I have searched several threads all day getting different views and opinions on many different optics. I currently have a Nikon 4-12x50 AO (pre-monarch) that is in great condition, but I'm looking to get a better optic that will be usable at last light for those last few minutes of hunting. From the folks that I have talked to around here, most lean toward the Trijicon 2.5-10x56. Some also mentioned:

Meopta R1 3-12x56mm
Leupold VX5 HD 3-15x56 firedot
Zeiss V4 3-12x56


Most of my shots are within 100 yards, but I do have places where I can stretch the legs of my 7mm rem mag Medallion. It appears that the one listed are at or close to $1000. Some a littler more, some a little less. I'm trying to stay as close to $1000 as possible, because I may buy 2 and add one to my Rem 700 stainless .308. Are their any out there that I need to consider that I may not know about?

Also forgot the Steiner GS3 3-15x56 and Leica ER5 3-15x56

It would be our pleasure to discuss different options with you. The Steiner is a very nice scope. Meopta makes great scopes and we have some available as demos at reduced prices. The Zeiss and Leupold are good options as well.
Do you plan to set and forget or turn knobs?

We even have a couple of S&B's on sale in that price range:

642-811-462-03-03A91 2.5-10x56/L3 Klassik Hungary scope reduced to $1,179.99

644-811-482-05-05A91 3-12x50/L3 Klassik Hungary scope reduced to $1,179.99


Give me or Neil a call, 516-217-1000, to discuss this

Strictly hunting, no target shooting. I had a vortex pst 4-16x50 on my .308, but sold it. I like the illumination of the trijicon, but also like the extra magnification of the others out to 12x and 15x. But 90% of my hunting will be hardwoods withing 100 yard shots. I can dial up and adjust for the other 10% of the places I hunt.

I have a new 3-12X56 Docter that fits the bill in the classifieds.

What was the reason for selling the pst?

I was mounted on my AAC-SD .308. One of my boys was using it and wasn't crazy about the exposed turrets. He was always worried he would bump it or knock it off. Even after explaining that the brass shim system would prevent him from refinding zero, he still didn't like it. So its basically sitting un-scoped. So I sold it and I'm looking for one for my Abolt 7mm as well as that .308. Now I could give him my Nikon 4-12x50 and save some $$, but well see. Personally, I liked it. Had EBR illuminated retical and was first focal plane. Bought it for my self for some long range hunting, but opted out of that property for more hardwoods.

I have the vx 5 hd 3-15x44 with a Boone and Crockett reticle on my 7mm mag.

Dropped a whitetail at 480 yds with a neck shot last fall. Couldn't ask for more. I'm very happy with it in low light. Don't think it loses a whole lot to my Swarovski z5.

Bobby Tomek would have some good suggestions for you.
Hopefully he will see this thread and weigh in.
I would trust his recommendations on low light scopes.

For low light that 3-15x56 Leica ER 5 is going to near impossible to beat under $1000. Europtic still has them with the 4A reticle for $650. Thats nuts.

https://www.eurooptic.com/leica-er-5-3-15x56-scope-with-4a-reticle-51071.aspx

I was going to buy one despite not needing one. But when I saw 25.5 ounces, forget that!

They must be discontinuing that model for them to be listed so low.

One of the major issues that I'm finding is that I've been out fo the market for a scope for a veeeerrryyyy long time. Yes I did pick up that Vortex pst for my .308 AAC-SD and sold it, but before that, probably 1990. The Nikon I bought was when Browning first came out with the Abolt II with the boss system, I bought the Medallion 7mm Rem Mag. So I have been out the the game and market for a good while now. Hell, some of these optics, I've never heard of before. The Nikon is very good and is still in very good shape considering how old, but I have noticed that they're are times when I can see very clear out of my binoculars but cant make out crap with the scope. That and these 45 year old eyes are starting to suck. lol. So I'm looking to see whats out there.

Come to think of it, I have a Swaro Z5 5-25x52 BRH for sale...

I need a less on the low end. Currently my 4x12x50, the 4x is pushing it at some close quarter hunting. But I'm sure the field of view on my Nikon isn't what they are now. But don't know.

Leupold 4.5x14x50. CDS

Places where you can "stretch the legs" of your 7mag means what yardage wise?

Just tossing it out there, but if the BULK of your shooting is under 100, you really don't need to spend $1,000 to get the job done. For a set and forget type of scope, I'd take a look at this blem:

http://www.primaryarms.com/blem-pa4-14xffp-orion

It has the horseshoe ret so you'll be able to use it up close. It also has very well planned out holds for target shooting.

I also just got a new 7 mag also I am putting a nightforce scope and picantinny mnts on my rifle.

You wrote above: " but I have noticed that they're are times when I can see very clear out of my binoculars but cant make out crap with the scope. That and these 45 year old eyes are starting to suck. lol. So I'm looking to see whats out there. "

I could always see very well and attributed my scores to that. However recently a test by my optometrist showed that my right eye has lost it's visual acuity. I am much older than you.

He said I have cataracts in both eyes and I am due for surgery in a month or so to have them removed. You might check in with your eye doctor before buying any more scopes.

I have Leupold, Zeiss, Leica, Hensoldt, Unertl, Lyman ...........

I am going to wait for the surgery before listing any more.

Appreciate the insight. I can still see very well though, just not as good as before. Former college baseball player and was drafted, but shoulder injury kept me out. But always loved the outdoors. Its just now, I'm a broken down old athlete. haha. But I still see good enough to pass all eye exams, no glasses or contacts, just father time creeping up on me.

To answer this question a different way with now for an old guy WITH cataracts for hunting this year before they are corrected I compared my Kahles 2-7x36 from the hill here at what must be a half mile and the cataract covered eye liked the heavier crosshairs better than the Swarovski's 3-9x36' Z3.

Both were good resolution wise

The Kahles is a shorter scope.

Prob out to 500-600 yards, but that's about 10% of my hunting. Mostly 100 and less thus the low light optic. The idea of the VX5-HD Leupold 3-15x56 firedot seems nice. Never owned a leupold, but seems to have low light glass, illuminated reticle, and 15x for those 10% shots at nephews land. But that is just one of many optics near that $1000 range that others have mentioned.

I have four 7 Rem mags. If I could only have one caliber, it be a 7 mag. I have my 👁 on another. I have a hankering for a 300 H&H I’ve ran across too.

I have the 4.5 X14 Leupolds on all of them. I know there are better scopes, but the Leupold is good for the money.

Welcome to the club.

Yep, but can't let the boys know. I have to keep them honest.

I have the Trijicon Accupower 2.5-10x56 on my 300wsm and it is very good at light. Took a doe right at the last minute legal shooting in the woods at 100yds and could still see her very clear for another 15 mins on ground after I shot her. You can get it for $450 after a 10% coupon at OpticsPlanet. Heck a scope at that price.

I looked at that one as well due to the price. Not quite at $450, but it was under $1000. The illumination is what drew me to that model.

I just put a Leupold VX2 4-12x40 CDS on my new Sendero 7mm Rem Mag.





Talley lightweight lows.





P

Don't have a 7mm, I do have a .300 Win, Burris FFII 3-9x40 on top of it, if I had to replace it, I'd go with a Meopta Meopro or a VX-Freedom...of course I'm on a bit tighter budget evidently.

Yeah, that's the problem. I'll have to buy 2 of whatever I get. So I kinda weighing my options.

Been a Leupold guy for a long time. Bought a Nightforce SHV for my 308. Been mighty impressed.

Just arrived. Picked up a S&B Klassik 2.5-10x56 from Doug at cameraland. Very easy to work with and it arrived to Louisiana in just 2 days. At first glance, very nice piece. Very clear glass and love the L3 reticle. I had to actually go in bedroom and close the door in order to see the illuminated dot. I really like that it can be turned down so low that it doesn't effect your pupil at very low light. Well see how she does tonight. Over casted with lite drizzle, very little moon.