Scope question

[baptiste_moose]

I have a 6.5x284 Norma and can't decided what it wants to wear. I have it dialled down to a Leupold 4.5-14x50 CDS VX-3 L, a Zeiss Conquest 4.5-14x44 Rapid Z-800, Swaro Z3 3-10X42 and possibly a Vortex Viper HS 4-16x44. I wanna hear from the been there done that crowd on which route I should go. Do just throw a name out there. Give me examples of why I should go one way and why I shouldn't go another. Thanks in advance.

BM

[tchardy1972]

Swaro, Zeiss, leupold, then vortex. In that order is what I swam to be best to worst. My 6.5-284 wears an 8-32x56 but it also weighs in at just under 17.5 pounds.

[Dick284]

What's the end game you're gonna play with the rig?

[elkhunter11]

I would not attempt to recommend a scope without knowing the intended use of the rifle.

[baptiste_moose]

Everything. Moose, elk deer. It is a savage mod 111 light weight hunter. Want it to be a riffle I can cover miles with. So I am keeping an eye on weight. Pushing a 140gr bullet as well.

[HunterDave]

If you are considering a Rapid Z800 I would suggest that you check this site to.....1. Make sure that the Z800 is the right recticle and not the Z600, and....2. see how the recticle work for your rifle/ammo.

http://sportsoptics.zeiss.com/huntin...l#inpagetabs-1

I have a 3-9 R600 on two of my rifles and in order for the ballistic plex to work properly with all of the hash marks on the recticle my optimum power is 7.5x so I'm 1.5x less than the max power. If you go with a 14x max power the optimum power for the recticle may be less. You can play around with different types of zeiss scopes and you might find that one with less max power would be a better fit and cost less money.

My choices would be between the Swaro and the Zeiss, depending on what the calculator told me.

[baptiste_moose]

Originally Posted by HunterDave

If you are considering a Rapid Z800 I would suggest that you check this site to.....1. Make sure that the Z800 is the right recticle and not the Z600, and....2. see how the recticle work for your rifle/ammo.

http://sportsoptics.zeiss.com/huntin...l#inpagetabs-1

I have a 3-9 R600 on two of my rifles and in order for the ballistic plex to work properly with all of the hash marks on the recticle my optimum power is 7.5x so I'm 1.5x less than the max power. If you go with a 14x max power the optimum power for the recticle may be less. You can play around with different types of zeiss scopes and you might find that one with less max power would be a better fit and cost less money.

My choices would be between the Swaro and the Zeiss, depending on what the calculator told me.

Did this already. 11 1/2 power magnification is my zone with the Z-800 and my load on a 4.5-14.

[HunterDave]

Originally Posted by baptiste_moose

Did this already. 11 1/2 power magnification is my zone with the Z-800 and my load on a 4.5-14.

A quick price check puts the Zeiss at about $70 more than the Swaro but they periodically have promotions. I got a Puma folding knife and a $100 credit card last fall on a Z600. Does one recticle appeal to you more than the other? Good luck with your decision.

[Jamie Black R/T]

I own a 56mm VXL with B&C reticle and a conquest 4.5-14 R600

The light gathering on the leupy is awesome...but its heavy. Clarity is comparable between the two.

Id go with the zeiss and the Rapid z that fits your load. In fact i might sell the VXL and do just that this year.

[southernman]

Of your choices my pick would be the Swarovski, better quality glass, better resale, I have also had both a leupoud and a zeiss have to go for repairs,
Plainsight solutions on Canada gun nuts sight has,
Swarovski Z3 4x12x50 for $979 and $100 more for the ballistic turrent in plex or 4a, that would be my choice. I noticed the other three scopes listed were all higher power than your choice of swaro.
I have purchased from them and had very good service.
here is a link.

http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum...e-Meopta-Elcan

[baptiste_moose]

Swaro was very nice but poor magnification options in a 42 mm objective. I can't stand 50mm objectives. Poor check weld. Throws a stick in my spokes!!

[twofifty]

I agree that paying attention to the ergonomics is key.

I just started working up a load for the same rifle, except for it being a short-action Mod 11, in 260Rem. It is intended for walking the woodlands, without quad support. The rifle weighs about 5.5# sans scope, rings, base.

A light compact & handy walking package is a mission-critical goal, so I chose a small scope for the light rifle. Bought a small VX-1 2-7x33 (11oz wt). There might be times when more magnification is desired, but I don't hunt the Prairie.

Due to cheek weld considerations, I mounted the VX-1 with low rings. Tried the medium rings, but at only 1/10th of an inch taller they were forcing my cheek off the stock in order to get a full field of view: very bad ergonomics.

As it stands this rig jumps to the shoulder with my eye instantly where it needs to be.

Am very pleased that I did not go for the taller-bigger-heavier 3-9x40.