Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Optics Scope for Model 70 FWT 7mm08 - $1000-$1500ish Budget

Looking for a scope for a new rifle, primary use will be stand hunting for whitetail deer in SC, with most shots in the 100-200 yard range, 350 absolute longest (beanfield).

A lot of our "opportunities" come just before sunrise or just after sunset (due to our laws, we can shoot from an hour before sunrise or an hour after sunset), so low-light is a strong consideration.

Here are the scopes I'm currently looking at:

Leica ER 2-10x50

Meopta Meostar R2 2-12x50 RD

Swarovski Z3 4-12x50

Zeiss Conquest HD5 3-15x50

How would you rank these scopes for performance? I don't care one way or another about the illuminated reticle on the Meopta, but like the range of 2-12. I like the weight (light) of the Swarovski, but not sure about the lens coating in regards to rain, etc. I'd also prefer a little lower magnification for the bottom end, but that's not a deal breaker by any means.

Also, how much difference would you expect with any of these scopes vs. a Leupold VX-3? Significant?

Any others I should be considering?

I plan to use talley LW rings.

Thanks in advance.

I would look at the Leupold VX6 with lighted reticle. Vx6 has diamond hard coating for rain and dirt.

How does the VX6 glass compare with the ones I mentioned?

My choice would be a Leupy 6x42 FX3. Or an ultralight in 4x33.

If you have to have a variable, a 2.5-8x36.

These will balance nicely on that featherweight, which to me is its number one attribute. The scopes you listed will definitely alter how your featherweight handles.

The other scope I didn't mention was Kahles KXi 3.5-10x50. That is also on my list.

Since low light is a concern, I don't want to go down to 36mm. I'd want at least 42-44 with 50 being the max.

Lightweight rifle, 350 max yards, I'd go Leupold FX-3 6x42.

Trim, very bright, 7mm exit pupil, plenty of magnification for the distance.

Given your criteria, I don't see the need for more than 6-8 power on the top end.
My state has shooting times of 1/2 hour before and after sunset and any earlier or later around here you just can't see. An illuminated reticle may very well be an advantage to you.
I think big heavy glass on a FWT kind of defeats the purpose but to each his own.
I know that isn't very helpful but just a couple of things to consider.

If it was mine I'd go Leupold 2.5-8x36 or 3.5-10x40 like others have mentioned


Putting a hubble on a featherweight kinda defeats the purpose

But to each his own

I appreciate the advice so far. Here's where I'm at:

Variable desired
42mm seems about right

Out of the ones I've looked at so far, I'm liking the Swarovski z3 3-10x42 as is is relatively small, simple, lightweight and nice in the glass department. No Leica dealers in the area... I'd love to compare the ER.

Go with the Leupold and send half the money you save to help Veterans and their families.

Wounded Warriors Project

Wounded Warriors is ant-gun. Certainly you can find another, more worthy, group to help our wounded.

Did not know that

Looked it up and it seems you are correct.

Thank you

Check out a Kahles 3-9x42.

They are great scopes for a fair price.

donsm70

Meopta. I have the Zeiss and have to be careful with the legal time limit.

GreggH

I'd pick a swaro z3 3-9-36 with a 4a, I have them on several of my M70 fwts and have been very happy with the setup.

If it's wood and blue go with a Leupold 2-8x36 or 3-9x40 just something about that gold ring that looks good on wood. Leupold glass is top notch with generous eye relief, actually the best I've ever used. Nothing wrong with that Z3 42mm but wouldn't put a 50 on a FWT.

I'd go with a SWFA super sniper 6X MQ only because I have more than a few and they work better than most $1500 glass at 1/5th the cost. The reticle alone tips the scale toward the supersniper.

But, that's just me.

SCS, answering your question directly:

I have both the Leica 2.5-10x42 (#4 ret) and Leopold VX6 2-12 scopes (Illuminated LRD ret) .

The glass on the Leica is noticeably brighter and sharper than the VX6. The #4 reticle is decent at night.

The VX6 Illuminated reticle is better in low light. The quality of the glass is very good - if you never critically looked through Alpha Euro-Glass I suspect you would never find it lacking.

The Leica MIGHT buy you an extra minute (*60 seconds) of shooting light. IMO, if it's that dark though that identifying a game critter is that hard, I'd pass on the shot.

Personally, I'd buy the VX6 with the IL reticle.

Good advice above...