Scope advice for new mountain hunter.

qbiermann89 · Dec 24, 2015

I am currently looking at doing a few western mountain hunts in the next few years. I currently run a 7mm WSM paired with a cheaper weaver 3x9x42 that was a graduation gift out of high school 8 years ago. I live in South Dakota and have used this scope to make a few shots over 400 yards, but would like a setup that can expand my effective range if needed. I am 25 and a few years and financial limitations away from a custom build and dream gun that I would like to buy. I am looking for a good mid range scope that wont break the bank that is relatively user friendly and will be what I want for some longer range shots. Thanks for all your help in advance - Quintin

dack77 · Dec 24, 2015

For me this is a simple answer. Leupold VX3 CDS in a 3.5-10x40 or the 4.5-14x40. Right now they have a $100 mail in rebate on them so they are around $449 + shipping and taxes. With the CDS dial, if you zero it at 200 yards, you will probably get around 800 yards on the dial if you need that kind of range. I think it's the best scope for the money. If you want an illuminated reticle, you could always spend just a tad more and get the VX-R but there is no rebate on them so you will easily spend $200 more.

muley505 · Dec 24, 2015

+1 on the Leupold VX3 with the CDS dial. Leupold makes an excellent scope, and their CDS dials are very nice as well. I really like the fact that you don't have to remove the turret cap to adjust them as well. One other option I'd consider is the Vortex Crossfire or Diamondback. I recently put a Vortex Diamondback on my .300 WSM, and I've been very pleased with it. The custom dials aren't as nice for the Vortex scopes as they are for the Leupolds, but you can get a very nice Vortex (Crossfire or Diamondback) for about half to two-thirds of what the Leupold will cost you. There a lots of very good options, and it kind of boils down to what you want to pay for a scope.

El_Matador · Dec 24, 2015

If you want to stay under $500 the VX-3 CDS is an excellent choice, especially with the rebate.

Most long range shooters prefer exposed "target turrets" that are a bit larger and more easily adjusted. The best scopes I've found in this configuration are the Vortex PST and Leupold VX-6. The Vortex has an awesome reticle that's illuminated and excellent turrets. Glass is about on par with the VX-3. You can find them for around $550 on sale sometimes. These are great scopes for the money but don't have quite the optical clarity of higher end scopes.

The VX-6 is my favorite long range hunting scope. It costs around $1200 but has everything you could want, including glass that's just as good as the $2000 Nightforce scopes. They have good reticles (TMOA), excellent glass, a nice wide range of magnification (3-18), and the turrets are great if you get the TAC dials from Leupold. These are also CDS scopes, meaning you get one free custom turret from Leupold. Get a TAC elevation dial as your free turret and you have one heck of a nice long range scope.

qbiermann89 · Dec 24, 2015

I have been doing some research and forgive me for being a newbie. I looked at both of these some and by looking at the Leopold right it is an out of the box so to speak in that by using the bullet settings or class C as they say the lines are pretty much set up for you. Sorry for all the questions

shedhead · Dec 26, 2015

you might want to give the vortex viper HSLR a look too. Great scope and also the best warranty

BrianID · Dec 31, 2015

I have both the Leupold CDS and Vortex Viper LR
I personally like the Vortex better.

You probably already know this but making consistent shots under hunting conditions at over 400 yards requires more than a good scope. You will also need to spend a lot of time shooting under hunting conditions. You are not going to be able to consistently make a 500 yard shot under hunting conditions unless you shoot your gun often. Very few western deer hunters can consistently kill a deer a 500 yards.

Retterath · Jan 11, 2016

i would say a vortex hs would fit your gun good.Pretty reasonable and great scope.

Gator · Jan 11, 2016

Get a 4.5x14x50 Leupold or higher Mag. those dusk or dawn shots across those flat fields are tough to make if the crosshairs blend in to that black soil. You can always turn it down if you don't like the high Mag. But if you need more Mag and your scope don't have it you are SOL, if you know what I mean.

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Togwotee · Jan 13, 2016

I'll jump on the VX-3 bandwagon too. 4.5-14x40 CDS would be my choice for the money .

When you're trying to decide between Leupold and Vortex think about where they're made and the quality you can expect. maybe some countries make good porcelain figurines, but stick to American and European made optics.

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