Rifle Scopes New Hunting Scope recommendations

[asumnerdawg]

Hello all. First post so forgive any mistakes. I’m a deer hunter and have little need for a range/tactical scope. What I am looking for is the best package possible under $1000 with the following:

Greatest possible glass for the money (HD/ED/fully multi coated)

Low light performance is crucial

Extras that I would prefer:

Great warranty

Proven

Here is my setup: Tikka T3 7-08 with current scope Zeiss Terra (first gen) 3-9x42 and 99% of shots under 350 yards. I’m not comfortable shooting further than that and making a humane shot

 

[Rancid Coolaid]

The older Trijicon Accupoints are awesome hunters, if you can find a 3-9 or 2.5-10, it'll serve you very well at low light hunting.

The Vortex Razor HD LHT is claimed to be quite nice, but I haven't used it (yet) so cannot recommend, but many other do.

Those 2 are illuminated; another option is a Swaro Z3, which has great glass, but no illumination in that price range.

I own a few of the Trijicons and Swaros, but my next will be the Vortex.

 

[asumnerdawg]

The older Trijicon Accupoints are awesome hunters, if you can find a 3-9 or 2.5-10, it'll serve you very well at low light hunting.

The Vortex Razor HD LHT is claimed to be quite nice, but I haven't used it (yet) so cannot recommend, but many other do.

Those 2 are illuminated; another option is a Swaro Z3, which has great glass, but no illumination in that price range.

I own a few of the Trijicons and Swaros, but my next will be the Vortex.

Thank you sir! I have looked into both the Vortex and Swaro Z3. Really intrigued by Vortex. I can get a Meopta Optika6 for a song but not sure they’re on par with the Vortex LHT or Z3.

 

[Rancid Coolaid]

I'm not either, but I hear good things about them. If it is a good deal from a reputable source, that would be a very good option - at least to start.

 

[Schaaf]

I really don’t think there’s a better hunting scope for the $$$ than the LHT Model Eurooptic is selling

 

[Hickswr]

Razor LHT is the ticket -

 

[Masher59]

I caught a screaming deal on a Z5i 2.4-12x50 BT 4w-i for a couple hundred over your budget to go on my Fix Q 6.5c. Keep an eye out or if in a crunch just go with the LHT it's super nice at that price point.

 

[Gunner2590]

I planned on putting a 42mm Razor HD LHT on my Tikka but went with the 50mm due to the crazy good price on eurooptic. I have only had it for a few weeks and have only shot a few times at the range but I like the scope so far. I have looked through it at dawn and dusk and the clarity and light transmission both look good. The illumination really is a game changer, coming from someone who’s never used that before. I wasn’t even going to put the battery in but decided to check it out and it really will be useful during lower light situations. No negatives so far but again I only have limited time with it.

 

[beetroot]

Leupold Vx5hd with firedot reticle would be my choice for a dedicated hunting scope.
If you hunt up close a lot go the 2-10, otherwise the 3-15 would be my choice.

The firedot reticle is excellent for quick, close range shooting.

 

[KeithR41]

Glass on the LHT is great but the turrets suck!!! Mushy and soft. I’d find something used.

41

 

[Gunner2590]

Glass on the LHT is great but the turrets suck!!! Mushy and soft. I’d find something used.

My windage is mushy, which was frustrating but I don’t have any intention of dialing it so it doesn’t bother me too much. My elevation I feel is perfect for the scope. The clicks feel very solid but not as loud as some other scopes, which seems like a positive for hunting. Is that different than your experience?

 

[KeithR41]

I’ve only handled several specimens in the store. Everyone has had subpar turrets to me.

 

[Paralax]

For another option to add to the pile, I saw that Euro optic has the Schmidt Bender Klassic line on a nice sale right now; the 3-12x42 would be stellar for $999 if you ever wanted to get into Schmidt glass for sub $1k...

 

[asumnerdawg]

Thanks for all of the replies! Great information! How would everyone compare the following in terms of glass quality and low light performance (if magnification/exit pupil were identical)?

Vortex LHT
Meopta Optika6
Leupold vx5 hd
Sub $1k Schmidt & Bender
Swaro z3

 

[Rancid Coolaid]

It's hard to beat Swaro glass, especially in the stuff they have been making for decades.

And I don't buy Leupold products, I've seen too many failures to trust them, especially in a scenario where something living is getting shot.

Given your stated objectives, I would not write off the 2.5-10 Accupoint, it is a stellar low light scope with no batteries to fail.

 

[CrabsandFootball]

Bushnell LRHS/LRTS in 3-12 or 4.5-18.

Good Glass
Great Reticle
FFP,
Lightweight/compact.
Proven
Illumination
Good Zero Stop System

I can't think of a better hunting scope until you are ready to head north of $1500. The can be found used for $600-800 all day.

 

[supercorndogs]

LRHS/LRTS is a solid choice. Depending on the FOV you are looking for. For coyotes I like 50+ ft on the low end. Just IMO. Sometimes my 2.5-10 monarch leaves me wanting some more FOV. Sometimes my 2-10 weaver makes me wish it was lighter. I have been looking hard at the 2-10x40 Razor.

 

[Hickswr]

Bushnell LRHS/LRTS in 3-12 or 4.5-18.

Good Glass
Great Reticle
FFP,
Lightweight/compact.
Proven
Illumination
Good Zero Stop System

I can't think of a better hunting scope until you are ready to head north of $1500. The can be found used for $600-800 all day.

Please let me know if/when you see an illuminated version for sub $700. Maybe I won’t be too old to old to hunt by then.

I agree they are good scopes but most folks don’t consider 14.3” and 28oz compact/lightweight.

 

[Totoro]

My votes go with SHV, LRTS/LRHS, Optika 6.

I currently own to SHV -10x and -14 and neither have disappointed.

I have spent a few ranges sessions with the Bushy and Meopta and I can see myself trying those out on some of my other rifles.

 

[browning442]

Bushnell LRTS is my current favorite... for $750 it is very clear and love the G3 reticle

 

[tydex21]

Razor LHT gets my vote for your price range