Hi All,

New here, but have been lurking in the shadows for a while now as this forum is a wealth of knowledge.

Apologies in advance if this topic has been beat to death (I've probably already read every thread about this). I have a new Model 70 Featherweight in .308 on it's way to me and I am having one hell of a time trying to decide on a scope for it.

This will be my new Deer rifle for the eastern woods of Nova Scotia. (For the guys in the States the hunting is very comparable to Maine/NH). Realistically my max shooting distance would be 200yds, with most shots being under 100yds. This is a light rifle, so I want a light scope. I've been bouncing back and forth between a Leupold VX-Freedom 2-7x33mm or 3-9x40mm. Could someone show me how a 33mm scope looks on a bolt action? I know I really shouldn't be concerned about looks but I can't help but think a 33mm may look too small. On the other hand, the 3-9x40mm is probably the most common scope you will see on rifles up here, but I feel that it may be more than I need, hence why I'm looking at the smaller sizes. I'd love to get a VX-3HD 2.5-8x36mm but I'm having a hard time swallowing the extra $400 it would cost me to get it, so the Freedom line is more appealing.

This is my cry for help lol, I want this rifle to be my go-to "Do it all" rifle.

Thanks in advance for the replies.

IIRC the 2x7 freedom scope has a very short mounting distance, just something to be aware of as it will not fit every rifle/base/ring combo.
The 3x9 only weighs perhaps a couple ounces more, is more forgiving on mounting, and cranked down to 3x gives you a pretty decent FOV.
FWIW I think the 2.5x8 looks perfect on a fwt, but they do cost more!

I hunt in the northwoods of WI. My vote would be for the 3x9x40. I've never been in a hunting situation where 3x was too much magnification. Conversely, all the magnification you can get helps with zeroing and load development if you handload. For this reason I tend to prefer 4-16x scopes.

However, the price difference I'm seeing for the Freedom line vs VX3HD line is $200 USD. Freedom is $300 vs $500 for VX3HD, so a $200 difference. I assume your prices are different because of being in Canada. Ask yourself this...how long will that scope be on that rifle? If the answer is "A long time", 5 yrs from now you won't remember the price difference of a few hundred dollars between the scope you really wanted vs the compromise option. Get what you actually want and you'll appreciate it for years. If there is any chance the rifle will be handed down, even more reason to buy the nice scope. I've never regretted a dollar I've put into nicer optics, but maybe that's just me.

Coincidentally, my rifle is a M70 Featherweight that I inherited from my Grandpa after he died. The rifle is from the late 70's and is completely gorgeous. The scope is a Balvar 8 from the 50's I think. Top of the line of its day I'm sure, as he spared no expense when it came to guns and I still hunt with it today. The scope view has yellowed a bit, and its not the clearest thing ever, but for its age it holds its own damn well. Every time I think of pulling it off and replacing it with a Zeiss or something else worthy of the rifle, I struggle with the idea of pulling Grandpa's old scope off. So, it probably won't ever be removed unless it breaks, so I'm glad it is as good an optic as it is. Something to consider.

EVERY scope cited thus far,is a steaming piece of fhuqking schit. Hint.

Thank me later.

Just sayin'.

Hint.............

Agreed, there are better choices in those price ranges for light, durable scopes that actually work. But then for 200 yards just about anything will work....
Take a look at the Athlon, SWFA SS series, Arken, and a few others .

Stick is right.

For a “do all” as you mentioned, I’d be sticking with the tried and true 3x9 personally. Look at Trijicon Accupoint. Or drop all the way down to a 1-6x lpvo like the Credo.

Just a fact, most sub $4-500 scopes are going to be junk. You are going to want to scrape up a bit more to get something reliable.

If you have no aversion to used, look around for a Bushnell Elite 4200.

I'd look hard at the Trijicon Accupoint 3x9 that was already mentioned. They can be had for well under $600 if you search online. I'd also recommend, if you are okay with used, a Weaver V10 or Bushnell Elite 4200/4500 - both made in Japan. I hunted with a Weaver V10 2-10x on my Winchester 70 in .280 Rem for years and killed a dozen deer on 2 power in the Pennsylvania woods. I also have a new make Model 70 in .243 with a VX-3i 3.5-10x40mm which has worked out well.

Or even a 3200 3-9x40, or a Burris FFII 3-9x40 with ballistic plex. A gloss one, if you can find it. Those are good solid less expensive options out there. I would not buy a new Leupold, especially one of the lower priced ones like the freedom model.

Took the words right outta my mouth. Accupoint 3-9 with the green duplex at 13oz w/1” tube, or the Credo HX 1-6 30mm with the Hunter Holds reticle at 18oz. The HH reticle has an illuminated center dot atop a slightly thicker bottom post, hard to see in the pictures, but quite apparent in hand. The duplex in the 3-9 Accupoint is my favorite duplex, with the outer posts coming close enough to the center to be useful. The green dot is quite bright as long as you have some skylight, and no batteries.

I have two of the APs and one Credo HX 1-6.

EDIT: BSA is right about the Fullfield 3-9s too, if your budget is limited. I’ve had zero issues with both the original and an E1. I’ve just come to like the illumination of and the view through the Trijicons.

here's what a 3-9x33 looks like mounted on a Win 70 classic....

a 2.5-10x32 on a win 70 classic

You didn't say if your rifle is a short or a long action. The Leupold VX-3HD 2.5-8x36mm is a short scope. It may span a long action (depending on the bases and rings), but you will likely have no room for forward for backward adjustment of the scope in the rings if standard bases are used. It will be where it will be and you'll just have to make yourself accomodate that. That scope will span a short action better and you'll have a little room for adjustment using standard bases. I recommend extended bases, though, as it really is a very short scope.

I have several Leupold VX-3HD 2.5-8x36mm scopes on various rifles. I use extended bases on all of them so I can adjust the scope back and forth for comfort.

Here's the scope on Browning X-Bolt .30-06. The rings are Warne steels on Warne steel bases. I had to turn the base around so that the scope would mount where I wanted it.


I have that scope on a couple of Winchester Model 70s, too. I use extended Talley steel bases regardless whether or not its a short of long action. Talley makes standard, extended and double extended steel bases for the M70.


Here's that scope on a M70 Featherweight .308 on an extended base.



Here's that scope on a Ruger M77 African 6.5x55 Swedish. Almost zero room for back and forth adjustment.


I like the Leupold VX-3HD 2.5-8x36mm scope. It's worked well for me. I don't do any really long range shooting so tracking has not been an issue for me. I zeroed it and leave it alone. It's held zero. I don't toss my rifles around, though.

I do like the Trijicon Accupoints better. I think they are overall better made scopes. I have a few of those on various rifles. They cost more than the Leupolds but I think they are better scopes. In fact, I replaced the Leupold on that M77 with Accupoint.


And I have one on a Sako Black Bear. It's onm an extended front Sako base. It's mounted a little high, which I like, and it also avoids the empties hiuting the underside of the scope.

OP - I have had Leupold 2-7x33 and have, and still have, a lot of Leupold 3-9x40's. I opt for the 3-9x40 because for me the eyebox on them is a bit more forgiving then the 2-7x33. At 200 yards either of them should serve you well. If you want the best of both worlds though try to find a Leupold 6x36, they not only look good on a Win Fwt but they perform well.


drover

Thanks everyone for the very helpful feedback. Once again proving this forum is awesome!

I think I am slowly convincing myself to opt for the VX-3HD in 2.5-8x36mm as it seems to be the perfect companion for my short action .308. The 2-7x33mm is not far behind on that list however, so I'd say the only thing left for me to do is to go and get these scopes in my hands.

I think it's a bit of a shame these manufacturers are no longer making many of these lower powered scopes. I all else fails I'll probably put a 3-9 on and call it a day. Would it be ridiculous to make a 2-8x40mm scope? Seems like that would be the best of both worlds. Lower magnification but a nice "full" objective.

Maven 2-10x38 has me curious. Sleek, low-ish powered, not a hubbel objective.

https://mavenbuilt.com/collections/riflescopes/products/rs-2-2-10x38

I've looked at that one as well. Nice piece of glass! $100 USD to ship it to me though....I'm all for paying for quality but I have to draw a line somewhere.

If logistics is an issue,then you certainly don't want ANY of the fhuqking schit you are trying to swoon. Hint.

Buy something Used,that is GOOD. Hint.

Thank me later.

Just sayin'..............

OP, on a classic American rifle like yours, I would go with a Leupold. American-made, lightweight, good warranty. I would also pick the 3.5-10 over less magnification. I use 9x more than I use 2x, hunting or at the range. But the 2.5-8 would be good too.

If you don't want the Leupold, get the Accupoint. I just got one, the green mil-dot, just took it hunting on Maui, am 100% pleased. The green dot was still visible against the greenest vegetation.

Don't go cheap on a scope. Better glass and coatings cost more. Whenever I find myself straining to see at last light, I don't want to know I could be seeing better if I had spent a little more. The VX3-HD is not that expensive. My first scope was a Vari-X II, and it wasn't long before I wished I had bought the III.

Anyways, that's my 2c.

The Athlon would be where I would look first, then consider a Burris Fullfield. Camera Land NY has treated guys here pretty good with pricing etc.

Always our pleasure to assist the members here

You mean something like this?
https://www.bushnell.com/riflescope...40-riflescope-multi-x/BU-REL2104BS3.html

Or this
https://www.burrisoptics.com/scopes/signature-hd-riflescopes/signature-hd-2-10x40mm

Here's a thread with pictures of everything mounted on everything else.

https://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/topics/15493852/1


Okie John

Not a huge fan of the Bushnells but I had no idea Burris made a 2-10....I'll definitely have to take a closer look at that one. Just wish it was a little lighter. Inventory is so low at the stores around me that I'm not having much luck getting to actually look through these scopes.

You got that right, at least some of it anyway. The model 70 is the "rifleman's rifle" and true an American classic. The op can put a Leupold on it, but I suggest an older one. Don't mount it a mile high either. Those guys live in Denver or something or have giraffe necks. I also agree that a 3.5-10x40 is damn near perfect on a hunting rifle. A 3-9x40 has been the epitome of versatile power range for most typical hunters though. For the most part, that is what I use. I also like the smaller shorter Leupold 2.5-8x36 as well. If the op wants to stay with Leupold and likes that power range, then by all means get one. I'd get a Vari-x III before I bought a newer one though. Here are just a few pictures of some of the set ups I've ran:

Newest to the family, Pre 64 fwt in Mcmillan supergrade, conetrol rings and bases and topped with a Leupold Vari-x III 3.5-10x40


Being a competitive shotgun shooter, I do not like to lift my head off the stock, so you will notice most of my scopes are mounted low. That is a comfortable position for my use. You should be able to pull the rifle up shoulder it and have a full sight picture instantly. If not, it's either mounted too high or too low.

Classic stainless featherweight with one of my favorite "hunting" scopes, a Burris FFII 3-9x40 with ballistic plex reticle. Of course with Leupold dual dovetail bases and rings:


Next most recent purchase. An XTR featherweight 22-250. Topped with a gloss Burris FFII 3-9x40 with ballistic plex reticle, sitting in Leupold DD's:


Classic featherweight 7mm08 with gloss Leupold Vari-x III 2.5-8x36 sitting in DD's:


Extreme weather with Leupold VX3 3.5-10x40 in Talley lightweights:


Short action model 70 with Leupold VX3 3.5-10x40 in Leupold DD's:


There are many scopes that will work. I have many other pictures of model 70 rifles I've had or still have, but they are scoped similarly. The only difference may be one may have an older Nikon monarch UCC 3-9x40 and another may have a Bushnell elite 3200 3-9x40. I've pretty much replaced those and the Leupolds with the regular ol run of the mill Burris FFII 3-9x40 with ballistic plex reticle though, as that scope works great for hunting. Most of my hunting rifles wear that scope, as I've been using them since the late 90's. Still have my first one that I bought back then and it is retired on my old '56 fwt:

That's an American made Burris that has been on 10 different rifles. From 22lr to 375H&H and it has always gotten the job done. Here it is on an XTR featherweight:

That scope has really held up well. There is a reason a lot of guys like them here... So, there are a few pics the OP may be able to use. Sorry I don't have any of the new fandangle scopes on my model 70's. Like you said though, the Winchester model 70 is a "classic" rifle. It deserves a classic style scope.

Better get those Burris Fullfield II's in 3-9x40 while you can, they're discontinued. Natchezz has them for $135 right now on sale.

I live and hunt in Maine and am perpetually on 2-3power. I love the 1-4 or1.5-5 power type scopes. Even a fixed 2.5 or 3 would be good near and far.

not to worry, it'll fit just fine....

I have a 2 x 7 Leupold Shot Gun scope that has lived on top a Model 70 long action in 30/06 since the early 90s...

I've taken several good sized Minnesota or Wisconsin bucks with it at over 250 yds... and after the shot was surprised it was down on 2 power, instead of higher...

Usually shooting 220 grain RNs from Sierra or Hornady....factory ammo in those days...

was scrolling back to the top of the page, and was seeing your thread from the bottom to the top, and then wasn't surprised when I saw it was one of yours Lawrence....

Definitely some nice model 70 Featherweights there Lawrence.... one of my favorite rifles period...

but I only have 3 of them...

one in 223, one in 6.5 x 55 ( which is a Rebarreled 30/06) and then a 7mm Mauser... love mileage one, that I bought in Roseburg at the gun shop up there a couple of decades ago.... guy bought it and then sold it back to them on consignment, because he has a hell of a time finding ammo for it..

got that last one for $300.00 with a 3 x 9 Nikon Scope on it.... plenty of people looked at it, but then asked WTF is a 7 mm Mauser??? welcome to Roseburg.

paid $300 for the 223 also... guess they are fairly rare....gun show here in G.P. every one who looked at it wanted to know what was wrong with it...price was too low..
I'm not that stupid... knew for $300, if I had to replace the barrel it would still be a bargain...it was low miles and shoots like a bench gun...

the 6.5 x 55, I picked up for $500 with a 6.5 x 20 Leupold on top... the owner had it on consignment also.... old time Benchrest shooter from the 50s.. Kenny Moore.
ran into him on the range after having it for a few years... he instantly recognized it.... told me he finally sold it, with a shot out barrel.... but that was the 5th barrel it had on it since he had bought it new... has a Laminate Win Tuff stock on it...

no worries, as I bought it to put a 6.5 x 55 barrel on it anyway... went with a 26 inch on it, just to reach out there...

every time anyone sees it, they seem to be motivated to offer to buy it from me...nice looking rifle...

Not my thread buddy. I just posted pics of some of my rifles to help the op out a bit. The Winchester model 70 featherweight is also one of my favorite rifles. Every generation in fact. They are all nice, from the '52-'63 and then 1980's XTR's, Classics and then the Baco's. You have some nice ones. That 7mm mauser is pretty rare, as is the 6.5x55. I'll eventually run across one of those myself and then snag it. ha ha..

The KISS method applies here.

Fixed 4x scope.

https://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbt...fence-post-pics-or-any-post#Post10863573

Here is mine with an older Leupold 4x, in plastic and walnut, same rifle.

I think the link works, wish I knew how to put up the pics

At $134.49, that is a solid deal on a great scope.

I bought three for the helluvit a bit ago. They seem to work.

Here is a 70 fwt, DD mounts, low rings, 36mm objective:

https://www.natchezss.com/bushnell-elite-4500-2-5-10x40-rifle-scope-multi-x-capped-boxed-box-6l.html

That is a sweet set up. Baco made in Portugal? Looks like a 6x36, as the tube mounting length is better (5.9 inches) on those vs. the infamous 2.5-8x36.

If they run out, check Amazon. I checked their price and it was spot on Natchez’s, once shipping was added, and they promised delivery the same day! By cracky, they did it too. Found it on the porch just at dark. No wonder they lost 4 b-b-b-billion bucks; that’s the second delivery today.

Going on the shelf for a spare.

Y'all are going to force me into buying a set of DDs or Conetrols.

If you go dual dovetail you might want to check out the Burris Signature rings with inserts.

Burris Sig DD

Its a BACO shot show special. Same as the 257 Roberts I just snagged. The 6x36 has lots of room with DD. I don’t think a 2.5-8x36 will fit on a long action. A 4x33 fits, but barely.