help me choose a scope

Donut Slayer · Posted: Mon Sep 21, 2009 4:27 pm Post subject: help me choose a scope

I'm getting a new scope for my winchester 300wsm. I've narrowed down the choices to 2. Nikon monarch 2.5x10x50 or a Ziess conquest 3x9x40. They are within $50 of eachother. I'm looking for the best low light scope. I'm kinda leaning towards the nikon as it really has the features I want and I own 2 nikon bino's that are awesome. My 7x50 marine has been beat to hades and back are never lost a step. What do yall think?

Pumpkinslinger · Posted: Mon Sep 21, 2009 7:44 pm Post subject: Re: help me choose a scope

The 50mm objective theoretically would gather more light but also requires a higher mount which can mess up the ergonomics. Can you compare them side by side to see which looks better to you? About every scope I've tried, except a pistol scope, allowed me decent viewing until well after legal shooting hours (1/2 hour before sunrise and past sundown here in NC).

d_hoffman · Posted: Mon Sep 21, 2009 9:18 pm Post subject: Re: help me choose a scope

I'd go for the Nikon. As far as the ergonomics, go to hornady.com and there's a ballistics calculator on there. If you know the bullets BC and muzzle velocity, you can put in the height of your sight/cross hair above the center of bore and it will give you all the info you need for point of aim.

Dimitri · Super Member Joined: Nov 25, 2005 Posts: 5946

2 very comparable scopes in my opinion you'd be happy with either one. Smile

Dimitri

Grumulkin · Posted: Tue Sep 22, 2009 6:35 pm Post subject: Re: help me choose a scope

Donut Slayer wrote:

I'm getting a new scope for my winchester 300wsm. I've narrowed down the choices to 2. Nikon monarch 2.5x10x50 or a Ziess conquest 3x9x40. They are within $50 of eachother. I'm looking for the best low light scope. I'm kinda leaning towards the nikon as it really has the features I want and I own 2 nikon bino's that are awesome. My 7x50 marine has been beat to hades and back are never lost a step. What do yall think?

I've never tried a Nikon scope but have Nightforce scopes, Leupold scopes and a Zeiss Conquest. All of them are good until well after legal shooting hours. When I have nuisance permits or shoot varmints in my yard at night, a lighted reticle is nice. I doubt you'll find much advantage of one over the other in light gathering ability.

The other question is warranty service. Of course if the scope never breaks, you don't have to worry about it but even good scopes can break. Having broken several scopes on heavy recoiling handguns, I can say that Leupold's warranty service is second to none; ditto on Thompson/Center's warranty. Leupold's warranty is fully transferable so it takes a bit of the anxiety out of buying a used scope.

I believe Zeiss' warranty for the Zeiss Conquest is transferable as well but I've read rumbles of dissatisfaction here and there on the net when warranty service was needed and I think sometimes you may have to return the item to Germany.

Two or 3 years ago I read some negative comments on Nikon's scope warranty service but that could very well have changed. One thing is for sure, if you buy a gray market Nikon scope and it needs warranty service you will have to return it to Japan. That said, I've had bunches of Nikon cameras and lenses which I've been very pleased with.

fnuser · Posted: Wed Nov 04, 2009 7:05 pm Post subject: Re: help me choose a scope

I have that exact zeiss your talking about and it is very bright can't say for the nikon never tried them, at the cabela's in k.c. or the bass pro here you can pick them up and look. is that an option for you? I always try them out there even if i don't buy them there. I always see if I can see hairs on the taxedermy or veins in the leaves at @ 50 yards.

SingleShotLover · Posted: Thu Nov 05, 2009 7:07 am Post subject: Re: help me choose a scope

The only two 50mm scopes I've tried turned out to be more of a hassle than a help. Both required higher than normal rings which necessitates a less than comfortable head position, and both were far too subject to sun-glare making the target hard to see if the sun is in the same direction as the target. I have had much better results with 40-44mm scopes. That, of course, is just my take on it. Obviously lots of people like them since all of the manufacturers make so many. Your best bet is to see if there is someone close to you that has one you can try. They just might be a perfect choice for you.

Devon · Rookie Member Joined: Dec 08, 2007 Posts: 12

d_hoffman wrote:

...go to hornady.com and there's a ballistics calculator on there. If you know the bullets BC and muzzle velocity, you can put in the height of your sight/cross hair above the center of bore and it will give you all the info you need for point of aim.

Ever heard of a little utility called "Point Blank"? Really cool ballistic software. Wonder where you can download it from these days... Confused

glockman55 · Posted: Thu Nov 05, 2009 3:16 pm Post subject: Re: help me choose a scope

I put a Nikon Monarch 3X9X40 on my .270, I have always liked and used Leupold's but this Nikon is a very clear scope. Time will tell how it holds up. I've shot a couple of boxes of shells through my Rifle, and shooting sub MOA and holding is a good sign.

tcknight · Posted: Thu Nov 05, 2009 3:58 pm Post subject: Re: help me choose a scope

Got to agree with many here. 50mm scopes are a real hassle because you have to lift your cheek off the cheek piece to see through them. Doesn't make for very accurate shots off hand.

I solved this problem with a Leupold VX-3L. It has a scallop in the bottom of the objective that conforms to the barrel. I mounted mine using Leupold LOW mount rings Shocked

. Couldn't even do that with the 44mm objective scope I had on there prior to the Leupold.

I can tell you I have never owned a more clear or light gathering scope. The only thing that would probably be better than it would be one with 30mm tube which increases light transmission significantly. (Note: You can get the VX-3L in a 30 mm tube too). They make one with 56mm objective that is the bomb and it can be mounted using Medium rings. Shocked

Finally, Leupold is the last manufacturer I am aware of building their scopes entirely in the United States. Also, they warranty them forever. So, if you were to break it in 2030, they will repair or replace if free. And if you sell it, and that person sells it again, and HE breaks it, they still repair or replace it FREE. So, they got my money, and will get it again if I ever need another scope.

No, I don't work for Leupold.

But, I will entertain offers. Very Happy