I think I am going to buy a new scope for this upcoming high country deer hunt I should draw for this year. Any recommendations?
Recommendation for a rifle scope for a high country deer hunt in Colorado
- Thread starter Work2hunt
- Start date
Check out Vortex. Just got one for my 308 and I have a spotting scope. Been very happy with the glass for the price.
Bitterroot Bulls
Veteran member
Rifle?
Budget?
Ranges?
Rank these qualities in how important they are too you:
Optical image quality.
Mechanical precision (tracking/zero holding)
Warranty
Low light performance
Weight
Dimensions
Budget?
Ranges?
Rank these qualities in how important they are too you:
Optical image quality.
Mechanical precision (tracking/zero holding)
Warranty
Low light performance
Weight
Dimensions
I'm think I am going to use my 280 in a 700.
My preference will probably be mechanical precision, optical quality, low light performance, then warranty.
Anything jump to mind? What magnification would you go with?
My preference will probably be mechanical precision, optical quality, low light performance, then warranty.
Anything jump to mind? What magnification would you go with?
Bitterroot Bulls
Veteran member
Bitterroot Bulls
Veteran member
The Vortex Viper HS scopes are great values.
Meopta Meopro scopes are optically outstanding.
Sightron's S2 Big Sky series are good overall.
If you can find a deal on one of the discontinued Zeiss Conquest scopes, you are in business.
Low light performance is a priority, so lower magnifcations will be best. a 3-9 or 2-10 will be a good match.
My high country scope is a 2-7X32 Vortex Viper.
All of these scopes are optically superior to any comparable Leupold scope in features and price. However, Leupold's ultralight scopes are quite nice and very lightweight. They make very good high country scopes, but the variable eye relief is a bit annoying.
Meopta Meopro scopes are optically outstanding.
Sightron's S2 Big Sky series are good overall.
If you can find a deal on one of the discontinued Zeiss Conquest scopes, you are in business.
Low light performance is a priority, so lower magnifcations will be best. a 3-9 or 2-10 will be a good match.
My high country scope is a 2-7X32 Vortex Viper.
All of these scopes are optically superior to any comparable Leupold scope in features and price. However, Leupold's ultralight scopes are quite nice and very lightweight. They make very good high country scopes, but the variable eye relief is a bit annoying.
Vortex Crossfire II 3x9x50 not as good as the Viper but a decent scope for the price. I would look into the Viper since your budget can allow it.
bigmoose
Active Member
I have a Leopold 3X9X50, Vari XII that is great in low light on my 7WSM if you don't mind the big glass. It is in your budget.
Moose
Moose
I haven't heard anything about Nikon and most of my scopes are nikons. Any oughts on Nikon vs the vortex? What's the difference between the vortex viper and the viper pst?
ssliger
Very Active Member
Aught6Fan
Member
W2H,
Not trying to hijack your thread, but I've been thinking of getting a new scope myself. Vortex seems to be the brand to watch.
I was wondering about the durability of the Vortex, anyone have an older model that has stood the test of time?
A6F
Not trying to hijack your thread, but I've been thinking of getting a new scope myself. Vortex seems to be the brand to watch.
I was wondering about the durability of the Vortex, anyone have an older model that has stood the test of time?
A6F
No worries. I'm looking for the same kind of info. I'm start to hear a lot about vortex and I've never really looked at them. I may have to look at them next time I am out and see what I may be missing.
Bitterroot Bulls
Veteran member
I have had a couple Vortex Scopes that have held up under heavy shooting volume for three years, if that counts.
I also read a review where an engineering minded guy made a recoil sled and subjected a number of different scopes to repeated impacts until failure. I believe the scope that withstood the most impacts was a first-gen Viper. Maybe I can dig that article up.
I also read a review where an engineering minded guy made a recoil sled and subjected a number of different scopes to repeated impacts until failure. I believe the scope that withstood the most impacts was a first-gen Viper. Maybe I can dig that article up.
dying to kill
Active Member
The only dirt i can throw on the vortex scopes is my buddy had one of the 1st ones that came out, it was a 1/8 moa turret adjustment scope, the only issue was the adjustments were so fine sometimes the recoil of his 7mm would move the turret a couple of clicks. Stay away from the 1/8 moa ( if they still even make them) and you should be fine.
Bitterroot Bulls
Veteran member
I bet a dime to a dollar that was one of the original Crossfire scopes. I wouldn't touch one of those. The new Crossfire II are supposed to be dramatically improved.
The Diamondback, Viper, and Razor lines are good to go.
Aught6Fan
Member
Sound like a pretty good track record so far. I'll definitely have to give them a look. I've already been sold on the new Vortex spotter coming out! 
Elkhunter96
Active Member
Watch camera land ny, they have great deals for open box items from the shows this time of year.
For 500 range, don't overlook the zeiss Conquest with the rapid z 600 or 800. That is my personal favorite for that price range and quality. In my humble opinion, it is better glass than the vortex, Nikon and even Leupold in the same price range. Just watch for the smoking deals to get a 800 scope in the 500 range from Cameraland ny...
For 500 range, don't overlook the zeiss Conquest with the rapid z 600 or 800. That is my personal favorite for that price range and quality. In my humble opinion, it is better glass than the vortex, Nikon and even Leupold in the same price range. Just watch for the smoking deals to get a 800 scope in the 500 range from Cameraland ny...
Colorado Cowboy
Super Moderator
Scopes are like trucks....everybody likes a different type. First thing I would do is spend the most you can afford. There are a lot of great suggestions here.
I have shot Leupolds for 30 years and like them very much. That being said, I only have VXIII's and am happy with them all. One thing about Leupold, if you even think you have a problem with one, send it back and they will go over it and return it ....no charge. All you have to do is call them and send it back. My Dad had a 6x on his 30-06 and dropped the rifle on the scope and broke the lens. The sent him a new scope....no charge. They really didn't have to do that, but after calling my Dad and listening to him, he got it.
Their customer service is excellent.
I do use other optics too. My bino/range finder combo is a Swaro and it is unbelievable. My point is quality usually come at a price!
I have shot Leupolds for 30 years and like them very much. That being said, I only have VXIII's and am happy with them all. One thing about Leupold, if you even think you have a problem with one, send it back and they will go over it and return it ....no charge. All you have to do is call them and send it back. My Dad had a 6x on his 30-06 and dropped the rifle on the scope and broke the lens. The sent him a new scope....no charge. They really didn't have to do that, but after calling my Dad and listening to him, he got it.
Their customer service is excellent.
I do use other optics too. My bino/range finder combo is a Swaro and it is unbelievable. My point is quality usually come at a price!