I have not had an issue with several brands of scopes, lucky maybe. I do know you can get a lemon in any brand, and sometimes more than once. Our hunting styles / terrain differ, for me 200 yds would be an exceptionally long shot and under 100yds the norm.
My most used scopes are Kahles 1.1-4x24 and Kahles 1.5-6x42 both First Focal plane with 7A reticles. I have used these on 338 Win mag, 375 Ruger, and 416 Ruger, without complaints for moose in timbered areas. I consider the 1.5-6x42's my all-around scopes.
I think at the moment (subject to change) my "ideal" bear set-up would be a 416 Ruger with a Zeiss HT 1.1-4x24 with the second focal plane #54 illuminated reticle. The #54 is a Heavy reticle and in the second focal plane allows full use of the lowest power, which is much handier for me than iron sights. The illumination is a very small dot in the intersection of reticle. From playing with this scope, it would have to be really dark for the need of the illumination. But, my shot distances are short.
I have 1.7-10, 2.5-10's, 42's & 50's objectives some illuminated, which so far remain used for larger game. I have a Meopta R2 1-6x24mm illuminated 4C reticle which also seems as though would make a good larger game all-around scope for my terrain.
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Building what I hope to be called an all around rifle for Alaska, though it won't be a primary rifle for the big bears. Under all conditions what scopes/reticles do you give your blessings to?
I lived at Ft Greeley for a year so I understand what cold can do to mechanical items. Do you feel an illuminated reticle is in order for those days which are shorter in light and longer in dark. No dialing up, just a BDC type of reticle for holdover if the range gets out to 500-600'ish.
Thanks,
Alan
