After much calculating, second-job taking, and late nights poring over rifle specs, I ordered a new production Kimber Montana in boring .308 (so my hunting partner and I would have the same ammo). I now need to outfit the rifle with a scope and a sling.

I hunt in wide open NE Oregon and up in the timber, with shots from 75-450 yards on big game and coyotes. For these reasons, I have a lightweight Leupold 6x to put on the rifle for a mountain/backpack hunt, but I want a scope for the other 80% of the time, a variable scope.

I'm not a "scope guy" and have always bought Gold Rings because, well, I live in Oregon and Leupold was always "the brand."

What to do for glass? I have $850 left over in my F/Gun Budget, but I'm prepared for the "save $X more and get Y" comments, so I haven't quit my second job yet. 2.5x-8? 3.5x-10? 4.5x-14? Are the VX3i's good to go? I have a VXIII on my .243 and it has served me well for a pile of coyotes, a mule deer, and an antelope. I'm open to the idea of a heavier scope as the rifle is pretty light. Leupold VX-5? Night Force? Vortex? Zeiss? Tract? Help! My head is spinning!

Mine wears a VX3i 2.5-8 duplex in talley lightweight lows. Perfect fit for that rifle IMO. Last year shot a lasered 342yd buck and had no problems seeing or hitting it.

You're gonna get a [bleep] of replies/opinions on what's best.....check out as many options as possible and roll with what feels right to you

A straight six Leupold has worked just fine for me a lot closer in than 75 yards.

Mine wears a VXIII 2.5-8 duplex in talley lows.

I would prefer a heavy duplex, but not enough to pay to send it to the custom shop.

Thanks! My buddy has the same scope in a VX3 and I'll have to peep through it next time we get together.



I should've added that I live out in BF, Egypt and getting to the ol' Sportsman's Warehouse, Cabela's, or other box store plush with optics options is not an easy task. I usually have to mail order blindly, like the Kimber. Not a gunshop within two hours drive had a new model Kimber on the rack, but they were all more than happy to order me one for $1,400 and up.

Well, what's your desired weight limit for the scope? I'd start there and then decide on how much magnification you need

Dont overthink it, Support local made in USA and get a Leupold VX3i 2.5-8x36 it will be an excellent hunting scope and will look fantastic on your rifle to boot.....Enjoy!....Hb

A Kimber Montana 308 and Leupold 2.5-8X36 go together like peas and carrots. I use Talley Lightweights and an Uncle Mike’s Mountain Sling. Just under 6 1/2 lbs. with three 150 grain cartridges and pretty close to perfection in my eyes....

I'm sold. All the other scopes I was looking at cost quite a bit more in reloading components and gas money for scouting trips.

Thanks for all the replies.

Any lightweight, durable scope in the 2-10x range would serve you well. Based on my experience with both of my Montanas (.308, and 280AI), I would suggest a scope with generous eye relief because the light Montanas will jump some and get you if you don't have a very firm grip. I happen to have a silver 3.5-10x40 VX-3 with B&C reticle I've been considering selling. PM if interested.

As mentioned several times above, the 2.5-8x36 Loopy is a great scope. Also the 6x36 is another small sized scope. I have 3-4 of each I think.

I'm a Leupold guy but I'm slowing converting to Nightforce, I'd take a look at the SHV 3-10x42 in IHR on sale at Optics Planet and you might find a 5% off code.

I put a boring Bushnell 4200 Elite in 3-9x40 on mine and couldn't be happier.

These are also excellent scopes, but for a short action Montana I lean toward the VX3i......Hb

I used the 4200 because mine is a stainless Hunter and wanted the RainGuard protection, you know, just in case.

There's a ton of good scopes to be used. I had the 4200 on hand so I used it. The balance is just right so that it settles nicely for offhand shooting. That was an unexpected bonus.

I had a 3-9x36 Swarovski with a #4a on mine, great little scope

The Vari-X IIc 2-7x33 on my Kimber Montana .308 works very well, and the current VX II version is even better, but I guess if you absolutely have to spend more $ the Leupold 2.5-8X36 is a good choice.

As has been said several times, if you don’t want a fixed six, then the VX III or VX 3 2.5-8x36 is perfection on a short action Montana.

My MT’s have always worn Leupold VX2 2-7x33 LRD’s, FXII 6x36 LRD’s, or VX3 2.5-8x36 B&C/CDS’s...

All of mine wear 2.5-8 of some type. Zeus’s or a Leupold

https://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/ubb/showflat/Number/12841602/Searchpage/1/Main/876747/Words/%2BConquest/Search/true/re-zeiss-conquest-2-5-8x32-mc#Post12841602

Yes but with their new lineup, what are the options now?

Z3 Swarovski

Like Brad mine wore a Leupold VXII 2-7x33mm LRD for a long time. Tough to go wrong with that.

Nice looking rig Brad, what is the ring height? I suspect low...Do you have good scope clearance with that 90 degree lift?, I dont like for My bolt handle to just barely clear the eyepiece....Thanks Hb

Hb, yes lows. Plenty of clearance.

Here's your answer.

Maybe Nightforce if you need to be different.


Okie John

Another vote for the 2.5X8. My 7-08 wears one with the BC reticle and sits in Talleys.

How do you like the BC reticle? Have you tested it at the range?

The rifle in my pic has a b&c reticle. I’ve shot it to 525 yards (308 Win/165), and taken Antelope just past 400 yards with it.

There are many scopes that will do the job! I found with a Kimber that low rings were too low...first time that had ever happened to me. With lows, my natural cheek weld put my eye a little too high for the scope. Switched to Talley mediums from lows and it works perfect. That may just be me, but those Kimbers are indeed straight stocked.

I just noticed that VX2 2-7x33mm CDS/Windplex is on clearance in MWUSA for $210 shipped!!!!

You could very a vx freedom 2-7 off amazon for under 200 bucks.

84M Mt. Ascent in 308 Win w/ Zeiss Duralyt 2-8x42mm




84M Mt. Ascent in 308 Win w/ Kahles CL 3-9x42mm