find a coin to change E and W. The field of view is clear out to the edges.

Installed one on my Ruger #1 in 35 Whelen. Works just fine.

View attachment 864626

View attachment 864627

I like the reticule:

View attachment 864628

Sorry OP for the digression but the 35 Whelen Ruger No. 1 Centerfold requires some appropriate drooling and adulation!

 

[Gordon]

Just bought a new Leupold VX3i 3.5-10 40mm that is astoundingly bright and feather light for $289 on Amazon. It's a Leupold made in USA and guaranteed forever

 

[CoalTrain49]

I shoot at 200 yds a bunch with a Leupold VX2 (4x12) and for the money you would be hard pressed to find a better scope. I dial it down to 8X for 100 yds.

Elk can demand some longer shots. 30-06 is fine but get it set up for 200 - 300 yds. Buy a Leupold 4x12 and forget about all the research. Get a RBR reticle (rifleman ballistic reticle). Sight it in for 100 and dial it in with your ammo for 200 and 300 yards.

https://www.amazon.com/Leupold-Rifleman-4-12X40Mm-Matte-Duplex/dp/B001HN5GR6/ref=sr_1_16?dchild=1&qid=1570755090&refinements=p_89:Leupold&s=hunting-fishing&sr=1-16&th=1

 

[Deanimator]

I shoot at 200 yds a bunch with a Leupold VX2 (4x12) and for the money you would be hard pressed to find a better scope. I dial it down to 8X for 100 yds.

Elk can demand some longer shots. 30-06 is fine but get it set up for 200 - 300 yds. Buy a Leupold 4x12 and forget about all the research. Get a RBR reticle (rifleman ballistic reticle). Sight it in for 100 and dial it in with your ammo for 200 and 300 yards.

https://www.amazon.com/Leupold-Rifleman-4-12X40Mm-Matte-Duplex/dp/B001HN5GR6/ref=sr_1_16?dchild=1&qid=1570755090&refinements=p_89:Leupold&s=hunting-fishing&sr=1-16&th=1

Thanks, I'll check it out.

 

[stillquietvoice]

Make sure you check how much mounting area your new optic has those savage actions are loong. A few years back I tried to mount a postaff 3-9 x40 on my 110 in 243 and it was too short. Had to go with a 4-12 x40 for enough mount length.

 

[stillquietvoice]

I might even say that if you want a Nikon that the postaff 5 2.5-10x40 or a 3.5-14x40 would serve you well as a hunting scope. The downside to the 3.5 is extra weight of the side focus on an already heavy rifle.

 

[themailman]

Well you've got the right caliber, 30-06 has killed just about everything on planet earth. I vote for Vortex, I have 2 Diamondbacks and 2 Crossfires, all of them with BDC reticles. Once dialed in for the caliber of the rifle it's very easy to make shots of distance and an elk is a big target. I sold my Nikon and Leupold for the switch to Vortex.