I have a relatively limited selection of scopes. I have a Kahles k16i and a Trijicon Accupoint 3-9x40. I have them both in Bobro quick release mounts. I hunted deer last year with my accupoint on my 458, but this coming year, I may switch it out to the Kahles, as my shots are all less than 150 yards and having a true 1x is pretty awesome if they run within 20 yards. The accupoint is fairly bright but its contrast and clarity doesn't come close to the Kahles. Anyhow, I wanted an additional scope to fill a few less important niches:
- I wanted something with higher power in order to better bench test my rifles and ammunition for accuracy. 9 isn't quite optimal for me. So a little more magnification and a relatively fine reticle.
- I wanted something that potentially I could use for coyotes on one of my 223 rifles. Reasonable low light performance and more magnification.
- The potential to be a reasonable match as a backup scope on my Browning A-bolt ii 300 wsm if used for elk, caribou, antelope. This is where the low range of the zoom is important.
So, I summed it up that I wanted reasonable quality optics, but did not want to pay for Kahles level. I want good low light performance. I am less concerned about weight. I want the ability to get a little higher magnification, but still have a usable low end zoom range. I want a reticle that is fine enough to use on paper to accuracy test.
I came up with the Leupold VX-3 4.5-14.5x50 with illuminated fine duplex reticle. They are on sale right now, given that they released the replacement, the vx3i. I can get one for $800 shipped. That will give me a decent quality scope, not awful price, good low light performance, it's not light but not overly heavy at 18.8 oz, and the reticle is very fine, plus the illum option should help with target acquisition. I AM concerned about having a 4.5 as a low limit and not having any subtensions marked on the reticle though.
Any suggestions or thoughts?
- I wanted something with higher power in order to better bench test my rifles and ammunition for accuracy. 9 isn't quite optimal for me. So a little more magnification and a relatively fine reticle.
- I wanted something that potentially I could use for coyotes on one of my 223 rifles. Reasonable low light performance and more magnification.
- The potential to be a reasonable match as a backup scope on my Browning A-bolt ii 300 wsm if used for elk, caribou, antelope. This is where the low range of the zoom is important.
So, I summed it up that I wanted reasonable quality optics, but did not want to pay for Kahles level. I want good low light performance. I am less concerned about weight. I want the ability to get a little higher magnification, but still have a usable low end zoom range. I want a reticle that is fine enough to use on paper to accuracy test.
I came up with the Leupold VX-3 4.5-14.5x50 with illuminated fine duplex reticle. They are on sale right now, given that they released the replacement, the vx3i. I can get one for $800 shipped. That will give me a decent quality scope, not awful price, good low light performance, it's not light but not overly heavy at 18.8 oz, and the reticle is very fine, plus the illum option should help with target acquisition. I AM concerned about having a 4.5 as a low limit and not having any subtensions marked on the reticle though.
Any suggestions or thoughts?
