optics for model 7

[lurcher]

Greetings from New Zealand, this is a great site I've learnt a lot lurking on here over the last couple of evenings.

I'm just getting started in Deer hunting I've just ordered a remington model 7 s/s in 7mm 08 (light gun with light recoil for a lightweight feller).

This will be my one and only deer rifle. Hunting I hope to get involved in includes bush stalking for red and fallow deer, and also grassland hunting shooting with a bipod, or more likely shooting sticks.  "Spot lighting" for deer is also widely practised here, and I will likely get a chance to try this also.

Most hunters out here use a 3-9X40 or similar scope.

Scopes I am considering are in the $150-250US range which seem to have a good rep here and elsewhere. I really can't decide which of these to go with....
 
leupold varXI or II
Bushnell 3200 elite
Burris full fieldII
nikon monarch
weaver grand slam

Also interested to know what ring/base option you guys would go with

thanks in advance

lurcher

[Graybeard]

I am of the understanding that the newer Model 7s now come with two screw holes drilled and tapped at the rear. Older ones only have one. If it has only the one you must use a one piece base. Take your choice of the Weaver or the generic Redfield style. The latter is what is on my wife's rifle. I think it is made by Leupold but it has been on that rifle for maybe 20 years and I just honestly don't recall which brand I used.

As for a scope hers wears the Bushnell Elite 4200 1.5-6 and it is a real winner. It was selected for her rifle specifically for a nice hunt for hogs in TX where that is legal. Prior to that it has always worn a Leupold Vari-X III in 1.75-5x20 which just didn't take in enough light to use at night. If as you state you are gonna be hunting at night with it I can sure highly recommend the scope on my wife's rifle.

That old rifle has now been used by me first, then our oldest son and now by my wife. We've taken it to many states and hunted a variety of game with it. So far it has NEVER missed and NEVER needed a second shot on any game on which the trigger has been pulled. That's quite a record.

GB