What do I do?

[RyGuy]

Alright Hunt Talk, I need opinions. I was recently gifted a rifle from my grandfather and I plan on hunting with it this fall. I know we all strive to have the best possible glass while hunting, but this is more a question of what is serviceable. I have two low-quality scopes to chose from.
The rifle is currently topped with a fixed 4x magnification weaver scope. My other option is a 3-9 variable power barska scope that I had laying around.

Pros of the weaver:
1. It’s already mounted on the rifle
2.it’s already sighted in and I know it works
Pros of the barska:
1. It’s got more magnification
2. … that’s all I got

I plan on hunting black bear and elk with the gun. It’s a 30-06 and I usually limit myself to 400 yards and closer, but I will limit my max range even more with a fixed power scope.

I have plenty of time to sight in the new scope, and worst case scenario: go back to the weaver and sight that one back in before hunting season.

What say you?

 

[BoulderBulls]

Sounds like you should give the barska a go if you have the time and the ammo to swap back

Or buy a nice new Leupold

 

[madtom]

Assuming the rifle has sentimental value, I’d leave the scope that’s on it. Guessing you have other rifles to use when you need more magnification.

 

[longbow51]

Leave it alone. The Weaver is plenty. Millions of deer/bear killed with 4x scopes. Millions more with iron sights. And that rifle isn't a long range rifle.

 

[TN2shot07]

If you are limiting yourself to those two I’d stick with the weaver and go make some memories!

Those rifles are fun, I have one in 30-06 too but would like to pick up another one or two someday…

 

[Huntn4bucks]

I would stay with the setup you have

 

[shannerdrake]

I find that clarity and light transmission are more important than magnification in hunting applications.

That weaver has that in spades over that Barska. I know I’d use it if limited to just those two.

If you are wanting classic lines and affordability, I’d do some eBay or asking around and find a used Leupold VX-1 somewhere. It would look good on the gun, lend well to the classic look, and offer meaningful performance.

 

[Flatbrimmer]

I’m with everyone else. Leave it. Rest assured in knowing it’s ready to put down your next trophy.

 

[Doublegunner]

Go with weaver

 

[Deleted member 20812]

Another vote for the Weaver. Is that a M760?

 

[mtmuley]

Weaver. mtmuley

 

[Redman]

Yep Weaver.

 

[BackofBeyond]

Grandpa had that scope on there for a reason. Keep it the way grandpa had it.

 

[ludville1]

Weaver.

 

[DFS]

Sell both and get a Swarovski. Somebody had to say it. It hurts my eyes looking at both those scopes.

 

[EastTNHunter]

Weaver

 

[Flatbrimmer]

Sell both and get a Swarovski. Somebody had to say it. It hurts my eyes looking at both those scopes.

 

[Caseknife]

Stick with the Weaver, make your grandfather proud.

 

[RyGuy]

Assuming the rifle has sentimental value, I’d leave the scope that’s on it. Guessing you have other rifles to use when you need more magnification.

Yeah the rifle definitely has sentimental value. Not necessarily the scope though…

 

[RyGuy]

Another vote for the Weaver. Is that a M760?

Yep, 30-06. Watched grandpa kill lots of elk with it.