Scope for Western Rifle in the $1000 Range?

[BCD]

I'm looking for a scope to put on my Browning Xbolt HC Speed in 300 WSM that I will use for elk and possibly mule deer out West. I cant imagine I would ever shoot further than 500 yards on game but I will certainly practice at longer distances. Some of the criteria I'm looking for follow:

MUST BE IN MRAD
Relliable Tracking and RTZ
SFP or FFP. If FFP I would prefer to have illumination
Usable for close range in the timber at low light and with low magnification
Magnification from 2-4 on the lower end and up to 16 on the higher end
I will dial for yardage and hold for wind
Light weight of course preferred but I'm willing to sacrifice some here if necessary

Please let met know what scopes you might consider.

Thank You!

 

[Mike Islander]

SWFA SS HD 5-20x50. But hard to find, and $1300 ($1500 for illuminated).

 

[BjornF16]

There is/was a couple of SWFA SS 3-15x42 scopes for sale in the classifieds.

That is where I’d start…

Edit:

Sold - SWFA 3-15X42

SPF to @Braaap Updated add with the one scope left. Has ring marks. Perfect glass. MRAD Mil Quad Reticle Perfect working condition. Comes with a 3d printed throw lever that I will have to ship separately because they are still on way to me. $650 shipped. Only the one on the right is left...

www.rokslide.com

 

[TN2shot07]

I’ve been looking hard at the Zeiss V4’s to upgrade one of mine. There are better options but you just don’t see much bad about them. You can also run across a decent deal depending on the reticle and illumination you’re after

 

[BjornF16]

Price?

You mean the $1000 in the title?

 

[SoTxShooter]

MRAD kinda cuts your options down a little in the hunting scope world, but I’d give the Vortex Viper PST Gen II and the Athlon Ares a look. I believe those both have models that would check all of your boxes.

 

[Vandy321]

Absolutely, without a doubt, Bushnell LRTSi

 

[TX_Diver]

SWFA SS HD 5-20x50. But hard to find, and $1300 ($1500 for illuminated).

There was one on snipers hide about 3-4 hours ago for sale…

 

[TX_Diver]

$1175 with rings and caps

Don’t know him so do your own research

SOLD - LNIB SS 5-20 HD Illuminated with rings, lever ,level, caps..

I have a lightly used SWFA super sniper HD 5-20 Illuminated with SS rings, level and lever with butler creek caps. asking $1,175 (OBO) shipped and insured. Needs a new home!

www.snipershide.com

 

[BCD]

There is/was a couple of SWFA SS 3-15x42 scopes for sale in the classifieds.

That is where I’d start…

Edit:

Sold - SWFA 3-15X42

SPF to @Braaap Updated add with the one scope left. Has ring marks. Perfect glass. MRAD Mil Quad Reticle Perfect working condition. Comes with a 3d printed throw lever that I will have to ship separately because they are still on way to me. $650 shipped. Only the one on the right is left...

www.rokslide.com

I had an SWFA 3-15 and found the reticle unusable in low light or even in good light with low magnification in the timber. It was great for target shooting. I sold it.

 

[sndmn11]

Absolutely, without a doubt, Bushnell LRTSi

Oh hey, I've got one of them I'd sell.

 

[Vandy321]

Oh hey, I've got one of them I'd sell.

I sold mine too, and I regret it. but only to save 6oz for a superlight...

Having owned S&B, Kahles, Zeiss, and having what I'd say is pretty good vision, my eyes can't tell the difference between the Bushy and Alpha glass in low light, CA and clarity. Reticle was a tad 'meh' for me i think the crosshairs are too thick on the illuminated, but it was reliable, tactile clicks, passed tracking tests and always returned to zero...for $750 non-illum, I dint think anything beats it at that price.

 

[Mike Islander]

There is/was a couple of SWFA SS 3-15x42 scopes for sale in the classifieds.

That is where I’d start…

That was last month. Those things sell in hours.

I had an SWFA 3-15 and found the reticle unusable in low light or even in good light with low magnification in the timber. It was great for target shooting. I sold it.

At low magnification, could you still see the fat part of the cross hairs? For my mil quad 6X42 I just center close game in the thick cross hairs, like an upside down German #4. Plenty minute of animal. The 3-15 has smaller hairs than my 6x42 (0.06 mils vs 0.07), so that can make some difference..

 

[Fartrell Cluggins]

Bushnell LRTSi

If he can set aside his desire for a light scope. Good scopes, but real pigs.

 

[BjornF16]

That was last month. Those things sell in hours.

..

As of yesterday, 4 Feb 2022, there was still one available

 

[BBarnett13]

Not sure what you consider lightweight but this checks all of your other boxes. Plenty of reviews on here for the Credo line of Trijicons.

Trijicon 2900034 Credo 2.5-15x 42mm Obj 41.20-6.90 ft @ 100 yds FOV 30mm Tube Matte Black Finish Illuminated Red MRAD Center Dot

<p>The Trijicon Credo 2.5-15x42 is a highly versatile riflescope with a lower profile design that makes it a powerful choice for the most demanding applications. Built around a second focal plane MRAD Center Dot reticle, you will enjoy pinpoint accuracy throughout its impressive magnification...

gunzonedeals.com

 

[gr8fuldoug]

Have you considered the Sightron S-TAC FFP 3-16x42 Zero Stop - Mil-Hash-2 #26017
The S-TAC 3-16x42 FFP employs an illuminated Mil-Hash reticle for intermediate range applications where a smaller optic is needed. The MH-2 reticle has an illuminated crosshair with hash marks in 1/2 mil increments. The FFP model also utilizes an easy to set Zero-stop mechanism with.1 Mil clicks for tactical applications. The scope offers 20.4 MRAD of elevations adjustments for even the longest shots. A unique flip-up lever is built into the power ring for easy adjustments of cold days.

• Tactical Turrets
• Easy to set Zero Stop
• Zact-7 Revecoat Multicoating for excellent light transmission
• Exclusive ExacTrack Windage and Elevation adjustment system
• First Focal Plane Reticle
  The reticle size changes with magnification setting. Reticle values remain constant in relation to your target.

 

[Vandy321]

If he can set aside his desire for a light scope. Good scopes, but real pigs.

25oz is "a pig" compared to what in that price range with similar performance? Please don't say the VX line...

 

[Sled]

Maybe you could define "light weight".

For whatever reason light weight by my definition and mrad don't go together. Good luck with your search.

 

[Bater]

Zeiss V4 4-16’s are hard to beat for lightweight yet long range capable western rifles