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Hello! I just purchased a Sako AV in 338 Win Mag and I was looking for opinions on a good optic for it. It will be primarily used for elk, and if I ever get on a moose or bear hunt, for that as well. I have a VX3 in 2.5-8x36, I was thinking of putting on it, but was wondering what folks on the fire thought. Any feedback or recommendations appreciated. Thanks!

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I'd just put one of the Leupold M-8 4X I have on mine (like I have on a Ruger 338 converted to 358 Norma), but it I had a 2.5-8 already, why not?


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The age-old battle about brands will continue here. Just like Ford/Chevy. For a large bore rifle I worry more about getting some repeatability than anything. After your last zero-in shot, will the next one be in there? Maybe. I got rid of a Leopold VX-1 for this reason. I then went down to a Pentax which held zero perfectly, but was impossible to turn the Power ring without taking off your gloves. I have since upgraded slightly to a Vortex Diamond Back 4-12 X 40. This semms the way to go for me. Reasonably priced and has held zero for one box of 30-06 185 Gr. Fusion shells. We shall see.


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When I had a .338, it wore a 2.5-8 Leupold.
If I still had it, it'd be wearing the same scope.


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I've run a Leup 2.5-8 on my .338; you'll find it doesn't have much mounting latitude. Might be an issue for you, might not.

My .338 has a 3-9x40 Conquest on it and I have no interest in changing... the eye relief characteristics are perfect for a heavy kicker, there's plenty of fore-aft latitude, and it being a heavier scope than say a 2.5-8 Leupold is a GOOD thing, in my mind, on my .338. Pretty much perfect, and at $300, one of the great bargains of the scope world to boot.

If you go this route, it is that specific Conquest I'm pimpin' here. For instance, the 3.5-10 Conquest (which I also ran on my .338) has really different ER characteristics.


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Originally Posted by SKane
When I had a .338, it wore a 2.5-8 Leupold.
If I still had it, it'd be wearing the same scope.


This is what my 338 wears. Seems about perfect to me.


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Originally Posted by 1Nut
Originally Posted by SKane
When I had a .338, it wore a 2.5-8 Leupold.
If I still had it, it'd be wearing the same scope.


This is what my 338 wears. Seems about perfect to me.


That's what my .338 has worn since new (15 years). I haven't found a scope better suited.


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pm sent

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My .338 also wears a 2.5x8x36 Leupold. Another good alternative is the 2x7 Leupold VX 2.

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That 2-7 sure is a sleek, light little scope.

I've read that the less wt. and mass, the less potential for damage from a big kicker...

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On my last trip to Colorado my 338 was topped with an older 2.5X8 Leupold. That scope has been a few rifles and has never failed to hold zero.

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make sure your mounts are the right distance apart. Not much room on a av with 2.5-8.

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Originally Posted by SKane
When I had a .338, it wore a 2.5-8 Leupold.
If I still had it, it'd be wearing the same scope.


Same here. I went 2.5-8 Leupold after it killed a Conquest wink

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My Sako 338 (late 60's vintage) started out with. a Leupold VX-R and performed just fine. Zero problems. I now have a Schmidt & Bender on the hard kicker after running up on a deal I couldn't refuse.


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I also put a 2.5x8 Leupold on my Ruger .338. It's worked just fine.

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I have a .338 Win Mag in a Uncle Roy rifle. It wears a Leupold 2x7. Works for me.


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My 338 wears a 2.5x8 VX3 as well. As stated, may not work for you if ring spacing doesn't fly.


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hawkman0206, I'm biased toward Leupold, but any quality scope will work. Of course hunting conditions dictate your power options. My top choices would be a VX3 in 2.5-8 or 3.5-10. Whatever you choose, I hope that it works well for you. memtb


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I have had good luck with Conquests with #4s on heavy kickers.


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I used to have a 2.5x8 VX-3 Leupy on mine, and have had for 20 years without an issue, but Mule Deer informs us that once you get past .300 magnum then the variables become less reliable and that one may be better off with a fixed scope, in my case a 4x. Given that my hunts with a .338 are few and far between, and even if its probably not an issue, I don't want to take a risk on a hunt of a lifetime, so I moved the variable over to a .30-06, and put a fixed 4x on the .338WM. Haven't even sighted it in yet, but that's my logic, based on opinion which is respected and heeded.


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