If you are buying a scope, and money is an object to a degree, and the intended use is hunting out to say 500 yards max (& probably way less more often than not) would you spend the extra money to get an adjustrable objective scope or use that same money to but a little bit higher quality scope -- or do neither and save the money for the nex thing you (think you) "need."
Adjustable Objective vs. Quality
- Thread starter Murdy
- Start date
Bitterroot Bulls
Veteran member
If you give us a budget, the caliber, and intended target, we could give you some options.
FWIW, an adjustable objective is nice for certain types of shooting, but for most hunting 500 and in, it is completely unnecessary.
You can usually get the most scope for your money in the 3-9X40 configuration, which is plenty of magnification for big game hunting out to 500 yards.
Glass quality trumps magnification every time.
FWIW, an adjustable objective is nice for certain types of shooting, but for most hunting 500 and in, it is completely unnecessary.
You can usually get the most scope for your money in the 3-9X40 configuration, which is plenty of magnification for big game hunting out to 500 yards.
Glass quality trumps magnification every time.
Six-Gun
New Member
- May 27, 2012
- 37
- 0
Bitterroot Bulls has it right. Not one of my big game scopes (mostly Leupold VX-3 with B&C reticle) has an adjustable objective and I've run the gamut of shots in the past few years, from 23 yards last year on a Nebraska whitetail doe all the out to just shy of 400 yards on a South African gemsbok bull in 2010. Will you have a bit of parallax? Sure. Is it enough to take you completely off target with otherwise good shooting form. Probably not.
Now, with my higher magnification prairie dog rigs I do run an adjustable objectives on slightly lower priced optics. That's because 1) I'll take a shot at a prairie dogs just about as far as I can dial in dope, so I need the magnification and 2) the bright daylight shooting conditions conducive to most prairie dog hunts don't really stress the optics quality, at least as far as low light conditions (not to mention that mirage is a far more brutal problem in those conditions). Those guns feature either Leupold VX-II with 1/8 MOA target dot and target turrets or Weaver Grand Slam glass. Regardless, when you make a choice like I did, you have to recognize every step down in optic quality combined with increased magnification is a double hit: more magnification with lower quality glass only makes things tougher, especially in low light.
Bottom line: in a target rich enviroment with a fairly dumb critter that will often allow for a follow-up shot after a bullet impacts just shy of his feet (read: prairie dogs), you can get away with trading off some optical quality for feature like higher magnification and/or and adjustable objective. However, if you need strong low light performance and you've busted your butt to get within closing distance of a worthy big game animal, the last thing you want is poor glass hindering a good shot for the sake of an adjustable objective.
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Thank you both. That pretty much answers my question: "FWIW, an adjustable objective is nice for certain types of shooting, but for most hunting 500 and in, it is completely unnecessary." Was looking at Vortex Diamondback in 4-12; intended target is antelope first, then maybe deer. Currently they are on sale for $200 (bdc) and you can get one with AO for another $100 (that's about my budget). Putting on, most likely, a Savage 11 in .260 rem. Thanks again for the advice.
Bitterroot Bulls
Veteran member
If it were me, and my budget was $300,
I would bump up to the Vortex Viper 3-9X40 BDC. The Viper series has comparable glass to the VX-3 line from Leupold.
http://swfa.com/Vortex-3-9x40-Viper-Rifle-Scope-P51895.aspx
I would bump up to the Vortex Viper 3-9X40 BDC. The Viper series has comparable glass to the VX-3 line from Leupold.
http://swfa.com/Vortex-3-9x40-Viper-Rifle-Scope-P51895.aspx
Bitterroot Bulls
Veteran member
Colorado Cowboy
Super Moderator
I have both types on my Leupold VXIIIs. Six gun hit the nail on the head. I do have an AO on my 4.5x14 on my .300 Wby and when I am hunting I usually have it set on the "Infinity" setting. The last thing I need to be doing when a shot opportunity is there is fiddling with that adjustment. Unless the animal is a lot further than I normally shoot, I don't use my range finder either. I do set the AO at the range when I am shooting as I get a sharper image and can see the bullet holes in the target easier.
Bitterroot Bulls
Veteran member
CC, setting the focus to infinity will add some unnecessary parallax (although not huge amounts) at common hunting ranges under 200 yards. Also, your scope will not be performing at its highest levels at those ranges. I would recommend setting the focus somewhere between 100 and 200 yards, which is a good balance, and also what manufacturers set their non-AO scopes at the factory.
boulderbeardog
New Member
If your going to go without parallax adj. you should spend more on your scope. If you are hunting antelope with it you are more then likely be fighting mirage. I perfer side focus myselt. You don't have to move much to adj and sure helps a whole lot on hot days. It also give you the ability to shoot further if the need arises. I have owned many scopes in the power range that you are looking for and the only one that I have found to fight mirage well with out parallax adj is the swaroski. And at least try to stay with usa made products. Even though all glass is made over seas at least buy scopes that are assembled in the states. I have tried many lesser priced brands that are supposed to be just as good as leupold but have never seem to hold up or have the quality.
Thanks for the input, boulderbeardog.
"I have tried many lesser priced brands that are supposed to be just as good as leupold but have never seem to hold up or have the quality." I agree with that completely. I bought 2 lower end Bushnells a while back and ended up replacing them both in a few years.
"I have tried many lesser priced brands that are supposed to be just as good as leupold but have never seem to hold up or have the quality." I agree with that completely. I bought 2 lower end Bushnells a while back and ended up replacing them both in a few years.
GOOD PRICE (if anyone's in the market):
Vortex Optics 3 - 9x40mm Viper Series Riflescope, Matte Black Finish with Dead-Hold BDC Reticle. -- $279.95. ships free.
http://www.adorama.com/VORVPRM01BDC.html
Vortex Optics 3 - 9x40mm Viper Series Riflescope, Matte Black Finish with Dead-Hold BDC Reticle. -- $279.95. ships free.
http://www.adorama.com/VORVPRM01BDC.html
Bitterroot Bulls
Veteran member
Hmmmm....
The problem may be that you were trying "lesser brands." I have and like several Leupold scopes, but my favorites are from other companies.
Leupold makes some good and great scopes, and others that are not-so-good.
Vortex is much the same.
I haven't really seen a "dud" scope model from Swarovski yet, but it could happen.
Bushnell's elite scopes are also very good.