Help me choose a scope

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deadwolfarms

New member
I need some help choosing a scope for my win model 70 in 270
I will be using for hunting ca and hopefully some trips outside the state over the next few years
Thank you all for your input
 
More details would help. My default suggestion is a Leupold VX-2 in 3-9X40. It will cost $300-$350 depending on the reticle and other options.

You can spend more, but most likely never ever notice the difference in quality. That scope will pretty much do it all at a fair price.

If you want to spend less there are several $200 ish options including Burris FF-II and the Redfield Revolution among others. But for only $100 or so difference the VX-2 is well worth it.

There isn't anything much under $200 MSRP that I'd suggest. You might find something discounted under $200 that would be acceptable.
 
I'll second the recommendation for the Leupold scope. Their warranty is second to none. I had one turn toes up on a hard kicking rifle and they repaired it no questions asked. I have several rifles in .270 and there are Leupold scopes on all of them.
Paul B.
 
My .270 wears a VX3 3.5-10X40 with MOA CDS dial on the elevation. It allows me to stretch the legs of the .270 a little better. I also recommend Talley light weight mounts as a rock solid way to mount the scope.

P1000620.jpg


other than Leupold I'd look to Nikon, Burris, and Vortex for quality scopes. Probably in that order as well. Vortex would rate higher if there scopes weren't so heavy.
 
Leupold's good

Don't pass up Nikon either. You probably want to spend at least $300 on a good scope. Some say you ought to pay more for glass than you do your rifle.
 
Plus for a reasonable charge. I think~?~ Leuplod still change's their scope's Reticle. {At the behest of their customer.} I know first hand Leupold will do that change out. As I had Vari-X 3's reticle factory changed once. Scope came new with a thin line Duplex. 6-months later I sent my scope back to Leupold and had a Heavy Duplex installed. It cost me 65.00 $ to have the work done at the time. Been happy ever since. I assume Vari-X2s enjoy the same perk.
 
I'll agree with Leupold and Vortex. I had a bad experience with Nikon and may not ever buy another...

Leupold and Vortex have the best warranties in the business, should you ever need to use them, with Vortex being the best warranty. As another said, if looking to keep weight down, Leupold. If a few ounces more weight is not a concern, then Vortex is a good choice because they offer great features at price points others don't.
 
The standard 3x9 would work for most situations.
You might consider a lower low end such as 1.5x or 2x. Most deer are well taken under 100yds. If the scope has too much magnification it's sometimes difficult to find the deer with the scope.

40mm objective lens are more than enough and most people would do fine with 28mm objective. Once you get passed a certain point the light gathering ability of the objective lens isn't going to get much better.

I've used Weaver for most of the last 40 some years. Here's a low end one.
http://www.opticsplanet.com/weaver-rifle-scopes-v10-10x38.html
 
Leupold is an excellent choice. I've used them for over 30 years and have never had to see if their warranty is as good as everyone claims. Power wise 3-9X40ish is almost like a standard when it comes to bolt action hunting rifle scopes. Some people like the larger objective (50mm) claiming it gathers more light but I've never had any issues using 40mm objective scopes during legal shooting hours in any weather condition.
 
Without knowing your price point I will suggest what I am using from a high end stand point. I tested out ALOT of scopes and hands down the new Leupold VX6 FireDot 3x18 was a standout and a good value for what you get. I have always been a Docter or Swarovski fan but the VX6 is in its own league with the FireDot.

I hunted with this scope last year and it was hands down the best scope I have ever seem or used in the woods. Low light, field of view and eye relief was amazing. I purchased two of these scopes. One for my JOC M70 and one for my Flyweight rig that is a Montana in 308. Its not a heavy scope at 44mm and you can see it keeps the rifle well ballanced. Look around online and you can find deals on these.

Leupoldscopenet.jpg



Ballancenet.jpg


Combonet.jpg
 
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While that's undoubtedly an excellent scope, as described, I might warn the OP about a side focus scope for a hunting rig - it's not for me - violates the KISS principle, in my view. But nothing wrong with it either as long as you understand that with each new shot / each new setup, you need to stop and adjust the range. Those 30mm scopes are also on the heavy side.

Yeah, I can't do much of anything recommendation-wise, without budget, other than to suggest a Trijicon Accupoint 3-9x40 or 5-20x50, depending upon whether mostly forested or mostly open/desert/prairie/ supra-alpine. Light and excellent quality.

Leupold and Trijicon Accupoint are both lightweight generally and good eye relief, generally - but again, I'd look at a 1" tube Leupy to save weight, first. Vortex as mentioned is a real value these days, it appears.

In lower price ranges, I've had luck with various Nikons, Sightrons, Burrises, and Bushnell Elites.
 
I like A.O whether it be traditional or "side focus." If you take the adjustment and set it at 150, then worse case scenario you will be as accurate as a fixed parallex scope.
 
Yup, set it and forget it. I wont be doing any snap shots past 150 yards and any shots beyond 200 yards are a carefully set up and laser ranged. It is a non issue on a quality scope.

I like A.O whether it be traditional or "side focus." If you take the adjustment and set it at 150, then worse case scenario you will be as accurate as a fixed parallex scope.
Click to expand...
 
Well, that's a good point, thanks. Hadn't really thought of that. :)


I like A.O whether it be traditional or "side focus."
Click to expand...

While I know what you mean, I think it's more accurate to say:

I like to have a focus, whether it be an "AO" or "side focus."
Click to expand...

Since AO means adjustable objective, and a side focus by definition is not an adjustable objective lens. It's a "middle focus" or "internal focus".
 
Frankly, with your description, I would get the 3-9 that looks the best through your eyes.

I would not spend under $300, if you can afford to spend more. There are not incredible deals on scopes. It is all spec for $. I like Nikon, and I like a BDC for a hunting scope.

Nikon
 
U.D. My friend is an optical engineer. He designed scopes for several companies over the years. He is now designing the highest end optics in the business. I asked him about A.O. and side focus. He explained it to me that neither are truly adjusting parallex or truly focusing. He said both terms are mis-nomers, but the physics babble that came out after that went over my head.:(
 
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