I'm trying to decide on what scope to run on my BLR 358 that I recently got from Fotis. Main concern is reliability as it will see a lot of use in Montana and will get bumped around a lot, especially in a scabbard on a horse. Was leaning towards a VX3 2.5-8, or possible the 1.5-6. I know the 358 can have some beat up some scopes. Any other good recommendations?

1.75-6 Leupold perfect.

Fixed 4X on mine and I wouldn't change a thing.

I have a fixed 2.5 on mine, but if planning on longish shots would slap a fixed 4x on it and call it good.

Mine wears an older Monarch UCC 2-7x32. If buying new I would probably go VX-1 2-7x33.

If interested I have a gloss Vari-X III 1.5-5x20 Hvy. Duplex (click adjust) with BC flip-ups (front clear) I'm planning to sell.

I have a 1.5-4.5 Bushnell on mine. I have taken deer from 10 yards to 180 with it. One a few minutes after morning shooting time so was pretty dark and one shortly before the end of shooting time and was getting pretty dark. Not a problem seeing with this power range.

I think a 4x is a good max power for this round.

As does mine, a Leupold.

The fixed 4X does all that needs to be done within the range of the 358 and it is highly reliable and relatively inexpensive.

Steve

Leupold 2x7

I have an XLR Marlin that started life as a 35 Rem. I had it converted by Regan Nonneman into a 21" barreled 356 Winchester which is similar to a 358. I mounted a 2.5 x Burris Fullfield Heavy Plex. All I can say is "Outstanding Combo".

Don't think you need to go to VX3.

An M8 in 4x or 2.5x would be good.

Also a variable that goes down to 1x would be handy in certain situations. I suppose it matters where you hunt and what you hunt.

There's guys that hunt elk to 400 yards with their 358. I like to use my 358 BLR in the thick woods where fast pointing is critical, I have other rifles for open country.

Mine wears the same scope. While not expensive it sure is light with good enough optics, a small form factor and great eye relief at 4". I usually have it set to low magnification when hunting in the woods and like having that option.

Mine wears an older Zeiss 4x, see no need for more magnification on a .358 lever gun.

Mine wears a 1.5x5 Leupold. The straight tube gives mounting lee way and no need to go above 5X with the .358.

I think scope selection has something to do with the type of hunting you are planning on doing with the rifle. Surely a 358 BLR probably won't be used for prairie dogs much, but still there's differences.

Mine wears a M8 4x. I had a 1x4 Weaver on it before and both work well.

A nice light scope with no more than 4x is what I will stick with.

The place I bought the rifle had a new Simmons 4x on it. That scope never made it to the firing line, I didn't give it a chance. I've been trying to unload it.

interesting thread. I agree with much of the logic shared above, but mine wears a 3x9 Redfield Revolution. Set on 3x 99% of the time. Works for me and ~$170 or so.

Mine has a 1.75-6x Leupold with heavy crosshairs...

Mine has a Leupold 2-7 compact on it. It's been perfect for my use.

Khales 1.1 - 4

Kahles 1.5 - 6

Minox ZA HD5 1.2 - 6

Leupold M8 - 4x

Would be my top 4 suggestions

If country was a bit more open (400 yard stuff), maybe a

Minox ZA HD5 2 - 10