First Scope Suggestions
- Thread starter Pete_Cambs
- Start date
Heym SR20
Well-Known Member
Nope, 6 or 8x are more than capable of dealing with longer ranges, especially when you are talking deer stalking. As a beginner keeping it simple and learning how to shoot is the key. A 6x is much steadier and doesn’t show up every single vibration. It is also very much easier to find the target and to then keep it in sight as the trigger breaks.
Best scope in my view for a novice is a Schmidt and Bender 6x42 with a 4a reticle.
Save your money and spend the difference on ammo.
Deer stalking and targets are different disciplines. If you can only afford one, focus on the stalking and practice at stalking type ranges - ie out to 200 or 300m.
Once you have the base skills, and the knowledge and some experience then start looking around for more specialised target focused optics if that really floats your boat.
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Pete_Cambs
Well-Known Member
Funny you say this as a local RFD who stalks suggested I’d need a variable mag scope as a fixed power 8 would be no good at closer shots or if you have to take a humane dispatch shot.
K.H - Tikka
Well-Known Member
This - although slightly above budget, is something to consider.
K.H
Heym SR20
Well-Known Member
RFD’s first thoughts are on their bottom line. A £1,500 variable has far more margin that a £300 second hand 6x42. I have taken plenty of close range and running shots with a 6x42. I have a 10x42 on my 223. I have taken close shots with that, but in reality its great on the range but not so good in the field.
A low range 6x or 8x is simple. No messing around with parallex, zoom, turrets etc - just get down and focus on shot placement.
Heym SR20
Well-Known Member
Thinking further - close range is much more about gunfit and whether the rifle shoots where you look. Big bulky scopes suitable for 1000 yard snipers are not good at short ranges
Second hand Leupold VX3 ideally the LR/T variant with side focus and target turrets. 6.5-20x50 or 8.5-25x50. Covers all you will need and they are lightweight.
That's a lovely scope!
If I had that sort of money, it would be pretty high up my list of desirables.
billy_boyle_2010
Well-Known Member
My suggestion would be something second hand- a recognisable brand for half your budget. It will be easy to sell on if you think you can improve on it when your situation and rifle options change.
I vote variable because it gives you options. You can turn it down to 6x or 8x and it behaves like a fixed.
Zeiss Duralyt
Burris 3-12x56
S&B 3-12x50
Swarovski Habicht 3-12x50
I rate all these scopes
I vote variable because it gives you options. You can turn it down to 6x or 8x and it behaves like a fixed.
Zeiss Duralyt
Burris 3-12x56
S&B 3-12x50
Swarovski Habicht 3-12x50
I rate all these scopes
Stalker-of-the-deer
Well-Known Member
I would also suggest an ffp scope for LR, yes some say the reticle can get a bit big for distant targets, but you don't have to re calculate if you miss, you can just aim straight off at any mag range.
Never understood people messing about on different mags and dialing in.
Never understood people messing about on different mags and dialing in.
Essexsussex
Well-Known Member
Really think I’d be having 2 rifles. An unfashionable used 243 or 270 with a fixed mag won’t cost a lot bought my 270 for less than £100 with a scope, my 243 for £250. You can then get a decent target scope for the other one but it won’t have to be a high end last light jobby so one of the well respected next tier brands and the saving there will cover the deer rifle. Anyway that’s what I’d do. Both uses arent entirely compatible I dont think without compromise
Requirements for deer stalking and target shooting at Barton Road are very different. If you are shooting F class targets you need a high magnification. I have got an IOR 6-24x50 on a 20 MOA rail and I have got enough elevation to get out to 1000 yards, but not 1200. I shoot a heavy barrelled target rifle. For stalking i use a light rifle with a 8x56 S&B. I would go for something like a secondhand Parker Hale for stalking which you will pick up for next to nothing with a fixed power scope and have a dedicated range setup with bipod etc.
Lots of good advice already said, so much bother can be had with poor choice of optics. With that I have only bought leupold and S&B for centre fire rifles.
Also factor in the best scope mounts - no point in have excellent rifle (tikka would be excellent choice) and a great scope to be fitted together with rubbish low tolerance scope mounts.
Spuhr mounts - best you can get - but will eat into the budget.
Good rail and leupold rings
Or the Optilock rings / system - never had any issues with them either.
Also factor in the best scope mounts - no point in have excellent rifle (tikka would be excellent choice) and a great scope to be fitted together with rubbish low tolerance scope mounts.
Spuhr mounts - best you can get - but will eat into the budget.
Good rail and leupold rings
Or the Optilock rings / system - never had any issues with them either.
TringSaint
Well-Known Member
I have had target rifles with big scopes and hunting rifles with smaller scopes - all depends what you you will use it for most.
My delta 5-30x50 is a good stalking scope but also ok for the range up to 800m, but my Rudolph 6-24x50 is a better stalking scope due to size etc but ok only out to 600 on the range
Also if you go >800m on targets then you may need to put a 20moa rail on it and that might compromise shorter distance shots. Plus how often will you target shoot beyond 800?
Don’t want a telescope on your rifle if you are shooting cwd at 80m!
My delta 5-30x50 is a good stalking scope but also ok for the range up to 800m, but my Rudolph 6-24x50 is a better stalking scope due to size etc but ok only out to 600 on the range
Also if you go >800m on targets then you may need to put a 20moa rail on it and that might compromise shorter distance shots. Plus how often will you target shoot beyond 800?
Don’t want a telescope on your rifle if you are shooting cwd at 80m!
Dan Newcombe
Well-Known Member
I have a couple Nightforce NXS and I like them.
The 5.5-22 is a bit of a weighty brute but the mag is good for targets but I really like the 3.5-15 which I mainly use - added bonus is that it works alright with a rear night vision unit.
Would get either second hand for well under £1k.
The 5.5-22 is a bit of a weighty brute but the mag is good for targets but I really like the 3.5-15 which I mainly use - added bonus is that it works alright with a rear night vision unit.
Would get either second hand for well under £1k.
Pete_Cambs
Well-Known Member
The 6.5cm I’m looking at does come with a 20moa rail on it.
Longer term am leaning more towards what others have suggested now and just putting in for a second deer calibre rifle in either .270 or .308, buying someone cheaper in good working order and using that as a dedicated stalking rifle.
In reality I’m unlikely to be shooting long distance that frequently, I’ve no idea how many days a month I’d even have access to Barton Road and of those days I’d only ever be able to attend weekends and then it’s weekends where i’ve got that day free etc etc so bulk of range use will be 100yds.
Was really just trying to get an idea of a decent all round scope to use initially while I learn what’s what.
TringSaint
Well-Known Member
In that case check the windings to see how close you can zero to with your chosen scope.
Most scopes can add enough vertical movement to get out to around 800m with a 308 firing 150gn, so if you pitch down at 20moa then you might be close to the lower adjustment limit if looking to zero at 100m.
Having a second rifle is the best idea tbh.
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