Just as the title says. I’m going on a dream elk hunt and need a dependable set and forget type scope. I was thinking a Leupold VX6 2-12 would be a great option with their sales, but hearing the negative reviews has me thinking otherwise. What would be on you short list? Looking to spend around $1000. Shots to 400 yds.

To name a few
Leupold VX-5HD
Swarovski Z3
Steiner GS3
Meopta Meopro

Give a call and let's discuss what would be best for you

I'd go with a very solid rail mount and a SWFA 6x or 3-9. What model rifle?

What rifle are you putting it on? Are you hiking into your hunting area, riding horses, atv's and is weight a concern?

For a 400 yard set and forget scope around $1000.00 I would be looking hard at a Nightforce SHV 3-10 with Forceplex reticle if weight is not an issue.

It’s going on a custom 300wm by Accurate Ordnance. We will be doing a good amount of hiking so weight is a concern but not a deal breaker.

Doug- did Leupold make any changes to the VX-5HD compared to earlier models? Seems like they have had lot of complaints about not holding zero. I’ve been a big Leupold fan in the past as they are lightweight and good optics. I’ve never had a problem with them, but the reports of others causes concern

Here is a thought. It doesn't take a $1000 scope to shoot an elk up to 400 yards. This is especially so if you are going to "set and forget" as opposed to "twist knobs." On the other hand, "stuff happens." If I was going on a dream hunt, I would make sure I had solid return to zero mounts and two scopes sighted in and ready to go. I'd do something like that before I put all my money into one scope. That said, perhaps you have the funds for that high end scope and a less expensive but reliable back up.

Depending on the hunting method, those with experience will tell you to spend some of your optics budget on a good binocular and possibly spotting scope as well. But again, you might have a big enough budget to go first class all around.

I'd also probably have at least one back up rifle in the group.

Best,
Gun Doc

Nightforce SHV, either 2-10 or 4-14 with Forceplex reticle. I had a Leupold VX5 2-10 and sold it and went with NF. Very glad I did.

Check out the 3x15 Zeiss HD.I have several and have used them in -15 to 100 degree weather and so far they have been great.Running a Kenton turret.

I have reached out to my Leupold rep in order to get an accurate answer as to whether or not they have altered the VX-5HD since introduction and if so in what specific ways

Doug, I think a lot of us would like those questions answered. Solid reassurance, not marketing B.S. I wonder if Leupold will admit they have a problem.

I write off nay sayers in general, but listen to those I really respect. Some of the complaints I'm hearing come from reputable guys. I believe them.

Personally, I've not had problems with Leupolds. But, like many, share concerns about trust. CS is great, but not an asset out on a hunt.

DF

To the OP....All my dedicated big game rifles, that are used under 500 yards, wear a Leupold FX3 6x42 with a long range duplex. Sight in to be dead on at 200 yards. I fire a 3 shot group before each season, just to be sure it's still on, and it's a rare occurrence that the caps come off for an adjustment. Maybe once every 5-7 years, on average. THAT'S "set and forget", in my book!

BTW, these scopes also sport 4.4" of eye relief, are clear as a bell, and gather more light than you can use.

Andy3

For a non turret twister, an older Leupold 3.5-10 scope with a B&C reticle works fine for me out to 500 yards on my Win model 70 300 Win Mag shooting 165 to 200 grain bullets. Good older used ones cost far less than $1,000, weigh less than other mentioned options and work just fine. Good luck with your choice and hunt.

I have Leupold 4.5x14’s on my 300 Win mags and 300 Weatherby’s. No trouble so far.

Set it and forget it, sounds like you need a Leupold fixed power 6x scope. I've got them on all my "Hunting rifles". (I've tried the 6x 42mm that Andy suggests but have come to prefer the 6x 36mm)

I think a Swarovski Z3 3-10x42 for hunting any big game is mighty hard to beat......Good luck on your hunt ...Hb

Yep - get the BRH reticle.

I’d find a Zeiss Victory Diavari 2.5-10x42. There was one on eBay the other day with an $800 starting bids that wasn’t getting any action. An absolute steal at that price

I’m interested in this as well. I’ve had Leupolds on all my serious hunting rifles in the past.

I’ve also enjoyed seeing all the suggestions thus far. I do like the Swarovski scopes based on being lightweight and good optics. Never thought I’d take this much time choosing a scope but I’ve been trolling around here long enough to here complaints on just about any scope manafacturer.

What’s it that they say.....”Paralysis by analysis” 😁

you dont need anything over 10 maybe 12 power for 500 yards.
also look at FOV, when you get into thick timber and need to dial down to 2x in case you bump a bull up close and personal.

No need to get all paralyzed. If you are one that has had good luck with Leupold, then buy a leupold. I have had real bad luck with them. When they go tits up on you, your first thought isn't how good the warranty is, but how far you can throw the fu cking thing... To me, this thread is funny because first, you don't need a good elk hunting scope to cost more than the proposed $1,000.00. Second, I can name off a lot of good scopes that would work and are tough as nails and proven in the sub $500.00 range. Hell, most of my "good" hunting scopes, that have never failed me, cost less than $400.00. One thing about it, is you should hurry and decide so you can throw that scope on your hunting rifle and make sure you trust it for the hunt. It's also better for it to go tits up at the range, then when you are out there hunting... There's only a few more months to prepare, before we will be hunting elk this year...

The VX-6 issues have been mentioned here several times, but so far I haven't heard of zero retention issues with the VX-5. Nice image, eye relief, and eyebox. It's a really nice scope but it would be reassuring to learn what is different between it and a VX6.

I think an accurate ordinance rifle deserves the best scope your budget can stand. GL with your purchase

Agree.

Here is that very scope and I got it used like you suggest, although from a Fire contributor, not EBay. Those Victory scopes are some of the best. I really like mine.

BTW, to the OP, this is a 300 Win Mag Ed Brown Damara that I've posted before. Nice scope/rifle combo.

Have a Victory 1.5-6x42 on a .375 H&H M-70 SS Express. Great in dim light and I got it used.

DF

I too really like the Leupold 6x42. It is my favorite scope. Unfortunately, I got tired of how inconsistent adjustments were when sighting in, not holding zero and erectors going bad to the point groups would open up to between 18" and 10 feet at 100 yards.

I currently have a Tract Toric 3-15 with BDC on my .300 Win Mag and really like it but more testing needed.

I have 3 of the VX6 2-12x42 scopes that you mention. All with the LR Duplex. Use on 7 Remmy, 9.3x62, and 25-06. All have been reliable with no issues. I also have a few Swaro Z3 and Z5's. The Leupys are my favorites.

I have two, like them. The glass and reticle are great. With all the smoke about holding zero, tracking and such, I’m concerned about the smoke turning into a fire.

It does erode confidence, although I personally have had no issues. I would love to see these concerns addressed. Otherwise may go with something else on an expensive hunt, far, far away from Leupold CS.

DF

I am hoping Doug hears from Leopold rep tomorrow the VX 5 looks good.

Back to the top maybe rep will let us know tomorrow.

I think it boils down to this.
A lot of the nicer scopes will work just fine for you. All scopes can break or malfunction,and a lot depends on how one is used. If you are the kind of person who has to have the toughest stuff,there are about a handful of manufacturers that arguable make the toughest. Among them are the Japan made SWFA, Japan made higher end Bushnell, Nightforce, S&B, and maybe a couple more you could put in there.

That however does not mean that a fairly nice scope in the over $400 range from a lot of other manufacturers wouldn't work. It just depends on how rough you are on your gear,either by abuse or just a lot of use, and what you demand and expect from your equipment.

I mean honestly, I know guys who hunt with scopes $100 or less and kill deer every year. They hunt close to home,and if a scope breaks,it's easily replaced. It is however surprising to me,after listening for years here,to see that their $100 scopes usually work just fine.Even if they are hard to get set sometimes they somehow manage to keep killing several deer a year.

It really just depends of what a person really needs,or just wants.

A VX-III 3.5x10.

I have no answer as to why my Leupold rep has not replied to me on this, other than what is in the signature line of the Leupold rep that participates here "We do not actively engage in threads or respond to private messages. For customer service help, please contact us directly at 1-800-LEUPOLD or [email protected]"
Not really my way of doing things. I will continue to attempt to get a reply

PICANTINNY MNTS, NIGHTFORCE SCOPE

+1 for a VX6 2-12 with illuminated Long Range Duplex for a set and forget elk hunting scope out to 500.

In 2004 I put a M8 6x36 on my then new 300 wm. I paid $100 for it. Just has a duplex reticle. I've killed elk past 400 yards with it.

I've never had to touch the adjustments in I guess 14 years. It probably helps that I only shoot one load that kills everything.

My custom Biesen on a pre-war Model 70 action in 300 Win Mag has a Leupold M8 6x42 in steel Talley mounts and rings. Zero does not move. Wouldn’t change a thing.

I've heard so many good reports on Leupold fixed 6X, both 36 and 42 versions. Seems the 36 may be easier to mount with longer !" tube.

JB's tests are good with those scope. I guess they have fewer things to go wrong.

I just like lower powered scopes for general use, off hand shooting. Guess I need to try one.

DF