Thread: Scope options

Hay all, dont know if this is the correct place to post but gonna give it a whirl. I have a new browning xbolt 7mm rem mag and I'm looking for a scope on a budget. Looking around the 1k mark and I would like to do some long range stuff as well as a bit of Bush work. Any recommendations on what the best option is value wise? I'm all ears. Also has a t2 brake on it.

Save another 500 bucks and lurk around on here long enough you will pick up a vx5

Zeiss HD5 3-15x42 or Bushnell 2.5-16x42 would be good choices for $1k or less

+1 for the Zeiss hd5

affordable... precise... clear... Now choose 2.

I know it sounds rather glib to say that, but it is pretty true - you get what you pay for (in almost all cases!)

At 1k, your affordable (non-premium) scope will definitely frustrate you and impede your progress. It adds to the variables by not being precisely repeatable, or by not holding zero, or by not transmitting a clear, crisp image at highest magnification. If you can't trust what you see, how are you going to advance your skill?

vortex HST or secondhand PST

Originally Posted by Bol Tackshin

affordable... precise... clear... Now choose 2.

At 1k, your affordable (non-premium) scope will definitely frustrate you and impede your progress. It adds to the variables by not being precisely repeatable, or by not holding zero, or by not transmitting a clear, crisp image at highest magnification. If you can't trust what you see, how are you going to advance your skill?

Bullshit - if you buy quality 2nd hand you will get a decent scope that dials accurately and repeatable .... and with good optical quality.
Will it be top end euro glass .... obviously not. Both of the options I suggested provide this. The Zeiss glass is very good.

Originally Posted by chainsaw

Bullshit - if you buy quality 2nd hand you will get a decent scope that dials accurately and repeatable .... and with good optical quality.
Will it be top end euro glass .... obviously not. Both of the options I suggested provide this. The Zeiss glass is very good.

Chainsaw, I think Bob Tackskin was referring to brand new scopes. You can get some great deals 2nd hand for $1K or less as you say. Then again, buying 2nd hand, especially optics, can be risky (caveat emptor).

I hear ya, but from personal experience (& I've bought a lot of scopes) the risk on 2nd hand is very low (assuming you do your homework and buy gear that's been looked after).
Only had one "dud" - that was a Vortex which was replaced by the Aus master distributor for free with a brand new replacement. Savings over new are substantial and in most cases the guarantee is transferable.

I've had some good deals on used scopes too and a couple of not so good ones.

There's some pretty rough dudes out there, mainly on TM, selling hunting gear that they genuinely describe as mint or excellent condition that wouldn't pass for fair to poor condition but they can't see it. That includes some commercial dealers too. I always try to check out the goods in the hand if possible.

Originally Posted by chainsaw

Only had one "dud" - that was a Vortex

No surprise there

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@cameronjackwhite just tagged you on a VX5 HD thats just popped up for sale

Thanks for that. Looking into it now

Originally Posted by chainsaw

Bullshit - if you buy quality 2nd hand you will get a decent scope that dials accurately and repeatable .... and with good optical quality.
Will it be top end euro glass .... obviously not. Both of the options I suggested provide this. The Zeiss glass is very good.

My bad - I misread the OP - I thought he was looking for a scope to use at 1000m plus, not $1k budget. I was also referring to new, as opposed to 2nd hand - that is another whole debate that I will leave well alone. I have bought a few excellent bargains, but also my fair share of lemons!

The scopes you mention would be perfectly suitable for bush work and dabbling in LR shooting. I do stand by my comment as far as shooting 1000m or more, as that places demands on the shooter that a scope that doesn't track incredibly precisely will only magnify, causing the shooter to lose faith in the rifle, scope or even worse, doubt his own ability.

Yep, if you want to stretch 1000+ yards you are need the right gear