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Scope for Tikka Hunter 30-06

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bluejay84 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote bluejay84 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Scope for Tikka Hunter 30-06
    Posted: January/06/2011 at 19:16
So I've tried a different site and came up zilch on replies.  It looks like things might be better here.  Being a newbie I've found there's way more to know than I have time to research so I'm counting on your experience and advice.  I'm looking for a scope in the $150-$200 range.  The shops around Iowa recommend a whole lot of things but I think I've narrowed it down.  First, the Nikon Prostaff 3x9-40 looks like a great price for $100, but is it the best and wise choice.  I'm reading a lot about the Vortex. I have heard some decent things about Bushnell right up until CS is mentioned so I've sort of eliminated them.  Leupold seems a lot and I wonder if it's just a name.  Redfield came up yet the first one I saw in the store wouldn't focus so I had a bad first impression.  Anyway, I think Nikon, Prostaff, maybe Burris... Nuf said.  You know my price range, my main hunting will be white tail and coyote, but it would be nice to have a good set-up for something out west someday when I retire from teaching and have some time to enjoy the other seasons outside of Iowa.  Then of course maybe I'll have $ to get something new by then.  Also, what about BDC?  Thanks guys, I hope I'm going to owe you BIG for this one!  
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Bitterroot Bulls Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/06/2011 at 19:39
Welcome Bluejay84!

Sounds like you've been looking around.  I actually liked the Redfields I've looked at, but I think a Burris FF2 would be a good choice, as well.

I really like the Vortex Viper 2-7X32 in this price range.

BDCs are useful for shooting past maximum point blank range when you put in the time to match them with the load you'll be shooting.  A simple plex reticle gets you out to maximum point blank range just fine, and would probably serve your needs well.
-Matt
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 300S&W Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/06/2011 at 19:41
 HEY,bluejay.  WELCOME to OT.
 
 The scopes you mention are entry level scopes(not to be confused with cheap scopes).  For the most part they are fine.  But it seems there are ALWAYS scopes available that are of a higher class that can be had for the same or sometimes less money than the entry level ones.  Right now the 2-7x32 Vortex Viper is such a scope.  It is very close to the Zeiss Conquest line and originally was twice the price it is now.
 
  BUT this Burris scope is a heck of a deal right now to:
 
 That's a start anyway.
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bluejay84 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote bluejay84 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/06/2011 at 19:51
Is the Vortex 2x7-32 enough from a 3x9-40? I haven't looked through the 2x7.  What's reasonable for a 200-300 yard shot?  Is it best to really zoom in or stay zoomed out as much as possible? To me it seems the closer you zoom in the better chance of hitting the target.  Maybe this isn't true.  I've never shot distances like this so I'm am seriously a newbie.  I had read and looked at the 2x7 but am tainted by the sales people here.  What the advantage or disadvantage of a 2x7 compared to the 3x9?  Thanks a ton for the reply.  Other website 24 hours and nuttin.  Here... <24 minutes!
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Urimaginaryfrnd Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/06/2011 at 20:04
Where are you in Iowa?
I have one of the Vortex Viper 2-7 and it is quite adequate for most hunting needs but the correct scope depends on how you hunt.  Deer in late anterless last week of the season high power rifles are legal only in the lowere two tiers of counties in Iowa.  For coyotes the 30-06 is a bit much if you want to keep or sell the fur but it will put them down hard. The Tikka is a fine choice of rifles have you already purchased it?

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote LRSMike Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/06/2011 at 20:05
There won't be a whole lot of difference in the magnification range of 2-7 or 3-9. The only real difference is that even with the same scope, the 40mm objective will be better for light transmittal than the 32mm objective. Thats what I know, I know there are some smarter individuals that can tell you more about it.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 300S&W Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/06/2011 at 20:07
 " Other website 24 hours and nuttin.  Here... <24 minutes! "
 
  That's cause we LUV it here and like what we do.
 
  Using my 2-7x32 Viper set at 2x I took a deer this yr at 175yds.  He was on the move and I feel the wide field of view at that power helped me stay on him.  I took my fartherest deer (just over 300yds) with a fixed 4X scope. Then some hunters like using higher magnifications to hunt large game. But any movement you make while aiming is enhanced more at the higher magnifications which at times can make it hard to hold on your target. 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote jetwrnch Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/06/2011 at 20:29
A 32mm objective scope with good glass will be better in low light than a cheap 40mm scope. 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote LRSMike Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/06/2011 at 20:31
I agree jet. I gave my description running the same two scopes, just different sizes. 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote bluejay84 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/06/2011 at 20:38
Believe it or not I'm in the Des Moines suburb but in the country.  I don't really care about the furs as much as the holes in my field so put'em down and keep'em down is my motto right now.  I'm smart enough to know my limitations but not smart enough to buy the right thing which is why I'm here.  I'm a stickler about doing things right and within the law so nothing stupid for me.  All I need now is to meet someone in those southern two tiers and someone who can educate me about deer hunting.  I can shoot it but after that I'm lost.  Anxious to try it though.  I'd really like to make my own jerky and with beef at its prices it seems the deer meat is a heck of a deal!  So, am I reading the Vortex 2x7 is a great scope for the money and the Nikon Prostaff with warranty etc isn't such a great deal in the end?  Thank you thank you thank you ALL!
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 300S&W Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/06/2011 at 21:18
  "So, am I reading the Vortex 2x7 is a great scope for the money"
 
  Nope. You'd be getting a scope equal to one that costs near if not twice as much.  Right now,after using mine this season,I'd say it's the best LARGE GAME scope I've had. Besides,a NICE rifle like yours deserves the best scope you can afford for it. 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Bitterroot Bulls Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/06/2011 at 21:23
A Prostaff for $100 is a good deal.

A Vortex Viper for $169 is a ridiculously good deal.
-Matt
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote bluejay84 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/06/2011 at 21:43
Okay, you sold me on the Viper.  Now which one?  There's 3 for the same price listed.  The Dead Hold BDC references the 223 bullet.  Then there's the Versa-Plex C3 and the V-Plex.  Thought this was easy since I chose the Vortex but it's still a mystery to me with more choices.  Less of a mystery since I've narrowed it to the Viper.  But I don't like the 33.3% odds of getting it right.  Make it 100% PLEASE!  
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 300S&W Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/06/2011 at 21:55
  Mine has the C3 reticle and I like it alot.  I find it to be the best reticle I've used to date for fast target aquisition and I hunt both thick and open areas.  Others here at OT like it also. Maybe they'll reply.  But I honestly don't feel you'd go wrong with any of the reticles offered so don't get too concerned about making a wrong choice.
 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote SVT_Tactical Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/07/2011 at 07:14

Stay away from the prostaff.   I believe the C3 reticle is sold out, may be wrong.  IF they are I'd get the standard plex, being new to this you dont need to worry with the BDC hashmarks until you get proficent.

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Folically Challenged Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/07/2011 at 08:34
Originally posted by Bitterroot Bulls Bitterroot Bulls wrote:

A Prostaff for $100 is a good deal.

A Vortex Viper for $169 is a ridiculously good deal.

Succinctly & accurately put!

I've had both scopes, these are my thoughts exactly.  In the real world, you'll kill all that needs killin' with the ProStaff.  But the Viper is in a whole 'nother league, comparable to scopes twice its price.  I still have it, while the ProStaff got sold.


Originally posted by BlueJay84 BlueJay84 wrote:


Is the Vortex 2x7-32 enough from a 3x9-40? I haven't looked through the 2x7.  What's reasonable for a 200-300 yard shot?   ...


You can do the math this way:  A critter at 350 yards will appear 7x closer when your scope is on 7x.  So that's 50 yards.  Could you hit a deer or coyote at 50 yards with iron sights?  Most definitely!

2-7 gives you a slightly shorter, lighter, and trimmer scope.  Generally, that leads to a better handling hunting rifle.  However, 3-9x had sort of become the industry standard, and there was a greater volume of those in production than the 2-7 (ish) scopes.  Higher volume = lower prices, leading to still higher volumes.  Plus, many folks just starting out think that more (magnification) must be better, and the 3-9x scopes are cheaper, to boot!  What's not to like?

In the vast majority of hunting situations, 96.782% of the people could never tell the difference between those 2 kinds of scopes.  So pick whichever magnification range you like, or whichever scope you feel is the best value.

Originally posted by BlueJay84 BlueJay84 wrote:


Is it best to really zoom in or stay zoomed out as much as possible? To me it seems the closer you zoom in the better chance of hitting the target.  Maybe this isn't true ...


Always start your hunt on the lowest power available!  At low power, you can see better close-up.  The guides I've hunted with have no shortage of stories of clients who couldn't find the game in their scope 'cause their scopes were cranked up to full magnification.  An elk at 15 yards will fill the entire view through the scope with unfocused brown fuzz:  it's hard to distinguish it from the bushes.

Another way to look at it is if you find a critter at 200 yards, you'll probably have time to crank the scope up without him noticing you.  If you're 20 yards from him, he's gonna notice you trying to crank the scope DOWN!

As always, I counsel folks to look through scopes on their own, & come to their own conclusions.  Your eyes are unique, & they may not agree with what others (especially those behind gun shop counters) see.  I will say that it's a great time to be a scope shopper.  The Burris FFII's, Bushnell Elites, and Vortex Vipers are on closeout.  Nikon has the Monarch (2 steps above the ProStaff) at $199, and I believe they were once upwards of $400.  So look through a lot of scopes, then order the one you like from SWFA.

FC
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote stickbow46 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/07/2011 at 08:49
That must be an Obama # 96.782% Big SmileRoll on Floor Laughing
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Folically Challenged Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/07/2011 at 09:15
Originally posted by stickbow46 stickbow46 wrote:

That must be an Obama # 96.782% Big SmileRoll on Floor Laughing

Yeah, that's the Viper's approval rating around here...

I guess that's sort of like Obama's pre-election numbers, no???  Too bad he doesn't have Vortex's customer service to bail him out with all of his unsatisfied customers!

FC
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Folically Challenged Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/07/2011 at 09:24
Bluejay84, if you're interested in reading, Koshkin prepared an excellent treatise & review on scopes in the "2-7x-ish" class here:  http://www.opticstalk.com/topic16901&KW=tweener_page1.html.

FWIW, his thoughts about the Viper's price/value were written back when they sold for $269, not $169.

FC
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote bluejay84 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/07/2011 at 12:42
More great stuff!  Thanks guys.
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