Looking for opinions. I am setting up a new 30-06 rifle. It will be for hunting. 300 to 400 yard shots being the farthest for me. I do not care for the tactical look and would like to stay with direct mount rings to avoid a rail. Recommendations on good rings would also be appreciated. I have never used anything over a $200 scope or and scope with an adjustable turret but I do like the idea to be able to adjust to different yardages. From what I have seen Leupold fits most of my requirements. Just wandering what else you guys recommend. Thanks
Leupold have always been, and remain, a good option, but their glass & coatings are objectively not as good as those of the big 4 (Zeiss, Leica, Swarovski, Schmidt & Bender).
Zeiss V4 and Swarovski Z3 represent the absolute best value for the money. Their 4 and 3 magnification ratio are plenty enough for most hunting, and drastically less expensive than their 6 or 8 magnification ratio scopes (V6 & V8, Z6 & Z8).
For a .30-06, the Zeiss V4 3-12x44 and Swarovski Z3 3-10x42 are likely the best choices, both in the $800 range, new. The Zeiss probably has a technical edge due to wider magnification range and slightly larger objective diameter, although Swarovski have taken the American market by storm over the last decade due to intense marketing and aggressive product placement with custom & high-end gun makers, and they have developed fierce customer loyalty. Technically speaking there is not much to choose between the two.
Other options include V4 4-16x44 or Z5 3.5-18x44, but you are now in the $1,200 range, new, and while they may prove useful for a longer reaching caliber (e.g. .300) they are likely overkill for a .30-06.
It never hurts before pulling the trigger (pun fully intended
) on a new scope to check what is floating on eBay. While many listings, even used, are no cheaper, or even more expensive, than high volume distributors, one can sometimes find true opportunities either used, or "floor demo" or discontinued series.
In terms of rings (depending on which rifle and which bases), Talley and Warnes also represent great value for the money.
For the longest time, folks in the know have argued that one should spend more on the scope than on the rifle. This was and still is sound advice, especially as regards entry-level rifles in the $500 range.
However, nowadays the price of quality in glass has (comparatively) dropped significantly more than the price of quality in rifles, and the trend seems now reversed with, for example, a standard Win 70 costing $1,200, which is more expensive than one of the above $800 top tier scopes, even if one adds $200 in bases and rings.
Regarding rings & bases, an also well-established wisdom is that it is foolish to pair a good rifle and a good scope with inferior rings & bases.
You will be amazed at the difference there is between a $200 scope and a V4 or Z3, especially in low light conditions
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