Durable Hunnting optics

Dirty_Harry · November 18, 2019, 06:15 PM

I just bought a Bergara 308 and I plan to keep it as my main hunting rifle for a long time. I have always bought Nikon prostaff's in the past and have had good luck. I guess I want a step up for this rifle. I envision taking this rifle on hunting trips out west, not just the woods of Michigan. (in fact I wont use it much here).

I want something that will stand up to some abuse, what do you guys suggest? Price range is around 3-500.

mikejonestkd · November 18, 2019, 07:04 PM

Harry, in the $500 range there are many nicely made and durable scopes for hunting.
IMO I tend to go for Leupold VX3i series scopes. I have several and they are excellent for the money., but there are at least a dozen other quality brands out there for you to choose from.

BTW, I spent 6 years in Kalamazoo, my wife got her Phd from WMU. Nice town, great people!

BoogieMan · November 18, 2019, 10:04 PM

If you like Nikon, step up to a Monarch. Most offerings from Leupold are also very good. Burris and Bushnell also have better lines that should meet your needs. Your price range. I just ordered a US Optics TS12. Retail at $595. But, these are not like their US made lines. I'll report back when i get my hands on it. I'm also a dealer for USO. I could get pretty close to your $500 mark if interested.

jmhyer · November 19, 2019, 02:18 AM

I've been impressed with Vortex optics. There are a number of option in your price range. Quality optics and a lifetime warranty.

603Country · November 19, 2019, 08:36 AM

I’ll also recommend the Leupold VX3 line of scopes. I have a couple of them, one being a much older Vari-X III from (I’m pretty sure) the 1980’s. That old scope has seen a bunch of deer get shot, and the scope never gave me any issues. About 5 years ago I sent it back to Leupold to have the Varmint Hunter reticle put in it. They charged me for the reticle, as expected, but they also went through the scope mechanicals and replaced most of it. That was a nice touch.

I will also specifically suggest the 4.5-14x40 scope and the VH reticle.

FrankenMauser · November 19, 2019, 11:51 AM

My preference would be Leupold.

Nikons don't last. Burris has always let me down. Bushnell burned me on an Elite 4200. ...And on down the list of popular brands.

I buy Leupold when it matters. If I need to go cheap, it's Redfield (by Leupold).
For anything cheaper, one might as well just get a Tasco.

T. O'Heir · November 19, 2019, 02:35 PM

Define 'some abuse'.
Flying or driving West will matter. Any good hard case will keep any commercial scope reasonably safe. You need to check 'zero' when you get to where you're hunting anyway.
There are several Bergara 308's too. That shouldn't make any difference though.

taylorce1 · November 19, 2019, 04:34 PM

You can pick up a VX3I Leupold 3.5-10x40 or 4.5-14X40 in that price range, and if you look you might find a VX5 2.5-10X40 that has been discontinued for slightly over $500. The Vortex Razor Light Hunter scopes are pretty reasonable for the recently discontinued models as well they would be the 1.5-8X32 and 2-10X40. I'd also look into Nikon Monarch scopes since you like the Prostaff scopes.

jmr40 · November 19, 2019, 07:51 PM

Nikon is apparently getting out of the rifle scope business. You might pick up one cheap.

But you can do better. A Leupold VX-3i is never a bad choice. They come with multiple options as to reticle choice and other options. Some are priced pretty cheap right now.

Right at the upper end of your budget, but this is my favorite scope. Meopta has been making this scope for years and allowing other manufacturers to put their badging on it. It is the same scope as the now discontinued Zeiss Conquest 3-9X40. Cabelas used to offer this scope with their name on it as well.

https://www.swfa.com/meopta-3-9x40-m....html?___SID=U

I've had one of the Zeiss branded versions for years and when Cabelas discontinued them at $250 each I bought 2.

Dirty_Harry · November 19, 2019, 09:05 PM

Quote:

Define 'some abuse'

Basically If I were to drop it, I dont want it to break. (reasonable height) I want it to hold zero. I see a lot of you guys like the Leupold, VX3's. I will definitely look into those.

I bought a B14 hunter, so it basically a pure hunting rifle. How about the Trijicon's? I am seeing deals on those too.

603Country · November 20, 2019, 10:11 AM

My brother got a Bergara B14, and man that thing is accurate. Using 120 gr Nosler Ballistic Tips and H4350 powder, we found a great load quickly for his 6.5CM.

As for scope toughness, that older Leupold VX3 I mentioned earlier held up perfectly when I fell on it. I was climbing into a deer blind (4 feet up approx) on a wooden ladder when the rung I was holding on to broke. I fell backwards onto rocky ground, landing on the rifle and scope. That hurt. Later, when a nice buck showed up, I shot him at about 80 yards, so the scope was still ‘on’ (or close to it).

Bought a Leupold M8 6 power at a gun show in the 80’s, or maybe a bit earlier than that. Used it for years, sold it and the rifle to a brother. He used it for years, and a year or two ago brought it to me to sight in. The scope was broken ( loose lens). I sent that 45 year old scope to Leupold, and they sent me a new scope. I am a happy Leupold customer.

bamaranger · November 21, 2019, 12:47 AM

I'm a Leupold guy too. The newest Leupolds I've got are a pair of fixed power FX-II's , followed by a VArI-X-III, and a number VARI-X-IIc and M8's. All of those have given very good service and despite their age, provide more than enough clarity to take game in any reasonable light. NONE have ever had zero or fog/seal issues and most get hunted as much or more than most due to our long deer season here in 'Bama ( near 3 months).

I've had several back to Leupold for reticle changes, for which they charge a fee, but they also overhaul the scope at that time, which certainly has helped in the optics providing good service. I've got a few other name brands, but Leupold is tops w/ me.

Maxx515 · December 10, 2019, 05:17 PM

It would be really awesome if we could add some night vision thing to it, cause for example I love to act in the dark. Or at least one thermal monocular would help as well. When I've searched for thermal and night monoculars, I have find only one resource ( here it is: https://www.agmglobalvision.com/thermal-imaging ), which can not only sell you those optics goods, but also explain pros and cons of each model.

reynolds357 · December 11, 2019, 05:40 PM

For pure durability, Leupold. Dollar for dollar, Leupold does not match its competition in glass, but it is durability king in the price range mentioned.

Scorch · December 13, 2019, 05:39 PM

Quote:

Basically If I were to drop it, I dont want it to break.

About 30 years ago, a customer of mine brought in a Weatherby Mark V with a Leupold 3.5-10 that had been dropped off a rimrock in Nevada, dropped about 50' onto rocks. The body of the scope was bent, but the scope still held zero. He bought a new scope and gave me the scope if I wanted it. I shipped it to Leupold, they sent me a new scope. Score!

Had a customer who was headed to Alaska, went to the range a week before leaving and his older Leupold scope was not adjusting. Called Leupold, they sent a scope to the Fairbanks airport to meet him when he got there. Score!

I sent an older Leupold scope I picked up in trade to the factory for service, got a call from the repair tech that the scope could not be repaired and would I be interested in a current production model to replace it? Score!

So, while people say their scope is as good as a Leupold, their customer service is not, and that is part of what you are paying for when you buy a Leupold scope. Buy a Leupold.

And yes, I have bought other scopes over the years. A Burris 4-12X Diamond scope that lasted a few years before dying that Burris would not repair under warranty, a Vortex Diamondback 4-12X for my new AR build that you cannot see 22 caliber holes at 100 yds with, a BDC scope for my Ruger 77/22 Match/Target that works fine but is not really clear, a 4X Burris that lives on my 10/22. None of them are as good as a Leupold that would have cost just a little bit more. Now I buy Leupolds and don't worry about it.

std7mag · December 16, 2019, 03:50 AM

If your gonna use your scope as a hammer, get a Nightforce!

$300-500 range would get you into the lower end Viper.
Or a VX3 from Leupold.
Personally i'd go the Leupold of those 2.

Actual hunting range with the 308 is still probably going to be 400 yards or less. This for enough speed and energy for a clean kill.

Myself, i've been buying Sightron scopes as of late, (past 2 years).
1 STAC 4-20X50 which i don't recommend for a hunting rifle. $400
1 Field Target series 4-12X40.$200
1 SIH 3-9X40. $132
All have an MOA type reticle, my preference. All available as a duplex also.
Good glass. Clear edge to edge.
And adjustments track well.

Bart B. · December 16, 2019, 09:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dirty_Harry

Basically If I were to drop it, I dont want it to break. (reasonable height) I want it to hold zero.

If the rifle's dropped 2 feet upside down and the scope front or back end lands on the ground first, that'll bend the scope and zero lost. Moreso with aluminum tubes than steel tubes and on rocks than dirt.

Take a backup scope that's zeroed......just in case......

pete2 · December 16, 2019, 11:42 AM

Something with Leupold on it.

std7mag · December 16, 2019, 01:23 PM

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=4bZZTa8M5wI

reynolds357 · December 17, 2019, 08:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scorch

About 30 years ago, a customer of mine brought in a Weatherby Mark V with a Leupold 3.5-10 that had been dropped off a rimrock in Nevada, dropped about 50' onto rocks. The body of the scope was bent, but the scope still held zero. He bought a new scope and gave me the scope if I wanted it. I shipped it to Leupold, they sent me a new scope. Score!

Had a customer who was headed to Alaska, went to the range a week before leaving and his older Leupold scope was not adjusting. Called Leupold, they sent a scope to the Fairbanks airport to meet him when he got there. Score!

I sent an older Leupold scope I picked up in trade to the factory for service, got a call from the repair tech that the scope could not be repaired and would I be interested in a current production model to replace it? Score!

So, while people say their scope is as good as a Leupold, their customer service is not, and that is part of what you are paying for when you buy a Leupold scope. Buy a Leupold.

And yes, I have bought other scopes over the years. A Burris 4-12X Diamond scope that lasted a few years before dying that Burris would not repair under warranty, a Vortex Diamondback 4-12X for my new AR build that you cannot see 22 caliber holes at 100 yds with, a BDC scope for my Ruger 77/22 Match/Target that works fine but is not really clear, a 4X Burris that lives on my 10/22. None of them are as good as a Leupold that would have cost just a little bit more. Now I buy Leupolds and don't worry about it.

I have never had any issue with Burris customer service. IMHO its better than Leupold.

SWISS M109 · December 18, 2019, 04:22 PM

In answer to your scope needs for your new Bergara, I have a suggestion. I just bought it for my SIG 7mm RemMag. Its the Sierra 3 BDX System. It consists of the scope and the rangefinder KILO1400, in my case.
If you intend to shoot at longer distances, boy this is going to make your hunting life a breeze. Forget about bullet drop/hold over. Its all taken care for you and then some. Just a suggestion

November 18, 2019, 06:15 PM	#1
Dirty_Harry Senior Member Join Date: January 11, 2006 Location: Kalamazoo, MI Posts: 1,484	Durable Hunnting optics I just bought a Bergara 308 and I plan to keep it as my main hunting rifle for a long time. I have always bought Nikon prostaff's in the past and have had good luck. I guess I want a step up for this rifle. I envision taking this rifle on hunting trips out west, not just the woods of Michigan. (in fact I wont use it much here). I want something that will stand up to some abuse, what do you guys suggest? Price range is around 3-500. __________________ "The only purpose for a pistol is to fight your way back to the rifle you never should have laid down." "I won't be wronged, I won't be insulted, and I won't be laid a hand on. I don't do these things to other people and I expect the same from them." -John Wayne

November 18, 2019, 07:04 PM	#2
mikejonestkd Senior Member Join Date: January 3, 2006 Location: Brockport, NY Posts: 3,716	Harry, in the $500 range there are many nicely made and durable scopes for hunting. IMO I tend to go for Leupold VX3i series scopes. I have several and they are excellent for the money., but there are at least a dozen other quality brands out there for you to choose from. BTW, I spent 6 years in Kalamazoo, my wife got her Phd from WMU. Nice town, great people! __________________ You are the bows from which your children as living arrows are sent forth.

November 18, 2019, 10:04 PM	#3
BoogieMan Senior Member Join Date: April 4, 2012 Location: South Jersey Posts: 2,217	If you like Nikon, step up to a Monarch. Most offerings from Leupold are also very good. Burris and Bushnell also have better lines that should meet your needs. Your price range. I just ordered a US Optics TS12. Retail at $595. But, these are not like their US made lines. I'll report back when i get my hands on it. I'm also a dealer for USO. I could get pretty close to your $500 mark if interested. __________________ Concentrated power is not rendered harmless by the good intentions of those who create it. Milton Freidman "If you find yourself in a fair fight,,, Your tactics suck"- Unknown

November 19, 2019, 11:51 AM	#6
FrankenMauser Senior Member Join Date: August 25, 2008 Location: In the valley above the plain Posts: 13,424	My preference would be Leupold. Nikons don't last. Burris has always let me down. Bushnell burned me on an Elite 4200. ...And on down the list of popular brands. I buy Leupold when it matters. If I need to go cheap, it's Redfield (by Leupold). For anything cheaper, one might as well just get a Tasco. __________________ Don't even try it. It's even worse than the internet would lead you to believe.

November 19, 2019, 02:35 PM	#7
T. O'Heir Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2002 Location: Canada Posts: 12,453	Define 'some abuse'. Flying or driving West will matter. Any good hard case will keep any commercial scope reasonably safe. You need to check 'zero' when you get to where you're hunting anyway. There are several Bergara 308's too. That shouldn't make any difference though. __________________ Spelling and grammar count!

November 19, 2019, 02:18 AM	#4
jmhyer Senior Member Join Date: June 19, 2012 Location: MS - USA Posts: 899	I've been impressed with Vortex optics. There are a number of option in your price range. Quality optics and a lifetime warranty.

November 19, 2019, 08:36 AM	#5
603Country Senior Member Join Date: January 6, 2011 Location: Thornton, Texas Posts: 3,998	I’ll also recommend the Leupold VX3 line of scopes. I have a couple of them, one being a much older Vari-X III from (I’m pretty sure) the 1980’s. That old scope has seen a bunch of deer get shot, and the scope never gave me any issues. About 5 years ago I sent it back to Leupold to have the Varmint Hunter reticle put in it. They charged me for the reticle, as expected, but they also went through the scope mechanicals and replaced most of it. That was a nice touch. I will also specifically suggest the 4.5-14x40 scope and the VH reticle.

November 19, 2019, 04:34 PM	#8
taylorce1 Senior Member Join Date: November 18, 2005 Location: On the Santa Fe Trail Posts: 8,245	You can pick up a VX3I Leupold 3.5-10x40 or 4.5-14X40 in that price range, and if you look you might find a VX5 2.5-10X40 that has been discontinued for slightly over $500. The Vortex Razor Light Hunter scopes are pretty reasonable for the recently discontinued models as well they would be the 1.5-8X32 and 2-10X40. I'd also look into Nikon Monarch scopes since you like the Prostaff scopes. __________________ NRA Life Member

November 19, 2019, 07:51 PM	#9
jmr40 Senior Member Join Date: June 15, 2008 Location: Georgia Posts: 10,808	Nikon is apparently getting out of the rifle scope business. You might pick up one cheap. But you can do better. A Leupold VX-3i is never a bad choice. They come with multiple options as to reticle choice and other options. Some are priced pretty cheap right now. Right at the upper end of your budget, but this is my favorite scope. Meopta has been making this scope for years and allowing other manufacturers to put their badging on it. It is the same scope as the now discontinued Zeiss Conquest 3-9X40. Cabelas used to offer this scope with their name on it as well. https://www.swfa.com/meopta-3-9x40-m....html?___SID=U I've had one of the Zeiss branded versions for years and when Cabelas discontinued them at $250 each I bought 2. __________________ "If you're still doing things the same way you were doing them 10 years ago, you're doing it wrong" Winston Churchill

November 20, 2019, 10:11 AM	#11
603Country Senior Member Join Date: January 6, 2011 Location: Thornton, Texas Posts: 3,998	My brother got a Bergara B14, and man that thing is accurate. Using 120 gr Nosler Ballistic Tips and H4350 powder, we found a great load quickly for his 6.5CM. As for scope toughness, that older Leupold VX3 I mentioned earlier held up perfectly when I fell on it. I was climbing into a deer blind (4 feet up approx) on a wooden ladder when the rung I was holding on to broke. I fell backwards onto rocky ground, landing on the rifle and scope. That hurt. Later, when a nice buck showed up, I shot him at about 80 yards, so the scope was still ‘on’ (or close to it). Bought a Leupold M8 6 power at a gun show in the 80’s, or maybe a bit earlier than that. Used it for years, sold it and the rifle to a brother. He used it for years, and a year or two ago brought it to me to sight in. The scope was broken ( loose lens). I sent that 45 year old scope to Leupold, and they sent me a new scope. I am a happy Leupold customer.

November 21, 2019, 12:47 AM	#12
bamaranger Senior Member Join Date: October 9, 2009 Location: North Alabama Posts: 8,308	Leupold I'm a Leupold guy too. The newest Leupolds I've got are a pair of fixed power FX-II's , followed by a VArI-X-III, and a number VARI-X-IIc and M8's. All of those have given very good service and despite their age, provide more than enough clarity to take game in any reasonable light. NONE have ever had zero or fog/seal issues and most get hunted as much or more than most due to our long deer season here in 'Bama ( near 3 months). I've had several back to Leupold for reticle changes, for which they charge a fee, but they also overhaul the scope at that time, which certainly has helped in the optics providing good service. I've got a few other name brands, but Leupold is tops w/ me.

December 10, 2019, 05:17 PM	#13
Maxx515 Junior Member Join Date: July 2, 2019 Posts: 3	It would be really awesome if we could add some night vision thing to it, cause for example I love to act in the dark. Or at least one thermal monocular would help as well. When I've searched for thermal and night monoculars, I have find only one resource ( here it is: https://www.agmglobalvision.com/thermal-imaging ), which can not only sell you those optics goods, but also explain pros and cons of each model. Last edited by Maxx515; December 11, 2019 at 05:46 PM.

December 11, 2019, 05:40 PM	#14
reynolds357 Senior Member Join Date: December 10, 2012 Posts: 6,165	For pure durability, Leupold. Dollar for dollar, Leupold does not match its competition in glass, but it is durability king in the price range mentioned.

December 16, 2019, 03:50 AM	#16
std7mag Senior Member Join Date: June 23, 2013 Location: Central Taxylvania.. Posts: 3,609	If your gonna use your scope as a hammer, get a Nightforce! $300-500 range would get you into the lower end Viper. Or a VX3 from Leupold. Personally i'd go the Leupold of those 2. Actual hunting range with the 308 is still probably going to be 400 yards or less. This for enough speed and energy for a clean kill. Myself, i've been buying Sightron scopes as of late, (past 2 years). 1 STAC 4-20X50 which i don't recommend for a hunting rifle. $400 1 Field Target series 4-12X40.$200 1 SIH 3-9X40. $132 All have an MOA type reticle, my preference. All available as a duplex also. Good glass. Clear edge to edge. And adjustments track well. __________________ When our own government declares itself as "tyrannical", where does that leave us??!! "Januarary 6th insurrection". Funny, I didn't see a single piece of rope...

December 16, 2019, 11:42 AM	#18
pete2 Senior Member Join Date: May 15, 2012 Location: Texas Posts: 2,566	Something with Leupold on it.

December 16, 2019, 01:23 PM	#19
std7mag Senior Member Join Date: June 23, 2013 Location: Central Taxylvania.. Posts: 3,609	https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=4bZZTa8M5wI __________________ When our own government declares itself as "tyrannical", where does that leave us??!! "Januarary 6th insurrection". Funny, I didn't see a single piece of rope...

December 18, 2019, 04:22 PM	#21
SWISS M109 Junior Member Join Date: July 17, 2017 Location: Senoia, GA Posts: 14	Hunting out West In answer to your scope needs for your new Bergara, I have a suggestion. I just bought it for my SIG 7mm RemMag. Its the Sierra 3 BDX System. It consists of the scope and the rangefinder KILO1400, in my case. If you intend to shoot at longer distances, boy this is going to make your hunting life a breeze. Forget about bullet drop/hold over. Its all taken care for you and then some. Just a suggestion