combination hunting / target

ptarmiganptom,

I'd look into the Sightron Big Sky or SIII models for something with target knobs in the magnification range you need. Also, the Bushnell Elite 6500, which has a range that should cover hunting close in out to targets at 600 yards (sorry, it's $150 more than your stated budget, but there aren't many quality scopes that do everything you want. I just dropped a boat load of $$$ on one that will so believe me when I say that):
http://swfa.com/Bushnell-25-16x42-Elite-6500-30mm-Rifle-Scope-P13139.aspx

I'd of course recommend the SS variable - if they had a model that went 4-16 instead of 3-9. That would be a great scope (not to fault SWFA because they have to look at what they can sell profitably rather than the wishes of a few).

Here is a review from a respected member here. I haven't played with a Viper yet.

I was sold on Sightron recently, but am waivering a bit now.  Although i would love to get a SIII, i am not quite willing to shell out the $800 bones.  My real question would be whether to shell out a little more for a SII big sky or go with a plain old SII.  I only get out to the range about once a month, and although i would enjoy having top of the line equipment, i can settle for just good and reliable.

at this point probably depends alot on what type of hunting you are doing??  Nikon monarch is a really good option, except for the 1/8 clicks , but to get around that, but you don't count clicks anyway just dial to the stadia lines for that distance and color them with a marker. lots of scopes in this class-- monarch on mod. 70 stainless.

I apologize for any offenses.  I was just seemingly being rude and was not trying to be.  I was more hoping that his  big bore / silhouette error was going to be dropped so his question could be answered... 

338Lapua;

Edited by 8shots - November/04/2009 at 02:11