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Burris Euro vs. Leupold European |
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Orsogato
Optics GrassHopper Joined: October/04/2005 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 7 |
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Posted: October/04/2005 at 10:53 |
Hi all,
I am interested in mounting a new scope on my hunting rifle. I love the 30mm tubes and the German reticles on the European style scopes and have been looking hard at the Burris Euro Diamond 1.5x6x40mm w/ the German 3P#4 reticle and the Leupold European 2-7x with Leupold's German #4 reticle. Both scopes are in the $370 - $415 price range that I am able to spend.
How do these scopes compare? What are advantages/ disadvantages of them? Which scope would you all opt for? etc.
The rifle is an m700 in .30-06, and the game where I hunt, PA whitetails, has been killed at distances of 10 yards (my closest) to about 200 (my farthest). Thus, I want a scope that can go below 3x. If you have any other recommendations other than the above two, I would appreciate it. Thanks. |
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koshkin
MODERATOR Dark Lord of Optics Joined: June/15/2004 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 13182 |
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If memory serves me right, Leupold European scope line is the same optical quality as their VX-II scopes (Multicoat 4). Burris Euro Diamond is a noticeably better scope than VX-II.
There is a 30mm Leupold VX-III 1.5-5x20 which is a nice scope, and is a viable choice if you are looking for something small and light. Euro Diamond 1.5-6x40 is a much bigger scope and will be better in low light at its maximum magnification.
Nikon Monarch Gold is available in 1.5-6x42, and is similar to the Euro Diamond, but it is a bit more expensive.
Sightron S3 is available in 1.5-6x50, but it is in the same price range as Nikon Monatch Gold.
Is there a particular reason why you want a 30mm tube? There are some very nice 1" scope available in your price range.
Ilya
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Orsogato
Optics GrassHopper Joined: October/04/2005 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 7 |
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Koshkin,
Thanks for the reply. You have given me a number of options here that I will look into. There is no particular reason why I want 30mm tube, other than it has that European "look and feel" to it. If there is some optical advantage to 30mm could you let me know? I am not certain.
However, I definitely want either a German style number 4 reticle, or a German Style "Post" reticle (I think Leupold calls it ther German #1). Visually, I do not like a heavy top half of the cross hair. |
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koshkin
MODERATOR Dark Lord of Optics Joined: June/15/2004 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 13182 |
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There is no optical advantage to a 30mm tube vs 1". This has been discussed in some detail. There is a sticky at the top of the riflescopes forum with a wealth of information on this. 30mm tube gives you a greater adjustment range, but with low magnification scopes it really does not make much difference.
In your price range and with the features you seem to want, Euro Diamond is your best bet.
Ilya |
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Orsogato
Optics GrassHopper Joined: October/04/2005 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 7 |
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Koshkin,
The Euro Diamond has been the way I have been leaning. Two other scopes that are some more money, but keep getting my attention are the Zeiss Conquest 3-9x40 w/ German #4 and the Kahles 2-7x36 w/ 4a reticle.
The Zeiss doesn't meet my "like to have it under 3x capable criteria," BUT, are these scopes far superior to the Burris Euro to justify an extra ~60-100 federal reserve notes???? I greatly appreciate your opinions so far. Thank you.
Orso Edited by Orsogato |
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TwoLaneBlackTop
Optics Apprentice Joined: June/02/2005 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 52 |
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If you really want a zoom scope that has a German style #4 reticle that
is capable of under 2x magnification the Kahles seems ideal. The Kahles American
Hunter has everthing you seem to want other than a 30 mm tube (the Kahles
American Hunter scopes are only a 1" tube) For the ranges you would most likely
use a 2-7x36 scope for the 1" tube would be fine and provide more than enough
MOA to get the job done.
The Kahles is $519.95, if it was my decision I would easily choose the Kahles over the Burris. The optics in the Kahles will be better and if you want to ever get something else and sell this scope the Kahles will retain it's value better. The Kahles also comes with free flip-up covers and when it comes time to buy rings and a mount you will spend a few bucks less on rings for a 1" scope. |
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koshkin
MODERATOR Dark Lord of Optics Joined: June/15/2004 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 13182 |
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They will both be a bit better than Euro Diamond, I think. Kahles is probably better than the Conquest. You'll only see some difference in very low light. Both Kahles and Conquest models that you mentioned have 1" tubes though.
Whether they are worth the extra money is a personal choice. I generally try to avoid buying German products for a number of personal and political reasons, although I do try to test them when the opportunity arises. To me there is not enough difference to justify the extra money, but most people on this forum would disagree. In my opinion, various scopes in the $300-$500 range offer the most glass for the money. More expensive scopes are a case of diminishing returns: are they better? Absolutely! Is the difference worth the money? Not to me. As I said, it is a personal choice.
There are some more expensive scopes that really have no equivalents at lower price ranges. For example, I keep on salivating over an IOR 2-12x32 with its 6x zoom, but can't afford it yet. There is really nothing equivalent or close to it, that I can get for less money. Maybe upcoming variable Super Snipers will fit the bill.
Ilya |
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Orsogato
Optics GrassHopper Joined: October/04/2005 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 7 |
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Thanks for the input all,
After much contemplation I switched gears and decided on the Zeiss Conquest 3-9x40 w/ German #4 reticle. Although the Zeiss didn't have the below 3x feature, and non 30mm tube, I was initially after, I decided that it might just very well be the best "bang for the buck," that I could get optically. the 3x9 variable power should be pretty versatile on a .30-06 rifle. The out the door price was a little bit above my initial budget, but, my hope is that you only pay for quality stuff once.
Unfortunately, SWFA did not have the #4 reticle in stock, so I had to place the order through a competitor due to time constraints. (i.e. I need to get scope, remount , get resighted in before open day of black bear season) I feel somewhat guilty about that being that all my research has been done on this forum. However, I have a feeling though that future orders will definitely be placed w/ SWFA. I'm already looking at a new scope for my Ruger m77 7mm Rem. Mag.!!!.
I greatly appreciate your input, and the "searching" capability on this forum. Thanks.
Orso |
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