What to spend on Scope?

[south-nofolk-stalker]

£300 all you need to spend second hand 8x56 Hungarian Schmidt bender will last you forever!

 

[25 Sharps]

First question is what're you going to use it for?


If it's just generic stalking 0-200M then a Schmidt 3-12x50 Klassik would be £600-800 second hand, they're very well regarded, durable and just work without the added complication of extra knobs to fiddle with.
If you're also going to shoot long range targets on occasion it may be something different that's more suitable.

If you want to spend a bit more, then the Schmidt Bender 4-16 polar is about the best true all round stalking scope you can lay your hands on, with the dialable turrets to learn how to use as you gain experience, great light gathering ability etc.

Personally, I would avoid the more budget brands, though I'm sure many will advocate there's no difference between them and the known brands My limited experience (Vortex, Athlon etc.) is different and I stick firmly to Schmidt and Bender as a result.
IMHO its worth spending a little more to know what you are using will stand up to being used, the zero won't wander and that you'll get good low light performance, for me that means anything Swarovski, Schmidt Bender, Zeiss Victory ETC. which I know will last and serve you well.

Ben

My 6.5x55 wears the Klassic and .280 the polar so I guess we agree on that one!

25-45 has a zeiss 8x56 which is just lovely to shoot with.

 

[Will the chippy]

£300 all you need to spend second hand 8x56 Hungarian Schmidt bender will last you forever!

Right answer. It easier to guesstimate range too. The sight picture is always the same. If it's small it's a long way away, if it's big its much closer.

 

[Rake Aboot]

More than the rifle

 

[Border]

Massive thanks to all who contributed to this thread.

In the end I went for a 2nd hand Swarovski Z6i 2.5-15 x 56.

I have no doubt it will be the perfect tool for Roe and Sika in Peeblesshire.

Figured that as much as I'll be living on beans for the foreseeable, it was a good investment that will perform excellently forever and retain value if I choose to trade it in. Very nearly went with Vortex, but the above scope appeared in the local store just when I called. So it was meant to be...

Sam

I'm sure that you have been very happy with this purchase. I have used @tim243's non illuminated version and it is a very nice scope indeed.

 

[J_Bar94]

Arken Optics EP5 or SH4 - 3-400 quid plenty enough for stalking!

I use an EP5 on my Tikka t3x SV in 6.5CM

 

[Dickie]

You’ve got to love a bit of post resurrection.
I’ve never understood the what should I buy for my first rifle, scope binoculars.
I bought my first thinking they would be my forever.

 

[dillieboy]

Hi all,

This might sound a bit like a 'how long is a piece of string' question, but I'm interested to read some opinions on roughly how much money should be spent on your first scope.

I've heard many times that you should spend more on your scope than you spend on your rifle. This makes sense considering shot placement and accuracy. But rifles range from <£1000 to >£5000!

I'm looking at getting a 6.5 x 55 Tikka T3x Hunter for my first rifle, used or new. Following the rule, I would then need to spend >£1300 on a scope... but I'm seeing positively reviewed scopes under and over £1000.

So where's the sweet spot of spending to get the best value for money and quality scope? Thanks.

(If it helps to know, I'll be stalking roe, sika and on the rare occasion reds in the UK)

I have a ziess v4 perfect for the tikka cost around a grand new but you could have for £400 plus postage. Not saying you should buy but this gives you some idea.

 

[cjm1066]

I suspect that the best, scopes have become dearer and rifles cheaper over the last 40 years. I started with a TASCO it never failed but didn't have the last light performance of more expensive glass.

Given the need for a variation when changing rifles, get the rifle you want, make do with a cheap scope until you can upgrade.

 

[375win]

There are some bargains. If you want to go traditional this one is highly recommended.

Shop | Ian Hodge

...

ianhodgefieldsports.co.uk

 

[25 Sharps]

Right answer. It easier to guesstimate range too. The sight picture is always the same. If it's small it's a long way away, if it's big its much closer.

I agree, to a certain extent but if you are going to start shooting smaller deer (roe and down) at ranges of 200 or so plus, then more magnification is a good idea.

That’s why my ‘small’ deer rifle (25-45) wears an 8x56 as it doesn’t get shot past 200 yards and the bigger calibres wear variables.

For a new stalker, who is unlikely to be pushing ranges there is a lot to be said for a simple 8x56 and that’s the way I’d advise people. For the exact reason you have said, less to think about and fiddle about with.

 

[angusb1]

Massive thanks to all who contributed to this thread.

In the end I went for a 2nd hand Swarovski Z6i 2.5-15 x 56.

I have no doubt it will be the perfect tool for Roe and Sika in Peeblesshire.

Figured that as much as I'll be living on beans for the foreseeable, it was a good investment that will perform excellently forever and retain value if I choose to trade it in. Very nearly went with Vortex, but the above scope appeared in the local store just when I called. So it was meant to be...

Sam

So, nearly a year and a half now since you got your Swarovski, how are you liking it?

 

[Olaf]

Massive thanks to all who contributed to this thread.

In the end I went for a 2nd hand Swarovski Z6i 2.5-15 x 56.

I have no doubt it will be the perfect tool for Roe and Sika in Peeblesshire.

Figured that as much as I'll be living on beans for the foreseeable, it was a good investment that will perform excellently forever and retain value if I choose to trade it in. Very nearly went with Vortex, but the above scope appeared in the local store just when I called. So it was meant to be...

Sam

Good move, excellent customer service from Swaro as well, not that you will need it. What did it cost you ? I bet it holds its value more than your pounds would have if left uninvested .
Kindest regards, Olaf