Hunting Scope under $1000

[JScoMN]

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.

 

[SD_Prairie_Goat]

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.

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.

 

[NoWiser]

I’d go with the VX-5 on your list, personally. You’ll never need more than 10x for 400 yards on in.

 

[VikingsGuy]

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.

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.

 

[SD_Prairie_Goat]

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.

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....

 

[JScoMN]

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.

 

[Schaaf]

Check out the Leica Magnus deals right now.

But a VX-5 3-15 or VX-6 2-12 are what I would go for through Schmalts.

 

[MThuntr]

If you're going to drop $1K there are quite a few options to choose from.

Meopta MeoPro stuff is top notch.

 

[kiwi hunter]

vixen 3-12x40 lightweight ,clear,good price

 

[Cheese Curd]

SWFA 3x9 for ~$490 on Black Friday.

 

[SgtTanner]

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.

 

[N2TRKYS]

The Leupold VX3i 3.5-10X40 is an excellent choice. I have a couple of them and love them.

 

[338 win mag]

Contact Schmalts on this forum. He has great prices (that I doubt you can beat) as I have ordered 2 VX5's from him as well as other optics. You wont be disappointed!

 

[MJE2083]

I have a VX-5 and it is an awesome scope, but I wouldn't feel bad about a vx-3i for less than half the price.

 

[3855WIN]

What rifle are you putting it on, OP?

 

[JScoMN]

What rifle are you putting it on, OP?

Looking to pick up a .308 Browning Hell’s Canyon Speed in the next day or two.

 

[7mmDakotaHunter]

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.

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.....

 

[3855WIN]

I’d have to take a look at that Leica that’s around $1,000.

Also consider the Sig Scope/rangefinder combo. Interesting technology.

 

[Miller8812]

Vx5, skip the firedot

 

[FLS]

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.