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Help with choosing a scope

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Category: Scopes
Forum Name: Rifle Scopes
Forum Description: Centerfire long gun scopes
URL: http://www.opticstalk.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11643
Printed Date: March/29/2024 at 03:15
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Topic: Help with choosing a scope
Posted By: jms0021
Subject: Help with choosing a scope
Date Posted: June/21/2008 at 17:16

I will be purchasing a Ruger No. 1 (RSI), the international version with the mannlicher stock.  This is going to be in a 30-06. 

Here is a link to the gun. If it works....
http://ruger.com/Firearms/FAProdView?model=1362&return=Y - http://ruger.com/Firearms/FAProdView?model=1362&return=Y
 
I am going to be using the gun primarily for deer hunting, and I don't foresee any shots beyond 200 yards.
 
I need help with choosing the right scope for this gun.  The price range I have in mind is less than or around $500.  I've heard a little bit about the Bushnell 4200 and was also considering a Zeiss Conquest 3-9x40.  I am pretty much open to any kind of scope, so if you have any idea in this price range just let me know.  Thanks.



Replies:
Posted By: jms0021
Date Posted: June/22/2008 at 00:31
http://www.lipseys.com/eImages/1rsi-99.jpg - http://www.lipseys.com/eImages/1rsi-99.jpg
 
here's a pic of the gun....if it works.  Any ideas for the scope?


Posted By: Urimaginaryfrnd
Date Posted: June/22/2008 at 01:05
http://www.swfa.com/pc-7279-185-bushnell-25-10x50-elite-4200-30mm-rifle-scope.aspx - 422152M http://www.swfa.com/pc-7279-185-bushnell-25-10x50-elite-4200-30mm-rifle-scope.aspx">Bushnell%202.5-10x50%20Elite%204200%2030mm%20Rifle%20Scope%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20 Bushnell 2.5-10x50 Elite 4200 30mm Rifle Scope
  • Matte
  • 4a w/ Illuminated Dot
  • 30mm
  • Rainguard
  • Side Battery Housing
  • Bushnell Free Waterproof Jacket Coupon
SWFA: $479.95
http://www.swfa.com/pc-7279-185-bushnell-25-10x50-elite-4200-30mm-rifle-scope.aspx">More%20Info... http://www.swfa.com/addtocart.aspx?returnurl=showcategory.aspx&productid=7279&variantid=7256">Buy%20Now
I really like the 4200 scopes and this would seem to  have some nice features.

-------------

"Always do the right thing, just because it is the right thing to do".
Bobby Paul Doherty
Texas Ranger


Posted By: 300S&W
Date Posted: June/22/2008 at 08:12
      Just my opinion but for ME that rifle screams 32mm obj lense diam or under!  Bushnells new 1.25-4x24mm  4200 ought to be a winner.  NICE reticle but I'm not familiar with illuminated scopes at all although a lit dot should be OKAY.
 
til later
 


Posted By: bugsNbows
Date Posted: June/22/2008 at 08:55
FWIW, I just picked up a # 1 and scoped it with the Elite 4200 3-9. I did put one offset (extension) ring on the back, and I think it looks just fine. It's great glass and has that "killer" look written all over it. Either of the scopes you mentioned are fine, but the Elite is sure a good deal (for the dollar) now. Good luck with your selection.

-------------
If we're not suppose to eat animals...how come they're made of meat?
               Anomymous


Posted By: martin3175
Date Posted: June/22/2008 at 09:27
Originally posted by bugsNbows bugsNbows wrote:

FWIW, I just picked up a # 1 and scoped it with the Elite 4200 3-9. I did put one offset (extension) ring on the back, and I think it looks just fine. It's great glass and has that "killer" look written all over it. Either of the scopes you mentioned are fine, but the Elite is sure a good deal (for the dollar) now. Good luck with your selection.
 
 
seems like a perfect solution...


Posted By: jms0021
Date Posted: June/22/2008 at 11:11
Sounds good. Thanks for the ideas.
 
I just looked up the scope mounts that come with the gun, and it looks like they are for a 1" tube and up to a 52 mm.  Does that mean that the 30 mm tube will not work with those mounts?
 
Also what is that advantages of a smaller objective?  I've always heard it the bigger the objective the more light you could gather.


Posted By: tahqua
Date Posted: June/22/2008 at 13:11
You need 30mm rings for a 30mm tubed scope.
A smaller objective will let you mount the scope lower. This is sometimes prefered because it lets you get your cheek down on the stock for more comfort and easier alignment between the scope and your eye.
A larger objective gives a larger exit pupil at higher powers than a scope with a smaller objective. There is a point of diminishing returns that varies from shooter to shooter. Large scopes can be ungainly on trim sporters and the Ruger International certainly is.


Posted By: Ed Connelly
Date Posted: June/22/2008 at 16:07
Very neat looking rifle. I, too, would keep it trim and not overscope it. Bandito


Posted By: jms0021
Date Posted: June/22/2008 at 16:25
Thanks Tahqua.  I know very little about those scopes.  I'll have to check them out.  I'll probably have to get some new rings with it too if I got to a smaller objective. 
 
What do you think about the

Leupold 1.5-5x20 Mark 4 MR/T Riflescope ?Leupold%201.5-5x20%20Mark%204%20MR/T%20Riflescope%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20

http://www.swfa.com/pc-3671-311-leupold-15-5x20-mark-4-mrt-riflescope.aspx - http://www.swfa.com/pc-3671-311-leupold-15-5x20-mark-4-mrt-riflescope.aspx
I think it sounds like a pretty good one, I like the reticle on this one too.
 
Thanks Ed.


Posted By: tahqua
Date Posted: June/22/2008 at 17:26
I think that is one of Dale Clifford's favorites. If he catches this he may have some comments. The glass is going to be fine, I don't know much about the reticle.


Posted By: jms0021
Date Posted: June/22/2008 at 17:29
sounds good tahqua.  I like the reticle, but it looks like it is fine.  I've got one fine reticle, and if you're in the woods it is difficult to see.  So i'll have to think about what will be best.  Thanks for all of yalls comments and ideas.  I'm blowing a bunch of money on the gun so I want to get a good scope that work out well too.  Thanks again.


Posted By: jms0021
Date Posted: June/22/2008 at 17:31
 
Here's a pic of the reticle on the last scope i posted.


Posted By: Urimaginaryfrnd
Date Posted: June/22/2008 at 18:01
http://www.swfa.com/pc-5450-307-leupold-15-5x20-vx-iii-30mm-riflescope.aspx - LEU54904 http://www.swfa.com/pc-5450-307-leupold-15-5x20-vx-iii-30mm-riflescope.aspx">Leupold%201.5-5x20%20VX-III%2030mm%20Riflescope%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20 Leupold 1.5-5x20 VX-III 30mm Riflescope
  • Matte
  • Illuminated German #4 Dot
  • 30mm
  • Metric
  • Index Matched Lens System
SWFA: $579.95
http://www.swfa.com/pc-5450-307-leupold-15-5x20-vx-iii-30mm-riflescope.aspx">More%20Info...
http://www.swfa.com/pc-3344-307-leupold-15-5x20-vx-iii-riflescope.aspx - LEU55010 http://www.swfa.com/pc-3344-307-leupold-15-5x20-vx-iii-riflescope.aspx">Leupold%201.5-5x20%20VX-III%20Riflescope%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20 Leupold 1.5-5x20 VX-III Riflescope
  • Matte
  • German #4
  • 1"
  • Index Matched Lens System
SWFA: $449.95
http://www.swfa.com/pc-3344-307-leupold-15-5x20-vx-iii-riflescope.aspx">More%20Info...
I'm not sure you need the tactical reticle and think you might enjoy the illuminated #4. Ruger does make 30mm rings.  If you really want to go all out a Kahles or Swavorski would have better glass.
http://www.swfa.com/pc-13390-289-new-kahles-15-6x42-helia-csx-30mm-riflescope.aspx - KLS10210 http://www.swfa.com/pc-13390-289-new-kahles-15-6x42-helia-csx-30mm-riflescope.aspx">New%20Kahles%201.5-6x42%20Helia%20CSX%2030mm%20Riflescope%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20 New Kahles 1.5-6x42 Helia CSX 30mm Riflescope
  • Matte
  • Illuminated Post Dot
  • 30mm
  • 2nd Focal Plane
SWFA: $1,684.95
http://www.swfa.com/pc-13390-289-new-kahles-15-6x42-helia-csx-30mm-riflescope.aspx">More%20Info... http://www.swfa.com/addtocart.aspx?returnurl=showcategory.aspx&productid=13390&variantid=13404">Buy%20Now
http://www.swfa.com/pc-13391-289-new-kahles-11-4x24-helia-csx-30mm-riflescope.aspx - KLS10201 http://www.swfa.com/pc-13391-289-new-kahles-11-4x24-helia-csx-30mm-riflescope.aspx">New%20Kahles%201.1-4x24%20Helia%20CSX%2030mm%20Riflescope%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20 New Kahles 1.1-4x24 Helia CSX 30mm Riflescope
  • Matte
  • Illuminated Circle Dot
  • 30mm
  • 2nd Focal Plane
SWFA: $1,574.95
http://www.swfa.com/pc-13391-289-new-kahles-11-4x24-helia-csx-30mm-riflescope.aspx">More%20Info... http://www.swfa.com/addtocart.aspx?returnurl=showcategory.aspx&productid=13391&variantid=13405">Buy%20Now
http://www.swfa.com/pc-1661-277-swarovski-15-6x42-professional-hunter-30mm-riflescope.aspx - 57024 http://www.swfa.com/pc-1661-277-swarovski-15-6x42-professional-hunter-30mm-riflescope.aspx">Swarovski%201.5-6x42%20Professional%20Hunter%2030mm%20Riflescope%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20 Swarovski 1.5-6x42 Professional Hunter 30mm Riflescope
  • Matte
  • 7A
  • 30mm
SWFA: $1,378.95
Bobby Paul Doherty
Texas Ranger


Posted By: pyro6999
Date Posted: June/22/2008 at 18:25
you can almost buy 2 4200's (3x9) for the price of a 3x9 conquest and i really think the 4200 is pretty close to the conquest optically in my eyes view any way

-------------
They call me "Boots"
375H&H Mag: Yeah, it kills stuff "extra dead"

343 we will never forget

God Bless Chris Ledoux
"good ride cowboy"


Posted By: jms0021
Date Posted: June/22/2008 at 19:19
Thanks Urimaginaryfrnd. I'm not sure if i need that reticle either.  I think it would be hard to see when there was minimal light.  The Leupold VX III sounds good.  Those other scopes you posted are nice, but I'm trying to keep it around the $500 range.


Posted By: tahqua
Date Posted: June/22/2008 at 19:36
Unfortunately the Sample List here is short on the Kahles that Ufriend mentions. They are an excellent top drawer scope when available there http://www.samplelist.com/default.aspx?display_num=10&mfg_selection=5&prod_type=1&hide_sold=false - http://www.samplelist.com/default.aspx?display_num=10&mfg_selection=5&prod_type=1&hide_sold=false
I have a Ruger #1 with a Kahles 1.1-4x24 on it. I love the set up. If this rifle is going to be with you awhile you can't go wrong with one. You could give Chris a call here at SWFA and see if anything will be coming up in the Kahles. That would be a very classy set up!
Also, welcome to O.T.



Posted By: jms0021
Date Posted: June/22/2008 at 20:22
Sounds good tahqua.  i like hearing about what works on a #1.  I'd like to have on of those.  I'll probably put the order in for the gun this week, because I heard they were on back order.  the scope I will probably purchase in a couple of months.  So i've got a little time to keep an eye on that to see if any Kahles are available.  Anything made in Austria has to be pretty good stuff.  Glock is the first thing that comes to mind.  Thanks again for your input. 
 
Also I'v never had one of these low profile scopes.  It's pretty interesting to hear about them.  Thanks again


Posted By: Big Squeeze
Date Posted: June/23/2008 at 14:53
JMS...................On that international styled `06 rifle and since your shots will be at 200 yards or less, a lighter, lower profiled and lower variable (straight tubed; without an objective bell) scope, would IMO, will not only look the best, but be the best for your purposes.
 
There is a Sightron Big Sky, the 4200 line has one, and of course the Leupolds giving you greater selections in reticles.
 
Unless you`re punching paper and want closer viewing for target work, at 200 yards or less for hunting deer, there is no reason for anything more powerful than a 4x or 5x.
 
If you`re hunting within those closer ranges and sometimes in thicker cover, you should have a quick to the target (both eyes open aiming on low power) scope with a wide FOV. In the event you are taken by an unexpected surprise, shouldering and aiming speed is critical. That can and will, make a difference between bagging your game or not!
 
If you do ever find yourself hunting at the longer ranges out to 400 yards a 4x or 5x will do nicely from a straight tuber on deer sized game and larger! Certainly in your case, you can use the higher powered scopes such as the 3x9`s, the 2.5x8`s or greater, but they are better for longer ranges and plains type hunting.
 
I personally have a 1.5-5x20 VX3 w/ a German #4.......It will match perfectly to my rifle, caliber and hunting conditions, without any overscoping, increased weight or height profile. 


-------------
300 WSM/375 Ruger....."All science, is truly the study of God`s wonderful work!"..."Bad news for liberals, is good news for America!".."What liberals hate, I love!".."What liberals like, I despise!"


Posted By: jms0021
Date Posted: June/23/2008 at 19:51
Thanks Big Squeeze.  That sounds good.  That scope you mentioned that you have is one I was looking into.  I'll have to check out the other one as well.  I want a scope that is functional but I do want it to look good.  It's a pretty rifle, so I'll try to keep it that way.  I've just never owned a scope without the big bell objective, so it's good to hear from someone who has one.  Thanks again.


Posted By: Big Squeeze
Date Posted: June/24/2008 at 11:13
Originally posted by jms0021 jms0021 wrote:

Thanks Big Squeeze.  That sounds good.  That scope you mentioned that you have is one I was looking into.  I'll have to check out the other one as well.  I want a scope that is functional but I do want it to look good.  It's a pretty rifle, so I'll try to keep it that way.  I've just never owned a scope without the big bell objective, so it's good to hear from someone who has one.  Thanks again.
..................Your welcome!...........Sometimes it`s very easy to over magnify or over scope a rifle. I`ve seen  3x9`s on 30-30`s, a 3x10 on a 45/70, even a 4x12 on a 30-30. I once saw a 4x16 sitting on a 350 Remy, just to name a few!
 
Well! On the high magnifications, those may be fine if you`re paper punching and blasting at small squirrels or ground hogs with maybe some eye sight that is not too good!......But for only hunting deer sized game and larger within moderate ranges, say @ 200-250 yards or less, those high magnification, heavier, longer and higher profile scopes are certainly not needed.


-------------
300 WSM/375 Ruger....."All science, is truly the study of God`s wonderful work!"..."Bad news for liberals, is good news for America!".."What liberals hate, I love!".."What liberals like, I despise!"


Posted By: koshkin
Date Posted: June/24/2008 at 12:24
A lot depends on your face shape.  With the stock on the Ruger #1, I much prefer a low mounted scope since there is substantial drop in the comb.

I have a Bushnell Elite 4200 1.25-4x24 and I am extremely happy with it: good glass and an excellent low light reticle.

I have played with a Sightron S2 Big Sky 1.25-5x20 extensively and it is a great little scope, but the reticle is a bit thinner than I like.

Leupold 1.5-5x20 is a decent way to go with a #4 reticle (a bit over priced in my opinion, but a good scope still).

There are a couple slightly larger scopes that can still be mounted low and offer a bit more magnificaiton if you need it: Zeiss Conquest 2.5-8x32, Vortex Viper 2-7x32 and Nikon Monarch 2-8x32.  I think any one of these three would be an ultimate in versatility for you. 

ILya


-------------
http://www.darklordofoptics.com - www.darklordofoptics.com
https://rumble.com/c/DLO - Rumble Video Channel


Posted By: jms0021
Date Posted: June/24/2008 at 18:45
Thanks big squeeze and koshkin.  it helps to hear that yall have these scopes and have used them.  I'm very new to small objective scopes.  I've always heard the bigger the objective the more light.  This is all very new to me, also I've never had a scope smaller than 3-9 power, so I'm still trying to take all this in.  All the info from yall helps.  I'm not a hundred percent yet on the scope, but I'll probably order the gun tomorrow. 


Posted By: Big Squeeze
Date Posted: June/24/2008 at 23:37
Originally posted by jms0021 jms0021 wrote:

Thanks big squeeze and koshkin.  it helps to hear that yall have these scopes and have used them.  I'm very new to small objective scopes.  I've always heard the bigger the objective the more light.  This is all very new to me, also I've never had a scope smaller than 3-9 power, so I'm still trying to take all this in.  All the info from yall helps.  I'm not a hundred percent yet on the scope, but I'll probably order the gun tomorrow. 
................Yes! The larger objective scopes in the same brand and quality do let in a LITTLE more light, but not enough to really make that much of a difference.........Your first considerations are and should be the things already mentioned.   

-------------
300 WSM/375 Ruger....."All science, is truly the study of God`s wonderful work!"..."Bad news for liberals, is good news for America!".."What liberals hate, I love!".."What liberals like, I despise!"


Posted By: jms0021
Date Posted: June/30/2008 at 18:58
I put in the order for the gun last week.  I think I've decided on a scope too, so let me know if you've got any feedback on my choice.
 
I checked into the ruger scope rings, and the lowest profile rings from ruger will fit up to a 32 mm objective.  With that, I think I will go with the biggest objective I can and still try and keep it low profile.  Also hopefilly not "over scoping it". 
 
The one I'm thinking now is
 

Zeiss%202.5-8x32%20Conquest%20Rifle%20Scope%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20

Zeiss 2.5-8x32 Conquest Rifle Scope

it's offered on SWFA at $399, and I think it is maxing ruger's lowest profile scope rings. 
 
If yall have any ideas on this or suggestions feel free to let me know.  It'll probably be a couple of months until I get the scope, and the gun is on back order.  I've got plenty of time so any comments are welcome.  Thanks again


Posted By: 300S&W
Date Posted: June/30/2008 at 19:24
 You did REAL good! Gonna make for a NICE set-up.
 
til later


Posted By: jms0021
Date Posted: June/30/2008 at 19:45
thanks...I appreciate that input 300S&W.  I've still got a couple months so any input is welcome.


Posted By: Big Squeeze
Date Posted: July/01/2008 at 00:53
Originally posted by jms0021 jms0021 wrote:

I put in the order for the gun last week.  I think I've decided on a scope too, so let me know if you've got any feedback on my choice.
 
I checked into the ruger scope rings, and the lowest profile rings from ruger will fit up to a 32 mm objective.  With that, I think I will go with the biggest objective I can and still try and keep it low profile.  Also hopefilly not "over scoping it". 
 
The one I'm thinking now is
 

Zeiss%202.5-8x32%20Conquest%20Rifle%20Scope%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20

Zeiss 2.5-8x32 Conquest Rifle Scope

it's offered on SWFA at $399, and I think it is maxing ruger's lowest profile scope rings. 
 
If yall have any ideas on this or suggestions feel free to let me know.  It'll probably be a couple of months until I get the scope, and the gun is on back order.  I've got plenty of time so any comments are welcome.  Thanks again
........................I`ll drink to that one!!!!!.......Boozer

-------------
300 WSM/375 Ruger....."All science, is truly the study of God`s wonderful work!"..."Bad news for liberals, is good news for America!".."What liberals hate, I love!".."What liberals like, I despise!"


Posted By: cyborg
Date Posted: July/01/2008 at 06:59
The conquest is a good choice, especially at that price.

-------------
With Freedom comes great responsibility, you cannot have one without the other

An armed public are citizens. A disarmed public are subjects.

OATH KEEPER #8233 Support us, and join our cause.

Cyborg


Posted By: koshkin
Date Posted: July/01/2008 at 07:32
Good choice.  I would get it with the #4 reticle.

ILya


-------------
http://www.darklordofoptics.com - www.darklordofoptics.com
https://rumble.com/c/DLO - Rumble Video Channel


Posted By: Dolphin
Date Posted: July/01/2008 at 07:56
I did not realize, but that rifle weighs 7 lbs., so in a 30-06 it is going to have a fair amount of recoil.  Be sure the scope you get has plenty of eye relief.  The Leupold VX-III 1.5x5 20 mm has eye relief into the next county and is a great scope, but may not have enough magnification for your preferences.  I agree, with that rifle a low profile scope is called for.

-------------
D. Overton


Posted By: jms0021
Date Posted: July/02/2008 at 21:25

Yeah...I think the Zeiss has 3.5 to 4, so I'm hoping that should be plenty.  The info yall gave on the low profile scope helped pick this one.  So far it sounds like the one I'm going to go with.  I still have plenty of time though.  Thanks again for you help.




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