Need new scope for Magnum rifle

[JeeperCreeper]

Hey all, looking for options and opinions on a new scope.

Looking for a 3-9x40 range with an illuminated reticle.

Kicker is, I need a longer eye relief.

Scope is going on my 338RCM. Not a shoulder breaker, but it does kick, especially when not on a rest. Right now, I have a cheap Bushnell Trophy that is functional, but I'll likely get scope-eye in the field with it's very short eye relief. It specs in the mid-3", but I think that's a lie.

Also, this is for Alaska, so I need good low light, preferring a lit reticle if possible.

Like to keep it below $300ish just because. Might increase a little, but I just really don't like pricey glass for utility purposes.

Optics that I found:

-Vortex Crossfire ii 3-9
-Burris fullfield iv 2.5-10
-SIG whiskey3 3-9

Also looking at SWFA or Minox or Athlon, it's just tough tracking down all the specs.

So far I'm liking the Burris and Vortex for warranty and longest "listed" eye relief.

Wildcard is a Leupold VX in 2-7 non-illuminated.

What say y'all?

 

[LoonWulf]

I'd cross the crossfire off the list pretty much instantly, but that because I've never looked thru one I liked.

I've never used the FF4s either, but just based on previous experience, of what's listed that's where I'd go.

I own a Sig Whiskey 3, and it's a very nice scope for the cost. Think I paid 125 bucks for it. Much better than the Bushnell trophy series, optically as good as the ff2s imo.
If you'd like to try it, I don't have it mounted right now I can mail it to you.


I'd also recommend a look at the Athlon Argos HMR. I have the 4-20x50 on my .300 and really like it. Optically it's fantastic, and not just for the cost. It equals the best scopes I own (which arnt real high end, a conquest, forge, and vx-3i).
It also has nice, capped, turrets. The illumination works well too.
The 2-12 is probably a good pairing for your .338, but it's likely to be one of the heavier options which could be a downside.

Another one that might be worth the look (tho I haven't seen any for sale yet) is the Leupold Vx-freedom fire dot.
Good glass, and an excellent illuminated reticle, and it's fairly light. Down sides, is looks like it's gonna list in the $400 range, and if it's like any freedom I've ever used, turrets suck. They do stay set where you out them tho.

 

[JeeperCreeper]

I didn't know the VX Freedom was coming out with illuminated!

I'll have to check it out. I absolutely love my Redfield Revolution on my Creedmoor, and I think the VX Freedom is similar to it. Sadly, I doubt I'll find a $50 VX on clearance like I did my Redfield.

I haven't been focusing on weight too much, but I probably should. That's a good point.

 

[jmr40]

I really don't think you need an illuminated reticle. I have one scope with it and doubt if I'll ever use it. Most scopes have thicker crosshairs toward the edges that taper down in the center. Those thick posts guide your eye toward the center in low light. Quality glass is more important. In most places legal shooting time is 30 minutes prior to sunrise until 30 minutes past sunset. I've taken game within 5 minutes or the beginning and ending with several scopes and no illumination.

Leupold is never a bad choice. If you can afford it the VX3i is great. With a $200-$300 budget the VX Freedom is not a bad scope at all. It is a significant step up compared to the Revolution you have. They tend to be light, have generous eye relief, transmit light well, and have a reputation for ruggedness on hard kickers. The 338 RCM shouldn't be worse than most 30-06 loads however.

But this is the one I would buy. In fact I have, several times.

https://www.cabelas.com/shop/en/cabelas-instinct-hd-rifle-scope

The back story.

Zeiss used to sell this scope with their name on it. They had it manufactured by Meopta. The original version was assembled here from parts made in Europe. I paid $550 for the Zeiss version I've had about 15 years. Cabela's started carrying it priced at $500 with their name on it. About 3 years ago Cabela's discontinued it and they closed them out at around $200. I bought 2 at that price. For the last few years you had to buy the Meopta version priced at $500. But recently Cabela's has brought it back priced at $300. I bought one of these a couple of weeks ago. It has some minor cosmetic differences and they now simply say "made in Czech Republic" instead of "Assembled in USA". But it is just as good as the others. I really like this scope.

 

[JeeperCreeper]

Nice! I've always wondered about who makes Cabela's scopes, or at least some of them.

I wonder if they still have a lifetime warranty after being bought out by Bass Pro

 

[cdb1]

I have experience with Cabela’s branded Meopta scopes having worked the gun counter at a Cabela’s part time for two years. They are excellent scopes and are equal to the Meopta made Zeiss Conquest of which I own one of too. I personally would not purchase a Cabela’s brand scope except for the Meopta, I believe they are crap.

Where I disagree with jmr40 is illuminated reticles. I have one scope with an IR and find it very useful in low light. At $300.00 or less there is no IR scope I’ve handled that I’d buy, key word being handled. I have not looked through a Sig, Athlon or the Burris. Based on my experience with Burris the IR Fullfield would be the first one I’d look at. In addition Burris scopes seem to handle heavy recoil better than many others and I consider the .338 RCM to be a pretty hard kicker. My first inclination is a VX-Freedom but it’s over your budget. I’ve been happy with my VX-R.

 

[redneck2]

You said it’s for Alaska. Dunno if you live there, or it’s a trip. If it’s a trip, I worked at the LGS and could never understand why someone would pay thousands of dollars for a trip, then trust a cheap scope. But, your call

I’d most strongly suggest a Leupold VX-3 or VX-R with a Firedot. I’ve had several. Took one on a bear hunt to Canada. Super clear and rugged. A while back they were selling close to your price range.

Eye relief seems quite generous.

I’d suggest flip up scope covers

 

[JeeperCreeper]

You said it’s for Alaska. Dunno if you live there, or it’s a trip. If it’s a trip, I worked at the LGS and could never understand why someone would pay thousands of dollars for a trip, then trust a cheap scope. But, your call

I’d most strongly suggest a Leupold VX-3 or VX-R with a Firedot. I’ve had several. Took one on a bear hunt to Canada. Super clear and rugged. A while back they were selling close to your price range.

Eye relief seems quite generous.

I’d suggest flip up scope covers

I live here, but I agree, if I were dropping mad coin on a guided hunt, I'd splurge for a high end scope.

Right now, I only have time for casual hunts, so I don't need the best. I just need "good enough".

And with scopes, I do feel like there are diminishing returns the more expensive it gets. $300 I think is the sweet spot for good, and a $3,000 scope is not 10x better for my needs.

 

[JeeperCreeper]

Right now, I'm planning on getting both the Cabela's/Meopta and the Burris.

I have a 6.5 Grendel that I can replace the cheap glass on.

But the shop continues

 

[cdb1]

The Cabela’s/Meopta would definitely be good enough for me.

 

[JeeperCreeper]

Well it looks like Bass pro discontinued Cabela's lifetime warranty with the buyout.

So I'm 50/50 on the Cabela's/Meopta, just because Bass pro's customer service is horrendous.

I just wish Nikon wasn't getting it of the game.

 

[cdb1]

What is the current warranty on Cabela’s/Meopta scopes?

 

[Grumulkin]

Hey all, looking for options and opinions on a new scope.

Looking for a 3-9x40 range with an illuminated reticle.

Kicker is, I need a longer eye relief.

Scope is going on my 338RCM. Not a shoulder breaker, but it does kick, especially when not on a rest. Right now, I have a cheap Bushnell Trophy that is functional, but I'll likely get scope-eye in the field with it's very short eye relief. It specs in the mid-3", but I think that's a lie.

Also, this is for Alaska, so I need good low light, preferring a lit reticle if possible.

Like to keep it below $300ish just because. Might increase a little, but I just really don't like pricey glass for utility purposes.

Optics that I found:

-Vortex Crossfire ii 3-9
-Burris fullfield iv 2.5-10
-SIG whiskey3 3-9

Also looking at SWFA or Minox or Athlon, it's just tough tracking down all the specs.

So far I'm liking the Burris and Vortex for warranty and longest "listed" eye relief.

Wildcard is a Leupold VX in 2-7 non-illuminated.

What say y'all?

The only one I can comment on is the Leupold VX in 2-7. I still have one. I think I bought it on eBay years ago. I've had it on a 458 Lott, never got close to being scope bit using it and it never broke. I may even have had it on a 460 Weatherby but I don't quite remember. I don't think I ever used it for night shots so can't comment on its low light capabilities.

The worst scope bite I ever got was shooting a Thompson/Center Encore in 25/06 from the prone position. I got several stitches for that one. Needed scope relief is more a function of stock design and shooting position rather than the particular cartridge.

 

[JeeperCreeper]

The only one I can comment on is the Leupold VX in 2-7. I still have one. I think I bought it on eBay years ago. I've had it on a 458 Lott, never got close to being scope bit using it and it never broke. I may even have had it on a 460 Weatherby but I don't quite remember. I don't think I ever used it for night shots so can't comment on its low light capabilities.

The worst scope bite I ever got was shooting a Thompson/Center Encore in 25/06 from the prone position. I got several stitches for that one. Needed scope relief is more a function of stock design and shooting position rather than the particular cartridge.

Good to hear about the Leupold 2-7. That's in my short list, and consideri g it for my 45-70 if I scope it.

Good point about position. Since it will be for hunting, there's a good chance I'll be prone or in a weird position, which is why I want a new scope... because right now, I have to be so close unless I'm standing off hand.

 

[LoonWulf]

Only person to get nailed by my .375, and I'd literally JUST switched to the vx-3i just to get a little more eye relief because the 3-9x42 GPO had a consistent, but shorter eye relief.