Hunting Scope Anyone?

[AR Shooter]

Considering three (3) scopes that will used for 600yd F-T/R (50%), high power silhouette (25%) and hunting (25% - elk, antelope & deer). As a vet, it is important to me that it be made in the USA.
The one that appeals the most is the Leupold VX-3i side focus 6.5-20x40 with varmint reticle ($730).
Next up is the Leupold VX-6 3-18x44, again, also with the varmint reticle ($965).
Lastly, the Nightforce ATACR 4-16x42 F1. The big drawbacks with the NF are the price ($2338), a bit lower in power (16x vs either 18x or 20x) and the 34mm tube size requiring a new set of rings (probably have 10 sets too many all ready). Plus, the large turrets look to me to be not that friendly when moving through brush, etc., when hunting (Leupolds both have turret caps).
What say you?

 

[hogpatrol]

Nightforce SHV?

 

[yotehater]

6.5x can be a problem in the timber. If you only plan on longer shots that is a good power range. The 4.5x14 is a great hunting scope.

 

[AR Shooter]

Good point on the power. The 3-18x44 would cover that. Do like the side focus and would like to stick with that. There is also the Trijicon TR26-C-200104 2.4-12x42. 12X is a bit down on power for 600yd shooting.

Edit - Just ran across a great deal on the VX-3i 6.5-20x40 side focus with varmint reticle, so I jumped on it. While 6.5X is a bit much for the woods, my deer hunting is over bean fields and I only dream of seeing an elk so close that 6.5X is too much scope. Same with antelope. Not sure I would shoot one that close, feeling it unfair (unless, of course, I had crawled on my belly to get there ).

Thanks.

 

[yotehater]

You will like the side parallax focusing. I don't consider a Leupold a purchase. It's an investment. Enjoy your new scope.

 

[Spike A]

its always nice to hear someone looking for only us made, i do my best but some times its hard with usually price points being some times higher or just options, there is a group of us farmers in my area that are sticklers on us made things, so we share when we find us made things and what not, ( one gentlemen claims every tool in his shop is usa made, has a huge sign that says if it isnt made in usa it doesnt belong in this shop). Anyways, nice to hear and thanks for your service.

 

[Frankr]

well weight is a major consideration in any optic. I have had the VX6 3-18x44 Great scope. I have a VX6 4-24x52 I do not like it...I have a Nightforce SHV 5-20x56 and it is buy far a better hunting or target scope than either Leupold If weight is not a consideration the SHV is hands down a better scope. If I had to pick the VX6 3-18 is better than the 4-24x52 and I am kind of pissed off about it. I paid like 1,350.00 for the VX6 4-24x52 and hoped it would be as nice as the 3-18 and more power then the SHV but it is not poor image quality,poor low light performance ect ec...The SHV is the best scope you can buy for the money...Some of the VX3 are decent.

 

[AR Shooter]

Received the Leupold VX-3i 6.5-20x40mm scope yesterday. My previous Leupold VX-3 4-14x40 was an excellent hunting scope. Am hoping the 3i will be just a bit better. The 44mm of the VX-6 was as big as I was willing to go for a dual-purpose scope. But, the bit of extra power of the 20x vs 18x and slightly 'sleeker' 40mm vs 44mm and saving $375 tipped the scale for me. Just some casual looking through in the basement while figuring out the mounts looks great. Will report more once I've had a chance to try it in the field (likely after ThxGvg).

 

[Alex Wheeler]

NF scopes are made in Japan so far as I know. To me NF does not make a hunting scope. A 2lb. scope makes no sense on a hunting rifle. If Japan is ok, and you can afford it, a March 2.5-25x52 is my absolute favorite scope for a hunting rifle. Leupold is a good choice as well and are even lighter yet.

 

[slm9s]

NF makes a 2.5-10x32 scope that many feel is an excellent hunting scope with great LR hunting turrets/repeatability and weighs 19 oz.

 

[Frankr]

I am in the boat of wanting a scope for a light weight Hunting rifle. The NF SHV 5-20x56 is hands down the best foul weather Hunting scope I own. No matter the condition's fog,rain,snow just dark and gloomy days it always looks the same and functions flawless. But it is big and bulky..And I use it and have used it for two years on two different 10.5lbs rifle's I hunt with..So I am spoiled with it. I want a light weight scope with a MOA reticle and can dial it out to 1K if I want to..There seems to be nothing out there that is not heavy. I have been looking at a Burris 4.5-14 Fullfield E1.
I have a 20 moa windage adj base and I think it could work.

 

[AR Shooter]

Think the 6.5-20x40 Leupold VX-3i I just bought also comes with a TMOA reticle.

 

[Alex Wheeler]

I am in the boat of wanting a scope for a light weight Hunting rifle. The NF SHV 5-20x56 is hands down the best foul weather Hunting scope I own. No matter the condition's fog,rain,snow just dark and gloomy days it always looks the same and functions flawless. But it is big and bulky..And I use it and have used it for two years on two different 10.5lbs rifle's I hunt with..So I am spoiled with it. I want a light weight scope with a MOA reticle and can dial it out to 1K if I want to..There seems to be nothing out there that is not heavy. I have been looking at a Burris 4.5-14 Fullfield E1.
I have a 20 moa windage adj base and I think it could work.

http://www.bullets.com/shop/brand_m...m-scope?src=march&srcpath=/second-focal-plane

 

[savagedasher]

I don't think you will find a scope made in the USA . If they were the shipping out side the USA is almost impossible . Larry

 

[hogpatrol]

I don't think you will find a scope made in the USA . If they were the shipping out side the USA is almost impossible . Larry

Trijicon makes some of their scopes in the USA as does Leupold.
From the Trijicon website:

The vast majority of Trijicon products, including all ACOG®, RMR®, Reflex, MRO®, Night Sights, SRS®, VCOG®, TARS®, CCAS® and Archery Sights are designed, engineered, machined and assembled at our facility in Wixom, Michigan and are therefore 100% Made in the USA. A few of our products, including AccuPoint®, AccuPower®, and our observation products are assembled here in the USA, but have significant components which are purchased in either Japan or the Czech Republic. All Trijicon products are designed here in Michigan and have the same stringent quality processes applied to them. All of our products are backed by our limited lifetime warranty. Each product is marked according to its origin.

 

[Jammer Six]

Funny, I'm a vet, and I prefer goods made overseas.

 

[dkhunt14]

NF scopes are made in Japan so far as I know. To me NF does not make a hunting scope. A 2lb. scope makes no sense on a hunting rifle. If Japan is ok, and you can afford it, a March 2.5-25x52 is my absolute favorite scope for a hunting rifle. Leupold is a good choice as well and are even lighter yet.

I believe Nightforce rings and scopes are made in Idaho now. The glass comes from Japan but almost every scope company uses glass from Japan or Europe. Matt

 

[savagedasher]

Trijicon makes some of their scopes in the USA as does Leupold.
From the Trijicon website:

The vast majority of Trijicon products, including all ACOG®, RMR®, Reflex, MRO®, Night Sights, SRS®, VCOG®, TARS®, CCAS® and Archery Sights are designed, engineered, machined and assembled at our facility in Wixom, Michigan and are therefore 100% Made in the USA. A few of our products, including AccuPoint®, AccuPower®, and our observation products are assembled here in the USA, but have significant components which are purchased in either Japan or the Czech Republic. All Trijicon products are designed here in Michigan and have the same stringent quality processes applied to them. All of our products are backed by our limited lifetime warranty. Each product is marked according to its origin.

None are Larry

 

[Alex Wheeler]

I believe Nightforce rings and scopes are made in Idaho now. The glass comes from Japan but almost every scope company uses glass from Japan or Europe. Matt

Maybe the new ones are? Have not bought a new one lately. Every one I ever owned said Japan. As of now the Japanese make the best scopes. I am big on buying USA, but when I want the best I will buy Japanese scope and European optics.

 

[savagedasher]

If your going to shoot forget American made . Larry