Good Hunting Scope for M77 "Tang Safety" in .308

[CEDaytonaRydr]

Hey guys...

I used to have a Bushnell Sportsview in 4-12x mounted on this rifle but it had some problems, so I sent it back to Bushnell for a warranty repair. In the time between when I received the scope back from Bushnell and now, the scope got lost (or maybe stolen) during a move.

There are so many options now for scopes now, it's a bit ridiculous so I figured I'd ask y'all for some suggestions that I might not be considering. The ones I'm considering right now are the Leupold Rifleman in 3-9x, the Vortex Diamondback, Zeiss Terra 3-9x42mm, and maybe a Pentax Lightseeker. Anything else I should be considering? My primary objectives are lightweight, decent quality/ruggedness, acceptable power range for deer hunting, and a good (lifetime preferred) warranty.

[Divernhunter]

I only use Leupold scopes on my hunting rifles after many years for hunting and seeing other brands fail. Also while being around a gunshop for quite a number of years.
I would suggest not getting the rifleman series as they do not have the Leupold no-BS warr and are a cheaper made scope.
Step up to a VX-I or II or a used VariX II in 3X9X40 with a duplex reticle. Sight it in 2.75" high at 100 yards and hold on the animal and you will have meat in the freezer.
I have 25+ leupolds and never had one fail. Several have been abused and still work fine. Mine get allot of use also.

Last I looked I have 7 tang safety Ruger M77 rifles. I do like them.

[tpuig]

I love my M77 in 7mm Mag. Had it for 30+ years. Originally put a Leupold 3x9 on it, then switched to a Trijicon Accupoint 3x9. This became my pig/deer gun, so the red triangle really helps with targeting a dark colored pig in the shadows. Not inexpensive, but I'm really happy with it.

[lewdogg21]

I only use Leupold scopes on my hunting rifles after many years for hunting and seeing other brands fail. Also while being around a gunshop for quite a number of years.
I would suggest not getting the rifleman series as they do not have the Leupold no-BS warr and are a cheaper made scope.
Step up to a VX-I or II or a used VariX II in 3X9X40 with a duplex reticle. Sight it in 2.75" high at 100 yards and hold on the animal and you will have meat in the freezer.
I have 25+ leupolds and never had one fail. Several have been abused and still work fine. Mine get allot of use also.

Last I looked I have 7 tang safety Ruger M77 rifles. I do like them.

I don't disagree. Stay away from the rifleman series. Go VX-I at a minimum.

[OIF0708]

I bought the Leupold VX-R 2-7x33 just for pig hunting.

[CEDaytonaRydr]

Okay, so Leupold better than rifleman. Sounds like decent advice. I was looking on a few websites and the VX-3 3.5-10x caught my eye. Seems like it has some positive feedback. Not sure if I would need the CDS option but might be fun to play with.

[Fjold]

The 3.5-10X is the highest power that I would go with on a dedicated medium to large game rifle.

[Divernhunter]

The 3.5X10X40 is a great scope. Just get the duplex reticle for hunting.All the extra adjustments will only cost you an animal sooner or later. Same thing with flip-up caps ----Just forget them. Carry a lens pen if you need to clean it.

On the Tang safety use the low rings to mount the scope. That is what the rifle was shipped with.

[thomashoward]

3x9-40.
I'm partial to Leupold VXll or Nikon Bushmaster

[realbadlarry]

Vortex makes some good inexpensive stuff. Big recoil means you need to spend more $$$ to make sure you don't have problems. Anyone can make a scope to hold up to a 17hmr....after that...quality really shows. No sense in ruining a hunt to save $100.

[CEDaytonaRydr]

Vortex makes some good inexpensive stuff.

I've been hearing the same thing about Vortex. That's one of the main reasons I put it on the "short list".

Anyone ever try one of those Zeiss Terra scopes? I'm surprised they haven't received more fanfare....