Best Leupold for 308 Browning A Bolt for NY Deer and Bear

[Revolver Nuts]

I just picked up a new Browning A Bolt Medellin in 308. Now I need to scope it. I will use it mostly for big game (deer and bear) in Upstate NY. Most hunting terrain is hardwoods with some field shooting available. Ranges in the woods are probably 50 yards max. However, some of the fields will offer shots to about 300 yards. May even shoot a few varmints and coyotes.
Can't decide on which Leupold the Varx-III in 1.75-6x32 or the 2.5-8x36.
Help, what would you guys suggest?
Thanks,
Revolver Nuts

[Graybeard]

If those are the two you wish to choose from get the 1.75-6 it's all you'll need and has a bit wider FOV for those up close and personal shots. Both are excellent scopes and you really can't go wrong with either. If you were hunting more open country I'd say get the 2.5-8 but in the thick I like the other better.

[Rangr44]

I use 2-7X28 and 2-7X32 Leupys, on shots up to 350yds, with N.P. - using a treestand rest, on .30-06 & 6.5X55 rifles.  (As long as the tree's not moving, from heavy winds, i.e.)

[Freezer]

    If you have the money VXIII 2.5x8 it's water proof and offers a wide field of view.  If not the VXII 2x7 which is water resistant.  I believe the smallerr bell is important for quick acquisitionn in the woods then low magnification.  If your target is more than 100 yrds away you wil usually have time  to turn your scope up.  If your really broke get a VX I till you can get a good Leupold then put hte VX I on your .22.

[jvs]

I second the vote for the VX-II 2x7.  That scope should be all you really need, with the VX-III 1.75x6 just as good.  300 yds may be a stretch, but you don't have many magnification worries for the up close shots.

You will need to practice and know the limits, no matter which one you choose. 

Even a less expensive brand would do just as well. 



 

[saltydog]

Skip the scope and spend the money on lightly used Marlin 336 in 30-30, 307 or similar caliber - with Hornady lever revolution ammo you will have the rig for the job described. IMO 50 yard shooting in the woods is an open sight range even for those with older eyes and a scoped 308 is just getting started at 150-200 yards. 

[NYHunter]

VX II 2x-7x, is a good all around scope. Costs less too.

[Davemuzz]

Don't skip the scope. You can't shoot what you can't see.

Dave

[Dee]

I second the vote for the VX-II 2x7.  That scope should be all you really need, with the VX-III 1.75x6 just as good.  300 yds may be a stretch, but you don't have many magnification worries for the up close shots.

You will need to practice and know the limits, no matter which one you choose. 

Even a less expensive brand would do just as well. 



 

 

I second the vote on the Vari X II in 2X7 power. Excellent scope for the money and very fast on target when on 2X.

[dw06]

Put me down for the 2-7x32 great scope and just right on the 308.

[superdown]

I've got the the Leupold 2.5-8x36 on my lefty a-bolt II hunter 325wsm and am very happy with it and highly recommend the Leupold product i think everyone else is correct in recommending the lower power variables but the 2.5-8X36 gives you the option of low power so you dont see that wall of fur at close range were most of your shots will be but will give you the long range also. the feature i realy like about my scope is the breast to back bone range finding . superdown

[Redhawk1]

Either one of the Varx-III in 1.75-6x32 or the 2.5-8x36 will do the job. Look at both and pick the one you like the best. .

[Revolver Nuts]

Thanks for all the great input.

I bought a Vari-X III 2.5 - 8. I got it on the net for $399.00 including Leupold mounts, no shipping or tax.
It arrived Thursday, I mounted it and bore sighted it that night.

Shot it yesterday. Great accuracy with this gun. With Federal 180 grain soft points at 80 yards, I put 4 shots into one jagged hole that can be completely covered with a dime. This is the furthest I can shoot in my back yard. Today it's off to the range to try it at 100 and 200 yards.

This is the most accurate rifle I have shot with factory loads. Far better than my Kimber 22-250 varmint rifle, which for the $$ has been a disappointment.

Happy Shooting,

Revolver Nuts

[beemanbeme]

Sounds like the ideal rig!..  Unfortunately if you don't bring home the venison, you have no one to blame but .................... 

As a sidebar: If I had a Kimber 22-250 that wouldn't shoot sub MOA's, I'd be on the phone to Kimber as we speak!!!

[charles p]

I have the old Leupold 1X4 on my woods rifle.  The gun and scope are both almost 40 years old.  I like seeing the barrel (w/o the front sight) in the scope picture.  I think it acts as a natural pointer to help me with quick target acquisition.  It might be outdated but it still works well for me.