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.

[todbartell]

Finnlight 30-06 I'd opt for the Vx3i 3.5-10x40, I use this scope on my 338-06, and my buddy has one on his 280 Ackley. it's great

this scope was voted by us at HBC as best choice for the best rifle for hunting in BC, which turned out to be a Sako 30-06

http://www.huntingbc.ca/forum/showthread.php?115519-Best-cartridge-for-BC-big-game-hunting

http://www.huntingbc.ca/forum/showthread.php?115742-Which-bolt-action-rifle-is-best

http://www.huntingbc.ca/forum/showthread.php?115988-Best-scope-for-30-06-big-game-rifle

http://www.huntingbc.ca/forum/showthread.php?116017-Best-Leupold-scope-for-30-06

http://www.huntingbc.ca/forum/showthread.php?116043-Best-quot-crosshair-quot-reticle-for-Leupold-Vx3-3-5-10x40-on-30-06

[Weatherby Fan]

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.

Just for interest sake here's the weights of the Leupold VX3i Duplex scopes

2.5-8x36............11.4oz
3.5-10x40..........12.6oz
4.5-14x40..........13.0oz

[twoSevenO]

while i'm a big fan of Leupold, i gotta say after looking at a Swarovski Z3 the other day, i am totally in love with the Plex reticle over Leupold's Duplex.

Duplex is just too thin, and the Heavy Duplex is just too thick in the middle. The Swarovski Plex is what I would consider an ideal reticle.

Now i just need to convince myself that i should pay $1100 for it over $650 for a Vx3i ........

[IslandWanderer]

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.

Sorry, I couldn't resist.

[RobTurbo]

Damn the used one on CGN for $500 shipped was picked up before I got my s**t together.

Now it'll be a coin flip for what deals show up first. Thanks again for everyones input!

[ChronoShooter]

Do you mean "re-chamber" or "re-barrel"?

One will work, the other explode. You said the explode one :)

For a 30-06 or 338-06: 2.5-8x36... but that sako eurotrash is pretty long between the uprights, you might not get the body length or eye relief you need. 3.5-10 might be necessary. Put rings on the gun, take it to the shop and try the scopes for eye relief.

[REMINGTON JIM]

Hey Bearman on HERE has (4) NEW VX3 I 3.5-10 s for $550.00 shipped to you - EXCELLENT scope and a Hell OF a DEAL too - get one before there all Sold ! RJ

[RobTurbo]

Hey Bearman on HERE has (4) NEW VX3 I 3.5-10 s for $550.00 shipped to you - EXCELLENT scope and a Hell OF a DEAL too - get one before there all Sold ! RJ

Thanks for the heads up! I grabbed one off hin as soon as I saw it come up over on CGN. Should be here Wednesday. Looking forward to posting positive reviews once it arrives as the transaction was one of the best I've had.

Thanks again for everyones input! I'll update once I get to use it :)

[islandhunter]

FYI, I had a ruger in 270 win re-bored by Ron smith(RKS) a couple years ago to 338-06. It was under $400.

[REMINGTON JIM]

FYI, I had a ruger in 270 win re-bored by Ron smith(RKS) a couple years ago to 338-06. It was under $400.

Nice ! But took how long to get it done ? RJ

[islandhunter]

1 year, but this is why it's important to always have like 10 extra rifles :)

[REMINGTON JIM]

1 year, but this is why it's important to always have like 10 extra rifles :)

Yea Exactley i was going to get Ron to rebore a Rem M600 308 Win to 338 Federal BUT i could not wait so i bought a Tikka SS T3 LIte RJ

[Pioneerman]

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

We need a like button lol

[goatdancer]

Just for interest sake here's the weights of the Leupold VX3i Duplex scopes

2.5-8x36............11.4oz
3.5-10x40..........12.6oz
4.5-14x40..........13.0oz

So why is there all that concern about weight?

[REMINGTON JIM]

So why is there all that concern about weight?

Just Gun NUTZ ! :wink: RJ