Tell me what scope to buy

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Mach3.270Win

Mach3.270Win

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I'll be picking up a new Tikka T3X Lite 270win for hunting deers and yotes and want to also buy a spanking new scope for it. It's such a surpisingly nice rifle I can't see putting an old Leupold VX3 on it. Budget is anywhere from $500-1,000. Won't mind buying a cheaper one to have more money for reloads, but also wouldn't mind having a really nice, more expensive scope. Tell what you all have and what's good.
 
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Are you a “turret twister” or a “set it and forget it” type of scope user?
 
I've always used the 26-yard zero rule. No more than 3 inches high of bullseye at 100 yards and hold slightly high at 300 yards. Done and don't touch it again.
 
I would be looking at the Leupold VX5HD in the two models below:

2-10x42
3-15x44

Personally I would choose the 2-10x42. Leupold has been running sales on these lately, you should be able to find them just under $1,000. I would max your budget out on the scope, if it were me and worry about money for reloading later.
 
get a quote from Predator Optics. Great prices and fast shipping. Used them a few times and their prices on Leupold couldn't be beat.
 
redneck2 said:
Is your Leupold a VX-3 or VX-III?
Click to expand...

It is VX-3L 3.5-10x50. The one that is curved out at the bottom for lower mounting options. It has been an extremely reliable scope for many years for me, but I think I'm willing to upgrade for my new T3X rifle.
 
So I compared some specs and the only 2 major differences between the current scope I have (VX3L) and the VX5HD I'm interested in is most likely much clearer glass and the VX5 42mm has almost double the field of view on low power compared to the 3L 50mm. Is that because of the 30mm tube?

Other than that, there is no other advantage the VX5 has over the 3L
 
Your VX-3L isn’t anything to sneeze at. I’d get a Meopta MeoStar R1 3-12x56. Camera Land has them for $999.95.
 
The VX5/VX6 scopes have a locking elevation turret, and a much better erector setup (ie better turrets) more akin to Leupolds target scope turret feel.

But given you are not a turret twister this isn’t as big of a deal as it would be for others.
 
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Still can't decide if I want to keep or sell the VX-3L and have more funds to buy a VX5HD. Or just keep and mount the old 3L on the new Tikka. Hmmm.
 
The problem is, I think it’s illegal to have a scope laying around not mounted to a rifle. It’s kinda like having a bunch of AR parts and not building them into a rifle. It’s real bad luck or something
 
I think this is the best buy in a quality scope right now. This is the same scope as the discontinued Zeiss Conquest 3-9X40. Meopta always made the scope and has over the years placed different labels on it. Original Zeiss labeled scopes sold for $550 more than 15 years ago. I have an original Zeiss along with several of the Cabelas branded scopes. There is no difference.

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

If not this, then Leupold VX-3i. They offer several options, I like this one.

https://www.swfa.com/leupold-3-5-10x40-vx-3i-riflescope-10.html?___SID=U

I'm not usually a fan of twisting dials on a hunting scope. Mostly because the dials can move while hunting and could be way off when you take a shot. But this one locks down and you can't twist the dials until you press a button to unlock it.

Pic-4_2.jpg
 
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IMO when it comes to optics, you get what you pay for. Spend little you don't get much quality.
The more you spend the better it is. I've had cheap scopes and I've had expesive scopes. The expensive one's were way better.
 
If you are a 26 yard 270 guy, you don't need any spectacular glass. You need to see deer at 300 yards. Don't waste money.
 
Well, I just sold the VX-3L for more money than what I bought it for 8 years ago:neener:

I now just might have enough dough to buy a Swaro :what:

Just kidding, time to find the best price on a VX5HD
 
That's a good choice........

So is the 3x12x56 meostar mentioned earlier. Camerland had a steiner h4xi 3x12x56 in that same price range
 
Mach3.270Win said:
It is VX-3L 3.5-10x50. The one that is curved out at the bottom for lower mounting options. It has been an extremely reliable scope for many years for me, but I think I'm willing to upgrade for my new T3X rifle.
Click to expand...

Don't go thinking that you can necessarily beat those older Leupolds with a newer one. It ain't exactly so. I am a big fan of the VX2 and according to the used prices, so are a lot of other people. I also still use a nice glossy Vari X II on my Browning 1885 and see zero reason to change. I have experienced the new Freedom and I am not really a fan. I would strap that VX 3 on that Tikka in a heartbeat. It seems that every generation of 'improved' Leupolds that comes along isn't quite as good as the one preceeding it unless you are will to spend big money.

Also, consider what you are going to strap on to that T3X Lite, or it won't be Lite any longer. I LOVE the light weight of my first generation T3 Hunter with the walnut stock. The guys I was hunting deer with last were complaining how much heavier their rifles were compared to mine. I am not going to ruin that by hanging a huge piece of glass on it. That Lite isn't a long range rifle. It's a carry up the side of the mountain rifle and you certainly don't need 10 to 15 power to see a buck at 400 yards.
 
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