.308 scope?

[wipartimer]

I'm looking for a new scope for my .308 for hunting. I currently have a,Vortex Viper PST ffp on it- it's a very nice scope that I got for a steal, but I hate the fine reticle on low magnification during low-light hunting.
I'm looking for a sfp, illliminated reticle, bdc, variable power, at least 44 mm, (and I would prefer a50,mm) scope used mostly for deer, hogs, and bear.
Any recommendations?

 

[KMG Hunting Safaris]

Leupold VX-R 4-12x50

 

[Ridgewalker]

Me, unless you’re shooting long range, I’d look at a VX-R in 2-7 or at the most 3-9. The lower the magnification, the more light you can get early and late when hog and bear hunting. I’ve killed a number of antelope at or a bit over 400 yards with only 7x.
I’d never shoot a bear over 150-200 yds. They rarely leave blood trails (too much fat and Hair soaks up any blood leaking through the fat).
JMO

 

[YancyW]

Not knowing a budget, the options are numerous. My favorite scope right now is the Leica Visus. The 2.5x10 is a fantastic scope for most hunting scenarios.

 

[Divernhunter]

Leupold 3X9X40 duplex reticle sighted in 2.75" high at 100 yards and hold on the animal. You will have meat in the freezer.
Now that Leupold has dropped the VX1 and 2 lines I would get the VX3i in 3.5X10X40 with duplex reticle and sight in the same. This is my preferred scope anyway.
No AO scopes or turret dials. Low scope mounts for a good cheek weld. No 50mm OB lens as they require taller mounts and hurt cheek weld. The 50mm lens will not give you any better service.

 

[Ray B]

I'm not familiar with your scope but since you say the reticle is fine at lower powers I'm guessing that it is a front plane reticle. For your next scope, if you get a variable with a rear plane reticle, the reticle will remain the same apparent size through the different powers- at higher powers will be smaller relative to the target.

 

[ActionBob]

Leupold VXR is a good low cost option but for a bit more $ with still a lot of value, take a look around for a close out VX6 in 2-12 x 42 with illuminated Boone & Crockett retical.

You will still be able to mount it low but also gather plenty of light and get an image rivaling scopes of over double the cost.

Unless you are mounting on an AR, or have a very long face, I would fully agree that cheek weld and alignment Trump a bigger retinal. Especially considering the 30mm tube on these scopes.

 

[Dr Ray]

I'm looking for a new scope for my .308 for hunting. I currently have a,Vortex Viper PST ffp on it- it's a very nice scope that I got for a steal, but I hate the fine reticle on low magnification during low-light hunting.
I'm looking for a sfp, illliminated reticle, bdc, variable power, at least 44 mm, (and I would prefer a50,mm) scope used mostly for deer, hogs, and bear.
Any recommendations?

Try the Swarovski z6 or 8. Crystal clear optics too!

 

[Dwight Beagle]

Most IR scopes have 30mm tubes which I assume allows more room for the IR apparatus. As has been stated ad-nauseum a 30mm tube and large objective aren’t going to help a person see better. A larger tube has zero bearing and objective size doesn’t have enough effect to be relevant. Some people refuse to face reality though. My favorite reticle is a German #4 which really shines in low light. My VX-R 2-7x33 has an illuminated 4 which is fantastic. It’s good out to 300 yards on a dedicated coyote rifle, which is as far as I’m going to shoot. I’d like to have an old or new model VX-6, or Meopta R1. A Leica, either Visus or Magnus would send me to the moon.

I do not post these words without serious thought. As usual before putting thought in print, I made a fried banana sandwich, put Love Me Tender on the VCR and tried to think, What would would “E” do in this scenario.

 

[dory]

leupold 3 to 14 by 50 low profile , love it on my 308
had for years now on my go to rifle here in NZ.
Its not a vvery good photo of it buts its a great rig .

 

[Ernie Shipman]

Leupold VX5 or VX6. I have used both in Africa on 2 separate safaris and LOVED them....