Author Topic: Scope, Rings, and Base for 30-06 (Read 608 times)

BowhunterNJ · « **on:** May 01, 2004, 11:03:29 AM »

Looking for recommendations on a combo (not packaged combo) for a 30-06, primarily for hunting whitetails in the East but also applicable for hunting mulies out West.

Is there a good combo for this?

I'd imagine I have to be prepared to shoot 300-400 yards out west...certainly 200-300. Most of the shooting here in the east is likely under 100-150 yards.

Or, would it be best to get quick detach rings and separate scopes?

I'm thinking something in a 2-7x range, but would like the larger objective of 40mm vs 36mm. (Is there THAT much of a difference?)

Let me know what you all think.

Dave in WV · « **Reply #1 on:** May 02, 2004, 08:59:06 AM »

I went with Leupold dual dovetail rings because I wanted a rugged setup that wouldn't come loose during a hard hunt. Quick detachable rings have their use but only if you intend to use them as such. If you get QD type ones like Talley's QD that you use a Torx driver to remove them is a good bet to stay tight. Is there much difference between a 36mm and a 40mm objective lens? Not really. For most people the lower you mount your scope the better as long as you don't have to adjust your cheek lower on the stock when shouldering the rifle. If you plan on taking shots at the distances you mention in your post I hope you practice at those ranges because shots over 300 yards are not easy to make accurately for most. When chosing a scope it is important to pick one that will mount correctly on a long action as some are too short. Good hunting. Dave

BowhunterNJ · « **Reply #2 on:** May 02, 2004, 09:45:42 AM »

Dave, thanks for the reply.

Yeah, I'll certainly be practicing, and honestly...I am only going to take shots at distances I'm comfortable with. The guide just recommended being prepared for 300+...some shots as far as 400.

I certainly agree it takes alot of practice in varying conditions to be truly "prepared" for those distances.

I have a feeling I'll be stalking up closer to take shots!

I'm pretty comfortable out to 200-250.

TheOpticZone · « **Reply #3 on:** May 03, 2004, 01:04:27 AM »

I agree with Dave all around. I like the Leupold Dual Dovetail mounts also.

Big · « **Reply #4 on:** May 05, 2004, 10:12:42 AM »

Leupold's dual dovetail mounts are my favorite, too; they hold my Leupold scope on my .30-06. Leupold's web site has a "Scope Mount Selector" that lets you input your model rifle and scope, and it'll come back and tell you which bases and what height rings to use. My scope is a 3-9x40, but I wish it were a Bushnell 3200 3-9x40 like I have on another rifle.

BowhunterNJ · « **Reply #5 on:** May 08, 2004, 10:13:01 AM »

OK, I've narrowed it down after researching and talking to a few people.

I've decided to step it up and go with a 3-9x, which will give me a few more options. I use the Burris Fullfield 3-9x40mm on my ML right now and don't have any problems acquiring animals even at close range, so I figure this will be a good choice and allow for increased magnification for my trip out to Wyoming.

Here is the list I'm thinking about right now (in no particular order):

- Nikon Monarch® UCC 3-9x40mm Riflescope
- Zeiss Conquest 1" 3-9x40mm Riflescope
- Leupold VX-ll 3-9x40mm Riflescope
- Leupold VX-ll 3-9x50mm Riflescope
- Bushnell Elite 4200 2.5-10x50 Riflescope with a Multi-X Reticle in Matte Black

I've seen the Nikon Monarch in person, and compared it to the Leupold LPS and quite honestly, didn't see a great bit of difference. I was quite impressed with the quality of the Monarch's glass, albeit my testing was minimal...there was NOT a blazing difference between this $300 scope and the $1000 LPS.

But, I know some really like the Leupold quality, so I posted the VX-IIs in the range I'm interested in, both 40mm and 50mm choices (given the high cheekbone stock of my gun, I was thinking the 50mm was a better choice for low light shooting).

The Bushnell Elite 4200 scopes are pretty well liked. My buddy has the B&L Elite Binos and they pretty much blew my socks off when I compared them to my Nikon ATBs (this was a couple years ago).

So, let me know what you think...I have a feeling the Conquest will be the likely choice, with the Elite and Monarch not far behind, and Leupold coming in last...but that's my .02! I want to see who else has some pennies!

Dave in WV · « **Reply #6 on:** May 08, 2004, 10:23:39 AM »

Bowhunter, The Optic Zone has the Nikon Monarch 3x9 for $239 (gloss) and $255 (matte). My son has a Monarch 3x9 and he loves it. He also has a Leupold Vari X III 2x8 and for the money he'll take the Nikon.