I'm looking at scope options for my 30-06 and I can't seem to settle on any one in particular. I want a 30 mm tube and a magnification range of 2x10 or similar with a 42 - 50 mm objective. I haven't bought a scope in years but this is a new project. I have Zeiss, S&B and Swarovski but my budget for this project is $1,000 or less. This is a spot / stalk rifle so nothing to big or heavy is wanted. Any advice would be appreciated. Jim

How about the Steiner GS3 2-10x42 - 4A on sale for only $599.99, reduced from $879.99. German optics assembled in Colorado

The Steiner GS3 “game sensing” scope utilizes exclusive CAT (color adjusted transmission) lens coatings to amplify contrast in the peak human vision sensitivity range. The optimized contrast effectively separates game from leafy or shadow-dappled backgrounds, exposing your target to a clean, accurate shot. And the GS3 5x zoom range lets hunters from eastern whitetail country to western big game ranges pair their new scope with their favorite centerfire, rimfire or muzzleloader rifle. And or course, Steiner’s bedrock reliability will always deliver unfailing performance, whatever firearm or target you prefer.

New 5x Zoom Range
provides sharp resolution at long distances for more accurate shooting for wide open areas.
CAT™ Color Adjusted Transmission
amplifies contrast in the peak human vision sensitivity range, to spot game in any environment.
Steiner Plex S1 Reticle
help determine holdover for distance and cascading dots/lines compensate for wind.
Steiner 4A Reticle
provides a simple, uncluttered aiming tool
Short Mounting Length
of just 5.4 inches for mounting on short actions, muzzleloaders or lightweight mountain rifles.
Rugged 30mm Tube
milled from solid aluminum stock so there are no welds or seams, for greater strength and durability.
Waterproof/Fogproof
durable construction you can trust to stand up to any cold or wet condition.

Thanks Doug!

Last weekend I went to a garage sale found a old K-3 Weaver with rings on it, cost $10, I had to buy it cause I knew I didn't have a 30-06 with a straight 3x on it, how's that for rational?

sounds like a good deal to me...

Don't over think it.

I just picked up a Nikon pre-Monarch fixed 4x scope for my 30-06. Very nice resolution . Lifetime transferrable warranty. <$100 shipped.

Many great used high-value scopes out to there.

Why do you want 33mm?

Just slapped a LRTSi on a re-cycled old warhorse, and shot to 1000 yds this morning....

How did she do at the 1000 line I like that oiled stock looks warm.

He hit 2 of 5. But it wasn't the rifles fault.....

👍 gun still looks awesome

Rifle is my bud Jim's. He had a local smith sporterize his deceased ol' dads warhorse. Did a nice job, I think, but for the stupid windage base.....grin

2x10 30mm tube, 50mm objective.

Nothing too big?
Brother, thats a pretty big scope.

Lightweight?


Your gonna do some compromisin'.

This^^^^^^^

But a 3-10x42 Nightforce SHV might be your huckleberry..................it's an excellent scope & meets your budget.

MM

Good choice.

Jim,

Curious about the 30mm requirement.
Perceived quality? Thinking it'll be brighter? Abundant elevation? Other?

Just curious what you get out of that scope at normal distance I can't do with a 1-4?

The 30mm will give you more room for windage and elevation adjustment but I just like the way they look, especially if the objective is 50mm or more, more proportional in my opinion.

I’ll just add 2 words,call Doug...

Someone has a 1.5-6x42 Diavari in the classifieds for well under $1000. That'd be an awfully hard to beat scope for what you are describing.

The first one I'd look to, according to the OP's spec, is the Meopta R2 1.7-10x.42 It is tough, glass takes a back seat to nobody, you can get illuminated reticles if you want to, and you get world class support from Meopta USA.

I tossed an old 3.5-10X Vari-X III on an older FN Supreme 30-06 and went hunting without issue.

I've bought several nice scopes from Doug, great service

That might be one of the biggest bargains out there for a 30mm and priced more then 1k cheaper then the Swaro model

FWIW,
We have the Meopta R2 1.7-10x.42 for only $999.99 in BDC-2 or BDC-3 as a call in special for the members here. Just mention you saw it here and while we still have in stock inventory we will honor this crazy price

Thanks Doug!

I recently put a Nightforce SV 3-10x42 with an illuminated Force Plex reticle on my .338 and so far a the range it is very good. I ordered some of the ballistic tape Kenton industries sells in case I want to ever dial yardage. It was under $1,000 bucks from Doug at Camera Land

The scope is barely long enough for Talley rings on a Mod. 70 standard length action. At 100 yards, when you move four clicks, the scope moves one inch. I no longer chase my zero and question my shooting ability because my scope moves like it is supposed to. I may save up and put one on my old Mod. 70 30-06.

I think it weighs right a 20 ounces, if the weight is needed to make the scope perform then I don't mind carrying it.

Well, my gunsmith just called, the 30-06 is finished (Win 70, Douglas stainless barrel, 1-10, 24", McMillan stock) settled on the Leupold 5HD 2-10 x 42mm 30mm maintube. Should be a good scope for this workhorse rifle.

That's a good match. That combo should serve him well

SII 3-9×42,s
If ya can find one .
Get it.
Plain ole duplex.
Rock solid and they work.

JMO.....

The fixed 4x and the 30-06 have been an ideal pairing pretty much forever.


Okie John

Can't see why you would want a 30 mm tubed variable on a spot and stalk rifle, it's just way to big. My rifles wear a Leupold fixed power 6x 36mm.