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Alternatives to a Sightron Big Sky

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Optics GrassHopper
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    Posted: September/12/2011 at 16:24

I am brand new to this forum that I stumbled upon while researching riflescopes.  I recently acquired an older Ruger in 7mm Rem Mag.  The current scope on the gun is "cheap" in every sense of the word.  I live in Virginia, but I got the gun for an elk hunt in Idaho next year.  I am looking at a Sightron Big Sky 3-9x42mm for two reasons.  First, I have one of these scopes on another rifle and absolutely love it.  Second, and much less important, this scope comes in gloss and the rifle has a gloss barrel. 

Can someone tell me of any good alternative to the Sightron in its price range (~$400)?
Can someone tell me of a better scope for less?
 
I have also considered a Leupold VX-III over the Sightron, is the Leupold worth the extra money?
 
Any feedback would be appreciated.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote SVT_Tactical Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/12/2011 at 16:28
The only scope I'd consider besides the Sightron is the Zeiss Conquest 3-9.  I'd take leupold out of the equation, both the big sky and conquest would put it to shame in the glass department. 
Are you set on a gloss scope?
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote All_Around Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/12/2011 at 16:35
I would not say that I am set on a gloss scope, I just thought that it would look better.  I do have other instances of matte on gloss and vice versa. 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote bugsNbows Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/12/2011 at 16:52
If you want gloss, you're probably looking at a Leupy. Did you check the sample list here?BTW, welcome to the OT Forum!


Edited by bugsNbows - September/12/2011 at 16:53
If we're not suppose to eat animals...how come they're made of meat?
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote All_Around Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/12/2011 at 19:20
Thanks for the welcome.  I was not familiar with the Sample List, but I am checking it out now.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Vermin93 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/17/2011 at 20:35
I also like gloss scopes on rifles with glossy blued barrels and I ran into your same issue of finding a gloss scope earlier this year. I have 2 of the Big Sky 3-9x42 scopes in gloss finish.  Of the scopes I own, they are probably my favorite.  They are just great scopes as many here would agree.  I did purchase another gloss scope that you may want to consider because you can get it on closeout at a really good price.  It's the Nitrex TR One 3-9x42.  This is made by Weaver and is very similar to the the Weaver Grand Slam, which is a very respectable scope.  You can get a gloss Nitrex 3-9x42 on closeout for about $130.  You can get a gloss Nitrex 3-10x50 for about $140.  My Nitrex is on a Weatherby Vanguard Deluxe in 257 Wby.  It has performed very well and it looks good on the rifle, although I definitely prefer the Big Sky.  However, the Nitrex cost me over $200 less than the Big Sky.  Sightron has offered a $75 rebate on Big Sky scopes the past couple of years, so check their website to see if there's a rebate in effect.  If you have the $ then I would get the Big Sky.  If $ is tight then I would take a serious look at the Nitrex.  
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote ArtP Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/18/2011 at 10:16
I went through a similar decision recently.  Even though I was after only one scope, I purchased two; one for a new rifle the other as a replacement.
 
I bought one very slightly used Conquest 3-9x40 for $300 and one 20 year old Vari-X III in 2.5-8x36 in mint condition for $200.
 
Bug-n-bows and I debated the question, and had a Vortex Viper 2-7 in the consideration ($150).  I have to say B-n-B was right, that ultimately the Vortex was somewhat inferior to the two additions mentioned above.  I sold the Vortex in one day and used the Vari-X in it's place.
 
At least for my eyes,  the Conquest is only slightly better than the Leupy, with respect to image.  But I found at low power the Leupy is more forgiving to my eye regarding eye position.  One would think at low power, with a large exit pupil, that eye position would not be critical - and it isn't with either of these scopes.  However, the Leupy *seems* to be a little better, and at closer ranges and low power *seems* to offer a more accurate image.  I'm really happy with both scopes!
 
If it matters, both the Leupold and Vortex are sort of short scopes (an inch+ shorter than the Conquest and significantly lighter).  On a long action rifle I could not find a two-piece base to mount these scopes in.  There were some extension bases available, but according to my calculations, whether they would fit or not, was with a couple millimeters, so I reluctantly went to a one-piece base.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote All_Around Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/22/2011 at 20:54
Thanks everyone for the feedback.   My new gloss Sightron Big Sky arrived today and it is beautiful.  The optics are fantastic.  This was my first purchase from SWFA, but unlikely to be my last.  I found the scope at a competitor for lower price and they made good on the 110% guarantee (gotta love that).  I  look forward to my next optics purchase.     
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote ebow86 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/22/2011 at 20:57

Congratulations on the purchase, thanks for the update!

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Vermin93 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/22/2011 at 21:13
Congrats on the SII Big Sky.  You will like it for sure.  Don't forget to go to Sightron.com at the link below to download the rebate form.  They are running a $75 rebate now on SII Big Sky scopes!

http://sightron.com/index.php?action=view_document&path=%A6%DD%D4%DA%9E%D7%E6%D5%C6%97%E6%D4%D9%CC%C6%DE%9E%E2%E0%CF%C9%DC%E1%DE%E5%C7%C5%CD%E5%9E%EB%CD%D4%DC%CE%D3%E6%CB%D4%97%B7%DE%E4%CD%81%B8%D0%D6%DC%97%AF%BA%B0%CE%E7%DA%D0%D5%DE%9D%E7%D0%D1&did=1201912997
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