I'm strugging between putting a 6x42 FxIII or a 3.5-10x40 VXIII on mine with Talley lightweight lows. I currently have a 4x leupy on it but want something with a little more magnification. Any thing glaringly else I'm not considering? Thanks.

IMHO a Loopy 2.5-8X is always the right answer. However, I must confess that, having never owned a 3.5-10X, I would be mighty tempted. Of the options you list I would take it over the 6X without a moment's hesitation.

The 3.5-10 is the route I'd go.

Both fine scopes but the 2.5-8x36 will make a sleeker package in the same price range.
If you have the bucks, IMHO, the 2.5-10x32 Nightforce illuminated is the ultimate general purpose hunting scope.

The former on a 99R 250-3000, the latter on a Benlli R1 300 Winmag.





As the NF works when it's too dark to see your feet. (Ya gotta love horses great night vision!)

The 6X Leupold fetish has got old around here. Few rifleman want fixed power scopes these days with the great majority buying variables.

Since most of the Leupold scopes are on the light side I suggest a 3-9. I have a 2.5-8 matte on a nice sporter. Thats another good choice.

If the caliber is .30-06, I'd also opt for the 2.5-8. In .25-06 or .270, I might go for the added magification.

My 84L Montana (.280 AI) wears a 2.5-8, albeit a Zeiss Conquest.

I tried a FXIII6x42 on my 84L Montana 280AI, using talley LW lows, and the front bell was maybe a paper thickness away from the barrel. A very tight fit.
I changed it out for a 3.5-10x40 and it fits much better. So I would recommend the 3.5-10.

3.5-10x40 in Talley Ltwt Lows and don't look back. Don't overthink. Just do it.

Thank you. Will go 3.5-10x40.

And we want a range report with pics!

And welcome to the Fire!

Just don't use the Talley lows. Good rings but butt ugly. Go with S&K (as on the Benelli) sleek, one piece, strong and windage adjustable for windage in both bases.
Why so many fine custom rifles are "ugleyed up" w/Talleys I don't get.

S&K can be bought at Brownells. If they dont have what you need, call S&K direct they will give you the Brownell discount (if you have a corporate account @ brownells)

Good look @ matte ones on a CZ, (also come in gloss).



http://www.scopemounts.com/index.html?skulpmain.html

and, yes I have owned rifles that came with Talleys, they worked fine but........

Mounts were not in question........just the scope choice. Not many are fans of windage-adjustable mounts in any flavor. I'll take function and simpleness over good looks any day.

Or at least that's what my wife always says.

I suppose you have never owned a Buehler, Conetrol or S&K and are basing your opinion on Redfield type turn in ring mounts ?

100s of hard kicking Weatherbys used Buehlers and I've yet to hear of a failute. In fact they still command big bucks on Ebay. They are (also) not fuggin ugly.

Actually most are fans of either Weaver style crosslock or Redfield style turn in mounts.

The former are bullet proof and the latter work fine as long as you install them once and leave them alone.

The Talley is a very well made, strong mount, just not much if esthetics matter to you.

Have had the S&K mounts on a Mauser action and don't like them. Have also used the Leupold and Burris WA's and don't like them. I don't recommend against anything I haven't tried....how in the hell would I know whether to recommend or not??

I like the dual dovetail....but would rather not have the weight, what little it adds, and the Talley's are just as good or better.

Again.....I much rather prefer simple and sturdy over pretty. You obviously don't. Not a big deal.