Scope recommendation

lackskill

FNG
Joined
Mar 29, 2019
Messages
7
Apologies and thanks in advance, I tend to be verbose. Working on it.

Been shopping for a Bergara HMR in 6.5CM for a while and came across a deal too good to be true yesterday, so I picked it up. As a lefty, there aren't too many similar options without spending substantially more, so go easy on me. :) So, now I need some new glass for it. As I'm aging, my eyes are declining and I've learned that I really appreciate good glass and higher magnifications than just a few years ago. I have a pretty bad astigmatism. Primary use will be whitetail from about 50-500 yards. Would like to try ringing some steel at 1000 also. Shots always seem to be in the last 5 minutes of shooting light with corn as a backdrop, so not terribly ideal for visibility.

I've been shopping scopes for the last couple months and am having analysis paralysis. None jump out at me as the right choice/check all the boxes.

Preferences (in order):

Around $1000 (I have access to deals with Vortex and Leupold, possibly others)
Good glass, especially in low light
MOA
15-18x upper magnification range
~3x lower magnification range
Simple reticle, I tend to like a #4 or a simple holdover. Don't want a christmas tree for this application.
If windage turret is exposed, must have lock
Exposed elevation turret w/ zero stop/lock
FFP

Things I don't care about:

Weight. Not carrying it more than a few hundred yards, so lightweight isn't necessary.
Illuminated reticle. Not legal for hunting in my state and I have learned that with my astigmatism, illumination with systems like the Leupold VX5HD firedot looks like 4 dots stacked vertically.

I haven't found a FFP that checks all the boxes, particularly the lack of christmas tree. There are several SFP, and I'd consider that.

VX5HD-I have a good friend that's a huge Leupold fanboi and it kinda turns me away.
Meopta Optika 6-sounds like the reticles on the 3-18 are fairly unspectacular
Zeiss Conquest V4-narrower zoom range, probably have to go demo to hit my price range

I'm sure I'm overlooking something, but this is long enough for now. Thanks!
 

Sadler

WKR
Joined
Dec 17, 2016
Messages
1,308
Location
Washington
Look at that new maven RS1.2. 2.5-15x44 can’t vouch for its durability but it looks like it’ll fit pretty close to what you’re after.

If you have mil/leo discounts with vortex and Leupold, you’ll also have that with maven.
 
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lackskill

FNG
Joined
Mar 29, 2019
Messages
7
I’ve definitely been looking hard at maven, but I’m pretty stuck on not having a busy reticle and their MOA option is pretty busy.

I fully understand the benefits of a Christmas tree, I have one on a varmint rifle, but wind is almost never a factor during my typical shooting window during whitetail season. If it’s enough of a factor that I’d need a hold for it, I’m not taking the shot on deer. Prefer to wait for another day or a closer shot
 

Sadler

WKR
Joined
Dec 17, 2016
Messages
1,308
Location
Washington
I’ve definitely been looking hard at maven, but I’m pretty stuck on not having a busy reticle and their MOA option is pretty busy.

I fully understand the benefits of a Christmas tree, I have one on a varmint rifle, but wind is almost never a factor during my typical shooting window during whitetail season. If it’s enough of a factor that I’d need a hold for it, I’m not taking the shot on deer. Prefer to wait for another day or a closer shot
Yeah I didn’t realize that their MOA reticle on that scope was a Christmas tree. I thought it was like the mil version which is all hash marks.
 
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lackskill

FNG
Joined
Mar 29, 2019
Messages
7
I'm being an idiot. Why do I need FFP if I'm not getting a busy reticle...
 
Joined
Jan 27, 2022
Messages
864
Here is one that fits your criteria.

Additionally, if the discounts you mentioned are because you are a veteran or first responder, you can sign up for Tract's LE/Military Discount program to save 15%.

 
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lackskill

FNG
Joined
Mar 29, 2019
Messages
7
Thanks! I remember looking at tract, and I can't remember if I just missed that option or if I had ruled it out for some other reason. Definitely a solid contender!
 

hiker270

WKR
Joined
Nov 5, 2022
Messages
439
I stuck a Leupold VX Freedom Creedmoor 4-12x40 on my Tikka 6.5 cm for only $350 it does the job.
 
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