What is the Perfect Hunting Scope?

[stwcattle]

I do not think the 4-16 ATACR's are too heavy nor do I think the 5-25's are. The 5-25's are just a little longer and bulkier. Once behind the rifle, none of those things are a concern.

Without question ATACR glass is better than NXS glass.

SHV glass is very very good (same glass as the NXS line) for the price but scope is not near same quality of a ATACR or NXS and it was never designed to be. The only SHV scope I still own is the 4-14x50F1. It is a nice budget scope option.

Im a NF customer and cant commit on the other 3 scopes you asked about. With that said, I have looked through a Kahles 624 and was impressed but not enough I would stray from what I know about NF quality and repeatability.

 

[weatherbee]

I do not think the 4-16 ATACR's are too heavy nor do I think the 5-25's are. The 5-25's are just a little longer and bulkier. Once behind the rifle, none of those things are a concern.

Without question ATACR glass is better than NXS glass.

SHV glass is very very good (same glass as the NXS line) for the price but scope is not near same quality of a ATACR or NXS and it was never designed to be. The only SHV scope I still own is the 4-14x50F1. It is a nice budget scope option.

Im a NF customer and cant commit on the other 3 scopes you asked about. With that said, I have looked through a Kahles 624 and was impressed but not enough I would stray from what I know about NF quality and repeatability.

Thank you sir. Looks like you convinced me to become a nightforce customer as well

 

[corsair4360]

I hunt elk in Northeastern Utah each fall hiking alot. The terrain varies from large meadows to tight thickets of lodgepole pine where if you can see 50 yards you are good, to anything in between. I use a 2-10x Steiner scope. Some shots are take your time, others are snap shots. All depends upon the type of hunting you will be doing.

 

[Riflehunter1776]

I know a few guys who have gone away from Leupold and have been buying SWAFA SS scopes I think I spelled it right but not sure. Anyway they are tuff as nails and the dials are reported as being very accurate. They are FFP and a little on the heavy side but one guy accidentally ran over his rifle and scope with his truck and the scope never lost zero. Lots of models to choose from and reticles.

I have a number of the standard SWFA SS scopes and although the adjustments have always been reliable for me, the glass is not great - I'd say it's comparable to older Leupold VariX 2 glass. I cannot speak to the quality of the HD stuff.

I'm no longer a leupold fan, but I do own many; also not a huge Leica fan (I've only owned 3 of their optics) I own a number of Kahles, Zeiss, Swaro, and Meoptas and just in terms of glass (not adjustments) they are all excellent.

 

[MudRunner2005]

I also have a number of the regular SWFA SS scopes, and they are exceptional glass for the money...Especially if you catch the 3-15x42's on sale. The turrets are solid, the tubes are super strong, and the whole scope is built like a tank. The glass isn't quite up there with the Vortex Viper HS-T, but I'd say it's about on-par with the Leopold VX-3...Which is still not bad glass. I also have scopes in all ranges from $150 Nikon rimfires up to Kahles and Zeiss. For the money, it's hard to beat the SWFA SS scopes, and also the Vortex HS-T scopes. Those are always my top 2 recommendation for folks wanting good glass, but are on a budget.

 

[FEENIX]

Thanks. I have looked at the SWFA scopes. They might be an option

I have the 5-20 HD FFP (non-llum) on my .300 WSM and it is simply awesome. My last two scope acquisition were both IOR Valdada 4-14 in 30MM and 3-18 in 35MM (both are illuminated) , very nice scopes, built like a tank, and excellent optical clarity.

 

[Rflamm250]

Out of the 3 you narrowed down to. If weight is not an issue I would go Kahles, if weight is an issue I would go Swarovski.

 

[Greenheadjed]

Love the Niteforce scopes I've shot until low light. The X5 is far superior in low light. Both are very reliable dialing.

 

[WildRose]

I often read as much as I can on this forum but seldom post. Lot of great input here from everyone.

I'm looking for suggestions for a scope to put on my custom 6.5-300 WBY. The build will be ready in the next few weeks and I want to start developing a load for it. I have narrowed it down to probably the ATACR, Swarovski X5 and the new Kahles. Or if there are other suggestions, I'm open to any and all.

I want a tactical MOA scope that I can dial adjustments on. This rifle/scope will be used on a western hunt for Elk and Mule deer this fall.

Any suggestions or first hand comparisons between these scopes would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

It all depends on your personal preferences and budget. I've been awfully happy with my Leupold VX-6's and would replace all of my other scopes with them if I had the budget.

 

[Target Tamers]

Huge fan of NightForce, but out of the models you listed, it's Swaro for me. I would definitely opt for the illuminated reticle too... so X5i models. Excellent glass, spot-on tracking, and only weighs 2 pounds. You will need to take the manual with you to the range to figure out how to correctly set your zero stop, but once it's done - it's done.

 

[Greyfox]

With glass, reliability, and weight, being my major criteria as well, I'm partial to the March 2.5x25x52, SFP. It handles low sun glare/reflection noticeably better then any of my "high end" scopes(NF/ATACR, S&B, AMG) It is light weight, compact, reliable, and tracks as accurately as the S&B and ATACR F1.

 

[rafterfp]

If you are putting your rifle on a horse do yourself a favor and get a nightforce!

 

[Riflehunter1776]

No limit on cost would be Zeiss Diavari for me. While I've not looked through all of them, I have the Divari.

I'll also add this. I actually have a Divari, bought used. I wouldn't pay the premium on a new one over a Leupold or Zeiss Conquest. The cost vs quality with optics reaches a point where it takes a huge amount of money to see a tiny improvement in quality.

I have to look real hard to notice the difference between a $400-$500 scope and a $2000 scope. The difference between a $200 scope and a $400 scope is huge. There are a lot of $400 scopes out there that I'd rather have than the $2000 options.

the diavari is hard to beat.

 

[werth338]

I am running a Zeiss V-6 on my 6.5-300 in 3-18x50 and really like. I have a Swaro Z5 on it previously and only changed it due to limited elevation adjustments.