Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Optics 35 whelen scope?

Right now I have choices between VX-II 1-4x20, FX-II 6x36 or buying a Redfield Illuminator 3-9x42 for $230 new. Thanks--2MG

I'd go for the VX II 1-4X. Anything big enough to need shooting with a Whelen won't need any more than 4X to be seen at any acceptable range. My Vari X 1-4X has been a good scope on my .375. The Whelen wears a very old Bushnell 2.5X and I've never wanted more. Ward

I have a VX 1-4X on my 45-70. Nice scope if you are not worried about a low light shot.
John

2MG,

I put a Leupold rifleman 2-7X on my whelen. It has that wide duplex reticle. I just leave it set on five power like a fixed power scope. It has long eye relief, it's pretty short and pretty light. Best of all is the cost, $180 new from Cabela's. It has taken full power loads with 250gr bullets without a wimper for 2 years now.

2MG, if they were my choices I would go the Leupold VX-II 1-4x20mm in matte.

Dave, a mate of mine, has a VariX-III 1-5x20mm (gloss) on his Ruger M77 35 Whelen. I have the matte version of the same scope on my Marlin 45-70. Excellent!!!

I too have a 1.5x5 VXIII on my Whelen, and a 1x4 VXII on another rifle. Both are great scopes for the caliber.


SC...............

2MG,

Depends on what you are hunting and the distances you expect to shoot. Even with 250 grain spitzers, the 35 Whelen is a 300 yard rifle. I have put a 3x9 on both my Whelens, after starting out with the VariXIII in 1.5x5. I like the greater maginification for the longer shots. And 3x is just fine for the close shots. Just my $0.02.

Good Shooting,
BigBullet

I put a Loupie 6x42mm on my CDL 35 Whelen. Works great for me. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
Virgil B.

The 6x42 is great on the 35 whelen! The Huge eyebox makes it very user-friendly! BMT

I put a VX-2, 3 x 9 x 40 on my 35W. The 3 power is good for a hunt and the 9 power is great for the range. With ' sight n see ' targets I don't need a spotting scope as far out as 200 yrds.

This is what works best for me. Your milage may vary.

Best To Ya.. BP...

I'm still havin' a hard time decidin' on this one. Thanks for all the great replies. I have a fixed 2.5x on my 444 and have never cried for more. On most rifles I'm a 3-9x40 guy. I'm kinda surprised nobody has said 2-7x33 or 2.5-8x36(which if I had an extra would be the choice). A fixed 4x would be fine, then I could use my 1-4x20 on a big bore lever where it is more suited IMHO. --2MG

I love the 2.5-8x and have them on most of my rifles. I'd also 3rd, or is it 4th (grin) the 6x42. Rick can give you a great price on one and it's what I'm putting on my 338-08AI.

IMO, they are both VERY hard to beat!

I have VX III 2.5 x 8 on my Whelan Classic. If I decide to
change scopes it will be 6 x 42.

Deans

I have a Leupold VX II 2-7 on my 35 Classic and have been very happy with it so far. Wide field of view at the low settings, and sufficient power for target work at 7x.

2Much

Of the scopes you mentioned, my vote would be the 1-4X Leupold especially if your main target is going to be Michigan's woodland deer/bear.

I have one Whelen set up with Leupold's 1-4X shotgun scope with the heavy duplex. Makes for a fine woods rifle.

I generally use the 1.5-5X or 2-7X Leupolds on Whelens and keep them on 3X.

Come to think of it, I have yet to shoot any big game over 3X.

WN

I have a matte Vari-X II 2-7 on my Whelen, and it seems about perfect. Using what you have on hand, I would go with the 1-4X. If I were planning to buy a new scope, I would add a bit to the $230 you mention and order a VX-II 2-7 -- though a new FX-II 4X would work just dandy too.

If I were forced to hunt with a .35 Whelen mounted with an FX-II 6x36, I doubt I would whine all that much over it <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />. So you really have two good choices on hand, IMHO. But you also have a fine excuse to buy another Leuppie <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />...

2muchgun,

I have a 2.5-8x36 with heavy duplex listed in the classifieds.

It would work great with your 35. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

GB

A 2x7 is the max I would use on a Whelen and would think that a 1.5x5 would be about perfect. When I replaced my Whelen with a 358 Win. I bought a K3 Weaver. If I were to replace it I would look for the 1.5x5.

Dan

I have a new Weaver K-4 on mine and am very happy with it. It's pretty clear to these beat up eyes, it's light and the eye relief is pretty good. I don't have alot of rounds through it yet so I can't say how it will hold up.

erich

Id probably do the 6x out of those choices, but it depends on what you like. The whelen w/225's shoots like a 30-06 with 180's. Not as flat as some, but not a short-range round either. I have a VX2 2-7 on my whelen and its nice, I'd be happy with a 4x33 or a 3-9x40 also.