General Scope Advice

I recently, the last few years, started deer hunting with a rifle/scope. Until then, I was open sights shotgun hunting. My rifle is an old ~1957 Remington Woodsmaster that my Grandpa had bought new and used his whole life. It got heavy for him to carry so he passed it on to me. I've shot two deer with it, and love the gun.

I believe it's time to change out scopes, as last year I didn't like my shot placement and had numerous troubles with it, fogged up included. It's a roughly ~Bushnell Banner which probably explains a lot.

I'm on a limited budget and would prefer to spend $200-250, but can go to $300 if the quality is worth the extra hundred or so.

I've been reading about the different features and terminology and grasp the general concepts. I'm hunting with 100-200 yard shots, wooded areas. So I believe a simple 3-9x40 would be sufficient, but since I hunt wooded areas and have a shorter shot, would a 2-7x33 be a better choice? The Bushnell is a 4-12 and it's limited.

I'm strongly considering the VX1 or VX2 from Leupold or the Redfield Revolution. I like to buy American as much as possible, but I have seen so much chatter about the Vortex Crossfire or Diamondback, I think it would be wrong not to consider it.

Last thing, I did see somewhere on here while reading other threads that being on THF gets a discount through somewhere but I can't find the post again. Anyone know which company that is?

Thanks in advance.

Why not go for a fixed 6x K6 Weaver? They're not expensive, and they're quite good for the money. I'm using fixed 7x scopes on my deer rifles currently, and had no problem dropping a deer at 240 yards last year. If you're willing to step to $300, the Weaver Classic Extremes sold by Natchez Shooters Supply are a good deal in a more powerful scope. You might also poke about for a used Nikon Monarch, which are an excellent value. Also, I would stick with scopes with smaller objectives as that should fit the 742 much better.

Skylar from SWFA will undoubtedly chip in soon. He should know better than anyone which inexpensive scopes get returned and which ones are kept.

Vortex diamondback is under 2
$200 after tax. I just sighted in my 3-9x40 and its a great scope. Is it as good as a leup or swaro? No but it also cost much much less and for a rifle that will probably never see outside of 300y at best it's a great scope. Oh and the lifetime guarantee is nice too

A higher power scope cam be just about usless in the woods. Buy the best scope that you can afford. I would think a 1.5x6 or a 2x8 would work quite well for you situation. The new Nikon Monarch 3 line has a 2x8x33 priced at $299.99, check it out if you have a chance, the New Zeiss Terra has a 2x7x32 for 349.99 with a $20 rebate it'll be $329.99. The Zeiss Terra is the same price as the Leupold VXII. I have the Zeiss, it was the easiest scope to zero I've ever shot, 10 rounds, thee three round groups, plus one extra to make up for a called flyer.

Go ahead and get a 3x9

Check into making sure your rings and bases are good to.

Vintage scopes look good on vintage guns. If it was me and that was my Grandpa's, I'd look around for a good El Paso Weaver K4 or K6. Still good ones out there for $100 or so and they work well. Look good too, clean simple lines without a bunch of doo dad knobs and such on them.

If you're set on new then the Redfield Revolution is a good buy. Have a 4-12 on my 223 and have been real happy with it. Lifetime warranty and made in America.

I went to Academy tonight and looked through several scopes. I narrowed it down to the Diamonback and VX-1. The VX-1 felt like the better scope, and the price difference wasn't that big, so I'm pretty set on that. They didn't have, surprisingly, any Revolutions. Is it true the Revolution is a rebadged VX-1? If so, there isn't a point in spending the extra $30, right?

That was my next big question, Brother in-law. What's the best way to tell? This is the base/rings that is on it right now.


My gut tells me just to spend the extra money for the recommended mounting system by Leupold , but wanted to get y'alls advice before I do so.

Thanks for all the advice, it's much appreciated. I think a 2-7 would be the best fit for me now, but a 3-9 would be a good long term so I'm going to go with that.

bump

Leupold makes a fine scope, though I have no experience with the VXI. If you have the money, I'd go for the VXII instead. Just get the Leupold mounts if you just have to buy something else. I've never had even the slightest problem with Leupold mounts (or with the scopes). No need to get fancy. I'd go for the 3-9 personally. I've hunted for decades in heavy brush and I don't really think that you need lower magnification than 3 power. I've got a couple of Leupold VX whatever scopes in 2-7, and I don't think they are as bright as the 3-9's. Might just be that's because they are old, but I'd still go for the 3-9.

We have a lot of guys, and I can't exclude myself, that have spent WAAAAY more money than needed on rifles and scopes and aftermarket add-ons. I fed my wife and family for a few years with deer meat gathered with my old 35 caliber Marlin and a 4 power scope. We ate well.

I need to redo this video, but I still feel like it gives you a good idea on how to install a scope.

The vx II or vx 2 would be well worth the extra money in low light hunting conditions. I also notice less parallax when comparing at close range.

And I'm talking between the vx1 and 2

I think the VX1 is a great scope that would serve you well.