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Sub $1000 optic options

JeepGeneral

Looking for a scope for my Sako Finnlight in 6.5x284 hunting rifle. My budget is $1000 and I would like:

-adjustable turrets (with custom, interchangeable caps if possible)
-illuminated reticle
-4-16 or 4-18 magnification

Which options should I consider? Thanks!
 
Never heard of a 4-18x. Maybe 4.5-18x. But there are some good 4-20x or 5-20x options for under $1K that would be even better. The more magnification you can get while keeping a low power base, the better IMO.

The Night Force SHV 5-20x56mm has everything you want with a lot of adjustment for turret dialing, zero stop, and really good glass. Should be able to find one on sale or slightly used for under $1K.

So many other options out there too. Best thing would be to find some big sporting goods stores like Cabela's, Bass Pro, or Sportsmans Warehouse, and just get in there and start playing with all the different optics in your price range.
 
Plus one on the Nightforce SHV. If your patient there are some really nice scopes that go through here used. In that price range SHVs, Sightrons, Leupold VX6s are hard to beat.


Optics planet had an outrageous deal on Sig Tango6 scopes, as of yesterday they still had their MOA SFP listed for 818.00. Another good option.
 
Sightron, nightforce shv, vortex viper pst, swfa, and i think a valdada is made around that price point but i could be wrong...

All depends what you want. Yiur criterea isnt specific. Lots others fall into that too. Just depends what all you want to do. An illuminated reticle is a waste imo, ive got one and never needed it yet..
 
Any thoughts on Bushnell Banner? Im suprised this brand has not come up yet as that's one of the brands I'm considering for my new optics.
Also what about Nikon?
 
For point of reference: I own and use a 8-32 NF BR, two NF NXS 12-42s and a NF 15-55x Comp. I've also got an Steiner M5Xi on one of my PRS type rifle.

[personal opinion]

For a hunting rifle NF scopes weight a ton, I wouldn't run one, ever, unless you just need an extra pound hanging on your shoulder.

I won't put anything over a 44mm Obj on a hunting rifle, the big bells weigh a ton and raise the scope way to far up for my tastes in a field rifle. To difficult to get good position in variable shooting situations while hunting.

Illuminated reticles are nice, but if you are trying to hit a price point, and in particular sub $1000 you are giving up a lot of quality to get one. The reticle is costing you several hundred of that price. (kind of like Zero Stops, they add $200 to $250 and unless you are running at night and can't see your turrets, why bother)

One of my personal favorites is a Swaro Z3 3-10x42 with a BRH reticle. Awesome little scope, weighs about 12 oz.. I run one on my 45-70.

For my 7-08 and the option of more mag at longer range I run a Swaro Z5 3.5-18x44 again with a BRH reticle. You can get it right now at SWFA for $1259. (I may get another one at that price) Scope weighs 16oz.

Neither of the Swaros has adjustable turrets, but both have Mil reticles. For hunting shots it's all I've ever needed shooting at deer sized game
 
Check out the Trijicon Accupoint and Accupower lines. From my perspective you can spend the big bucks and only get marginal increase in daylight performance and maybe another fifteen minutes in low light for hunting purposes. For the record I have two NXS, a few Trijicon accupoints, a smattering of Leupolds and a passel of Sightrons.
 
Thanks for all the suggestions, that gives me a lot to check out.

I've used a Nightforce scope in the past, it weighted a ton so we swapped it out for a Swarovski Z6i which I really liked. The illuminated reticle came in handy on my last mule deer/antelope hunt so would like to keep that feature if possible. After using adjustable turrets custom to my cartridge, I'll never go back to a mil reticle.
 
+1 for the VX-6, got a 3-18x44 for under 1k, great scope. Like stated above, there are a lot of scopes under your price range, best thing I did was go to your local Cabelas if poss., and look at all scopes you like in your price range at the same time and compare, thats what I did!
 
As stated, NF scopes weigh too much for a dedicated hunting rig IMHO. Had one and just didn't ever like it. Nothing I could point a finger at, it just didn't mesh well, so, down the road it went. I'm not one for illuminated reticles though so I won't go there.
I've ordered a Kilo Whiskey 5 in 3-15x44 with their version of a #4 reticle. Sig offers one free adjustable turret that is caliber/load specific. After I get mine and get it mounted a play with it some, I'll try and come back with a report.
 
I ended up buying a the VX6 from Cabelas, it hits every mark on my list and came in under $1000 with rings/bases. I should have it mounted and ready to shoot next week, I'll let you know what I think of it!
 
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JeepGeneral said:
I ended up buying a the VX6 from Cabelas, it hits every mark on my list and came in under $1000 with rings/bases. I should have it mounted and ready to shoot next week, I'll let you know what I think of it!
Click to expand...
What power did you decide to go with? I have a friend in the same boat with a .270 W.
 
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