Which scope would you choose?

joebobhunter4 · Jul 7, 2015

I decided to build my own rifle and am stuck between two scopes that I want to put on it. Either the Swarovski Z5 5-25x52mm side focus Ballistic Turret Matte or the leupold VX-6 4-24x52mm side focus target. Price is not the issue on either I am just wondering the pros and cons of both to put on a mountain hunting rifle. I will be putting it on a custom .300 win mag and will be using it for backpack and horseback hunts. What do you think and what would you go with?

Cahunter805 · Jul 7, 2015

Of those 2 scopes I'd go with the leupold and get a cds dial for it. That's a pretty big scope for a mountain rifle.

joebobhunter4 · Jul 7, 2015

LAST EDITED ON Jul-07-15 AT 10:18AM (MST)[p]Do you think an 18 power scope would be better for mountain hunting or?

Zeke · Jul 7, 2015

I think anything over about 9 or 10 top-end power is all fluff, brush and pork fat on a mountain rifle.
You have to carry it, not me, so get whatever turns your crank.
Yes, 10X scope will still kill stuff as far away as a guy should be shooting (which is REALLY far)
There's my 2 cents,
Zeke

trophyhunter · Jul 7, 2015

+1

))))------->

Togwotee · Jul 7, 2015

Hard to go wrong with Swarovski. but, I just put a 3x16 VX-6 CDS on a custom 270 WBY and I have to say I'm impressed. super clear, great maginification for my 52 year old eyes and the CDS works pretty dang good. and it's American made.

That said , for a mountain rifle I think the VX-3 4.5x14 CDS is the best choice only because it's 5 oz lighter.

Stay thisty my friends

joebobhunter4 · Jul 8, 2015

Ok sounds like a lower magnified/lighter scope is what I will start looking at. What is the major differences between the leupold CDS and the swarovski ballistic turret for those of you who have used either or both of them?

Togwotee · Jul 8, 2015

Both work , Leupold is cheaper and you can have it in a week or two.

I have been told by pretty good sources Swarovski's tracking isn't as good as Leupold. I don't know for sure . what I do know is on my Vx-3 I've about worn the finish off my turret running it up and down trying to produce a failure and so far it's been perfect.

Probably Nightforce is the only one you can count on all the time but I'm impressed with Leupold.

Stay Thirsty My Friends

muleymaddness · Jul 8, 2015

Swaro Z5 3-18x44 BT with 4w reticle would be my vote. Oh wait, that is what's on my rifle too...

sagebrush · Jul 8, 2015

I would recommend a Leupold scope only because I like a 40MM objective on a hunting rifle. The Swarovski scopes with magnification over 10 power all have larger objectives. My choice is the VX3 4.5-14X40 with the CDS, 30MM tube and Windplex reticle.

"You can fly a helicopter to the top of Everest and say you've been there. The problem with that is you were an a$$hole when you started and you're still an a$$hole when you get back.
Its the climb that makes you a different person". - Yvon Chouinard

30Hart · Jul 9, 2015

14X at the top end is all you need for a precision rifle if you're wanting more at the top then a 9x or 10x. For me parallax adjustment is a must either way!

sageadvice · Jul 10, 2015

Which scope would i pick? If i could upgrade my "Glass" i'd spend the least amount that i could to get "good dependable" scope, about, $200-400. My scopes have crosshairs that work really well and i've never needed to see something that the $1K and up scope shows but mine don't.

I use my binoculars way more, to me i'd spend what i could on a better binocular, then a better spotting scope, then whats left over, i'd spend on the scope (as long as it met above requirements).

I know it's not the OP's thoughts here and it's sure nice to have a thicker wallet but some readers might be where i'm at and upgrading to a super fine scope for a hunting rifle might best be put off until the dandy top of the line bino's are already hanging in the safe.

Joey

"It's all about knowing what your firearms practical limitations are and combining that with your own personal limitations!"