Scope choice

Razaboo · Nov 2, 2003

I need to replace my scope this next year, broke the rear eye piece on my current one. This is the first year that I have really hunted blacktails in thick timber. I am finding that the Bushnell Banner that a buddy loaned me doesn't gather light well enough at the end of the day. So, I am looking for recomendations on what you guys think is the best light gathering scope on the market. Any and all opinions welcome.
Thanks in advance.

Stan

treekiller · Nov 2, 2003

I have a Leupold fixed 4X. It doesn't have the largest objective end, but it gathers plenty of light. Besides they're made right here in Oregon, so if you have a problem it's not a hassle getting it repaired or replaced.

Most of my blacktail hunting was done with an old Weaver 3X. I think it only had a 20mm lens.

RELH · Dec 13, 2003

Since you are hunting in heavy wood terrain, I would look at getting a Leopold or Nikon in the 2X7 power range. both brands are noted for light gathering ability. Being able to turn the scope down to the 2 power setting is a big bonus in heavy woods if you jump a moving game animal. At 7 power, you still have the ability to take the long shots.
RELH

polarbear · Dec 15, 2003

If you are going to hunt blacktails here in the Northwest, try a Bushnell 4200 with the rain guard lens coating. My buddy in Elma hunts a lot in the rain and snow and swears by them. They dont fog up and the rain beads up so small that it doesnt obstruct your view. I am a hardcore Leupold fan but I am going to get a 4200 next month for myself.
Eric

Life long "vagitarian"

D13er · Dec 15, 2003

If that scope you broke is a leupold, send it to them and they will fix it free, doesn't matter how you did it.

JB

Razaboo · Dec 22, 2003

Thanks for all of the advice. The scope I broke was a Simmons, used it for 30 years without any problems, until I dropped it.(oops) I am checking out the 4200 this christmas break.

Stan

Blacktail_boy · Dec 29, 2003

I have a leupold gold 3x9 and swear by it. It seems to do well in the rain, and I have even dropped it and it still works like a charm. Jordan

littlebuck · Jan 14, 2004

I have used leupold's for 20 years. They have a worked great. I did have send one in to get fixed after a bad fall on the scope and they charged me $160.00 to fix it. They replaced the scope it was bent. I think Im going to try a Cabela's Alaskan guide scope next .

huntm2 · Feb 9, 2004

LM - NRA, NAHC, RMEF
My son tried an Cabelas Guide Scope and after two hunts sent it back. He could see alot better with my Leupold's ( a 3-9 X 50 and a 3.5-10 X 40. I used different guns on the two hunts and he conseeded. Have talked to two others that also had the same view of the Cabelas scope. I'll still take the Swarovski over any Leupold. For what it is worth. Weatherby 30-378 with Swarovski 2.5 x 8 gotta love it!!!

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