Optics

[blast and cast]

I have found the Baush and Lomb Elite 4200 series scopes to be very well made. My preference is the 2.5X10 version. You can get this scope at the Outdoorsman for ~$340.00. The scope has a lifetime warranty and has rain guard on the lens. In my experience, I have found the B&L performs better than the Leupold but forless money.

I would like to also add that the Baush and Lomb scopes do now carry the Bushnell logo but they are made by Baush and Lomb. They are not a "Bushnell" scope. B&L decided that they should not put there name on scopes, ie they did not want to offend the bird/animal watchers out there. There product is great. If you want a less expensive scope, look at the 3200 series, they are under 200 dollars.
In additon, all B&L scopes have a lifetime warranty. If your curious, call Fishermans or Northwest Armory and ask if they see more warranty work on B&L scopes or Leopold.

[ 01-24-2002: Message edited by: blast and cast ]</p>

[Coot22]

i was looking at those scopes and they are pretty sweet looking. i was also looking at the bushnell/B&L scopechief 4x14 which is a little bit cheaper and is essentially the same as the elite but without the raingaurd...which is not that important to begin with. However, do i really need a scope that is a 4x14 power for a 7mm? Any more ideas? Insights?

[birdhunter]

Open sights. You'd need to be that close to hit anything anyways. What makes you think a scope is gonna help? HA!

:grin: :grin: :tongue: :tongue:

[Coot22]

hey birdie...how many shots did you take at that three point from about 20 yards to hit it? oh yeah, you emptied your gun and then had someone else finish it off right? HA!

-Coot

[XXL]

I've got a Ruger .338 my BIL gave me and I put a remanufactured Leupold Vari-X II 3x9 on it last year. I've put about 2 boxes of shells through it, taken it horse packing into Idaho for Elk, knocked it around here and there and it still shoots better than I can aim. These scopes are available at the Oregon Trail Trader in La Grande and were priced at 179.99 last year. A good bargain I think since Leupold stands behind their stuff pretty well.
XXL

[blackdog]

Go with a quality product made right here in Oregon - Leupold. You can break the bank on one of their top VariXIII or get a great valued scope for a lot less (VarXII). I currently have a VariXIII 3.5-10 w/a 50mm objective on my .300 Winchester and absolutely love it. My .30-06 that I shot for years has a 2-7X VariXII that worked great and never gave me any trouble. And should anything go wrong, they are here in Oregon and real great to work with (had a old set of binos fog up and their customer service was outstanding).

[BuKuBass]

XXL is right; Call Les at Oregon Trail Traders 963-2913. He's a good man that'll give you a good deal.

[Tilla]

Leupold is a great choice without going into huge dollars. They stand behind their product too! I have had broken reticles and fogging with Bushnell.

[birdhunter]

Cooter,

Broken scope and all, that deer is still on MY wall. Let's have a refresher course on big game hunting shall we?

Deer killed by me - 6
Deer killed by you - 1/2 (and I'm being generous on that one!)

Elk killed by me - 2
Elk killed by you - 0

Bears killed by me - 3
Bears killed by you - 0

Cougars killed by me - 1
Cougars killed by you - 0

I rest my case. :grin: :tongue:

BTW, go w/ a Leupold. Good scopes.

[ 01-24-2002: Message edited by: birdhunter ]</p>

[Coot22]

birdie...broken scope or boroken antler...

years I have been big game hunting: 1 deer season
years you have been hunting big game: at least 8

jk birdie...yeah, thanks guys for all of your info, I was leaning towards that scopechief but i think i will look into those leupolds instead. XXL, I will give that guy a call, sounds like a great deal. BuKuBass, thanks for the number...what area code? I will let you guys know what i find...thx again!

Oh, by the way...what power of scope should I get for the 7mm? I think a 3x9 should be good however, maybe a 4x12, 4x14? what are your takes?

-Coot

[ 01-24-2002: Message edited by: Coot22 ]

[ 01-24-2002: Message edited by: Coot22 ]</p>

[Beer Waggin]

You can't go wrong with Leupold, although I wouldn't consider a Vari-X III breaking the bank. Now an LPS would break the bank!
$179.99 for a re-manufactured 3x9 Vari-X II? You can generally buy a new one for $199.99 just about anywhere on sale.
I have noticed that the matte finish on scopes makes a big price difference. Doesn't seem right, they used to be just a few dollars more.
If want the best, go with a Zeiss or a Swarovski. They won't make you shoot any better, but the clarity is unbelievable.
This is one of those questions that you ask 100 differnent people, you get a hundred different answers.
Incidentally, I have a Burris 4 power on a .308 that has been dropped, kicked and bumped more times than I like to think. It even has a dent on the front ring. This gun has been dead on for the past 10 years. So just because it doesn't cost a lot of money, doesn't mean it isn't going to be a workhorse.
I've also seen what a .338 can do to a Vari-X III with just the recoil. Not good when your 300 miles from home, but Leupold took care of it with no questions asked, just like you'd expect them to.

[ 01-24-2002: Message edited by: NorRivDave ]</p>

[Bait O' Eggs]

I dont go with anymore scope than is needed. A Vari X II 3-9 will not fog and do 99.9 % of what there is to do in Oregon. I am not sure what the other 0.01 % is but I just couldnt say 100% and be sure of myself

When you think about the actual amount of time spent looking thru a rifle scope per season. Roughly 5 to 10 seconds, unless you are Birdhunter then it is more like an hour as he blazes away at game.

For my money I will spend the money on the binocular optics and if you look long range, spotting scopes are handy to put horns on them once you find them. Unless you dont care about horns then the spotting scope dont much matter. I spend several hours per day looking for the game, then move into position and use the rifle scope for a few seconds. I cant justify buying a Swarovski rifle scope for $1200 when I use it less than a minute all year. I can spend a couple hundred bucks to assure it wont fog up, has a good warranty, and lets you see back into the shadows at dawn/dusk.

[birdhunter]

[SeanD]

Another vote for Leupold. I have broken three cheap scopes due to recoil. They were all tasco world class, which look as good to me as a Vari-X II. I have a 3x9 vari-X II and i love it, sits on my 300 win. I went through the same ordeal couldnt decide between a Ziess Conquest, Weaver grand slam, B&L 4200 or another leupold. Havent bought it yet but before summer a Vari=X III 2.5-8 will be mounted on the 30.06. Two things determined my choice. Durability, and eye releif. Leupold has more eye relief than the others and for durability look at http://www.accuratereloading.com/ and see what scopes guys put on .375 and up dangerous game rifles.

[pdxkevin]

Best scope for the least money - - -
Elite 3200, 3-9x50, Low Light Reticle

I looked through and at many scopes before choosing this one. Many hours were spend combing the web for all I could about each scope. This series is water, fog and snow proof. To get the same amount of light in through another scope means spending more than two or three times.

You can get one for around $300 in town or $244 via cheaperthandirt.com

I didn't get then 4200 series only because at the time it was just out of my price range.

[Coot22]

I am going to purchase a remington 7mm Mag in the very near future...that is the easy part. Now I need to find a descent scope that is not going to cost me as much as the gun. I know from looking around at many different websites of dealers that there are many choices. What I want to know is what is your expert opinions on a decent scope that would go nicely with a 7mm but at the same time not cost me too much. Thanks in advance guys!

-Coot

[lightline]

Hey coot22 the rem and the 7mm are good choices. You can go with a vari-11 or other middle of the road scopes but dont go middle of the road with mounts.

[riverwild]

regarding a good scope for your gun, i shoot a vari x-III 50mm 3.5-10 but that will cost more than the gun, ~$580.00. my dad shoots a tasco world class 50mm 3x9. he bought it at bi-mart. less than $200. very clear and is built to withstand the recoil. he has a 40mm 3x9 vari s-II on his other gun and likes the tasco better.

my opinion, the scope is more important than the rifle. buy the best you can afford. i spent more on my scope than my rifle and i dont regret it! i am not a "gun guy" though. i have one really nice 30-.06 with a great scope and that is the gun i shoot exclusively.

DON'T SKIMP ON THE OPTICS.

rain, rain go AWAY!

[Drifty]

I shoot a swift 3x9 That I got for under $200 and I love it they are fairly inexpensive and have a lifetime warranty. I have never had a problem with fogging and it is very clear for the lower price range. Here is a link to thier page
web page

[SeanD]

From my experience i would strongly recommend against the Tasco world class 3-9 x 40. I bought one and liked it so much i bought three more. They are very clear, just as clear as a vari-x II or more so in my opinion. All three tascos on my big rifles failed within 5 years. One got blurry and two recticles broke. A 7 rem mag, a rem .308 and an 03a3 30.06 all evidently had too much recoil for the scopes. I never dropped a rifle or banged one around as i am very careful with my guns. Unfortunaly the 30.06 scope broke before elk season, so i had no backup rifle to bring. The tasco on my 10/22 still works great though. On a rifle you depend on for something as important as your once a year elk hunt deserves something more dependable in my opinion.

[BlindSquirrel]

Another vote for the Leupold VariX-II 3x9x40 - as others said - you can get them new for under $200 and Leupold stands by them for life. They are excellent quality and never fog - on the inside!

The B+L 4200's with rainguard have a treatment - like anti-fog stuff for glasses/ski goggles - that minimizes fogging - on the outside. I know some that swear by it too. If you hunt in the northwest, outside surface fogging is often a problem.

Don't forget the mounts which might run you another $20 to $40.

Look on-line at Bear Basin, or locally for specials at BiMart or Fishermans (FMS). Northwest Armory has pretty good prices too. You might wait for the Sportsmen's Show coming up Feb 6 - 10 at the Expo center to see what's out there.
My $0.02.

Good luck choosing.

Pete

[periwinkle]

Okay guys --top this.. In 1960 (yes 1960) I bought a Leupold 4x scope in Yakima. In 1999 it was getting a little 'foggy' inside so I sent it to Leupold Customer Service. They called and said it was really old and didn't know if they could find parts for it--"unless you are really attached to it how about we just send a brand new one to you." I said do whatever you want. They actually fixed it good as new, 39years later (39yrs)-- Is that service??
Swarovski (NY) will not honor their warrenty without a big cost to you -- I know!!!!!
Go Leupold,, even if it is in Oree-gone.. :grin:

[Gus Orviston]

Skip the B&L, offense to any having one, my bro has one mounted up and frankly I can't stand it. It is huge and has too much crap on it. KISS, keep it simple stupid, 3x9 or 4.5x10/14 works just fine. I agree with previous posts, put big bucks into binos and use them for "all day" spotting. Your rifile scope needs to be good, but simplicity is best. Taking a shot and realizing your BCD or power is way off you will definitely regret it.

I have several Leupolds (pistol and rifle) and their service is good/great, but I would look at the Weaver Grand Slam VERY SERIOUSLY. It has the best product for the $ award from Outdoor Life Magzine and once you check one out you will most likely fall in love with it. Check out the review, I think it is online at Weaver Optics.

So do the compare yourself, handle all three brands in a comparable price range, the Elite 4200, VariX-II, and the Grand Slam. Then make your decision, keeping in mind the golden Rule KISS.

[ 01-26-2002: Message edited by: Gus Orviston ]</p>

[Jedediah]

I just joined the board, but thought I would add my .02.

Look for something with "multi-coated" lenses. It's this process that gives the clarity in a scope. And, when a scope has the multi-coating, it is usually at the higher end and you are not going to see your cross hairs laying in the bottom of the tube after a few rounds through the 7mm.

Leupold has come out with 2 new lines of scopes this year that will replace the Vari-X II. They call them the VX-I and the VX-II. The VX-II should be and excellent buy...looks to be a step above the old Vari-X II; they have multi-coated lenses, click adjustments, and are selling for around the $260 mark for a 3X9X40. With the end of production for the Vari-X II, there should be some great close out prices on them.

An good place to check out scope prices on line (as well as Bear Basin) is www.swfa.com. Their prices are "usually" lower than most. I have purchased 3 scopes from them over the past few years and found them to be an excellent business.

[Idahobidcaller]

Look at Cabela's Alaskan model scopes. There was a test article I read a couple years ago that put them #1 for the money. "Ziess like optics for a Leopold price"

[SeanD]

Check out SWFA's page on there closeouts too. http://www.samplelist.com/

[SeanD]

Snapset, would you believe i broke the recticle on a bushnell buckhorn too? It was mounted on my 30.06 when i bought it so i took it off and put it on my 10/22. It lasted a year. Glad yours is holding up though. Maybe i shoot too much?

[Snapset]

I have a 7 mm A-bolt that was pushing my budget too hard when I purchased it so I had just enough money left to mount a Bushnell Buckhorn on it. About 5 years ago I sighted it in 2" high at 200 yards, it is still dead on and I have not adjusted once in 5 years of hard hunting and at least 20 boxes of shells.

I have a Nikon Monarch on my BAR, it is also fine.

I have shot with the Leopolds, they are great for the money too. In short I liked them all.

Consider carefully the magnification. Unless you are consistently shooting past 300 yards, 9 power is plenty. I have missed opportunities at more animals because of a too small field of view at the low power than I have ever shot at 200 yards+. A good 2x7 is better suited for almost all of Oregon's hunting.

[Coot22]

Thanks guys for all of your advice and know how on the subject. I talked to as many people as I possibly could and have made a final decision...

I am going to get a Tikka 7mm in the whitetail hunter synthetic blued barrel with a B&L/Bushnell Elite either 3200 or 4200 3x9x40 with raingaurd. The reason I came to this decision is because I talked with a couple buddies of mine and one told me that he knows the Bushnell rep really well and that he was getting a scope and that he would get one for me too...for free!!! And the reason I am going with the Tikka is because it (and the Sako are one in the same) is the most accurate shooting rifle out of the manufacturer in the world. This has been recorded through many qualified sources. And not to mention that I talked with another friend who is able to get Tikka's for half price!!! So, in essence, I am getting a $1000-13000 gun and scope for under $500!!!

Thank you for all of your advice guys! I appreciated it very much and learned a lot from your replies. Thanks again...

-Coot

[Jedediah]

Sounds like a great deal, Coot. I think you will be very happy. I have a friend that has a Sako 7mm mag that consistently shoots 1/2" groups. As for the scope, I have two 3X9 Bausch & Lombs (the forerunner of the Bushnell). One is on a 338, the other on a 7mm. Neither one has given me any problem, and the clarity is excellent for a mid range scope. Happy shooting! :smile:

[birdhunter]

Now if only you had something to shoot.

I'll hold my tounge on the rest. We'll see who's 7 outshoots who when the time comes. :tongue: Don't forget, February 10th if you wanna go.

[OneLastCast]

WHOA Coot!!!!

Before you buy, last summer I put the B&L Elite 4200 on my Sako. I have been a Leuopold man for years but after investigation I went with the B&L 2.5-10.
You should know that at 2.5 to 3.5 power you are going to see the end of your barrel. I found that a little disconcerting but was told I would get used to it. (higher mounts made my scope look like a suitcase handle). Shooting at low power was like playing a video game, watching that barrell in the screen. I am not sure if I will get used to it.

After passing up numerous small bucks this season I decided to take a forked horn on the last day. When I threw the gun up everything was blurry. (kind of like what BOE says in that I never look into the scope unless I think I am going to shoot)There I am looking at a blurry bunch of deer through the timber and trying to figure out how to "focus" my scope.
It ended up being that after a week and a half of hunting the eye piece had backed out (came unscrewed) I wasn't that upset about not getting the buck but was pretty ****** off about not being able to see through the new scope and if that had been a big buck, well.....

I had shot about thirty rounds through the gun prior to hunting and didn't have any problems. I later killed an elk with no problems.

Supposedly I have a year to return the scope for a full refund. I am tempted to do just that and buy a VariX III but as of yet I am undecided.

Just something more to think about.

OneLastCast

[BuKuBass]

Onelastcast: Isn't there a ring to snug up against the eyepiece to prevent it from moving? If so, after adjusting for proper eye relief, twist both together to lock. I've had a dependable 3x9 Vari-lux I on my Sako for forty years.

[OneLastCast]

I'll don't remember the ring. I'll have to check when I get home. Thanks.

OneLastCast