What scope to get

I'm finally getting the Savage I bought I while ago together for a cow elk hunt this December in WY. It's a Savage 11 in .300 WSM and BP is putting a new stock on it, bedding it and getting that part of it ready. I'm now looking at replacing the factory glass on it. For my price range ($500ish) I am looking at the Leupold VX-2 with the custom dial system in 4-12x, and am wondering if it's worth the $50 difference between the 40mm lens and the 50mm lens. I have read on a few other forums that people have mounted both, but the 50mm will require higher rings. Also, what rings are you guys using for magnum rifles? This is the first hunting rifle build up for me and while I have a budget I have to follow I do want at least some quality to the parts, sono Barska scopes, but I'm not able to buy Swarovski either. I figure a 4-12x will get me in the range I would be comfortable taking a shot in.

I have heard nothing but good about Vortex; any thoughts on those?

I have what I consider to be some decent ones including a very bright and clear Pentax Lightseeker but looking back on it I wish I would have opted to go Leupold or maybe Vortex for the made in America and the great warantees. I've never needed a warantee yet but the time could come. The range of work that Leupold is willing to do on older scopes is impressive and whatever brand you choose, scopes in 3-9 or 4-10 for open country hunting should be just right. You may use the lower powers more than you realize.
If you want a great scope at a good deal and have some time, look into used Leupolds. FWIW.

Sounds like a scope that will last as long as the rifle. I'd go with the 40mm for a good ol regular hunting rifle. Good cheek weld and you don't want to start adding packs and all that crap to a hunting rifle to get you eye where it should be. Keep it light and simple. Also get a good sling...I prefer one with a thumb loop. When you start getting tired it just seems the best way to keep your rifle from sliding off your shoulder constantly. I'd almost trade my boots for that thumb loop LOL.

Oh and I'd get Leupold rings to go with that scope. Just keeping it classy.

My brother has a set of vortex binos he loves them. Vortex is GTG unless you really got coin for high end which you said isn't gonna happen. I use a red field and really like it


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Used, demos and blems can be bought from thesamplelist.com and natchezss.com

I recently bought a new old stock Vari-X II instead of the Vari-X 2. The upgrade only offers between 1-2% better light transmission. The price difference if you can find the old/new stock is well worth the search, usually savings is over $100.

I have a Weaver Grand Slam on my 300 Win Mag Sendero that I love. 6-20x Still in your price range, holds zero and has performed flawlessly for over 15 years.
Bushnell Elites should at least get a look at as well as Nikon Monarchs. Quite a few like the Burris Black Diamond; used should fit the bill as well as the price.

Optics planet and SWFA usually have the best everyday prices. Natchez Shooter Supply has great sales as well.

Dave so what is in the rifle now? Some of the factory glass has been Nikon BDC, and for brightness I like them.

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Originally Posted by bnred9

Dave so what is in the rifle now? Some of the factory glass has been Nikon BDC, and for brightness I like them.

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That's true, you have the rest of your life to upgrade, don't have to do it all at once.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by bnred9

Dave so what is in the rifle now? Some of the factory glass has been Nikon BDC, and for brightness I like them.

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Cheap Simmons scope, 3-9x40. I'm looking at mid range scopes I can keep a while and some rings that will hold it steady. Down the road I'm looking at a bull barrel swap out as the barrel it has is their lighter profile for some reason, which causes that mag round to kick the shoulder like a mule. Some other places said with a mag round they trust the Leupold better, and with the CDS I can call their customer service and get swappable adjustment knobs for the caliber and bullet weight I am using.

Going to have to research the Vortex though, for $150 less it sounds good, but I have been bitten before trying to save a few bucks and getting something crappy and wasting money and time. The Weaver GS is also covered under my b-day pricing at Midway right now.

I have a leupold vx 3 6.5-20x40 standard reticle that I am getting ready to sell. Still have the box and paperwork. Nice little scope.

So looking at rings I see some made by Weaver that are 4 hex screws each ring instead of 2. Would this be an advantage on a recoil heavy magnum round? I'm leaning toward the Weaver GS or Leupold VX 2 right now. The Weaver has a side focus that would help since I do wear glasses and the CDS on the Leupold keeps my interest.

6.5x minimum magnification would be a bit much for my needs at this point. The VX 3 would be something I'd put on a long range p-dog popping .308 bolt gun if I had one.

Are you a mil/mil guy or moa/moa? Either way look at the Vortex HS-T 4-16x44mm. Its second focal plane, mil or moa reticle, turrets match, and its at or under $600. Or if you want to wait a few, mine should be here shortly and you could check it out.