Help me choose...optic

antmai · #1 06-30-2020, 06:52 PM

I have a Savage 10TR in .308. With Hornady Black (Amax) 168gr ammo, sub-moa is routine. I have thought of upgrading my optic, just a small upgrade that is, for a while now.
I presently have a Hawke on it but bumped into quite the deal on a Cabela's scope today. I bought it. I am having an impossible time deciding which to use on my Savage. The Covenant is brighter but the resolution is hardly better. The Hawke is highly underrated in North America and is a great entry scope-for the price or otherwise. What is your favourite feature that may sway and simplify the decision?
..and no, I am not going to buy a 'better' optic. These are what I have:

Hawke Optics Eclipse 30mm tube Side Focus 6-24x50 Illum reticle 2nd focal

Cabela's Covenant 7 34mm tube Side Focus 5-35x56 1st focal

Dean2 · #2 07-01-2020, 12:20 AM

Not to be rude but it is a bit like picking which Turd is shinier or smells less. I have no advice except to buy a lower cost Burris, which will be no more money, may even be less, and is it at least a 5 times better scope than either of those.

DeadEyeGardner · #3 07-01-2020, 05:49 AM

It’s unfortunate you already received one reply saying exactly what you asked not to hear... some people just can’t click the back button and get on with their lives... anyways to answer your question...

I personally don’t have experience with either of these scopes. In a nutshell, I would be putting the “more appropriate” reticle choice on the rifle for what you you intend to shoot. If you’re working long range (600-1000m) then I’d suggest the first focal plane with higher magnification. Under 600m I think you’d have way too much scope with the higher magnification, although they are both plenty of scope for under 600m.

wally338 · #4 07-01-2020, 06:21 AM

I much prefer ffp scopes myself for shooting at distance.

antmai · #5 07-01-2020, 08:48 AM

Thanks for the advice on the scope dean. You didn't like your hawke? I surely hope you have had one....

Deadeye and wally, thank you. I am working on getting to 600 for sure. 300 is my max on the range right now. Would love to try 1k but would need a higher moa rail than my stock one anyway.

‘Overscope’ is ok with me, obviously lol. I think i have a 22 around here for the loser of this one! I mostly shoot from the bench and sometimes mess around with friends. No hunting or competitions but the latter may be tried.

Dean2 · #6 07-01-2020, 09:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DeadEyeGardner

It’s unfortunate you already received one reply saying exactly what you asked not to hear... some people just can’t click the back button and get on with their lives... anyways to answer your question...

I personally don’t have experience with either of these scopes. In a nutshell, I would be putting the “more appropriate” reticle choice on the rifle for what you you intend to shoot. If you’re working long range (600-1000m) then I’d suggest the first focal plane with higher magnification. Under 600m I think you’d have way too much scope with the higher magnification, although they are both plenty of scope for under 600m.

I was actually trying to be helpful. The Covenant scope he bought is $650 regular price, don't know how good a deal he got but overall not a low priced scope. Take a look through one on the higher powers, resolution and clarity is pretty bad, they move POI when you change power settings, the clicks on the turrets are mushy and have a fair amount of play. These are not a quality scope, despite the price. They are Chinese junk that I would never put on a gun I need to rely on. Cabela's will take the scope back, they took back the 3x21 I tried on a 17H, if he hasn't had it too long. With the money he spent for it he can buy a 4.5x14 Burris Fullfield. They are currently $580 at Cabela's. The Leupold VX3I is $699 at Cabelas. They are both a far better scope in terms of optical clarity, quality and toughness for a hunting rifle. I did not say spend more, I said you can get FAR better scopes for the same money he already spent.

bobtodrick · #7 07-01-2020, 09:24 AM

In truth I’d stay with Hawke.
I have the Sidewinder https://us.hawkeoptics.com/sidewinde...flescopes.html on a heavy barrel .222REM that will shot 1” at 200m.
It performs the box test perfectly....meaning I can zero at 100 m, dial out to 200 or 300m and when I reset to 100m it’s bang on.
There are a lot of reviews like this http://www.varminter.com/hawke-sidew...-scope-review/ and in Europe the Hawke line is very popular.

antmai · #8 07-01-2020, 10:29 AM

Dean, i got the scope for 45% off. No, i do not think you can get a better deal. You did not know what i spent, so being presumptive does not help. They are what i have, and i am happy with them. My mom can beat up your mom, nananapoopoo.

My hawke has been great, but no, i did not get a chance to compare them. I honestly was caught up in the deal. This may just be one of those situations that can only be resolved by the purchase of a new rifle. Science!