I'm currently using a 3x9 Burris scope on my Browning .270 WSM and I'm thinking about making an upgrade on optics. Hunting my feeder this scope works fine, but I've been looking to hunt some big fields on my place which would require more magnification. My neighbor (older guy) used to be an avid target shooter and swears by Leupold 6.5x20. I know that's a whole lot of scope though.

I'm thinking one of these (prices from Cabelas.com)...
Leupold VX-3L - 4.5x14 50mm for $779
Leupold VX-3L - 6.5x20 56mm for $1,089
Zeiss Conquest 1" - 4.5x14 50mm for $849
Zeiss Conquest 1" - 6.5x20 50mm for $999

Any help you can offer would be great. I'm guessing that is a lower level Zeiss for that price?

NightForce is putting some really good glass out there. Abit more money but IMO well worth it.

If anything, this one:

Leupold VX-3L - 4.5x14 50mm for $779

Anything above that is overkill. 20X is, more often than not, way too much. Very hard to hold the crosshairs steady when dialed all the way up, much less find anything in your scope, even at long range. Plus once you start going to the 50mm and 56mm objectives, you start having to mount the scope higher off the bore, which can cause cheek weld/eye alignment issues, among other things. The closer a scope is to the bore of the rifle, the better the accuracy.

All that being said, Burris scopes are typically pretty good, so if what you've got right now is doing the job, I'd stick with it.

I hunt across large fields my self and have 2 of the VX-III 4.5-14's. Great scopes, I have uised a 6.5-20 and the only problem is late in the afternoon or early morning when you crank it up the light gathering ability really falls off.

if you are trying to stay under a grand with high maginification quality glass, i think you list is complete. You are going to be going up in price if you look at swaro, nightforce, schmidt bender, ect.

You might consider Huskemaw optics to. Specifically their Huskemaw LR Rifle Scope (5-20 x 50). I can be had for a little over a grand, and is a good scope.

I have two scopes I am really happy with:

This i use for lower light conditions and I have been very happy with the clarity and quality of the scope:
Vortex Viper 6.5-20x50

I also have the Leupold VX-II 6-18x

I tried to keep scopes under $500 or so, but I have been very happy with both. The leupold is more no-frills simple scope whereas the viper is marketed/gadgeted up more, but I am very happy with the quality of both.

Just put a Leupold VX-II 4-12x40 and I love it. Took it with me last weekend and had no issues early in the morning or late in the evening. Plenty of magnification for a 150 yard shot too.

Don't be afraid to look at Kahle's glass.

6-20x is overkill in my estimation. It's target shooter/varmint glass. Smaller targets at great distances in good light.

Stick to a 3-12X. But unlike Log I actually prefer the 56mm. I want my riflescope to be the VERY last thing to lose light. Nothing more frustrating than seeing a good deer with the naked eye and not being able to clearly identify in the scope.

I'm not going to muddy the water!

You specifically asked about 4 scopes.
I personally would get ( in order).
1)Ziess Conquest 4.5X14X50mm.
2)Leupold 4.5X14X50mm.

Forget the 6.5X20's. You don't need them.

Screw all that. In that price range, Vortex is the way to go. Probably some of the best glass for the money available right now, with the Viper line being in your price range. Dad had a Razor HD 5-20x50 FFP with with a 35mm tube and EBR-3 MRAD reticle in his shop last week. They run about $1600+, but just damn.

This was me:

All the choices are too much scope.

More scope doesn't compensate for poor long distance shooting ability.

I love Kahles. Use 2 fixed 8s and 2 fixed 6s on various rifles that I use and loan. 4A reticle is hard to beat.

Some people benefit from the higher range scopes because they have a built in moral compass.....something to think about.

eta04....I don't know if anyone other than Sarovski has a 6 ratio scope but it might be something to look for. The one I use primarily is a 2to12. They also have them from 2.5to15 & 3to18.
For the most part...granted my hunting is different from yours....I am more concerned with what the low end is rather than the higher magnification.

[This message has been edited by sunchaser (edited 11/11/2011 1:28p).]

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More scope doesn't compensate for poor long distance shooting ability.

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Similarly, more posts from lostboy doesn't compensate for him being a dumbass.

Well put Sean!

I'll take care of educating the masses on all things outdoors.

[You'll have to wait until next week to to further the education of this board. We aren't going to put up with posts like that on this board. -Staff]




[This message has been edited by TexAgs staff (edited 11/14/2011 3:45p).]

While I generally agree with lostboy on this principle and seeing as how he does not know how well the shooter is doing, I am going to go with the fact that he's being a dumbass as well. If your mechanics are good and you are going from 150 yard shots to 300+, it will make a world of difference, and it appears that is what the OP is doing. A 3x9 is what I would definitely consider the best all around scope, but going to long distances that extra power would make a difference. I am in the "spend as much on optics as you do on the rifle" school of thought, btw.

double post

[This message has been edited by lostboy (edited 11/11/2011 2:12p).]

TheEye- the problem I have is people connect spending more on optics with purchasing a higher magnification scope. For the ranges we are talking about - a 3-9x40 or 50 is fine. Even stepping up to 4-12 is ok. For hunting you want a good eye box and relief- both of which decrease as you crank up the power. I don't like having to play that game behind the scope. Cheek to rifle, reticle on game, pull the trigger and follow through.

After this thread I'm leaning towards this one...



4.5x14 50mm for $779

Why is the LR version so much more expensive? ($300 more)

I plan to keep my Burris 3x9 and one day put it on an AR-15 (if I ever get one)

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Why is the LR version so much more expensive?

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30mm tube

EastTX -

Stick with the 1 inch tube offering. The main advantage of the 30mm tube is extra adjustments if you spin turrets. Contrary to what some think, the 30mm tube doesn't discernible difference in light gathering. That is a function of other variables - objective size, quality of glass, magnification, etc.

lostboy,

There's no such thing as too much scope. That's like saying you're getting too much ass or you're making too much money.

Guys, the man asked about 4 scopes specifically.
He did not put a quarter in your juke box and ask about shooting mechanics or long range technique oe whether he should buy a Vortex scope.
He sounds as if he's made up his mind and, unfortunately for him, asked this board of internet warriors which one of the scopes that they liked.
And, tex4guns is right!
No such thing as too much glass unless your having to pack it up and down mountains!

[This message has been edited by NW80 (edited 11/11/2011 2:59p).]

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There's no such thing as too much scope

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I thought you were smarter than this Tx4. I really did. So many intelligent posts on this board, and then this little crap-in-your-pants gem.

The original poster wants to hunt some open fields - not just rest his rifle on the window ledge of a box blind. He needs a scope for that purpose.

:|

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I'll take care of educating the masses on all things outdoors

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Contrary to what some think, the 30mm tube doesn't discernible difference in light gathering

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Let me educate you.....rifle scopes don't "GATHER" light.....they transmit it.....

You're cool.

I didnt realize stealing things from box stores qualified you as an outdoors expert.

But, once a troll always a troll I suppose.

lostboy,

The op listed some high end glass. In that range you really can't have too much. I guess Corvettes have too much horsepower for you, too. You're not gonna win this arguement no matter how hard you try.

You gay boys are on fire today!

Be right back. Have a date with your mom. In the shower.

the OP also stated he was 'hunting his feeder'

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Be right back. Have a date with your mom. In the shower.

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I'm sorry, but is this an A&M message board or Bryan Middle School message board?

My dad has had the Zeiss Conquest 4.5x14 50mm on his TC .280 for about a year now. It is pretty incredible.

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I'm sorry, but is this an A&M message board or Bryan Middle School message board?

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Actually, I believe it has turned into the "Ridgemont High" message board. Got some pretty fast times going here.
OP...all the scopes you listed a excellent choices. German glass is hard to beat, but Leupold is built tough and has a great warranty...

Hook.

Line.


Sinker.