Which VX3i.....

[RobTurbo]

Hey guys,

I currently have a first world problem that I want some input on.

Which VX3i scope would you buy for my hunting style. A 2.5-8X36 or 4-10X44 (splitting hairs I know). It will be a VX3i so please don't tell me how much better your Vortex or Swaro is.

The scope will be going on a Sako Finnlight chambered in 30-06. The plan is to begin reloading and then re-chamber to 338-06 within the next couple years. I hunt deer, elk, moose, and black bear with this rifle. Likely will end up with something smaller for deer etc down the road. In the past few years 3/4 of my animals were taken within 50 yards and the one moose at 280 yards. I'm not a long range shooter and likely will never be with this gun, which has me leaning towards the 2.5-8X36 for the more intimate experiences. Is 8X power enough to reach out to 300-350 effectively? I cannot for the life of me remember what I cranked my previous scope to for the 280 yard shot. FYI it was a Conquest 4-14X44.

Thanks for the input!

[Sharpish]

8 power is plenty for 350 if your eyes are good.

when the target is big like the side of a moose you can make accurate hits on 2.5 power at 350

the 2.5-8 is smaller and lighter and would probably be a better fit for the finnlight. i have a finnlight 308 with swaro z3 3-10 and the package, sans ammo, is a hair under 7 lbs with a sling and bikini cover.

[IslandWanderer]

You should get a Vortex...or a swaro.

[DeepJeep]

I went with a vx3i 4.5-14 CDS.
There were times at the range when I want more magnification than a 3-9. You can still use the lower magnification with a 4.5-14, however, if you buy a 3-9 and ever needed/wanted more, you are out of luck. With a 4.5-14, keep it between 5-9 for your hunting needs and magnify at the range, if needed. Best of both worlds.

[Weatherby Fan]

If your eyes are good VX3i-3.5-10x40 or if like me you like or need a little more power at the range VX3i 4.5-14x40

I have several VX3i Leupolds and they are excellent scopes

[Brew]

The 2.5-8 will be fine. Furthest kill I've made with mine was 370yard with my 35 whelen. It will be a great scope for when you rebarrel to 338-06

[Ferenc]

What scope rings / mounts do you plan on using on your Sako
If they allow for the larger objective leupold scope I would say go for it,
if you are mounting the scope with optilocs even with lows they sit high.

[VLD43]

Either scope will be good. Unless weight is a consideration, I would pick the 3.5 x 10. Anything over 10 power and parallex adjustment or side focus would be mandatory.

[RobTurbo]

Thanks for all the input! AND LOL IslandWanderer...my next rifle (long range) will have a Z3 for sure.

My eyes are still good (33 yrs young). The rifle currently has Sako Optilock on them. Weight is a consideration for sure. Leaning towards the 2.5-8 but wanted to make sure my thoughts were in line. No bad choice really though.

[ramcam]

When did Vortex ever think it should be mentioned in the same breath as Swaro? You will do just fine with the Leupold.