Ok so..........I have the opportunity to deer hunt Wisconsin this fall. I would rather bowhunt, but the friend I'm going with goes up for firearm season. And hey.......I'm not gonna turn down the opportunity just because it's a firearms hunt. Now here's the thing. I have a good rifle, and what's cool about it is my Dad gave it to me. He bought it brand new in 1971 and had only shot it about 10 times. I took it out 4 years ago and shot 2 doe with it opening morning. I hung it back on the rack and haven't shot it since. It's a Winchester model 670, chambered in 30-06 springfield. At the time I got it, I just got an inexpensive Tasco 3-9 x 40 scope for it. I don't really like it and want a new one. But I don't know a damn thing about scopes. I'm not sure I really want a variable power, but it appears a non adjustable is hard to come by. I think I want something in the 6 x 40 range, any thoughts? Also, this gun has a very tight trigger. I'm not sure what the pound of pull is, but I bet it's around 7. I'm going to take it to a reputable gunsmith and have it reworked. Question is, how light do I go with it? Around 4 pounds??
In WI you can't you bow hunt during firearms season, if you wear blaze orange? Just curious. Either way, sounds like a great opportunity! Can't help you out with your questions though!
That's a good round for deer. For Wi, I wouldn't go any higher than 4X,,,,,fixed, especially if you're in the woods.
Leopold....1-4x if you're hunting woods. If you're hunting fields, I'd go with a higher power, but still a variable scope. Trigger pull has never been a problem for me, but 7 does sound high. 4 would be bad, 3 to 3.5 would be ideal. Best of luck!
I would get a Luepold as well. Its my favorite brand to use and have not had any problems with mine. It has stayed sighted in for the past three years without any adjustment.
Mobo - What do you want to spend on a scope? I'd recommend a Leupold simply because their warranty is nothing short of fantastic, and their resale value is the best on the market because of it. Their durability and glass quality are awesome as well for their respective pricepoint. I've owned probably a dozen Leupolds now and their quality is fantastic, never had an issue with any of them. The big woods of upstate NY I'd imagine is probably thicker than where you are hunting, and I still run into a lot of situations where I want to crank up the power on my scope to positively identify a particular deer, or look through a specific hole in the brush for a shot. I'm using a Leupold VX-III 3.5-10x40. It stays on 3.5x unless I'm looking at a particular deer, and 3.5x is perfect for running shots even in very close. I would not want to be shooting at a 30 yard deer that is running full tilt with a fixed 6x scope. I would also suggest something with a 40mm objective because it's going to pick up a LOT more light during the times you are likely to see deer moving. You see no real increased light gathering beyond 40mm unless you are using above 6x power in low light conditions (not usually the case). Based on what I've outlined above, I'd recommend the same scope I'm using on my .270 right now. The VX-III I have has been replaced by the now current model, the VX-3, and the newer model has better glass and a few extra bells/whistles. They retail for around $499, but if you are getting "deals" through the gun shop you help at, then you can expect to see a discount on that. The margin on these scopes is similar to what you would see on archery equip, I'm sure you can connect the dots and figure out what your cost would be. If you don't want to spend that kind of $$$ then I'd look at the new Redfield line of scopes. Redfield was bought by Leupold and is now being manufactured here in the states. Same warranty, and they are being marketed as a lower price point scope. You won't see the same quality of glass or light transmission, but you will see the same great warranty and durability according to all reports I've seen so far. I believe you can pick them up for $150ish MSRP. Regarding trigger pull, yes.......7lbs is high. But unless you are shooting well beyond 100 yards, it will work and I wouldn't worry much about it. I don't gun hunt in PA anymore, but I did tune the trigger in my .270 because there are spots at my place in PA that can offer 500+ yard shots and the trigger helps tremendously with this. Mine is breaking at about 3.5lbs and is very clean with no creep at all. It's a factory trigger that has been tuned, I didn't find the need to replace it with a better unit. ~Matt
I can't see dumping a ton of money in a scope you seem like you aren't going to get that much use from. That's just my opinion. Opens up a lot of options this way too. I'd go fixed 4, or another 3-9 variable. For reasonable priced scopes don't be afraid to look at bushnells or weaver
i'm also a fan of leupold optics, however i agree that if it isn't going to be used often don't spend a bunch of money on it. any decent scope will do fine. make sure your accurate at 100 yards and maybe even to 200 and you'll be fine. i can shoot very well at 200 yards even though i have shot all but 2 deer within 40 yards. have fun
Nikon is really hard to beat for the money. Is there a reason you are wanting a fixed power scope? I'd look at putting another good quality 3x9x40 back on it. A 3x9x40 is just a good all around configuration for a deer rifle scope. Especially if you are hunting woods. I've used fixed 4x on a 30-30 before, and I like being able to zoom in if needed. I have a Nikon Monarch 3x9x40 on my .270 and I wouldn't hesitate to buy another one. They have a good warranty and like I mentioned before, they are a great scope for the money.
If I still had my SKS, I'd loan it to you for awhile. After you shoot a bunch of rounds through it.. your Tasco scope and 7 pound trigger pull will seem downright awesome. I had a remington 7400 30-06 with a tasco scope. I didn't realize when I got the gun that it was considered a junk gun with a junk scope. Oh well, all those deer it killed didn't know either. :D If you're not going to use the rifle much, I wouldn't bother with the trigger work or new scope. The guys are giving you good advice on what to go with tho' if you must tinker. LOL.
If your not going to be using it much and just basically using it for a 1 time hunt, save the money on the top of the line and buy a nice Bushnell scope for $50 in fixed or variable power.
You're tasco will work fine if you're not becoming a hardcore rifle hunter. The variable scope is your best option for the reasons Rick James stated. I own everything from tasco to Leupold. All work fine. Like Christine stated, the deer will never know.
Burris .... the best scope out there IMO ... but like all the others said .... why spend the coin on it .... 3 - 9 is my vote as well
