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Hard to beat the ziess v-4s for the money

What does the store owner in Beaver use? He was telling me about shooting eggs at 500 yards with his 7mm practical.

I agree. Doesn’t make sense to put a yard of scope on a light rifle or a little fixed 4x on a Sendero. It would be good to know what kind of rifle.

I have lived and hunted western states my whole life. Deer, elk, etc. I’m a competent, but not exceptional marksman in the field. For someone like me, it doesn’t make sense to have a “specialized” rifle to shoot out to 300-400 yards. I use fairly standard bolt actions with modest scopes in the 2.5-8x to 3.5-10x. I’ve actually been using a lot of fixed 6x scopes lately. Just plain reticles and fairly pedestrian calibers.

He shoots Leupolds

For a Western rifle, and a new scope, I'd be inclined to go with a Nightforce SHV 3-10x42 Forceplex. Meebe a Tract Toric.

I’d go 14-20x as your top magnification. I have several 4.5-14x, 3-15x, 4-20x. Functionally, they’re all useful. I think a 3-9 will leave you wanting. For elk, it would probably work. For coues at 500+, a 9x top end will hurt you.

I live out here and everyone I know uses a 3x9 of some breed. Mine is a Bushnell.

I have very pleased with Tract Toric line of scopes. I have 3X15X50, 2X10X42, and one of their rimfire scopes. They are high quality scopes at an amazing price

A 3x9 is more than sufficient - a anything from 2-7 will work well. personally I would trade every one of my variables for straight 6x40.

if i knew then what I know now.........

For YOU it may be "sufficient".

I thought so. Upper end VX6 and the HD's If I remember correctly. I won't hold that against him though...

He does well with them BSA. I’m not knocking the Leupolds I’ve just had very good luck with Ziess products and as of now I have no reason to change. His practicals really shoot well by the way.

I find that mirage can play heck with anything over 10-12x. I too prefer 2x8, 3x9, 3.5x10, 2x7 even 1.5x5 (Leupold) I have killed just a few with scope up on 8X or higher. Mostly from 1-5 power. I wish they still made 4x and 6x scopes that are smaller in size, etc.

For 350-400 yards, any solid 2.5x8/3x9/3.5x10 will suffice, particularly if you sight in for maximum point blank range (on my western rifles, this equates to 2.5 to 3.5” high at 100 yds). This will allow you to hold center chest and get a vitals hit from 300-375 yds depending on round/ ballistics. As long as the scopes will hold zero, they are good to go.

For set and forget rifles sighted in this way I’m using Swarovski Z3, Z5, Leupold VX3, Vari-x-III and Nikon Monarch glass. Please note I view these as only good for set and forget. Of these, the the Monarchs have been the most predictable/repeatable. Of these, my favorite have been an early Z3 and the Z5 (truly stunning optics). Having said that, I doubt I’ll purchase another Swarovski rifle scope.

I also sight my dialing capable scopes in this way so I can dial for extended range. Of those, I’m presently using a Tract ToricS(SCP), a SWFA SS(FFP), Zeiss DL(SFP) and a LRHSi(FFP). Of these, the LRHSI is the stand out. Sadly, they no longer make these.

Not sure why a rifle scope from the east wouldn't work out west. Animals can be killed at bayonet range and anything beyond. I don't like a heavy scope so I put Leupold 2-7's on most of my rifles. Good out to 500 yards, no problem. My old man has been using the same Weaver 2.5X since the 70's and never has an empty freezer.
I guess like others have said, what type of rifle you are building will make a difference. Also depends if you are going hunting or shooting.

Most guys think "Going out west, I need a 24x scope".

I could hunt with a 6x and not feel too bad. 2.5-8 is about ideal.

2.5-10 or 3-15
You really don’t need more than 10x for hunting normal ranges. You ever get into thick, you’ll appreciate the low end wide field of view.
The bigger the scope the heavier it is. You going to be in side b side all day or on foot?

It's refreshing to read so much (in my opinion) GOOD advice on this thread. Something tells me that on some other forums you'd hear guys pushing for a lot more magnification and weight. And complexity. Maybe even batteries.
Consider that 8X makes a buck at 600 yards look like he's at 75. That kind of puts the power requirement in perspective. Shooting animals is a lot different than punching paper for the tiniest groups, but 8X will still support very accurate load development at the range.
And Out West is a real big place, with lots of different terrain and cover, so don't overlook the low end of your magnification range in your choice. You can go from thick heavy dark timber to a cross-canyon shot in a few minutes walk.
Good luck with your search!

Rex

I agree with Brad and others, a little more info about the rifle and what you'll be hunting would be nice. Out west is a big place with varied conditions from dark timber to wide open plains. What animals will you target?

A few years back I was looking for a reasonably light scope that would cover all those bases for my 3 go to hunting rifles.
I picked up 3 Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44mm CDS-ZL2 scopes with the Firedot Duplex Reticle.
They are working out great for me, this year I got my antelope at 438 yards and my elk at 650, although I can also end up at close range in the mentioned dark timber.