I am swapping scopes on rifles as I need scopes for two new rifles (28 Nosler & 6.5 Creedmoor).
I think the best move is a new scope for my main hunting rifle (Christensen Arms 300 WSM, titanium Remington short action, titanium break, carbon fiber stock). Back when I had a Leupold VX3 4.5-14 scope on it, it was a 6.5 pound set-up (with scope). The last few years I have had a Nightforce NXS 3.5-15X50 but the rifle put on about a pound (30 oz scope). I am rarely dialing over a few MOA, so I think I could go with something lighter for that rifle and make it more packable again and move the NXS to the 28 Nosler which is more geared to performance than shaving off weight.
Criteria:
Turret style (elevation) I prefer an exposed turret but open to a capped turret. I only need to dial about 20 MOA maximum.
Quality glass: I've been very happy with Leopold VX3 & Nightforce NX class of glass.
Power range: No higher than 4.5X on the low end and close to 15X on the high end
Second focal plane
Zero stop is preferred, but as long as I can count revs from the bottom back to zero, that is fine.
Weight: In the 16 to 20 ounce range
Reticle: MOA markings on the horizontal reticle in order to hold for wind.
Reliable: I can put up with repairs on most optics, but I have no patience with bad rifle scopes. I have had a handful of hard-earned shots at game messed up by bad scopes. When I have problems in the past with a scope, I'm done with the brand. I want NO problems with the 300 WSM as it has been a very reliable and accurate weapon.
Brands:
Leupold & Nightforce: I have a high confidence level
European Glass: I would be open to European glass like Leica, Zeiss, Swarovski, etc.
Vortex features are interesting but to be honest, I am concerned with the number of quality returns I have read about on forums, and I had one on a spotter (loose part rattling inside).
Redfield and Nikon have burned me in the past and I would likely not own another.
Top picks so far:
#1 Pick so far: 2.5-10X42 Nightforce NXS non-illuminated @ 19 ounces (would prefer a bit more power on the top end)
3-10X42 Nightforce SHV non-illuminated (would prefer a bit more power on the top end)
Huskemaw 3-12X42 (21 ounces) or 4-16X42 (22 ounces) but they are a tiny bit on the heavy side.
Taking the Leupold 4.5-14 I already have and have Leupold install an MOA reticle and CDS elevation turret but I would have no parallax adjustment.
Questions:
What other scope recommendations would you have?
Do you have experience with Huskemaw? I know they are used by some quality long range rifle companies.
What are your thoughts of the CDS turrets on Leupolds (tracking/robustness) as they look simple and light?
I think the best move is a new scope for my main hunting rifle (Christensen Arms 300 WSM, titanium Remington short action, titanium break, carbon fiber stock). Back when I had a Leupold VX3 4.5-14 scope on it, it was a 6.5 pound set-up (with scope). The last few years I have had a Nightforce NXS 3.5-15X50 but the rifle put on about a pound (30 oz scope). I am rarely dialing over a few MOA, so I think I could go with something lighter for that rifle and make it more packable again and move the NXS to the 28 Nosler which is more geared to performance than shaving off weight.
Criteria:
Turret style (elevation) I prefer an exposed turret but open to a capped turret. I only need to dial about 20 MOA maximum.
Quality glass: I've been very happy with Leopold VX3 & Nightforce NX class of glass.
Power range: No higher than 4.5X on the low end and close to 15X on the high end
Second focal plane
Zero stop is preferred, but as long as I can count revs from the bottom back to zero, that is fine.
Weight: In the 16 to 20 ounce range
Reticle: MOA markings on the horizontal reticle in order to hold for wind.
Reliable: I can put up with repairs on most optics, but I have no patience with bad rifle scopes. I have had a handful of hard-earned shots at game messed up by bad scopes. When I have problems in the past with a scope, I'm done with the brand. I want NO problems with the 300 WSM as it has been a very reliable and accurate weapon.
Brands:
Leupold & Nightforce: I have a high confidence level
European Glass: I would be open to European glass like Leica, Zeiss, Swarovski, etc.
Vortex features are interesting but to be honest, I am concerned with the number of quality returns I have read about on forums, and I had one on a spotter (loose part rattling inside).
Redfield and Nikon have burned me in the past and I would likely not own another.
Top picks so far:
#1 Pick so far: 2.5-10X42 Nightforce NXS non-illuminated @ 19 ounces (would prefer a bit more power on the top end)
3-10X42 Nightforce SHV non-illuminated (would prefer a bit more power on the top end)
Huskemaw 3-12X42 (21 ounces) or 4-16X42 (22 ounces) but they are a tiny bit on the heavy side.
Taking the Leupold 4.5-14 I already have and have Leupold install an MOA reticle and CDS elevation turret but I would have no parallax adjustment.
Questions:
What other scope recommendations would you have?
Do you have experience with Huskemaw? I know they are used by some quality long range rifle companies.
What are your thoughts of the CDS turrets on Leupolds (tracking/robustness) as they look simple and light?
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