Low power scopes: rifle vs shotgun models

[Balog]

Looking to get a decent scope in the 1-4 or so range. I'm confused about the difference between low power "rifle" scopes and "shotgun/muzzleloader" ones. Just using Leupold as an example, we see the "UltimateSlam" and generic VX-1 shotgun/muzzleloader scopes and the VX-II rifle scope. Is there a real difference, aside from the reticles? I prefer the shotgun reticles over the duplex, but if there are other features about them that make them less than ideal I'd like to know.

Rifle will be a .308 bolt action used for deer and elk in Western Washington, so mostly woods. I don't expect any shots over ~200 yards, and honestly most closer. I don't want anything higher than 1x or maybe 1.5x for the lower power. I loved my Acog but hated house clearing with a fixed magnification optic. I know elk hunting ain't quite the same, but I still prefer no or very low magnification for short shots. And until you get past 300 yards anything over 4x is excessive, to me anyway.

 

[taliv]

assuming they lack parallax adjustment, check what range it's set to be parallax free (not that it would cause you to miss a deer

 

[Jim Watson]

The VX-1 muzzleloader/shotgun scope is set parallax free at 75 yards.
The rifle scope default used to be 150 yards but they do not say for sure on the VX-II.

I do not see that the Ultimate Slam is available in 1-4X.

 

[Balog]

You're right Jim, that is just a 2x7 isn't it? Too bad, seems like an interesting reticle.

So would I be safe to assume that for a 1-4 scope at ranges less than 300 yards, parallax would not be a significant factor?

 

[taliv]

at ranges less than 300 yards, parallax would not be a significant factor?

if you're hunting grasshoppers at 100 yrds, yeah, it could be significant. deer? not so much


edit: if you have a scope already, it's easy to test. just mount your scope in a fixed position pointing at a target. now move your head side to side, then up and down without moving the scope. see how far the reticle moves off target when you do that? well, that's how much you could miss by. now try it at different ranges

 

[rallyhound]

I use shotgun scopes on my hunting guns.

Biggest thing I like is the fact that they tend to have greater eye relief allowing me to mount the scope slightly farther forward.


My shots tend to happen quickly and often I get to close the the scope and have the scars to prove it so I really appreciate the extra clearance between my eye and the scope that is possible with shottie scopes.

I have never found parallax to be a factor.

 

[.38 Special]

I really like low power scopes on my rifles. The Leupold 1.5-5x20 is a perfect thing, in my book, and eye relief is adequate for pretty much anything. I am also a huge fan of their 2.5x "ultralight".

I have used the shotgun scopes, but have found that parallax can be a problem. When parallax is set for 150 yards, it isn't a huge problem at 50 or 300, but when it is set at 75, anything past 200 can be problematic, in my experience. Is it enough to miss a deer? No... but it might be enough to turn the lung shot into a diaphragm shot. And there's nothing a shotgun scope can do that a low powered rifle scope doesn't.

HTH!

 

[DBR]

These Weaver scopes have Japanese glass and are better than the low end Leupolds IMHO. They are brighter and sharper. Parallax is set at 150yds.

http://www.natchezss.com/brand.cfm?...ic V-3 1-3X20 Riflescope Dual-X Reticle Matte

I have two of these Weavers and two of the Leupold shotgun scopes.

The Weavers have a true 1X (not easy to find) allowing for fast "red dot" type aiming. Even though the Leupolds are advertised as 1X they are closer to 1.6. This makes Binden concept aiming not so good.

 

[Maverick223]

Biggest thing I like is the fact that they tend to have greater eye relief allowing me to mount the scope slightly farther forward.

That is the winning answer. If you scope a big bore rifle and want that extra room, a shotgun scope is a pretty good choice. Though I would not recommend a cheap Leupold, they are still fairly robust. I find the sub-VX-III lines to be lacking in the glassware dept. I would suggest a lower end Nikon or Bushnell over the lower end [Rifleman, VX-I, or VX-II] Leupold as they both are well made and have better glass quality IMO.

 

[Balog]

That is the winning answer. If you scope a big bore rifle and want that extra room, a shotgun scope is a pretty good choice. Though I would not recommend a cheap Leupold, they are still fairly robust. I find the sub-VX-III lines to be lacking in the glassware dept. I would suggest a lower end Nikon or Bushnell over the lower end [Rifleman, VX-I, or VX-II] Leupold as they both are well made and have better glass quality IMO.

Interesting, I am an utter newb about scopes so I appreciate the advice. Nikon and Bushnell are > Leupold at the low end, eh? Any other manufacturers/models I should be looking at?

 

[DBR]

The Weaver scope I referenced is listed as having 3.1" eye relief.

The Leupold VX1 1-4 is about 3.8".

The Leupold VX3 1.5-5 is listed as 3.7"

The Nikon Slug Hunter 1.65-5 X 36 has 5"

 

[Maverick223]

Interesting, I am an utter newb about scopes so I appreciate the advice. Nikon and Bushnell are > Leupold at the low end, eh? Any other manufacturers/models I should be looking at?

No problem, in my opinion the Leupold have poor glass quality unless you get a VX-III or better. The only advantages to a Leupold is good warranty support and a gloss finish (which is becoming more difficult to find). Assuming that you want to spend sub-$300 (about the price of a VX-II), I would suggest a Nikon Monarch UCC 1.5-4.5x20 Shotgun Scope and a Bushnell Elite 3200 1.5-4.5x32. If you want a VX-III then the 1.5-5x20mm is a good optic (which I have plans to purchase due to the gloss finish), however I prefer a Zeiss Conquest at a similar price. FWIW, I have heard that the new Weaver Classics-V are good also, but have no experience with them, the lower end Weavers I find lacking.

 

[DBR]

I recently bought a Weaver Classic Extreme 1.5-4.5x24 see here:

http://www.natchezss.com/brand.cfm?brand=WE

$280 on sale vs $666 MSRP got my interest. It is a very impressive scope. I can see 22 bullet holes in the black a 100yds and it is very bright and good contrast.

Might be one to look at.

 

[Maverick223]

Great deal DBR, but out of stock, and I doubt they will return. If they do, that will make a good .45-70 scope for a rifle that I am planning to purchase in the near future.

 

[DBR]

They have been in and out of stock several times during the past year. If you are interested I think you can set up an email notification with Natchez.

 

[Maverick223]

I am interested, and already set up notification.

 

[DBR]

Forgot to mention, Natchez customer service has been outstanding in the more than 10 years I have done business with them. Give them a call and they will tell you (as best they know) if they will be available again and when.

 

[Maverick223]

Forgot to mention, Natchez customer service has been outstanding

I have had a similar experience, but I am willing to wait as I don't need the scope right away (still haven't purchased the rifle for it to go on), I may give them a call when I am ready for it.