What Power Scope?

wallhanger · Jan 8, 2004

Like a lot of other guys on this board that I've seen, I'm upgrading my scope. It'll be going on my .270 win, and like the others, I'd like some opinions.

First of all, I've all but decided on the Zeiss Conquest over the Burris Signature and the Leupold Vari X III line.

Now I'm trying to figure out what power. Is 3X9 enough? Would I use the higher magnification if I bought it? I've always had 3X9s, but I just figure if I'm going to get a scope, I only want to do it once. So is a 4-14 better? What would you guys recommend? I hunt pretty open desert-ish country for muleys.

Every opinion is welcome. Thanks,

WH

OSOK · Jan 8, 2004

I've always used a 4-12, on my deer/varmit rifle. Usually leave it set on 6. Have cranked er' up to 8 or 9 on deer once or twice. But normally only use the higher power on prairie rats and such.

kingfish · Jan 8, 2004

6x is my favorite....

kilowatt · Jan 8, 2004

I recently went to Gun Stores to check the different lines of scopes since I had not made up my mind.
Was able to use a wood stock that had a hard rubber attachment that would hold two different scores, one above the other for compareness. I tried the Zeiss Conquess 3x9 and Leupold VMIII 3.5x10. For my eyes the Zeiss was a lot more clearer. Went to three stores and it was the same outlook. So I took both the Zeiss 3x9 40mm and a Zeiss 3.5x10 44mm and what a difference in light gathering inside of the store. My friend went over to the window and looked out across the plaza and said he could see the pine needles on a limb of a tree across the way.
Not everyone has the same outlook as far as vision, so do a compareness test.
For me I will be getting a new Zeiss either at a big sports show next week or will buy from Cabela's.
A side note, I usually leave my scopes set at 4-6x but have the option for others.
Good luck on your choice.
Brian

AZbowhntr · Jan 8, 2004

I bought the Zeiss Conquest this fall in the 3X9. I can't imagine needing anything more than that. When I picked out my scope I had a few different scopes side by side and I thought the Conquest set at 5X was about the equivalant of 7X on a couple other scopes. It was probably the amount of light that was getting in but that definately made my decision easier.

30point · Jan 8, 2004

BRAIN, I PURCHASED A 3X9 ZEISS CONQUEST ON EBAY. IT WAS ABOUT $60 CHEAPER THAN CABELAS. JUST THOUGHT YOU MIGHT WANT TO KNOW.

kilowatt · Jan 8, 2004

30point,

Thanks for the heads up will check it out. What about the warranty part with the scopes??

Brian

AZBuckSnort · Jan 8, 2004

Leupold 6X42MM Matte finish with Multi-Coat IV lens. Simple, rugged, entirely enough magnification for hunting mulies, and gin-clear glass.

ICMDEER · Jan 9, 2004

Brian,

Not sure aobut Zeiss, but Leupold has a lifetime warranty on all optics regardless of who first bought it. Just send it in to the factory and they fix it - no questions asked. I have gotten all of my recent scopes off ebay and it works well for me - saves lots of $$.

On the scope, I used to always have 3X9's. I switched recently to 4.5X14 Leupolds. I never used the 3X setting so this works better for me. I can't say I've ever cranked it up to 14 power either, but someday I might.

Those zeiss optics are great, and I'm sure you'll love that scope.