Need Advice On New Glass!

[BIGBANG]

Guys My brother just bought a savage model 10 in .308. He asked me what was a good scope and as I pondered his question I came to realize I don't really know much of anything about scopes.

I told him 2 companies I thought made good scopes, Millet and Leupold. But beyond that I'm clueless. He would be using it for ranges 100 to 500 or 600 yards, so he thinks anyways. And He likes the mildot style of reticle.

So whats some good glass for his rifle, I told him the buy once cry once though process and he's ok with that, can't really throw more than $600 on one right now but anything up to it he wouldn't mind spending I just don't know enough about them to offer my advice.

 

[lovethosesooners]

Never owned a Leupold, but they are abviously really good scopes.

Have become a big Nikon fan, 2 Buckmasters and 3 Monarchs-as great as the BM is, the Monarch is even better and IMO worth the approx $100 more.

If you haven't tried it, the Nikon Spot On program that is used in conjunction with their BDC reticles makes things too easy!

 

[12gaugeTim]

Tell him to consider a Redfield Revolution, and with an Accu-Range reticule if he's into that. They're made by Leupold and really fit the bill when you're not looking to spend $500+ on a scope.

 

[LoonWulf]

Nikon, Leupold, Redfield, etc, all make good quality scopes. I would HIGHLY suggest he actually try get some hands on experience with any of the more expensive scopes before he buys. Each of us see differently, much the same as each person holds a gun differently, one brand or particular scope may work alot better for him then another.

For my eyes and general style of hunting, ive found nothing better then the 3-9/4-12 Prostaffs from Nikon. I hunt only in daylight these days (used to do alot of night shooting), and generally never have to deal with dark targets in dark environments, so the extra light gathering capability of the more expensive and larger scopes are lost on me. Higher magnification isnt necessary for my uses either. The prostaffs provide plenty of clarity and contrast for my needs. Dosnt mean i dont WANT a Monarch, a Leupold vxIII, or even more expensive Swaravski, Lieca, etc LOL.

 

[Furncliff]

My wife gave me a Nikon Monarch for my birthday. It's a 5-20X44, several different reticles are available and it shouldn't bust his price ceiling. Nikon is well known for their excellent glass and they have a good warrantee. I especially like the side focus, it's very quick to get a sharp picture.

Leupold can hold it's own against any maker and they have some outstanding scopes in his price range, they also have a fantastic warrantee and great customer service. But I believe their VX3 scopes with variable power only go to 14X.???

 

[BIGBANG]

Thanks guys, is there a certain magnification that would be better for his rifle than others or is that more of a personal preference thing to?

 

[TurtlePhish]

If he's hunting, low magnification is all he needs, maybe 2-7x.

Target shooting, go as high as you can find for the price.

 

[MachIVshooter]

can't really throw more than $600 on one right now

$600 is a decent amount for glass. It'll get you into:

Leupold VX-III
Nikon Monarch
Bushnell Elite 3200/4200
Weaver T/V/Grand Slam/Super Slam
Burris Full Field/Signature/Black Diamond
Pentax Lightseeker

I personally prefer Leupolds, but also own Nikon Monarchs, Weaver V-series, Burris FF. All good glass.

For hunting, he should be looking at something in the 3-9x, 4-12x, 4-16x range; Nothing with a low power higher than 4x. For target, though, something like a 5-20x or 6-24x.

I am debating on my next one for my 8mm mag, it may well be a Bushnell Elite 6500 2.5-16x 42mm. I'm really liking the magnification range. That's some serious flexibility. This scope is a little out of his price range, though.

 

[benzy2]

At that price point you can get out of a china made scope. Right now I think vortex viper line are about the best deal out there. Any of the name brand lines made in philippines, Japan, USA, or germany should be quality (with quality increasing down the list in order). Sightron is a good Japan made scope that has a great warranty. Burris, Nikon, weaver some bushnell lines, now some red field lines, vortex, Leupold, ziess etc all are quality optics that should be enjoyable. Typically once you get to $300 or so you've stepped into a very nice scope and the difference to a $600 scope is a little optical clarity along with more features and potentially a more rugged design. I would say if he spent $300+ that he will be happy with the quality of the optic. Just pick one with the feature list he thinks would best suit his shooting.

 

[homers]

My 2 cents:

For general hunting 2-7x or 3-9x covers the bases pretty well.

Previous posts have mentioned quite a few good scopes, I'd also add Zeiss Conquest 3-9x (~$400) to the list.

I'd also suggest he head to store to take a look for himself. Gander Mtn, Cabelas, Bass Pro, local gun shops... whatever you have near you.