Next rifle scope for 30-06

[elktrout]

My 30-06 is a 52 year old Remington Model 700 BDL. It still shoots great.

The current scope is an old Bushnell fixed 6x which has the dial-in post feature. I always liked the post for brush shooting, but it is off-center and not worth sending to Bushnell for repair, since the warranty is long since expired.

I am considering a basic 3-9x variable of good quality. I do not need all the long range options there are today, just a straight forward, reliable scope with a duplex style reticle (or a variation of it), with standard adjustment turrets. Top priorities are brightness (for dawn and dusk), maintaining zero, fog/water proof, multi-coated lenses, and durability.

I would also like to stay below $600 purchase price. Anything more than that will simplify the purchase for me. I would just buy a Zeiss Conquest, like rides my 300 WSM. Your thoughts and recommendations?

 

[TSchwab25]

I would check out options from sig sauer, I have used some of the highest end ones and they are top notch. I have also used a buckmaster 3-9 with an illuminated reticle and it was clear and bright. I have no complaints for SIG.

 

[hps1]

Take a look at Burris. Quality product, lifetime warranty. Have owned a number of 3x9 and 4.5-14 w/no complaints. Really like their ballistic plex.
Regards,
hps

 

[Ks5shooter]

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/1005631989 awesome comes with factory flip ups worth 140 bucks not the 190$ it says in the add,that is msrp.Own a few they are clear ,great reticle.This has what you posted 50mm great light gathering.And its a Leupold ...all I own.

 

[ms6852]

My 30-06 is a 52 year old Remington Model 700 BDL. It still shoots great.

The current scope is an old Bushnell fixed 6x which has the dial-in post feature. I always liked the post for brush shooting, but it is off-center and not worth sending to Bushnell for repair, since the warranty is long since expired.

I am considering a basic 3-9x variable of good quality. I do not need all the long range options there are today, just a straight forward, reliable scope with a duplex style reticle (or a variation of it), with standard adjustment turrets. Top priorities are brightness (for dawn and dusk), maintaining zero, fog/water proof, multi-coated lenses, and durability.

I would also like to stay below $600 purchase price. Anything more than that will simplify the purchase for me. I would just buy a Zeiss Conquest, like rides my 300 WSM. Your thoughts and recommendations?

Funny my 30-06 is a Savage 110 I bought back in 82 or 83 and it came with an illuminated reticle a red dot. It is a 3x9 Bushnell banner and I have yet to use more than 6X when hunting. The red dot is great for dusk. I like you, would stick with something similar.

Personally, now I would recommend a Sightron rifle scope. I own 3 of them for other rifles and the glass and warranty are quite impressive for the price.

S1 3-9x40 G2

Redefining the classic hunting riflescope, this 1-inch tube design is waterproof, shockproof and fogproof and uses the new MC-333 multi-coatings to provide a crystal clear view the modern hunter requires and is backed with a Lifetime Performance Guarantee.

sightron.com

 

[.308 Norma]

I am considering a basic 3-9x variable of good quality.

I would also like to stay below $600 purchase price.

My "go to" brand of rifle scope has been Leopold for a long time. However, my .308 Norma Mag wears a 3-9 Weaver because I compared it side-by-side with a 3-9 Leopold (either one was about $300.00 then) and there was no doubt about it - the Weaver was clearer around the edges.

Take a look at Burris. Quality product, lifetime warranty.

I'll second that too. I've never had a Burris, but I've hunted with a few buddies that did, and from what I could tell, my buddies' Burris scopes were every bit as high quality as my Leopolds.

 

[12Bravo20]

3-9 or even 4-12 is just about perfect for most hunting applications where you won't be taking long distant shots.

I have had good luck with the older Bushnell scopes and the Nikon Monarch line. I have used Burris scopes too. I was never impressed with the Nikon Prostaff line though. When it comes to Bushnell scopes, I never cared for their Banner line and have always stuck with their Elite line.

I haven't used any of the Sig scopes but have been pleased with their red dot optics and range finders.

And of course Leupold is always good to go. MidwayUSA has the Leupold VX Freedom 3-9x44 scope with hunter flex reticle for $299.99. https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1019637344?pid=174157

 

[BWS]

Ok,here's one for the "less is more" contingency,haha. Early(first year?) flat back 116 and a 1-4 Luepold.

 

[ColtPythonElite]

A used gloss Leupold 3-9 would be right at home in a vintage 700.

 

[courtgreene]

I had to choose between leupold and vortex and couldn’t. So I got both since I had an older scope on another rifle so figured I may as well do them at the same time and compare. Both are great, but the turrets just feel better on the vortex. Leupolds always felt strange to me (I have three) when adjusting. It’s a set it and forget it type system for my purposes, so it doesn’t bother me. Still, slight edge to vortex.
I looked at Burris also, but I didn’t know much about them and didn’t want to risk the unknown.
Vortex makes good glass. Leupold does as well. If you’re going to twist the knobs a lot I’d recommend vortex.
And to show my impartiality, I have very similar binoculars from vortex and leupold, but I prefer the leupolds there.

 

[Larry in wyoming]

Of late, I've been looking to Vortex first. Also been hitting flea bay. I just picked up a leupold m8 6x fixed to go on a 96 mauser in 6.5 swede. I stick with lower power optics on my big game rifles. 3x9 or 2.5x10 or 2x7 etc. I also go with as close to 40mm objectives as possible and low profile turrets. Target turrets and a saddle scabbard are a poor mix.

 

[lightman]

Power wise, something in the 2X7 or a 3X9 range should serve you well. Zeiss, Vortex or Leupold are all worth considering.

 

[Chief TC]

My 30-06 is a 52 year old Remington Model 700 BDL. It still shoots great.

The current scope is an old Bushnell fixed 6x which has the dial-in post feature. I always liked the post for brush shooting, but it is off-center and not worth sending to Bushnell for repair, since the warranty is long since expired.

I am considering a basic 3-9x variable of good quality. I do not need all the long range options there are today, just a straight forward, reliable scope with a duplex style reticle (or a variation of it), with standard adjustment turrets. Top priorities are brightness (for dawn and dusk), maintaining zero, fog/water proof, multi-coated lenses, and durability.

I would also like to stay below $600 purchase price. Anything more than that will simplify the purchase for me. I would just buy a Zeiss Conquest, like rides my 300 WSM. Your thoughts and recommendations?

A couple years ago, I put a Burris scope on my Rem model 721 in 30-06. https://www.burrisoptics.com/riflescopes/signature-hd-3-15x44mm

I have been extremely pleased with it. It allows me to shoot sub-moa out to 400yds easily. I think I paid 550ish.

 

[hps1]

Most of my scopes are the Burris FFII w/regular ballistic plex reticle; great hunting scopes and all track perfectly. I switched to the 4.5-14 w/E1 reticle for predator hunting and like it even better than the original BP.

Fullfield E1™ Riflescope 4.5-14x42mm


Couldn't juggle rifle & camera to get correct sight picture but you get the idea.


Older FFII w/regular BP reticle. I can't see any difference between the glass in Leupold, track well and hold zero, same warranty and priced right, works for me.

Regards,
hps

 

[Slamfire]

I would say, pick up the scope and look through it. Modern reticles are neat. I purchased some Luepold American Marksman scopes at Cabelas, and I liked their reticles.

Since the tick marks are different shapes, I am less likely to use the wrong one. I have some other scopes where the reticle looks like a slide rule. My Post, purchased at the College Bookstore.

When a reticle gets so complicated you need to watch a youtube video to figure it out, it is better to go simpler.

I decided a 40mm was all I needed on a hunting rifle.

get a scope with huge lenses and you need an adjustable cheek piece, or a pillow, to get your eye in line with the thing. I had to send this cheekpiece back to McMillian to get it notched for the bolt. This was an iron sight/across the course rifle, but I wanted to use a big scope. Never needed to get the cheekpiece up that high with a Warner rear sight.

I am of the opinion that optically, all scopes are equal within price bands. And at some price level, it will take an optical optical interferometer to tell the difference in the glass. Or a teenager. The kids see stuff I don't, at distances were everything is a blur for me.

 

[jmr40]

You can spend $600 if you want to, but you won't get a better scope than a $150 Burris FF-II. For years these were in the $200-$225 price range. About the same as a Leupold VX-2 before they stopped making them. They were a better scope than Leupold then and are better than anything they make now under $600.

I like the ballistic reticle. It is helpful for holdover out to 300ish yards without being too busy.

I don't care for the other Burris options however. They also make an E1 and a FF-IV.

 

[12Bravo20]

Everyone,

For what ever reason Amazon links are not working. All we see is the Amazon symbol

 

[Hugger-4641]

I'm a big fan of Burris, but I've got a Sig Buckmaster 3x9x40 on one of my rifles that's a great value at $99. The power ring lever is a great feature and it comes with flip up lens covers. Two things that Burris and Vortex should take a clue from.

 

[Chief TC]

I am not a scope guy. I have only one for long range deer/elk hunting. So i cannot speak to what is best to get. All I know is what I have in the Burris works for my purposes. I know one can spend 1000s on a scope and I guess for PRS that makes sense to me but for hunting, you do not need to spend a ton of money if you have the fundamentals of shooting in your skill set.

 

[LoonWulf]

Burris are probably my favorite budget scope, ive only got one mid level one and i like that as well.

The Sig Whiskey 3s are solid options as well, and I'm pretty happy with the Bushnell Primes i bought last month.
Athlon Talos are also good options in the same price range.

My primary rifles are topped with a leupold Vx-3i and a Meopta Meopro HTR......IMO the leupy is the lowest optical quality I think ill have on any of my "forever" rifles.....ive only got 2, out of all the guns ive used tho, so that does effect what im willing to spend on them. I buy alot of cheaper scopes with more features or specific features for other stuff.

 

[Bartojc]

I have 4 or 4 scopes similar to what you describe. They are all Leupold VX-Freedom or in one case a VX-2. If you really want to spend $600 you could get into the VX-III.

I'd also consider the Burris FF line. I've not taken a close look at one, but there are enough people here that I trust recommending them that I'd consider one.

Vortex make fine scopes, and they are a great company. Their lower line (Diamondback and Crossfire) of optics do not seem good to my eyes. Look though a few and maybe they are better for you.

-Jeff

 

[Poper]

Well, I have Burris, Leupold, Vortex, Meopta, Sightron, Bushnell, Redfield, Zeiss and Swarovski scopes on different rifles right now. Not a stinker in the bunch, as best I can tell.
My .30-06 is a 3-9x40 Leupold V-XIII. My .270 wears a Vortex 6.5-25x50, but then it is also my go-to silhouette rifle.
For budget scopes, I have found the Redfield rifle scopes to be as good a bang for the buck value as anything, so far. Very clear, light weight, durable. I put a Redfield Revenge 4-12x42 on my son's Weatherby Vanguard .30-06 and he swears by it. Seems to get his deer every year, so it's doing the job.

In budget scopes I think you will be well served by any of the scopes from Redfield, Burris, Leupold, Vortex (Crossfire, Diamondback), Zeiss or Sightron. Look though them all and pick the one you like.
I hope this is helpful.

 

[Savage30L]

I agree with Leupold quality, but I'm surprised that few have mentioned Nikon. I have a couple and am very happy with them, no complaints here. They offer very good quality for the money.

 

[Hugger-4641]

I agree with Leupold quality, but I'm surprised that few have mentioned Nikon. I have a couple and am very happy with them, no complaints here. They offer very good quality for the money.

Its probably because they're no longer in the rifle scope business. You can still buy new old stock, but no warranty or service available.

 

[Savage30L]

Its probably because they're no longer in the rifle scope business. You can still buy new old stock, but no warranty or service available.

I wasn't aware of that. Natchez Shooter's Supply still shows them in their hard-copy catalogues.