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Perfect scope for a long action?

wkndwarrior

Silver $$ Contributor
I recently acquired a Schultz and Larsen M54J 7x61 with a Bushnell scope and Buhler 1" scope mounts. The scope does not focus very well so I would like to replace it, preferably with something that uses the same mounts. The problem is that I am having trouble finding decent quality scopes with long tubes. The outside distance between the mounts is 5.25" and I'd like something with some room for adjustment. Does anyone have a recommendation based on experience or know of an older model that fits the bill?

My favorite scopes are Leupold fire dots, but new they only come with 30mm tubes and have a shorter body. Preference is also 40/44mm range.

Any help is appreciated! Thank you!
 

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A 3.5-18 x 44 Z5 Swarovski would fit the bill perfectly. The other bonus is they aren't heavy. Optically, I guess I don't have to tell you how good they are.
 
Not a Leupold, but I just put one of these on a Ruger 77 long action today. Your 5.25" dimension is a hair under 5" on the Ruger. With eye relief set for me, there is between 1/4 -3/8" movement both fore & aft on the scope tube. Maybe it'll work for you.

Fullfield IV 3-12x42mm Ballistic E3 Reticle Matte Finish

Fullfield IV 3-12x42mm Ballistic E3 Reticle Matte Finish by Burris Optics Midsouth now carries the Fullfield IV 3-12x42mm Ballistic E3 Reticle Matte Finish from Burris. The Fullfield IV 3-12x42mm Ballistic E3 Reticle Matte Finish offers versatility, from shooting varmints to big game, and...
www.midsouthshooterssupply.com
 
ChrisNZ said:
A 3.5-18 x 44 Z5 Swarovski would fit the bill perfectly. The other bonus is they aren't heavy. Optically, I guess I don't have to tell you how good they are.
Click to expand...

This is a great suggestion. I have a Z3 and considered moving it from the rifle that it's on to this one, but it was tight. Looking at dimensions on the web though - this model you are suggesting would have the perfect tube length. I think I'll have to shop around first though until the budget opens up as the Z5's are a little harder to find a deal on.
 
358WCF said:
Not a Leupold, but I just put one of these on a Ruger 77 long action today. Your 5.25" dimension is a hair under 5" on the Ruger. With eye relief set for me, there is between 1/4 -3/8" movement both fore & aft on the scope tube. Maybe it'll work for you.

Fullfield IV 3-12x42mm Ballistic E3 Reticle Matte Finish

Fullfield IV 3-12x42mm Ballistic E3 Reticle Matte Finish by Burris Optics Midsouth now carries the Fullfield IV 3-12x42mm Ballistic E3 Reticle Matte Finish from Burris. The Fullfield IV 3-12x42mm Ballistic E3 Reticle Matte Finish offers versatility, from shooting varmints to big game, and...
www.midsouthshooterssupply.com
Click to expand...

Thank you for the suggestion. I wasn't able to find good tube dimensions on the burris scopes - although I would be interested to hear your first impressions.
 
lawman29 said:

Leupold Ultimateslam 3-9x40mm Matte 1" SA.B.R. Scope 65480 With Box 30317654801 | eBay

Leupold Ultimateslam 3-9x40mm Matte 1" SA.B.R. Scope 65480 With Box. Previ ously owned in good working condition. Has a few marks from previous ring mounts. Scope mount rings not included. Allan's Jewelry & Loan, Inc.
www.ebay.com

Ask seller to measure distance for you.
Click to expand...

Lawman .. Thank you for the suggestions. I was actually watching these Leupolds on ebay, but the specifications on the website say 5.39" on the tube. I was having a hard time finding the out of production models and was hoping something longer would crop up with a 1" tube. Based on my other Leupolds though, the eye box is probably large enough to work.
 
My vx3HD 3.5-10x40 has a little more than 5 1/2” of mounting space. Last year, I searched everywhere for a scope to fit a long action, with regular 2 piece bases. The only 2 options I found were Swarovski and Leupold.
 
wkndwarrior said:
Thank you for the suggestion. I wasn't able to find good tube dimensions on the burris scopes - although I would be interested to hear your first impressions.
Click to expand...
My eyes aren't as good as 30 years ago, so, I'm upgrading (or at least up powering) the scopes on a few rifles, then playing musical scopes with others. Replacing 40 year old Leupolds with more magnification then trickling them down & pretty much phasing out the 1.5-5xs on pieces with moderate recoil.

The above linked FFIV has 5 1/2" of 1" tube between front bell & power ring with no A.O. Unsure how the fine but slightly busy reticle will work in the real world, but I like that the upper 1/2 is mostly open. We'll see. It may get to the range this week.

I was really hoping for another one of the Fullfield IIs in 4.5-14x but they appear to be NLA anywhere... should have grabbed a couple when they were on sale. I've been very satisfied with these 4.5-14xs which have somewhere between 5 3/4- 6" of 1" tube & an A.O. The "Ballistic Plex" reticle has worked well for me. The glass seems as good or maybe even a bit better than the older Leupold's, & the price is right for someone on fixed income.

The matte finish wont match your 7x61, but not much new shiny stuff is available these days.
 
I have 3 of the Burris Fullfield scopes on 3 different Ruger 77 MKIIs.
I also have a Vortex Crossfire II on a long action Mauser that works fine.
My 2 Savage 111s in 257 Roberts and 7mm Rem Mag are wearing Sightrons.
 
ben-o said:
My vx3HD 3.5-10x40 has a little more than 5 1/2” of mounting space. Last year, I searched everywhere for a scope to fit a long action, with regular 2 piece bases. The only 2 options I found were Swarovski and Leupold.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the mention, I didn't see that this specific model has the longest tube length of comparable new Leopold's. If I don't find something acceptable with illumination then I think I'll go with this one.
 
358WCF, std7mg thanks for the input on the burris models. I might have to check them out first though. I have an athlon with a similar reticle and it isn't my favorite. The last two times I was at Bass pro - the only place locally with Burris in stock - the wait at the gun counter was close to an hour so I have yet to put my hands on one.

6mmsteve, one of those old B&L scopes would look great on the rifle. My only concern is that I'll end up with another classic that doesn't focus well.
 
wkndwarrior said:
Thanks for the mention, I didn't see that this specific model has the longest tube length of comparable new Leopold's. If I don't find something acceptable with illumination then I think I'll go with this one.
Click to expand...
I think the same scope is available with an illuminated reticle. Not sure if it has the same amount of mounting space but they look the same in the pictures.
 
ben-o said:
I think the same scope is available with an illuminated reticle. Not sure if it has the same amount of mounting space but they look the same in the pictures.
Click to expand...
Unfortunately all of the illuminated models on their website have 30 mm tubes, as far as I can tell.
 
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