$800 on a scope

[Leadeye]

A long time ago a friend showed me the difference in clarity between expensive and less expensive optics using a ziess. I was really impressed but confined my purchase to binoculars as I don't do much long range hunting any more. I would imagine that the scopes are crystal clear with great resolution.

 

[Indiana]

So long as you are keeping your options open take a look at the IOR Valdada line of scopes. I have an older 6X fixed model that has great clarity and it it built like a tank. If you shop around you can get the scopes for quite a bit off of the MSRP. Good luck in the search.

Valdada Optics

SWFA Riflescopes IOR Valdada Rifle Scopes

 

[fireball168]

I trust that you read the specifics of the Zeiss 6.5-20x50.

It has 45 MOA of elevation with standard target knobs, and 30 MOA of elevation with the hunter knobs.

You'll find in the instructions included with it that they recommend a 20 MOA base for use with either variation.

Provided you're not shooting very far, or have any use for the elevation adjustment - it'll be a fine scope.

Otherwise, lots of them are returned for that very reason.

 

[fireball168]

So long as you are keeping your options open take a look at the IOR Valdada line of scopes.

The IOR scopes are built like a tank, unfortunately - even tanks break at times.

Val only services currently offered IOR models, everything else has to go back to Romania for service - for ANYTHING.

Floaters, broken reticles, broken knobs, etc. - if you want it fixed - it gets shipped to Romania on your dime, where IOR makes a decision on who is paying for it.

The older Nightforce models aren't much better - although they will give you an allowance towards a new scope on trade.

 

[turnandshoot4]

I trust that you read the specifics of the Zeiss 6.5-20x50.

It has 45 MOA of elevation with standard target knobs, and 30 MOA of elevation with the hunter knobs.

You'll find in the instructions included with it that they recommend a 20 MOA base for use with either variation.

Provided you're not shooting very far, or have any use for the elevation adjustment - it'll be a fine scope.

Otherwise, lots of them are returned for that very reason.

Thanks for the heads up! I have a 20 MOA base on the Savage now so that should help. Most of my shooting is <300 until I can get better. I just hope the rings I ordered will be the correct height. I got Burris XTR high rings.

 

[SamW]

Haha, I like the $150 scope suggestions after he gave an $800 budget. I'll throw Sightron into the mix. You can buy a top of the line Sightron for $800 and the quality really is superb. I have a smattering of Leupolds over the years and my SII Sightron surpasses all except the Mk4 series.

Nightforce, Sightron, IOR, Leupold (top end only), Zeiss, and the Bushnell 6500 series all make great sub $1k optics.