Vortex Scope

[vospertw]

Setting up a 223 AR for predator hunting. Looking at coyote-sized targets out to about 300 yards. I have been looking at Leupold for something like a 2-7X and probably an illuminated reticle.

I was talking with a rep today and he said something that clicked - he mentioned value of the scope "if you are going to actually use it."

I have some family health issues to work around so 1 or 2 trips to the field annually would be the most I could pull off for the next few years. So while I'm not afraid of the price tag on a VX-R or even a VX-6, that seems like a lot of glass to hang out in the gun safe most of the time.

Starting to think a Strike Eagle or similar would be adequate for hunting and more than adequate given the amount of hunting I will be doing. I don't want to "go cheap" but also trying to be smart financially. Any thoughts?

[Horrendo Revolver]

I've got a VX-R on a rifle I sometimes use for predator hunting. Never needed the IR. I'd also want a tad more magnification than what the Strike Eagle offers.

[KillZone45]

Don't worry I have $2500+ in glass on one rifle and BARELY shoot the rifle. But I hope that changes since I'm moving in a month to Freedom. I'll say this though, every time I think about selling the rifle or whatever I just take it out its gun case and fondle it and I get giddy all over again. Buy what makes you happy, that to me is worth it!

[Divernhunter]

For what you say you will be using it for a Leupold 3-9X40 duplex reticle or even a 4-12 in a VX2 will do just fine. The illuminated reticle is not needed and just causes you to get a more costly Leupold or a lower quality scope brand.

You will never need to change it and the costs are lower for the VX2 line. When your issues are sorted out and IF you feel a need to change out the scope you can put it on another rifle or sell it. The Leupolds really hold their value so you will not be out much cash.

[hardcore4sure]

Vortex Diamondback 3x9 ($199) or 3x12 ($299) is pretty affordable and would certainly get the job done.

[vospertw]

Thanks all. I go back and forth on the need for illumination. My thought was in addition to low light, it might be handy for closer, moving targets too. Not trying to make it a red dot but still thought it could be useful.

One thing I thought interesting when talking to the Leupold rep was that he recommended the VX-3i 1.75-6X (I think that's the magnification, just released) over the VX-R for low light based on the lens coatings. The mechanical specs on either scope are pretty close but I don't know enough about the coatings to know.

One thing I don't like for hunting regarding the Vortex (or similar like Bushnell MTAC) is the thick/cluttered reticle. I have a Redfield 2-7X on another rifle - not sure that wouldn't be a decent choice either.

First world problem - too many options for optics.

[lewdogg21]

I agree with Divernhunter. Coyotes are small and if you really have areas out to 300 yards, I would want the 9x.