Thread: Dual purpose scopes

Originally Posted by Remmodel7

I have a van HD on my all round rifle. 3-18.

What's a 'van HD' ?

Dam auto correct.
Vx6

I have a Sightron S111 2.5-10 that is a good dual purpose scope. It has superb optics (in a "last light" test recently it beat out all my other scopes) and while some people would think a 10x max power is a limitation - its not, higher power is useful but not essential for both hunting and target shooting. I've had both a VX5 3-15 and a Swaro Z5 3.5-18, sold them both because there are "more useful" scopes out there that are better use of my (and yours) hard earned $$

Originally Posted by Tentman

I have a Sightron S111 2.5-10 that is a good dual purpose scope. It has superb optics (in a "last light" test recently it beat out all my other scopes) and while some people would think a 10x max power is a limitation - its not, higher power is useful but not essential for both hunting and target shooting. I've had both a VX5 3-15 and a Swaro Z5 3.5-18, sold them both because there are "more useful" scopes out there that are better use of my (and yours) hard earned $$

Where did you get that from? Would love a low powered s3

Originally Posted by superdiver

Where did you get that from? Would love a low powered s3

https://sightronusa.com/siiiss3-510x44lr-series/

There are/were a lot of scopes made from 2010-2017 with really useable magnification ranges, objective sizes, light weight and a single turn dial turret.

Leica had an ER 3.5-14X44 which is a superb scope, am lucky to own one.

Seems like 50mm objectives with 34mm tubes is the norm now...

see your dilemma. NI bush hunting you ideally want a bottom end of 2-3x (or less) and keep it wound down. lots of guys have missed an opportunity when something jumped out up close and the scope was still wound up.
But a 6.5 CM was made for mid range shooting 3-800 mtr so you still need enough scope for that.

time to get a second bush basher, 20" barrel or less and set up for sub 300 mtr hunting with a 1-6 or 2-10 type scope.
only needs to be a 2 Moa capable unit so cheap and fun.

just not sure if a 15-18x zoom is enough at 800 mtr, hence you may end up with a 5x bottom zoom and that is going to cost you in missed animals in the bush or low light plus the 2eight and size of a 5-25 type scope.
Z

For relatively light weight, great optics and zoom flexibility, a 3.5-18x44 Z5 would fit the bill. Being a target shooter as well, I feel you need at least 18 to do the job in that arena. 12-15 just doesn't cut it.

Thanks for all the input people! Really appreciate everyone's comments and advise. Cheers and happy Friday

There are a lot of good scopes for around $1500 but not too many FFP ones that'd make for a good hunting scope.
I think an FFP 3-18 scope would be well suited for your intended use but find one with a suitable reticle with good glass and turrets in that price range is tricky.
I really like the Viper PST 3-15 for a somewhat smaller and lighter FFP scope but the reticle is quite thin on 3x for hunting.

I think the best scope for you would probably be a Meopta Optika6 3-18x50, I've not seen one in person but the have generally good reviews with good glass and turrets and a reticle that is designed to be more visible on lower mag settings.
Also has locking windage which is preferable on a field/hunting rifle.

vx6 2x12

Originally Posted by Gibo

vx6 2x12

+1 good option if you were leaning more towards hunting than range work

Originally Posted by Shot Bro

Hey all,

FFP and around $1000-$1500 in Mil is my preference, are there any lighter weight LR options out there that are durable enough and can be managed on longer hikes through the bush and suit LR preferences at the same time? Or should I go smaller as I am leaning more to LR optics at the moment?

Cheers

Just be careful with a FFP for a hunting scope if you any type of bush hunting, if it's not illuminated you will be searching for the reticle/cross hair in low light.
Try before you buy.
I lost 3 deer with my old 4-14 FFP before I swapped it out, I could see the deer but had no aim point. The last one was 10.00 in the morning so not very dark at all but in tight thick bush.

High magnification ( over 18 power ) isn’t necessary for hunting or targets in my opinion.
I know that’s not a widely held belief in this modern world , but I believe it’s true .
None of my hunting rifles have over 12 power, and my only target scope is maxed out at 18 .
I’m happy to shoot at targets with my 6.5 Creedmoor as far as it can go with 18 power and often 18 is to high in regards to mirage / climatic conditions .
People need to spend more time watching the wind , and less time watching YouTube .

Originally Posted by Ground Control

High magnification ( over 18 power ) isn’t necessary for hunting or targets in my opinion.
I know that’s not a widely held belief in this modern world , but I believe it’s true .
None of my hunting rifles have over 12 power, and my only target scope is maxed out at 18 .
I’m happy to shoot at targets with my 6.5 Creedmoor as far as it can go with 18 power and often 18 is to high in regards to mirage / climatic conditions .
People need to spend more time watching the wind , and less time watching YouTube .

I had a 5x25 zeiss and ended up just using 15-20 of it to get out past 600 odd. I'm with you

Originally Posted by Ground Control

High magnification ( over 18 power ) isn’t necessary for hunting or targets in my opinion.
I know that’s not a widely held belief in this modern world , but I believe it’s true .
None of my hunting rifles have over 12 power, and my only target scope is maxed out at 18 .
I’m happy to shoot at targets with my 6.5 Creedmoor as far as it can go with 18 power and often 18 is to high in regards to mirage / climatic conditions .
People need to spend more time watching the wind , and less time watching YouTube .

Depends what target shooting you are doing.
99% of the time 18x is more than enough magnification, often in field shoot/PRS event's you'll use 8-12x most of the time anyway but there is the odd occasion having a bit more magnification is handy.

For the OPs intended use a 3-18 is about perfect but were he going for dedicated long range/target rifle there is little reason to not go higher magnification.