In the market for a new scope

[WDS22BWO]

I'm in the market for a new scope for a Sako A7 in 270. I'm currently loading 140 gr NAB's at around 2900fps and want to shoot out to around 300 yards. This is primarily a whitetail hunting rifle. I plan to spend up to around $1200. I currently have a Zeiss HD5 2-10 on it but just have never felt it was as clear as it should be. I'm looking hard at the Swarovski Z5 2.4-12 BT. I'd really like some input on what would be the best scope for this amount of money for this rig. Thanks!

 

[hammerjack]

If you are looking for clear a Leupold VX-5 HD or VX-6 HD will fit the bill.

 

[Richard Coody]

I have a leupold vx-6 2x12 on my hunting rifle and it works great for a hunting scope.

Now that is from someone who also.owns a nightforce br 12x42 and a vortex golden eagle and a bunch of others

 

[KY_Windage]

I have a bunch of NF's but for a serious hunting rifle I only go with Trijicon AccuPoint (not AccuPower), either 3-9 (if I need to keep it light) or 2.5-12. I want that tiny glowing dot that is always lit, with no battery to worry about running down. There is no other scope like them. Also solidly built with great glass.

 

[WDS22BWO]

Thanks guys! I did a comparison on 4 of my better scopes late yesterday evening and in my opinion, Here's how they stacked up as far as clarity:
1. Leupold VX-L 3.5-10
2. Zeiss Conquest 3-9X40
3. Zeiss HD5 2-10
4. Meopta Meopro 3.5-10X44
I like the Leupold but it's like strapping a brick to the top of your gun. It's hard to beat those old Zeiss 3-9X40 scopes but I'd like a little more magnification for my old eyes. I will look closer at the upper end Leupolds.

 

[JB10]

For only shooting 300 yards i would not spend that kind of money. Loot at a sightron s-tac. I have 3 and love them. Have taken out to 1,025 yarts easily. Returns to zero every time. I have a $2,400 scope and prefer the s-tac. Just a thought.

 

[Knotwild]

I used to hunt whitetails from stands. Now I only shoot them at night (or whenever I can) under permit. I also manage a place that is used for hunting, so I see a lot of different glass during hunting season.

One thing I learned from my mistakes is that the reticule you choose is just as important, if not more so, than the glass/brand you choose. You can have the best glass in the world, but if your reticule disappears at dusk, you're out of luck. KY_Windage is right - a lighted dot is the answer, and a heavy duplex is second.

 

[jamesk]

I lean toward lighter lower power scope, my favorite for hunting is Leupold VX-5 HD. It gathers plenty of light in early morning and late evening conditions doesn't break the bank I think I paid $900.00 and change. I have it mounted on a Tikka T3X 300 WSM and handles the recoil with no problem, the reticle I have is a little busy but not a problem gives me the option to use subtensions if I choose. I can set it beside my NF's, S&B, Vortex and hands down the clearest and most crisp of the optics I own. But that's usually the case when comparing 15x scopes to the higher magnification comp type scopes.

 

[X-Caveman]

I think you would like the VX5 HD 3-15x44 with the fire dot duplex reticle. I like mine very much. A buddy bought a S-Tac on my recommendation. It’s great during the day, but we can hunt 30 min before sunrise to 30 min after sunset. That’s when the action happens. The reticle is awfully thin and his isn’t illuminated. IDK if they are available with illumination, but if they are it would be a much better hunting scope.

 

[Ledd Slinger]

For 300 yards and under, I would recommend the new Trijicon Credo HX in 2.5-15x56 or 4-16x50.

Trijicon is turning out some of the best rifle scopes on the market right now. Super sharp edge to edge glass, great illuminated reticle choices, and their low light gathering ability is in a league of its own way above the competition.

Here’s a link to the new Credo HX line.
https://www.trijicon.com/products/subcategory/trijicon-credo-hx-hunting-riflescope

If you think you might want more power, take a look at the 3-18x44, 3-18x50, 4-24x50, or 5-25x50 in their Tenmile and Tenmile HX lines.

I have a Trijicon Accupower 4.5-30x56 and it is one of the best scopes I have ever used. Tac sharp edge to edge all the way to 30x and the low light performance is out of this world. You’d swear it had a hint of night vision tech with artificial illumination built in. Things I can’t see at all in very low light with the naked eye are clearly visible with great detail thru my Accupower scope.