Help with new rig

[wallhanger]

Hey fellas,

Wanted to get some input on the new rig I got the green light for from my wife. It will be my Christmas present this year.

I've decided on the Tikka T3 in 270 WSM. It will be my deer rifle, could use it on elk depending on what bullets it shoots best, but I have a 300 win for elk.

Anyway, here's what I need help with. I'm going synthetic. Do I go stainless or blued? Price difference is $60.

Bigger question: What to put on Top of it? I want something in the 3 or 4-12 power range, up to 4.5-14. Prefer it without the AO. Here are the scopes I'm considering.

Burris Signature select 3-12 X 44mm with ballistic plex. 420.00 ish

Leupold VX3 4.5-14 X 40mm with B&C reticle 550.00 ish

Sightron S2 3-12 X 42mm with plex reticle 300.00 ish

Like the Nikon monarch and BDC reticle but can't find it without the AO.

What would you guys go with? I can tell you that the best buy is a consideration. Speaking only about optics, what makes the Leupold 100-200 dollars better than the others? All have forever warranty. Sightron's is arguably the best warranty, just a lesser known brand.

Thanks for your opinions, wallhanger.

 

[deerhuntr4885]

LAST EDITED ON Dec-14-06 AT 08:11AM (MST)[p]I would definately go with the stainless rifle. If you ever hunt in the rain or snow it sets your mind at ease a little knowing that it won't rust (as much). The .270 WSM is a good round but you should also look at the .280 . I have used one for years and I love it. If you want more info about it and more opinions there is a thread in the gun section here on MM about the .270 and .280. Either way you will be OK just food for thought. Did I say I LOVE my .280

About your scope....I have the Leupold 4.4 X14. I would never shoot anything else again. I also have a Nikon 4.5X14 on my .300. It is good enough I guess but for some reason I prefer the Leupold. I think it is because it does not change zero as much from year to year. The AO does not ever seem to be a problem, never missed a shot because the range was wrong. Just be aware if you're in timber to turn it to the right setting. I would not let that be a deal breaker on a scope if you like it.

Also if you hunt states like WA where you have to count points (the three point rule) it sure is nice to have the extra magnification.

Anyway...you are on the right track and any combo you already listed would be a great gun.


Mike Henne

Oh yeah...I forgot to start the post with "Just my .02." So there it is.

 

[TFinalshot]

I'd say go blue with the 280 wsm.

The trigger on the tika is the same on blue vs. stainless, it will tarnish. the rest of the gun will also get some tarnish, but not enough, IMHO to warrent carrying a shinny reflective gun in muley country. If you want to look good buy the stainless. If you want a little more stealth, go with the blue with black stock.

I've found more guys because I spot the shine off ther stainless guns then I ever would have other wise, and if you think deer wont notice that you should study mule deer in open country, they will spot the shine off that gun from 5 miles if the light's right.

Go blue, that gun is tool/weapon, not a mantle piece. . .

 

[spitz]

Definately go with stainless if you hunt in wet weather. I've got the Leupold 4.5-14 x 40 and love it. You can pick one up in great shape off ebay usually for quite a bit cheaper and Leupold will still warrant the scope.

 

[kilowatt]

TFinal,
When did they start making a 280 WSM (Winchester Short Magnum) round?

Brian

 

[HaveGun_WillTravel]

Ditto Leupold 4.5-14x.

 

[cabinfever]

Not sure what the AO is. Definately go with BDC on the Leupold. You will love it. Why not go with the 50mm. It will be brighter at dawn and dusk.

Mike

 

[hogliver]

Stainless is not "stainless," it will rust and tarnish if neglected. Sometimes having the "stainless" makes a guy less apt to thorughly clean up after use, which leads to the problem stainless is supposed to resist. Blue looks better anyway.

On the scope, definitely the Leupold, great scope. I would only add that 4.5x seems a little overmagnified as the lowest setting. I personally prefer 3x as lowest for timber, etc.

On a side note, I was not aware that Winchester had developed a 280 short mag -- anyone aware if this is the case?

 

[wallhanger]

thanks for the replies, guys. I know Leupold has a great reputation and following. In fact I own two. Just curious if anyone can tell me what it is about them that makes them worth the extra dough for virtually the same features.

I prefer not to go with the 50 mm objective so I can use low profile mounts, and also to keep the overall weight of the rifle down any way possible.

keep the thoughts coming. I'm also looking online for used leupolds, since the warranty transfers.

WH

 

[deerbedead]

I would go with the Leupold as well. I own the Burris 4-14 with the ballistic plex, as well as a few other Burris scopes, but I prefer the Leupold.
Here's why. The glass seems to be clearer. The finish on the scope lasts longer. The Leupold scope is in my opinion the "sexiest" looking scope on the market. It just makes your rifle look great! The warranty is awesome. ( I have used it on their binos years ago before I bought some real binoculars)
They promptly warranty with no questions asked.
I like the vari x III's that I have the best.
I think you are smart to go with the 40MM objective because a scope mounted lower to the rifle is much easier and faster to shoot accurately.
Also the Adjustable Objective is in my humble opinion a pain in the butt. On the range you can dial it in for each yardage, but out in the field who wants to screw with fuzzy looking sight pictures if you guessed the wrong yardage to leave your focus ring on? I like them simple as well.
Is it worth the extra money? If you have the extra money, I think it is. If you don't, you could get by with the others just fine.

 

[cpugsie]

I'd go with Leupold also. I have the 4.5x14 x40 B&C reticle with the 30mm tube instead of the 1" (25.2mm)tube. I was told this combination will gatther more light than going with the 50mm objective with the 1" tube. I realy have no idea if that's true or not but I went with the 30mm tube and the 40mm objective anyway. Very nice scope. Have you considered the new low profile 50mm VX-L?

 

[Flipper]

My brother and I both have the T3 in stainless (300WM). I would do nothing different next time around. I saw a comment about the trigger. They are right, you need to keep an eye on that b/c it will tarnish.

later,
Flipper

 

[wallhanger]

I do like the VX-L. A little pricey for me right now though. I need to keep the whole deal to about a grand.

I'll keep an eye out for the trigger tarnishing. Is there anything to put on it to prevent that from happening?

WH

 

[TFinalshot]

sorry brian, typo. . .

 

[TFinalshot]

Not much you can do about if your gone out on a hunt for a week or two it's going to happen. It's cosmetic anyway, not a big deal to me.

 

[YukonDall]

NO BRAINER.....STAINLESS,& LEUPOLD,IS WHAT I WENT WITH ON MY TIKKA. WOULD DO IT AGAIN TOO. YD.

 

[crabcreekhunter]

I have the leupold 4.5-14 with the 50mm objective lense and it works awesome. I will probably purchase another one, but in the 40mm.

 

[Aaron]

Before U buy that Leupold do yourself a favor and look at a Zeiss Conquest. For the same money as the Leupold U can get a 4 1/2 to 14 1/2 Zeiss. I have a whole gun case full of Leupolds and i love them but once U look through that conquest U will want to throw those others away. That conquest is so much more clear in low light it not even funny. I have slowly started changing out all my guns i use to the conquest. Just look at one in a outdoor setting and U will know what i mean

 

[ELKabong]

Aaron!!
Can I have yer stinky 'ole cast-off Leupolds??

 

[BeanMan]

3X for me because of the potential for close shots in timber. I had some problems with the stock Tikka scope mounts moving and put a set of Talley lightweights on. I would recomend doing that with yours right off the bat.

BeanMan

 

[gb22]

It's not so great "being the oldest one", but it does give an opportunity for experience. Zeiss is GREAT optically. They don't stand behind their warranty. Fair warning! Don't buy them. I've had two claims. I also have the 4.5 to 14 Leupold (only mine is 50mm). It's a great scope. An option, instead of getting the B&C reticle, buy your favorite Leupold scope and have them install a bullet-drop compensating reticle. You have to ship your scope to them, along with the info about EXACTLY what ammo you will shoot. The shipping is about $20 and the cost of the new turret is only $79.95. The new turret will enable you to dial the distance to the target (200 yds, 300 yds, 800yds or...) and aim DEAD ON. It works. I've had it two years. You really should look into it. It enables you to do what the guy in the beyond belief video does.

 

[GilaJeff]

I'm not much of an authority on such matters, since I just recently (2002) returned to rifle hunting, but I currently have Zeiss, Leupold, and Burris scopes on my shootin' irons. I just bought a stainless Weatherby Vangaurd, and a stainless Sendero. Both will be topped with Zeiss glass (Conquest) due to quality and value. I would not knock Leupold or Burris though. I hope you enjoy your new rifle. By the way, I have a friend who shoots a heckuva lot more than me, and he says the only difference he can see between a Leupold vari-xII and a vari-xIII is the heat waves on a summer day aiming at long distances. Good luck with your choice. If you need some advice on longbows or recurves, let me know!

 

[wallhanger]

Thank you guys for all the input. I'm actually surprised at the overwhelming response for Leupold and Zeiss, as I thought there would be a few Burris or "off brand" fans out there. You guys are helping to confirm what I had suspected, just wanted to make sure I wasn't missing anything before I drop that kind of cabbage on a new setup. I have a Conquest 3-9 on one rifle, and a Vari-X III on another right now. It's just when you go to the higher magnifications the price goes up in a hurry. That's why I was fishing for other brands that would compare favorably to those two for less dough.

Thanks again. Merry Christmas.

WH

 

[CAelknuts]

I certainly prefer stainless over blued. If you ever hunt in wet weather, stainless is much better. More importantly, all of my stainless barreled rifles are very accurate. As for scopes, I'm a leupold fan, but imagine the Nikon would also be excellent. I'd personally shy away from any lesser known scope, why bother? In optics, you generally get what you pay for.

 

[GrizlyHunter]

You're looking at the same gun that I am buying next. T3 .270 WSM. I found one at Cabelas for $600 but I think I might be able to do better.

I would recommend Stainless and Leupold. I just bought my 4th one last week. I would also do the 40mm, not the 50mm. I have a 50mm and if I had to do it again I'g go for the smaller one. The 50 is too big, usually requires taller rings, weighs more, and won't fit in most leather gun scabbards.

Good luck though. It sounds like you got a fun project ahead of you.

Grizzly

 

[REDDOG]

I will chip in my .02 worth! i agree with tfinal on the blued- stainless, all my stainless guns are bead blasted too remove glare, i dont know if the rifle your getting in shiney or blasted but? on the scope i have swaro's, leup's , nikon,zeiss(not the conquest, the v/mv 30mm) and sightron. imo the sightron is the most underated scope out there.But any more my rifles get a leup,30mm long range, for one reason,i can see any thing the german scopes will, and as someone said in another post leupold custom shop is awsome, my scopes have either the custom turret or the crosshair drop system, i would save the money on the b&c recticle and have them cut to your rifle and your bullet, the results are spot on and with practice deadly at long rang.

 

[BLU]

Go stainless if you have the money for the Leopold, otherwise, stay with the leopold. You will not be sorry.

 

[bounder]

you will love the gun,blued or stainless.I bought same gun for my wife and she loves it.I put the monarch on.I,myself am trying to figure out what scope is the best for the money,my dad shoots the zeiss,I have 2 varix III's,and 2 sightrons and like them all just prefer a couple guns over the others.OH doesn't sightron make leopold optics or did in the past?

 

[Pre64]

When you drop our rifle or your horse bucks and your 5 miles from your truck, let alone the store, which scope do you want on your rifle? Every time I try another brand I wish I'd just bought another Leupold.

Also, keep in mind that the B&C reticle may or may not fit the ballistics of your load. Do some work with a ballistics program http://www.biggameinfo.com/index.aspx?page=/balcalc.ascx before you pay for the reticle to make sure it will work. You can always have it sent to the custom shop so they can put a custom reticle in for the load your rifle likes best (as someone suggested earlier)

Also, that reticle only works on the high power setting. So, if you buy the 4.5X14 you will have to crank it up to be able to use the reticle. I bought a VXIII with the reticle and got a 3.5X10 because I wanted a wider field of view when using the reticle. Elk fill up a 14 power scope quickly.

 

[wallhanger]

That's good to know about the custom reticle. What does Leupold charge for the custom reticle?

Also, with the custom reticle, do you have to crank up the power to the highest setting to use it?

Thanks,

WH

 

[Pre64]

This is where the handloader has an advantage. Choosing which reticle works best for your rig will depend on which load you settle on. A reloader can settle on a load and then reproduce it as long as components remain consistent. Still, you should be able to find a plex (or have one custom done) which will be close to a factory load if you don't reload. I don't know how close because I haven't bought factory ammon in a long long time and I have no idea how consistent the ammo is from lot to lot.
I think what I'd do in your shoes is settle on a rifle and caliber, find another scope which shoots reliably, and then find a load which your rifle likes and will also handle all your hunting needs. Then get or borrow a chronograph and find how fast that load shoots in your rifle. Get several readings and average them. Find the BC of the bullet your are using and then use the ballistic calculator to find the trajectory. If one the Leupolds aiming systems works, then use that system. If one doesn't, then just buy a regular duplex and send it to the custom shop to have the custom reticle put in. I think its about $100. Keep in mind that a custom reticle will work only for that rifle with that load, so if you play musical scopes like I do a more generic system or maybe just a duplex would work better. All of the info you need is on the Leupold web sight.
The custom reticle will only work on one setting, usually the highest, because the distance between the stadia at any given range will change as the power of the scope is changed. I wanted the 14X VX3 also but I didn't want to restrict the field of view to the point where I'd have trouble finding a critter in the scope if follow up shots were necessary. I'm not saying this is right for you, just the reasoning behind my decision to go with the 3.5X10.

 

[REDDOG]

yes, luepold scopes are in the first plane (exept maybe lps?) so you have to have it on the highest magnification, which is normally no big deal, if the shot is far enough to use the drop system you will probly have it cranked up anyway, if its within 300 yards,just use the recticle as a regular crosshair. I like the turrets, i normally have two cut for different bullets, one for like a scirocco, and the onther for a hevier tropy bonded bullet, for current pricing look on their website under custom shop.

 

[wildwyo]

I would say that all the leupold owners are correct (vary hard to argue against them), but since you are fishing for another brand. I have a Springfield armory scope that I bought at cabelas & I have had ZERO trouble with it. It holds its zero from year to year, & it's clarity is as good if not better than leupold.. & may be cheaper depending on the mod you look at.