New Gun... Needs New Scope

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PeteC

New member
After 3 weeks of thinking nothing else then what caliber!!! It's time to switch to what scope....

I just ordered the Tikka HB Varmint it 243

Iv'e given the Night Force SHV 5-20*56 lots of consideration but i do not like that the zero stop is not an option. The MOAR reticle seems legit but its in the 2nd focal plane so zero stop would be nice.

The NXS models are more then id like to spend although all the options are appealing.

Also considering Leupold VX6 4-25*52, and what ever else u good folks suggest

Input is appreciated thanks!!!
 
My thought is that's a lot of magnification for predators. Both scopes are nice. My vx6 3-18 stays on 3 or 4 95% of the time. To use a zero stop on the shv you'd have to run it without the turret caps if you plan on dialing. I'd suggest the leupold for the CDs. I'd also suggest checking out a swaro z5 for primo glass unless you're stuck on a tacticalish scope.
 
Zero stop is nice for LR shooting, but I have never needed or used it in predator hunting, and wouldn't use it as a deciding factor in a predator hunting optic. It's a great feature, don't get me wrong, but it's really not a deal breaker.
I grabbed two equal magnification optics when i was at Cabelas last, one SHV and one VX3 (I know there are different flavors and I honestly don't remember if it was VXIII, VX3, VXXX or whatever they designate them as these days) and with the cost being very similar...I would never choose the VX3 when compared to the SHV.

I started my "good" optic purchasing with 4 different pre-owned NXS's and would make that suggestion 8 days a week. Optics with high quality internals (not just glass) hold their resale value well and are worth considering in the pre-owned market. Especially if you're not sure what you really want/need yet.
When you can find(occasionally) a 5.5-22 NXS with MOAR for 1300...that's a great deal. Especially when you can still sell it for 1300-1250 2 years later.

Now that said. I feel that the Bushnell ERS is a fantastic predator hunting optic. Especially if you're already considering something the size of an NXS, which isn't HUGE, but sure isn't small either.
3.5x on the low end. 21x on the high end. FFP, zero stop, locking turrets, excellent reticle choices.

The only down side IMO, is personal preference. No MOA option, no Illumination option....and like I said...that's purely personal preference.
 
From personal experience and side by side comparisons, I would not pay for the word Nightforce on the side of a SHV. Their other scopes are very very nice, but not so much with the SHV. A Leupold in the same price range should serve you much better.
 
Very interesting conversation. I am always torn when buying a new scope because I primarily shoot targets so I want high magnification but I also want to be able to Varmint hunt which does not really require the magnification. I double and triple agree with the idea that you should always buy as good an optic as absolutely possible. OI have no trouble buying a used Swaro and. no trouble selling or trading it either. But, I tend not to sell my Swarovski stuff if at all possible (unless I am getting another Swarovski with the money or trade).
a .243 is a great calibre!

Jim
 
Anything that starts the magnification scale at more than 4X scares the crap out of me for predator hunting. And to start with a 5X on the low end isn't a wise decision in my opinion. I'd much rather have a 3X-14X than a 5X-??X range. A 25 yard shot at a moving target (even if it's walking slowly) could present a difficult acquisition with a 5X magnification. For a prairie dog shoot that's another thing entirely. But unless you're satisfied that you'll never get "run over" by a predator coming to a call I'd re-think this a bit.
 
I use a 6.5 X20 Vortex Viper on my 223. I love it. I leave it on 6.5 for predators and can crank it up on Prairie Dogs and long range. I have shot coyotes on the run a close as 50 yards and had no problem with the lead. I did shoot a coyote recently at 10 yards but, it was standing. Lower power would be o.k. too, but I like mine for both coyotes and prairie dogs. Thanks Rudy
 
you can't go wrong with a Leupold VX3 in 6.5-20 get it with a duplex and dot with turent I have 6 and love them all and Leupold service is great
 
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