how to select a scope ?

I didn't notice a newbie or a read this first post so I hope you don't mind these questions.

I am looking to get back into hunting and some target shooting.  I live and will hunt in Missouri and will use this rifle for deer.  I have 99% settled on a Savage Axis .308.  They offer a XP model that comes with a scope but I have heard I should just buy a better scope.

I can't imagine shooting at over 300 yards, that seems a long way to me, but I can't figure out what magnification I need.

I read that this is a good scope - Vortex Crossfire 2.5-10x50 V and can get it for $160ish

So question, what magnification would I want for ranges between real close and out to maybe 3 or 400 yards?

Also, using any night vision or light beam projected on an animal is not allowed, but I wonder if illuminated scopes fall into this category?

Thanks for any help.

Frankly imho you would be better off to purchase a good 2-7 or 3-9 variable and call it good but that's just me and I am pretty old school. Depending on your budget but there are plenty of nice reliable scopes in the that category for $150-$250. A couple of good prospects are the vortex viper 2-7 that is on sale right now or the burris fullfield ii both are about the price of the crossfire you mentioned and i think better scopes. There is a good thread on this forum by Koskin that compares some of the lesser cost 3-9 variables that I suggest you read. I really can't think of a reasonable deer hunting situation that these scopes wouldn't handle.

I'd agree that a scope with a 2-7 or 3-9 would seem a good fit for Missouri hunting (based on having lived there and my annual visits in recent years). Most places I've seen there offer limited sight distances and fairly thick cover. You'll have to check with the MDC to see if illumination is legal. I had to do the same thing here in MT, but between the regs and asking a game warden I was able to determine that illuminating the reticle is legal here while illuminating game is not.

thanks for the info guys, I'll be doing a lot more research on scopes now before I get one.

Price range is up to 200 - 250, can I find a good illuminated one around there ?

IMO there are not many, if any, "GOOD"  illuminated scopes for less than $250 out there.  You will not need illumination just the proper reticle for low light hunting.   The 2-7 Vortex Viper would be my suggestion for you, plenty of them in use and very few complaints, backed by a transferable lifetime warranty and you got yourself a winner.

Edited by SVT_Tactical - February/25/2011 at 07:21

if you dont wanna spend a lot of money look at the redfield 3x9
http://swfa.com/Redfield-3-9x40-Revolution-Rifle-Scope-P44468.aspx

 

I had this scope, it has illumination, and it held up the second go round. http://opticstalk.com/vortex-crossfire-2510x50-and-nd3-combination_topic23434.html

Howdy Dave

You might give this one a look. 

http://swfa.com/Burris-3-9x40-Fullfield-II-Rifle-Scope-P10984.aspx

I've got one mounted on a Sako .243 and like it a lot. That 2-7 viper on sale for $169 is also a very clear scope. 

Welcome to OT Dave! I also would recommend the 3-9x40 Burris FFII or the vortex viper 2-7x32.

I'm thinking of just going with a cheap one now just to get used to shooting with a scope, dialing it in, different ranges, and once we get near deer season I'll have saved up for a much nicer scope.

That being said, am I going to notice that much of a difference between Burris and Nikko in these lower price ranges?  I could not find the thread started by koshkin on lesser cost variable scopes.

These are some scopes I like

http://swfa.com/Burris-2-7x35-Fullfield-E1-Rifle-Scope-P48174.aspx

http://swfa.com/Nikko-Stirling-3-9x42-Diamond-30mm-Riflescope-P12046.aspx

http://swfa.com/Nikko-Stirling-35-10x44-GameKing-Riflescope-P40414.aspx

thanks again for the help.

Out of those 3 I personally would go with the Burris hands down.

My name is Dave wrote: I'm thinking of just going with a cheap one now just to get used to shooting with a scope, dialing it in, different ranges, and once we get near deer season I'll have saved up for a much nicer scope. That being said, am I going to notice that much of a difference between Burris and Nikko in these lower price ranges?  I could not find the thread started by koshkin on lesser cost variable scopes. These are some scopes I like http://swfa.com/Burris-2-7x35-Fullfield-E1-Rifle-Scope-P48174.aspx http://swfa.com/Nikko-Stirling-3-9x42-Diamond-30mm-Riflescope-P12046.aspx http://swfa.com/Nikko-Stirling-35-10x44-GameKing-Riflescope-P40414.aspx thanks again for the help.

If I were you, I would just plan on using the one that comes with the package deal from Savage until you can afford a better one.... No sense buying 2 cheap scopes!  If you can save $400.00 - get the Zeiss Conquest 3-9X40.  It has a great low light reticle (you really don't need illumination) and great glass... not much can compare for the 4 bills!  You will be set for anything the "Show Me" state has to offer and then some.

why on earth did I not even think of that?  lol.  I'll check out that scope too.  Thanks, you just saved me from wasting cash cause I wasn't using my brain.

Saving for a Conquest is always a smart move.

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