Rifle Scopes Optics Choices

[Apothus]

I'm looking for a new scope to put on my long range/hunting rig. Right now I've got a Leupold VX3 4.5-14 on there but I don't like it for several reasons. Number one, is the glass clarity. If I crank it to 14 magnification, I lose a 20" steel target. My second complaint is that it feels like looking through a small piece of pipe. The field of view is incredibly cramped and drives me nuts. Most of my shooting is in the 600 yard range with 750 being what I'm practicing on currently. Eventually I would like to stretch my .338 Win Mag to a thousand yards.

Can anyone recommend a good quality scope that has decently clear glass and a nice wide field of view? I'm looking to spend about $400-500 right now as a state change is coming up. I know little money and clear glass don't go hand in hand, but I'm not asking for Nightforce quality glass, just something clearer then this Leupold.

I'm leaning heavily towards the Vortex Viper 6-20x44, but would like to look at other options.

Thanks
Apothus

 

[TOP PREDATOR]

Re: Optics Choices

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Apothus</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> but I'm not asking for Nightforce quality glass, just something clearer then this Leupold.

I'm leaning heavily towards the Vortex Viper 6-20x44, but would like to look at other options.
Apothus</div></div>

good choice, in the vortex, don't rule out nikon.

.....get the popcorn ready.....

 

[Sapper524]

Re: Optics Choices

Wait and save up for a SN3 or NXS ... buy once ... pay once

 

[Jer]

Re: Optics Choices

For that price range check out a Falcon Menace 14x mil/mil. Great optic for the price.

 

[Prairie Dog Dundee]

Re: Optics Choices

Loosing a 20" at 14X at even 1000 yards because of clairity in a Leupold VXIII just does not sound right. Are the lens dirty or fouled in any way? As for field of view it is a fact of life that at higher power the field of view is smaller. Pratice is the answer. I know several Prairie Dog hunters that can get on a little PD at 400 yards pretty fast at 350-400 yards.

I'm not trying to be condensending or rude in any way. But IMO you are not going to find better than what you have for what you want to spend. I own the 6.5-20 Vortex Viper you mentioned and have used it with good results on 12" steel targets at 600 yards and 2/3 scale IPSC targets at 900 yards with no problems. I also own a 6.5-20 VXIII Leupold and use it as above with no problems. The FOV on the VXIII you mentioned is 17.4-6.2 the Vortex you mentioned is 19-7.4 which is a little better. Personally I would send your scope to Leupold if it is that milky and see what they say before spending bucks on a new one.