Hunting Scope under $1000

J

JScoMN

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Minneapolis, MN
Figured out which rifle I am getting and now I need to figure out my glass. Looking for recommendations for under $1k. I'll mostly be doing tree stand hunting from 30-150 but would take it out West if I have a hunt come up. Regardless, I can't imagine taking anything beyond 300-400 yards max. Here is what I've come across so far:

- Leupold VX-3i 3.5-10x40mm ($299)
- Leupold VX-5HD 2-10x42mm ($750 or $950 illuminated)
- Leupold Leupold VX6 3-18x50mm Illuminated Boone & Crockett reticle ($900 craigslist)
- Zeiss Conquest V4 4-16X44 ($669 demo unit)
- Zeiss Conquest V5HD 3-15X50 ($629 closeout)

I've looked hard at the Vortex line but it just seems like others are a big jump up in quality of glass.
 
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JScoMN said:
Figured out which rifle I am getting and now I need to figure out my glass. Looking for recommendations for under $1k. I'll mostly be doing tree stand hunting from 30-150 but would take it out West if I have a hunt come up. Regardless, I can't imagine taking anything beyond 300-400 yards max. Here is what I've come across so far:

- Leupold VX-3i 3.5-10x40mm ($299)
- Leupold VX-5HD 2-10x42mm ($750 or $950 illuminated)
- Leupold Leupold VX6 3-18x50mm Illuminated Boone & Crockett reticle ($900 craigslist)
- Zeiss Conquest V4 4-16X44 ($669 demo unit)
- Zeiss Conquest V5HD 3-15X50 ($629 closeout)

I've looked hard at the Vortex line but it just seems like others are a big jump up in quality of glass.
Click to expand...

Everything I read says save the money and go with: - Leupold VX-3i 3.5-10x40mm ($299)

Every other option will be overkill for your hunting style. I use a VX2 3x9 out to 250-300yd without issue and have never felt like I needed a better scope.
 
I’d go with the VX-5 on your list, personally. You’ll never need more than 10x for 400 yards on in.
 
SD_Prairie_Goat said:
Everything I read says save the money and go with: - Leupold VX-3i 3.5-10x40mm ($299)

Every other option will be overkill for your hunting style. I use a VX2 3x9 out to 250-300yd without issue and have never felt like I needed a better scope.
Click to expand...
If you have older eyes go with the 5hd illuminated - but go through schmalts on this forum he should be able to get you a better price.
 
VikingsGuy said:
If you have older eyes go with the 5hd illuminated - but go through schmalts on this forum he should be able to get you a better price.
Click to expand...
I will concede I often forget that I still have young eyes and therefore may give poor advise for those with older eyes and worse vision....
 
Still have youngish eyes so non-illuminated should be fine. I like the 2-10 range of the 5HD. Everything else seems a bit overkill for what I will be doing.
 
I currently have a VX-5HD in 3-15x44 on my hunting rifle. Love it. Would prefer FFP.

I have an AR15 in .204 Ruger that’s just plain fun to shoot, and it has a SWFA 3-15x on it. That’s within your price point. I really like the FFP and their mil-quad reticle.

Used to own a long range target gun in 6.5 CM that had an SWFA 5-20x HD on it. Great scope for the money, especially if you can grab a Demo-A model from Sample List.

That might sound like I’m a huge fan of SWFA, and for their price point, they’re good. But my next scope will likely be another Leupold. American made, solid warranty, and active in hunting and conservation.
 
JScoMN said:
Figured out which rifle I am getting and now I need to figure out my glass. Looking for recommendations for under $1k. I'll mostly be doing tree stand hunting from 30-150 but would take it out West if I have a hunt come up. Regardless, I can't imagine taking anything beyond 300-400 yards max. Here is what I've come across so far:

- Leupold VX-3i 3.5-10x40mm ($299)
- Leupold VX-5HD 2-10x42mm ($750 or $950 illuminated)
- Leupold Leupold VX6 3-18x50mm Illuminated Boone & Crockett reticle ($900 craigslist)
- Zeiss Conquest V4 4-16X44 ($669 demo unit)
- Zeiss Conquest V5HD 3-15X50 ($629 closeout)

I've looked hard at the Vortex line but it just seems like others are a big jump up in quality of glass.
Click to expand...

Leupold VX-5 hands down with the Firedot reticle. I just set up a new hunting rifle and went with it. I absolutely love it.....
 
I’d have to take a look at that Leica that’s around $1,000.

Also consider the Sig Scope/rangefinder combo. Interesting technology.
 
I had my VX3 and VX5 out confirming zero and checking dope on Sunday. Pretty noticeable difference in clarity. I’d spend the extra money on the VX5.
 
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