Help me choose a scope please....

B

BangFlop

Member
I have a Remington SPS Tactical chambered in .223. It is mounted in a H-S Presicion stock. It has a 20" heavy barrel and a 1-9 twist. I am currently shooting reloads with 55 grain dog town bullets.

I will be purchasing a Leupold. However, I can not decide which one of the following I would like. I am looking for a great coyote hunting scope, for low light and at night in the snow.

1) Leupold VX-3 2.5-8x36. I have this scope on my Remington 7mm-08 mountain rifle and love it. My question is the objective too small for low light and predator hunting or does the quality of the glass make up for the difference?
2) Leupold Mark AR 3-9x40. I like the all black look of this scope, and the ability to lock the eye piece with the lock ring
3) Leupold VX-2 3-9x40. I really like the gold ring appearance, but have heard it does not come with the eye piece locking ring?

Which one would you pick of these 3 scopes? Almost all of my shots will be under 250 yards, and primarily under 100 yards. I shot most of my coyotes last year under 50.

Thank you,
Steve
 
I've just started using the AR model on a new AR, and so far I'm happy with it. I've also got older 3x9 Leupold's on all my other rifles. This AR seems brighter. I'm getting used to a scope I can adjust, rather than always relying on Kentucky windage----- do they call it something different in Kentucky?

Personally, I'd like more magnification for target shooting up to 600 yds, but in your case, I'll bet any of these scopes will work.
 
I have a 4-12 Mark AR Mod 1 and it's got an elevation dial calibrated for a .223 55gr bullet @ 3100 FPS. I just mounted it and only had a few rounds to sight in so not a lot of experience with it yet. I dont know if it comes in 3x9 but I think the elevation dial is cool enough to certainly be worth a look at.

Edit to add link, they do make it in 3x9, free shipping too, looks like they even have a firedot version too. It just might be the one you were looking at...IDK
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/519819/...x-reticle-matte
 
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Originally Posted By: BangFlop

1) Leupold VX-3 2.5-8x36. I have this scope on my Remington 7mm-08 mountain rifle and love it. My question is the objective too small for low light and predator hunting or does the quality of the glass make up for the difference?

Steve
You may have answered your own question.
I have 2 Vari-X-III, and 1 VX-III all are 2.5-8X36. All are riding on .223 rifles. 2 ARs and a bolt.
 
Originally Posted By: BangFlop I shot most of my coyotes last year under 50.


Then #1 is your ticket. Great all around scope. I have two and really like them. Good luck
 
I have a VX3 2.5-8X on my primary calling rifle and a VXII 3-9X50 on my calling AR. Both are good scopes but I'd go with the VX3 in your situation. I'm building a new calling rifle for this season. I just got my new VX6 2-12X for it last night. I'm pretty jazzed about it but 12X is probably overkill if your shots are under 250.
 
I would advise VX3 minimum. I have found that each step up in Leopold line is noticeably better light transmission. A glance through a VX1 appears like tinting on a window.
Some of the newer 5 times magnification models like tt35 mentions seem to have an advantage when siting in.
I have enjoyed 4-16 but 2-12 or 3-15 are better on the low end for acquisition with close encounters.

On the side, one day we compared 4 3.5-10 VariX 3 to VX3 on many different points. We all agreed the VariX 3 models were visually better. We were being very very picky beyond most hunting qualifications but honest.
 
okay i have the vxIII 3.5 x 10 x40 and its clear and crisp and holds zero no problems what so ever ...
that being said.... i also own a Nikon Buckmasters 4.5 x 14 x 40

in LOW LIGHT or hunting at night,,,, my Nikon is noticeably (brighter) than the more expensive Leupold. I have had both rifles out at dusk with a hunting partner more than once and he confirms without a doubt the Nikon is brighter.
When i hunt coyotes and i know im going to be out after sundown. The Rem 700 with the Nikon gets the job.
 
Leupold has some great glass, and work well in low light. I would think a good 3-9x40 or 50mm scope should fit your needs. Most guys above posted some good scopes.
 
Was thinking, after re-reading thread, a Leupy 1.5-5x20 or the like wouldn't be bad for given the ranges. Really wide FOV. One of their very best scopes, IMO.

Or a VX-R 2-7x33.......
 
How much advantage would the illuminated reticle be for night time calling in the snow with no alternative light source? Is the illumination worth the difference in glass quality between the 2?
 


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