BigGameHunt.net Hunting Forums

Keepitsimple · Joined: 19 Nov 2002 Posts: 44 Location: Northern Wisconsin

Well my wife finally broke down and let me buy a new rifle. As I'm making my first trip to hunt elk next fall I went with a magnum, 7mm Ultra Mag to be exact. I got a great end of season deal on the gun, but I have not yet put a scope on it. Of course I would like to put a Leupold Vari-X III, but last time I checked the couch didn't sleep well so I think it's out of my budget range. I'm curious as to whether a lower priced scope such as a Simmons Aetec or a Nikon Buckmaster will be able to withstand the recoil. I know Leupold has a lower end in the VX-II, but I don't know if your getting true Leupold quality or if your just buying the name at this point. Any suggestions or real life experience would be very appreciated.

gunslinger338 · Joined: 20 Jul 2002 Posts: 117 Location: Montana

I've got a LEUPOLD 3x9 VARI-X 2 on top of my 338 Win mag. It has never let me down yet. I hunt really hard with it. It dosen't get a chance to ride around in a case :smile: Its not a VARI-X 3 but its a great scope I have 3 of them and won't have nothing but a Leupold.

Keepitsimple · Joined: 19 Nov 2002 Posts: 44 Location: Northern Wisconsin

Gunslinger - Thanks for the info. Since my post I done a lot more research and I think I'm settled on a VX-II. I was looking at the 4.5-12 but have been told a 3-9 would be fine for out west. I see you're from Montana, given the choice would you go with the higher magnification or are you set with the 3x9?

gunslinger338 · Joined: 20 Jul 2002 Posts: 117 Location: Montana

I find a 3x9 is more than enough. Although 4.5x14 would be great and would love to have one; if you got the money go for it or get the 3x9 and put the extra money toward your trip out west :smile:

kgoody · Joined: 07 Sep 2002 Posts: 35 Location: wellsville,ny

bottom line-if it sais Leupold..its the best you can buy

ChesterGolf · Joined: 17 Aug 2002 Posts: 1592 Location: Nova Scotia

I have a 3-9x40 VX-II on my 300 RUM and I couldn't be happier. I really didn't trust to put another brand on due to the recoil. I also went with Leupolds dual dovetail rings front and back for added strength. The 3-9 is the all-around variable but the 4.5-12 should work as well. It depends on where you are going to do the majority of your hunting. There is nothing that I would want to shoot that I couldn't shoot with the 3-9 scope.

Lever-action-lover · Joined: 30 Dec 2002 Posts: 114

I was wondering, would this scope be good for 100-150 ranges? And is it a good deal?
http://gunsandammo.com/auction.....em=7415127

ChesterGolf · Joined: 17 Aug 2002 Posts: 1592 Location: Nova Scotia

That scope would be fine for 100-150 yds. Are you putting it on your 30/30 or another gun. The reason I ask is that it is a scope designed for a 22 calibre rifle and may or may not restand any recoil even if the 30/30 is a light kicker. It's a good price unless it will not work for... in that case you have a scope sitting around that you can't use.

Lever-action-lover · Joined: 30 Dec 2002 Posts: 114

Wow...GOOD POINT I didnt think about that! Yes I would of put it on my 30/30! SO thanks for stopping me from buying it =)!

Keepitsimple · Joined: 19 Nov 2002 Posts: 44 Location: Northern Wisconsin

I dug in and finally bought a scope. I went with a Zeiss Conquest 3x9x40 mm . I fell in love with the optical clarity and could not see my way through to not buying it. Wasn't cheap $400, but it will be around for a long time.