Midrange Scope Advice?
 

I would like to upgrade the scope/rings on my 7mm Rem Mag hunting rifle and plan to spend between $1200-1500 on the new glass. I am leaning toward the Vortex scope listed below, but thought I would ask the community for advice before proceeding. I do most of my hunting at <300 m distance, but am hoping a midrange priced scope would provide better viewing in low light conditions (I am currently using a low-end, <$250 Burris scope that came with my Sako A7 rifle package). I am not looking for turret range/distance adjustment as I prefer the hold-over reticle method for hunting.

All scopes below have capped turrets, which is a personal preference. They all have similar eye relief (about 3.5") and 1" tube diameter. I also believe they are all second focal plane reticles. They all seem to have similar field of view as well.

1. Vortex Razor HD LH 3-15x42mm, 16.5oz, $1300
2. Zeiss HD5 3-15x42mm, 18.4oz, $1500
3. Swaro Z3 3-10x42mm, 12.7oz, $1200
4. Nightforce SHV 3-10x42mm, (30mm tube), 20.8 oz, $1200
5. Leupold - unsure which model compares in this group.

Have I neglected any glaring details/information for consideration? Has anyone used a few of these scopes that would care to nudge me in a certain direction?

Thank you!

The Leupold VX-6 is always worth a look.

The higher the magnification you go the dimmer your image will be. For dim light viewing you want about 4.5mm of objective per power of max magnification. Ie 3-9x40 or 2.5-10x44. the quality of the glass and coatings also provide a big input for light coming through. For under 400m hunting, If you want the brightest image, id get the best glass you are willing to pay with 9 or 10 as max magnification with 40 or 44mm objective.

Go with Zeiss, Swaro, or if you can snag a Leica. Superior glass in both early & late light. I have the HD5 3-15-42 Rapid Z-800 on my 7mm Rem Mag and love it. A friend that I hunt with has the Swaro Z5 3-9-42 on his rifle. He prefers it. Very little to choose from. Your eyes will tell you!!

I own six of the HD-5 3-15x42 scopes, and two of the Z3 3-10x42s, and both are excellent. My favorite big game scope is the Z-5 3.5-18X44, but that isn't one of the options, so my choice would be the Z3.

It could be a Z-3 3-9x36, or a Z-3 3-10x42, or a Z5 3.5-18x44, but not a Z5 3-9x42, as there is no such scope being sold by Swarovski.

I like my SHV. Really depends if you want to save weight. NF are heavy. I did look through the vortex you mentioned and it seemed nice. As mentioned spend as much as you can and I'm sure you will be happy. I like the NF MOAR reticle for quick shots with a drop card. But prefer to dial long range.

The scopes which you mention all will be fairly similar. I haven't dabbled in the Leupold brand simply because I find the build quality, feel, esthetics of others more to my tastes. Speaking of which, I would choose among the scopes based on the reticle that appeals most to you, noting that all reticles might be true at different magnifications.

BUT this is what I would do - go to grouseriver.com and buy a Z5 3.5-15x44 because they are on sale for $1600, and that @#%! will go like hot cakes. Cheers!

Thank you everyone for the advice/recommendations. I just ordered a Swaro Z5 3.5-18x44mm from Grouse River. Thanks SylverCanada for the great info! Lindsay at Grouse River was very helpful and easy to deal with.

I assume this scope should be a very nice upgrade from the Burris scope that came with my Sako A7 package!

Any recommendations for rings?

You made an excellent choice, a great scope for the money.

Excellent choice.

You're welcome. I personally own the Swaro Z5 3.5-18x44mm actually, and that is my fav. hunting scope I own. Enjoy :sHa_shakeshout:

Yes, this is a great scope and you'll be very happy. I have a leupold vx-6 3-18x50 and that 3-15 magnification range is where I use it most.

No question, you need a set of Talley one-piece rings to go with it. I've got two pairs and they work great. A very good, strong lightweight mounting system.