Schmidt & Bender for hunting

[Carel_The_RSA]

Hello everyone.

As the title suggests, i am currently looking at purchasing a Schmidt and bender for hunting purposes. My rifle is a Sako 85 Stainless chambered in 308 Win. I am using this rifle mainly for plainsgame as well as open savannah hunting trips, as i have a .303 Brit i tend on using for stalking and bush hunts.

I am caught up between the 10x42 Klassik and the 8x56 Klassik (Both Made in Germany models). I see both come with the A7 reticle, and the 8x56 also comes in the A8 "Sniper" Reticle. I do like the A8 reticle as it feels more "complete?", for lack of better description.

What would your opinions be on the 2. Would the 8x56 do just fine, or should i just go for the 10?
What is the build quality like, lens clarity, robustness, ability to hold zero etc?
I plan on using Sako Optilock rings for the scope, no more cutting corners!

Would like to hear all!!!

Sincerely.

 

[std7mag]

What kind of range do you usually shoot?

For me, a fixed 8 or 10 power scope is way too much magnification up close.
My shot opportunities go from contact to 1,500 yards, sometimes more. Not saying i would attempt to shoot that far, opportunity just there.
I usually use a 4-12X42 for hunting.
Seldom go above 4 power.

 

[boltfluter]

For years I used a straight 8x Leupold for coyote hunting. Once you get used to it you will be fine. For big game an 8x should be plenty. 10x will be much harder to use due to a narrow field of view. Just my 2 cents.

Paul

 

[xswanted]

I’d run an 8x for any kind of plains game hunting where my shots were inside of 300 yards. If you’re shooting shorter distance it gets to be too narrow of a window with a bigger scope.

I use a variable for hunting coyotes but whenever I’m calling I leave it on 10x.

For big game I also use a variable bit when I’m moving or sitting still it stays on 6-8 depending on the time of day.

Longer shots are the only time either scope is turned up past that.

 

[Ledd Slinger]

There are a lot of other good optics out there that are nothing close to what I would call “cutting corners” at all. Many scopes on the market with just as good, and even better, glass and mechanical reliability as S&B for a lot less money. But if you absolutely must spend an excessive amount of money just to have the Bullseye logo on your rifle, then go for it. However, I would choose the 3-12x or 4-16x Klassik. Unless you own a Labradar, its a pain setting up a regular style optical chronograph by yourself with a riflescope that doesn’t have a very low power setting. Also a lot better to have low power for those quick off hand shots when an animal jumps up right in front of you. Then with added power on the top end, long shots are easier as well. Even on the open plains I’ve had to make shots both very near and far.

 

[Carel_The_RSA]

I forgot to mention.

I am planning on shooting between 110 Yards up top 440 Yards. The scope will also be used for varminting as we have cattle and wildlife on the farm.

 

[Broke Dad]

I have a Zeiss V series 1.5-6x42. 30mm tube.

For me, even 3 or 4 power is too strong for fast target acquisition on game. Non spooked, slow moving or standing game at a bit of a distance, sure. If I'm on the move its at 1.5x. At 6x I'm still fairly comfortable to 350-400 if its not off hand. The 42mm objective allows for lower mounting.

 

[Capt. Oblivious]

If I look at Carels name I assume his from South Africa where plains game hunting is usually done of lets just say a more stable platform than standing over shooting sticks and more magnification isn't really a negative . The 10x should be fine for that (I use around 30x on my scopes for those types of hunts but the 8 would be more of an allrounder when you bring in predators. We mostly hunt Jackal and Caracal at night with lights and there the size/thickness of the reticle is more important than real high magnification, for that I think the A8 with the thicker posts will be better. If I had a choice I would also be looking at the 4-16x Klassik