Thread: Scope choice for 1st rifle

Hi team

As the title suggests I'm after a scope for my first deer rifle, the rifles probably going to be a sako in 7mm08 but I'm buying a scope first.

I've being looking at the Zeiss Terra 4-12x42 RZ8 and Leupold VX3I 3.5-10X40 Matte Boone & Crocket but thats under shop conditions, has anyone had any real world experiences with either of these scopes?, I'll be mainly hunting tops and opens so its not for a bush pig.

I'm also open ideas about other makes as well.

Cheers

In that price bracket you can't go wrong. Whatever you like/suits you will get the job done. Nikon worth looking at for the price too.

Zeiss Terra has some bad reviews on the Internet. Reticles twisting among a few other issues. They may have fixed the problems by now.

I use a vx3 4.5x14 b&c and a vx1 3x9 both been excellent scopes. I had great attention to use the b&c but never have. If i was going to buy another scope it would be the vx3 again in a heart beat but no b&c. Leupold warranty has been good they seem to just replace the item but its a three or four month wait

Whats your budget and how far do you want to shoot? I used a basic weaver V9 for quite a few years untill I started wanting to shoot 400+ it did me just fine, tough units and I would actually rate them a bit better on glass quality and build than a VX1
Otherwise, if you want to dial then you cannot beat the VX3 4.5-14x40cds as a no nonsense scope that will get you right out far

Budgets about $1k, from what I've being reading on the forum spending money on a decent scope is the way to go

Being a newbie won't be shooting out far yet but would like the option as my skill levels improve, as the scopes for a 7mm08 that will also limit the range. Would a 3-9 magnification be more suitable for the kind of range, dialing is also something I'd like to do as I'm interested in the technical side of shooting.

If you are wanting to dial jsut get the Leupold Vx3i 3.5 -10 x40 with the CDS dial and get an MOA dial.

VX3i will be a good option in that price bracket.
If you aren't in a rush to get a scope, keep an eye out for a 2nd hand VX6 in 2-12x42 was one on here the other day for $1100.
They are a great scope, one that you will never feel the need to upgrade.

May also be worth looking into the VX5HD 2-10x42, I'm not sure what the price on them are but if they are within budget or close enough to, would certainly be my pick.
Taihape Sports seems to have the best price in the country for Leupold scopes, may be worth while giving them a call.

I'd stay away from the Terra

Leupold is a good choice


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I have 2 Nikon Monarch scopes. A 2-8x32 which was on a 22WMR and will probably move to a 22 hornet and a 4-16x44 on my 243.
My only comment is that on the smaller scope which I used for spotlighting as well sometimes the retical appeared a little grey rather than crisp black as the 4-16 does. This sometimes made it a little harder to pick up the fine duplex in heavy shade or if not centered on the spotlight.
In hindsight I should have got the 4-16x50 as at 16x the exit pupil on the 44mm scope is quite small and getting your eye stable in the center takes concentration.
Most reviews will rated the basic Nikon Monarch series about the same as a leupold VXIII but a little cheaper. The monarch 5's and 7's are a further step up.

If deer shooting is you aim. I Would look hard at the new generation 2.5-10x40 scopes. Not too big and heavy to carry. Leave it on 2.5 while walking up to the tops or in the roar for quick action. 10x is plenty for 300 mtr deer shots.
Zane

I recently bought a Howa 1500 package in .308. Has a Nikko Stirling 3-9x40 Gameking on it. Whole deal cost me $750. Can't justify mega bucks for a 1-2 times a year rifle. Nice clear glass.

I've got the vx3i on my Howa. Just the duplex with cds. I haven't bothered getting my cds set up yet but the scope dials well. Replaced the Nikko Stirling scope it came with and it's way better in low light and in pissing down rain.
Both the rifle and the scope cost $1000 each but happy for a semi cheap set up.

Thanks for the input guys,

The Leupold VX-3i 3.5-10x40 CDS is the firm favourite if I buy new, I'm not in a massive rush so I'll see what comes up on the forum as well. The VX6 Dreamer sold would of been ideal but as it sold in under 10 mins you have to be bloody quick.