Scope recommendations

[mgmorden]

Hey guys - just coming here for some advice. I just got a new rifle - a Marlin XS7 7mm-08 - that I'm hoping to use deer hunting (next season). I'm looking at buying a scope and want to make sure I get something that isn't a waste of time/money.

Here in SC shots are pretty close-in - usually 75 yards or less to be honest and I've never taken a shot over 125-ish, so optical clarity isn't the biggest of concerns. Consistency and durability is mainly what I want - I want a scope that holds zero well from shot to shot and between magnifications and isn't going to break after a year or two.

Realistic budget that I feel I can put into this is $150 to $200 - MAYBE $250 if I stretched it. My primary options that I'm looking at are the Nikon Prostaff and the Leupold VX-1. Both probably in the 3-9x40mm, though I have considered the Leupold in 2-7x32mm for potential weight savings. How do you guys feel about these (and is there anything else in this price range that I should be looking at)?

Thanks!

 

[osprey176]

Both scopes you mentioned should be fine for you. The new Redfields are in the same price range also, and seem to be well made. The 3x9 has worked fine for many years for a lot of hunters. I like the 2x7 and 1x5 on shorter range rifles,used in heavy cover. Weight savings aren't that noticeable unless you tend to walk long distances or climb, like western hunts. A short walk to a tree stand won't have you wishing your gun was lighter.

 

[RainDodger]

I have a couple of older Leupold 2-7X scopes. They're good scopes but not as bright as a scope with a larger objective. I only have 2 things to contribute - 1) get the largest objective you can for the money you want to spend, and 2) spend as much on the scope as you can because you generally get what you pay for.

Both Leupold and Nikon are good scopes, of course.

 

[Clark]

I shot 3 deer in 2015.
yearling mule doe broadside at 250 yards, 3.5x10 Sightron on 3.5 power
3x3 mule buck running away at 250 yards, 3.5x10 Leupold on 3.5 power
wet whitetail doe broadside at 629 yards, 3.5x10 Sightron on 10 power

It seems like there is always too much scope power, or not enough.

 

[d2wing]

The above brands are good. Another brand I like is Weaver. You can get good deals on Grand Slam and Super Slams now.

 

[briansmithwins]

For fast shooting up close too much mag can be a real hinderance. I prefer scopes with a low power (1.1-1.5x) even though it means sacrificing the high end.

BSW

 

[Newtosavage]

I'd absolutely go with the 2-7x33 Leupold. Don't discount the weight being an issue. It is.

I am a huge Sightron fan as I believe they are the best value for the dollar available, but their scopes are not lightweight at all.

 

[jmr40]

My top picks for a budget scope in order of preference.

http://swfa.com/Burris-3-9x40-Fullfield-II-Rifle-Scope-P7932.aspx
http://swfa.com/Leupold-3-9x40-VX-1-Riflescope-P51827.aspx
http://swfa.com/Redfield-3-9x40-Revolution-Rifle-Scope-P44468.aspx

A 3-9X40 is pretty versatile. A 1-4X20 is a lot faster up close and would save some weight. You sacrifice some precision at longer ranges. Plus they cost a bit more.

http://swfa.com/Leupold-1-4x20-VX-1-ShotgunMuzzleloader-Scope-P51851.aspx

The 2-7X's are a compromise. To me they aren't enough smaller or lighter than a 3-9X to matter. Also 2X isn't that much faster up close than 3X. The 1X scopes are what you want if you want to shoot fast and close.

Both Redfield and Leupold offer good options. While the Burris gets my top vote in a 3-9X40 scope, their version of a 2-7X just isn't as good and I'd not recommend it.

 

[fireman 9731]

I just got a Weaver Classic 1-3. I got it for my AR, but I'm going to get another and put it on my CZ 527 carbine I like it so much. Great for closer shots. Everything is terribly over-scoped nowadays. I really prefer lighter and smaller scopes.

 

[gamestalker]

For use where one expects shots to be under or about 100 yds, I don't think you could go wrong with a Leupold VX1. On 3x, you'll get a nice large field of view, and if for some reason you pick up a deer at an extended distance, you'll have the option of increasing the magnification.

Personally, I wouldn't want a 2x7 with a 32mm objective for up close shots, or where lighting may be dim, such as heavily wooded conditions.

GS

 

[outlawjw]

I have never had a problem with a Bushnell & I have & have had a few 3x9x50 3200 for less than 200 very clear & accurate tracking

 

[Poper]

I have several different scopes in the 2x-7x & 3x-9x power ranges in the price range you are in. Sightron (3x-9x), Leupold (2x-7x; 3x-9x), Burris (2x-7x, 3x-9x), Redfield Revenge (2x-7x, 3x-9x), Weaver (3x-9x, 4x-12x), Vortex (3x-9x, 4x-12x, 6.5x-20x).

Personally, I prefer the Vortex scopes.
But, for pure value for the money spent, the Redfields are very tough to beat dollar for dollar. I have a 3-9x40 Revenge on my Weatherby Vanguard in .30-06 and it has performed flawlessly while holding its zero for 4 years running.

I'll add this: do not go cheap on your mounts and rings. You'll spend a little more for top quality rings and bases, but when properly installed, they will be as solid and as reliable as concrete. Cheap bases can create fitment issues and I have seen cheap rings break.

Just my 2 cents; and worth every penny!

 

[jmr40]

I wouldn't want a 2x7 with a 32mm objective for up close shots, or where lighting may be dim,

The objective size in relation to magnification is what determines how much light gets through the scope. Bigger objectives allow you to use more magnification. A 1-4X20 scope set on 4X lets exactly the same amount of light through as a 3-9X40 set on 8X or a 2-7X32 scope set on 6X. The 3-9X40 set on 9X would actually transmit less light when set on 9X than the 1-4X20 when set on any magnification.

 

[mgmorden]

Thanks guys. I think I've settled on the Leupold VX-1 3-9x40mm. I've got a couple other rifles with $30 Tasco scopes that I may be putting Nikon's on when my extra funds recuperate . I had a bad habit of buying crap optics when I was younger, but I'm trying to break that with new purchases (and would like to start swapping out some of the junk as my budget allows).

I do find it odd that (at least at Amazon) the Leupold 2x7 runs $30 more than the 3x9 ($220 vs $190). On the Nikon Prostaff its reversed, with the 2x7 coming in about $30 cheaper than the 3x9 ($150 vs $180).

 

[Bartojc]

Out of all the ones mentioned you chose the one I prefer in that range. I put one on a Ruger American in .243 a couple years ago and I love it. I didn't want to spend a lot on a low dollar rifle, and this fit nicely with my plans. Great scope at a super price, and it'll work well for you.

-Jeff

 

[JWH321]

I still buy crap optical so. I've got an old Tasco that has Ben on a half dozen rifles from 30-30s to its current AR. High end scopes just remind me that i need to make an appointment with the eye doctor. I have a little 32mm Vortex that is my all-time favorite.

Buy what makes ya happy, but don't deny yourself the fun of a scoped rifle because you can't justify a $1000 price. Go get a $90 Burris and have fun.

 

[Sav .250]

To many high quality scopes available to just mention a couple.
Give Natchez a look see.

Plenty of scopes available in your price range.

 

[Clark]

Leupold sent me a replacement VX1 2x7 for a Vari x ii 2x7 that failed.
I put a Stoney Point elevation turret on it
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/899510/stoney-point-target-knob-leupold-scopes-one-only
I bought a rubber soft eye for the scope
http://www.brownells.com/optics-mounting/optic-accessories/scope-lens-shades/soft-eye-prod7786.aspx
Bought a Leica CRF
http://www.amazon.com/Leica-Rangemaster-CRF-1600-B-40534/dp/B007KAZIYG

And shot 9 deer with a pre 64 win M70 I rebarreled and restocked to be an ultra light 270.
Most of those deer were between 400 and 500 yards.

 

[lastofthebreed]

I put a Sightron 2X7 on a lever action 99 and have never regretted it. Even the less expensive scopes nowadays are light years ahead of just 10 years ago.

 

[mgmorden]

Well, I got my Leupold VX-1 in. Looks great (I couldn't find any 7mm-08 ammo locally so I haven't had the gun out to shoot it yet), but I noticed that NatchezSS also had the Burris Fullfield EF1's on sale/closeout for $139 (everywhere else I see that scope it's $250-300).

So it looks like I'll be eating bologna sandwiches for lunch this week, but I snagged one of those too for another gun I have .

 

[henschman]

You probably could have afforded the VX2, but oh well, you can't go wrong with a Leupold.

 

[Bobson]

Good choice. I have a 3-9x40 VX-1 on my hunting rifle, in a DNZ mount. Would have gone with the VX-2, but I didn't like that it doesn't have a locking ring on the ocular housing... Idk why Leupold did that. Anyway, my VX-1 is great, I'm sure yours will be too.