Thread: First dial scope for hunting big game

To dial distances reliably you need a scope which can handle to constant click adjustments plus a good zero stop. To get these things you really need to be looking at more like the 2k spend. That sort of money will get you something like a V4 Zeiss, Swarovski Z5, Leupold VX5, Delta titanium with the interchangeable turrets. When dialing for distance you usually have good solid rest and time to take the shot, for this I prefer a minimum magnification of 15x and more is better. This allows for a more precise hold than a lower power scope. I know plenty of deer are taken at longer ranges with basic 3-9 type scopes but look at a deer through a 9 power and then a quality scope dialed up to more like 18 power and you will never want to use 9 power again for long range work. You said you wanted a specialist long range rig so cheaper 3-9 or 4-12 $800 scopes will be marginal at the very best.