Gentlemen,
Can you please recommend a scope? My current scopes are Leupold 2x7s and they've been great but I'd like to try a scope with higher magnification on the top end and I'm open to other brands.

The scope will go on a Tikka T3X Lite in 6.5 CM that will primarily be used for elk and deer up high, but also for steel gongs out to 550 yards. As it will be primarily be used for hunting, I don't want something real big and heavy. I'm thinking 1" tube, no larger than a 40-44mm objective lens so I can mount it low, around 4-12 mag, usable BDC reticle, and good eye relief. I don't dial windage and elevation for individual shots, but I'm open to turrets if they are secure and sturdy.

I'd like to keep the price around $400 or below.

Thanks,
Expat

Look at the Sightron Big Sky 3-12 in the classifieds at $300, its a duplex ret cant beat the price

Leupold VX3 4.5-14X40

There is no scope on the market that matches your criteria that is reliable and durable.


Do yourself a favor and pick up a SWFA SS 6x42mm with MQ reticle, or the 3-9x42mm SS. You will be vastly ahead.

True words.

I have both of these scopes and the 5-20HD. Just ordered 2 more 6X last night. 3-9 are on back order but you can still get them at the sale price.

I've left my variables set at 6X for so many years for shooting 300yards and in I wonder why I have them. Last year I shot my doe at 540 yards and turned the scope to 10X, this rifle is just for long stuff. Normal hunting I prefer 6x unless I'm in the thick stuff then 4X or under works for running deer for me.

While the SS 6x42 may be a good choice, the scope is heavy and the turrets are bulky.

As the OP noted, he will not be using the turrets to dial windage etc, therefore, the only logical option to replace the SS 6x42 is the Loopy fixed 6x which has already been voted the "easiest scope to get behind" by the campfire gang.

Also, since the OP already correctly determined that he wants a one-inch tube (as there are no benefits to anything bigger for those not shooting at the extreme long distance), I have to give my vote to the 6x Loopy.

That being said, my second vote goes out to Conquest 3-9 as it has the ideal exit pupil ratio under all light conditions and it will allow the OP to hunt even under very limited moonlight conditions or complete darkness (depending if you are currently under/over 6x magnification).

Yea,it's about impossible to get reliable and durable without heavy. Those plastic internals just don't hold up. The Leupold may work,and do OK for a while,but it won't be even 1/10 as reliable and durable as the SWFA.

Since you are not dialing then get a Leupold VX-2 6-18x40. It takes a bit of searching but they can be found for around $350, I think there may be one in the classifieds for around that price now. I

I have a half-dozen of them on various rifles and have been satisfied with them, but like you I am not a turret twister.

drover

Using a scope up high means carrying a scope down low. In other words fairly light and and close to the bore..........

2-7 is right up there.

But if you want more magnification, go with the 2.5-8.

If I must have a big scope, then 3-9x40...........

Are you hunting in deep woods? Or more open area?

Have you considered a fixed power scope? Try a FX2 - 6x Leupold, I have quite a few different scopes, but that FX-2 is pretty nice.

How big are the 550 yard gongs?

Sounds like the SWFA 3-9x would be about right for this situation.

Most popular scope for high power silhouette is the 6.5-20 40mm.

OP stated he was open to turrets if they were sturdy and secure. Also said he doesn't dial for individual shots but he's open to it.

1" tubes lack travel in the higher mag ranges. I've seen as little as 40moa which doesn't leave much travel.

SS scopes aren't that heavy when mounted you won't notice.

Why handicap yourself? Unless of course your going to shoot 20 rounds a year for practice and call it good.

I've been very happy so far with my Vortex Razor HD LH scope I really like the G4 reticle and the turrets have been repeatable when dialing!

Sightron S-Tac 2-10x32mm with Hunter Holdover 2 Reticle. More X power than your 2-7's, 32mm Objective for low mounting, BDC Reticle, 16.3 oz. so not too heavy, 3.6-4.2" eye relief. Under $400. Comes with a 30mm Tube is the only box it does not check from your list.

https://sightronusa.com/index.php/product/s-tac2-10x32hhr2/

The reticle picture is wrong in the SWFA ad below. See the real reticle picture above.

https://swfa.com/sightron-2-10x32-s-tac-30mm-riflescope-3.html

That's as close to your wish list as I can find. But the SWFA twins like SS 6x or 3-9 are never a bad choice.....

@260madman

40 MOA will get you way beyond 1000 yards. How far is he going to shoot?

The SS is built for military applications and no hunter needs any of those features. Geez, 6x Loopy is all you need for 99% of all hunting situations. Do you even know how easy it is to get behind one of those 6x Loopy scopes and how quickly you can acquire your target? There is no comparison.

As you know, anything bigger than one-inch tube is a marketing scam, just ask @MuleDeer

Both. I carry my current scope on 5x in woods and 7x overwatching meadows.

Part of the reason I want higher top end mag is for banging 10" gongs out to 550 in the off season.

10"

Someone took their Campfire tune-up personally.

9x will have you hitting the 10" but more magnification would be nice in that scenario, at least for me.

This and the SII 3-12x42 Big Sky are likely candidates. I find the SWFA 6x intriguing.

Thanks for the tip. That is a deal.

30-06 was built for military applications and no Hunter needs that. See how this goes? I'm going to be nice.

That 40MOA is total travel not what's left after zero.

I have no problems getting behind my Loopys, Monarchs, SSs, IOR, or Zeiss. Set them up right with cheek weld not chin weld.

Anything bigger than 1" tube is a marketing scam? Are you cereal Al Gore?

There better be a [bleep] of a lot of sarcasm in your post. If not, I could quote Big Stick.

Leupold 4.5x14x50mm CDS