Rifle Scopes A little help please

[DMTYAGER]

I am looking for help in deciding which one of the three scopes I should buy based on the following criteria:
#1-The primary use for this scope is for hunting deer and elk to a maximum distance of 600 yards
#2-To begin with I would prefer as simple a reticle design as possible and don't intend at this point to use the reticle for ranging that's what my Sig Kilo 2000 is for
#3-Manification preferred is 3-15, 4-16 etc but nothing higher than 16x
#4- Scope needs to be as light as practicle but plan on going with a 30mm tube trying to keep weight to minimum for hunting in the mountains out west
#5-Rifle is a T3 Light in 300wsm
#6-Right now am preferring a SFP scope
#7-Most concerned about scopes tracking and return to zero above all other factors like glass quality
#8- Unfortunately my family's financial needs simply won't allow budget of much more than $600 yes I realize that places me at the lower end of entry level optics, but it's all I can afford for the foreseeable future. As such I am considering one of the three following scopes and would like input on which is the most well made and whos scope adjustments have proven to have the most accurate and dependable.
#1-Leupold VX-3i 4.5-14x40mm BDC W/SF and windplex reticle exposed turrets SFP
#2-Vortex Viper 4-16x44 W/dead hold reticle exposed turrets SFP
#3-SWFA SS 3-15X42 W/milquad reticle SFP
As I said this scopes use is first and foremost going to be for hunting that is why I would prefer it to be a SFP and of lower magnification
I have no doubt one day to enter into serious long range rifle competitive shooting but I simply cant afford it nor do I have the time for it for several years at least

I also have a question concerning Leupold VX-3i scopes pertaining to the reliability and accuracy of their tracking. Please bear in mind I am brand new to the realm of scopes with adjustable turrets but while researching the above three scopes I came across a sizable amount of information that stated that certain mid priced Leupold scope models simular to the VX-3i were having problems with their scopes tracking and returning to zero. I have zero first hand experience with any type of scopes like the ones I listed and I have no way of concerning if the issues I read about Leupold were true or just internet BS so does anyone reading this know for a fact if the VX-3i line of scopes are prone to tracking or return to zero problems with any more than any other scope in its class? I dont want to judge a product based on statements made in the anonymous world of cyber space
Thanks for the help
DMTYAGER/Art

 

[Hondo64d]

You're preference for a 2nd focal plane scope WILL bite you one day. For out to 600 yards as yo say, you should seriously consider the SWFA 6x or 10x. Both are fantastic scopes for the $. If you insist on a variable, the 3-15 SS should be fine, but I would not recommend one in 2nd focal plane.

John

 

[DMTYAGER]

You're preference for a 2nd focal plane scope WILL bite you one day. For out to 600 yards as you say, you should seriously consider the SWFA 6x or 10x. Both are fantastic scopes for the $. If you insist on a variable, the 3-15 SS should be fine, but I would not recommend one in 2nd focal plane.

John

Sincere thanks to you for your advice, but a 6x or 10x fixed power scope would likely rather offer limited application at close ranges for hunting, that's why I would prefer a variable. My preference of SFP is based on the longest range available to me anywhere near my home is 700 yards maximum. I didn't wish to bore people to tears with ALL the details which limit my abilities to shoot far from home such as the fact I only get 12 weekends off a year and have nearly zero free time on the other 40, and only get 9 off days a month and like any good father what off time I do get I spend with my sons. I do belong to a great private range, but it is limited to 200 yards for rifles.

As my use of any scope would be first and foremost that of a hunting application, at all ranges from 50 to I hope 600 yards, add in the fact I would rarely if ever take a shot at long range without having the scope set on it's maximum magnification is my reasoning for choosing a SFP scope, over a FFP. When that most glorious of days when the bulk of my financial commitments to raising and educating my sons FINALLY arrives I will then be able to afford a all out long range competitive shooting rig complete with a more applicable scope for that type of shooting will I then go with a FFP optic, but until such a time I feel a SFP optic serves my over all needs as a deadly serious hunter first and a long range hobbyist second.

 

[Delicatessen]

Swfa 3-15 would be fine...or the 3-9 HD it is ffp but easy to pick up reticle. I just prefer the HD style turrets/construction. Can easily see and hit beyond 600 yards with mine.

 

[BurnOut]

It's a touch above your budget, but may I suggest: https://samplelist.com/catalog/product/view/id/118937/?___SID=U

I have a number of the Zeiss HD5 optics, and have been very impressed with them as hunting scopes (their reticle options aren't conducive to tactical-style use, IMO).

 

[MWM-5150]

If you plan on dialing the scope at all, and tracking is of great concern then the SWFA will likely be your best option. Another option would be something from the Vortex HS-T line.

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/28...-reticle-matte

Now, these are kinda new to the game, so their tracking and reliability has not been proven, but every Nikon I've used has had great glass for its price point. I was immediately turned off by these because they are SFP, but if you're into that it may fit your bill nicely. I'll bet you can find them cheaper than $600 if you look around too.

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/87...-reticle-matte

Sportoptics sells Nikon, and they have a 12% off deal going right now.

 

[DMTYAGER]

It's a touch above your budget, but may I suggest: https://samplelist.com/catalog/product/view/id/118937/?___SID=U

I have a number of the Zeiss HD5 optics, and have been very impressed with them as hunting scopes (their reticle options aren't conducive to tactical-style use, IMO).

Thanks for the heads up, I didn't even consider Ziess as I felt it would certainly be out of my reach, I found a great deal in a used but LNIB one and I am inquiring to it's availability and accuracy of the add. IF I'm LUCKY I might get it.

Thanks again.

 

[DMTYAGER]

If you plan on dialing the scope at all, and tracking is of great concern then the SWFA will likely be your best option. Another option would be something from the Vortex HS-T line.

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/28...-reticle-matte

Now, these are kinda new to the game, so their tracking and reliability has not been proven, but every Nikon I've used has had great glass for its price point. I was immediately turned off by these because they are SFP, but if you're into that it may fit your bill nicely. I'll bet you can find them cheaper than $600 if you look around too.

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/87...-reticle-matte

Sportoptics sells Nikon, and they have a 12% off deal going right now.

Appreciate the Nikon suggestion, but in my searching I kept reading not exactly flattering reviews of Nikons CS when it comes to honoring their scope warranties, qranted I have no 1st hand experience with Nikon, but reviews of Nikons CS were considerably more negative than positive.

 

[JayOpticspecialist]

I am looking for help in deciding which one of the three scopes I should buy based on the following criteria:
#1-The primary use for this scope is for hunting deer and elk to a maximum distance of 600 yards
#2-To begin with I would prefer as simple a reticle design as possible and don't intend at this point to use the reticle for ranging that's what my Sig Kilo 2000 is for
#3-Manification preferred is 3-15, 4-16 etc but nothing higher than 16x
#4- Scope needs to be as light as practicle but plan on going with a 30mm tube trying to keep weight to minimum for hunting in the mountains out west
#5-Rifle is a T3 Light in 300wsm
#6-Right now am preferring a SFP scope
#7-Most concerned about scopes tracking and return to zero above all other factors like glass quality
#8- Unfortunately my family's financial needs simply won't allow budget of much more than $600 yes I realize that places me at the lower end of entry level optics, but it's all I can afford for the foreseeable future. As such I am considering one of the three following scopes and would like input on which is the most well made and whos scope adjustments have proven to have the most accurate and dependable.
#1-Leupold VX-3i 4.5-14x40mm BDC W/SF and windplex reticle exposed turrets SFP
#2-Vortex Viper 4-16x44 W/dead hold reticle exposed turrets SFP
#3-SWFA SS 3-15X42 W/milquad reticle SFP
As I said this scopes use is first and foremost going to be for hunting that is why I would prefer it to be a SFP and of lower magnification
I have no doubt one day to enter into serious long range rifle competitive shooting but I simply cant afford it nor do I have the time for it for several years at least

I also have a question concerning Leupold VX-3i scopes pertaining to the reliability and accuracy of their tracking. Please bear in mind I am brand new to the realm of scopes with adjustable turrets but while researching the above three scopes I came across a sizable amount of information that stated that certain mid priced Leupold scope models simular to the VX-3i were having problems with their scopes tracking and returning to zero. I have zero first hand experience with any type of scopes like the ones I listed and I have no way of concerning if the issues I read about Leupold were true or just internet BS so does anyone reading this know for a fact if the VX-3i line of scopes are prone to tracking or return to zero problems with any more than any other scope in its class? I dont want to judge a product based on statements made in the anonymous world of cyber space
Thanks for the help
DMTYAGER/Art

I would recommend getting behind all 3 and seeing what you like the best. different eyes see and perceive things differently. that said, my personal choice out of the 3 would be the vortex. in regards to someone mentioning ffp vs sfp, just keep in mind the reticle only subtends correctly on the calibrated magnification and you'll be fine. I would also pick up a custom turret to go with the scope if you hunt in the same consistent location, thats always helpful when hunting and it keeps things easy.

 

[MarkCO]

Here you go. Best match for your application: https://ads.midwayusa.com/product/6...QIGCwLvWhr-eb7VCoOTWKUcKk5BPTNc4MeRoCZMfw_wcB

I have shot several elk at 400-600 with a 3-9, 1" tube, I choose to stay with that for weight. Can't see ever needing more than 10x on elk unless you are out well past 600. The Veracity 3-15 is $100 more.

 

[MWM-5150]

Appreciate the Nikon suggestion, but in my searching I kept reading not exactly flattering reviews of Nikons CS when it comes to honoring their scope warranties, qranted I have no 1st hand experience with Nikon, but reviews of Nikons CS were considerably more negative than positive.

I was not aware of that. My experience with Nikon is limited to their hunting optics (that's about all they do for scopes), so not a lot of dialing in & out. Set it an forget it. If you're concerned about customer service you will be very satisfied with the Vortex offerings.

 

[schmi015]

Do yourself a favor and save just a little bit more. You can find a Bushnell LRHS for $900-1000. Its FFP but will serve you well with a well thought out reticle. Tracking is excellent, look for Killswitchs tracking tests.

http://www.bushnell.com/getmedia/a437cba8-bade-460d-bb4a-ee192017a452/Elite

 

[steve123]

Athlon Midas 2.5-15x50. The moa version has a simple reticle.

 

[Statusquo]

Here's my 2 cents, I have the 3-15 SWFA ffp and the VX-3 (not VX3i) 4.5-14 30mm SF CDS blah blah.

Glass is comparable and both track well. I've hunted with a 3-9 FFP SWFA-not ideal for low light low mag. It's also a clunky scope for a lightweight rifle. So I bought the vx3.

The VX3i feels and looks cheaper than the previous model VX3. But they say it's the same functionality. I would go the leupold route and get a CDS turret cut for 1 turn w/ zero stop. That will get you to 600 yards just fine (and yes back to 100-they track well).

In the end, get what you want. But stick to your original budget and specs. You'll be happier with it.

 

[DMTYAGER]

Thanks for the replies so far. Choosing a scope for longer range shots that mandate adjustable turrets has become rather daunting as there are so many out there to choose from and the reality of the situation is you simply must buy before you can actually confirm the scopes functionality, which for me is becoming problematic as I am quickly finding out not all such scopes are created equal. I will likely hold off for now on any purchases as I won't be going elk hunting until next year at the earliest, but will continue to monitor what's out there and be on the look out for a good deal.

I'm also beginning to accept I will have to up my price range as I am coming to the realization that features like a zero stop and a etched glass reticle are features worth paying extra for, as are dead reliable and repeatable adjustments..

 

[MWM-5150]

If you have time to wait it will be interesting to see what will surface to the market in the coming year. With the new vortex PST2 line, Im curious to see if Vortex updates the lower tier optics that were based on the PST design (HST, and Viper HS). Who knows. In the meantime, if you can save a little more it well worth it to consider "schmi015's" suggestion above and look into the LRHS scopes from Bushnell. Fantastic image quality, solid tracking, FFP, and zero stop. Also, keep you eyes peeled to the Optics For Sale section here on the Hide. Good luck in your search.

 

[DMTYAGER]

Here's my 2 cents, I have the 3-15 SWFA ffp and the VX-3 (not VX3i) 4.5-14 30mm SF CDS blah blah.

Glass is comparable and both track well. I've hunted with a 3-9 FFP SWFA-not ideal for low light low mag. It's also a clunky scope for a lightweight rifle. So I bought the vx3.

The VX3i feels and looks cheaper than the previous model VX3. But they say it's the same functionality. I would go the leupold route and get a CDS turret cut for 1 turn w/ zero stop. That will get you to 600 yards just fine (and yes back to 100-they track well).

In the end, get what you want. But stick to your original budget and specs. You'll be happier with it.

Stats,
Would you be so kind as to give me a more in depth review of your VX-3i especially how well in your experience it tracks? As far as scopes in the $600 or less price range the VX-3i W/CDS came as close as I was looking for to perfect in what I want in a hunting scope.

Thanks Art/DMTY

 

[Statusquo]

Mine is the VX-3. The VX3i came out a year after I bought mine. Main difference I see is they cut corners in the engraving. Not a big deal, just doesn't look as nice.

I opted for a 1-turn CDS turret w/zero stop for my load. For 600 yards it is more than "close enough". I've never had to re zero it for any drift.

I also ran it on my long range rifle for 6 months with the standard MOA turret. Lots of dialing for elevation and still never had to float the turret.

For a hunting scope you can't go wrong with a vx3. It's not gonna be a tacticool 1200 yard elk killer but it will track, the glass is good enough, and with a CDS (use a chrono and kestrel for initial data) and a little practice your lethal within your stated ranges. It's also not too big and the turrets aren't tall enough to snag on everything.

CS/warranty is great if it breaks.

 

[DMTYAGER]

Thanks Stats, appreciate your input, as I do all the help I get.

 

[IanHusaberg]

Check out Sig Sauer tango 4 line. I just sold a tango 4 3-12x42 30mm tube first focal plane. zero stop, illuminated. 24 ozs. There selling pretty cheap on eBay right now and their are second focal plane models also.

 

[Mr. Z]

Eyes up in the PX also, you can really stretch your budget on glass like your looking for because there's always people stepping to the next level. Good luck. And my vote goes to the vortex, the one you listed can be had well under your budget and NOBODY takes care of customers like they do.