Wanted 30mm Scope For First Hunting Rifle

NurseFet

AH senior member
Joined
Jan 20, 2019
Messages
77
Reaction score
105
Location
Tennessee
Media
12
Member of
DSC
Hunted
RSA, Texas
I have recently purchased my first hunting rifle and plan to hunt a crocodile in South Africa in 2020 if all goes well. Only piece I'm missing now is a scope!

Blaser R8 Professional Success .308WIN
Looking for scope with MAX magnification of 12, but will take higher if at the right price.
Must have 30mm tube or include other size rings with purchase.

I'll take any advice, offers, websites/deals, etc. I need all the help I can get in finding a scope fit for my new Blaser! Thanks for the help y'all!
 
Swaro, Schmidt & Bender, Zeiss...lots and lots of options.

The upper magnification isn't really the issue, it's the lower magnification that is the issue. I wouldn't go higher than 3X for the low power, and if you can find a 2X, even better. A close-ish shot in thick country, and 4X on the bottom end will cause you to struggle to find your animal. And with the kind of distances for which a .308 will be adequate, 9X or 10X on the upper end is sufficient.
 

Attachments

  • Screenshot (451).png
    Screenshot (451).png
    119.2 KB · Views: 73
I have personally found that the exact scope that Redleg is describing has worked very well for me on every African animal I have taken on my first two safari's. From Klipspringer to Giraffe in size with a couple Cape Buffalo and a large Eland thrown in there, the Leica did the job on all of them. I believe the Visus is the replacement for the ERi and looks similar with the long eye relief as well.
 
Check out EuroOptic, OpticsPlanet, and MidwayUSA for what you’re looking for. I think Midway’s mobile version is particularly user friendly for narrowing down the features you’re after.

For example, here I’ve selected a few brands that make quality optics with your requests: 30mm tube and no greater than 12 power. https://www.midwayusa.com/s?targetLocation=/_/N-4294931709+11396+4294931641+4294931712+4294931676+4294931583+4294930764+4294928445+4294931207+4294930619+4294931696+4294930843+4294967016+4294967023+4294967124+4294967117+4294967182+4294964703+4294967145+4294957359+4294966857?No=24&Np=2&Nr=AND%28p_visible%3A1%2Ccustomertypeid%3A1%29&Nrpp=24&Ns=p_metric_sales_velocity%7C1&Ntpc=1&Ntpr=1&userItemsPerPage=48&persistedItemsPerPage=0
 

Attachments

  • Screenshot (452).png
    Screenshot (452).png
    276.5 KB · Views: 72
Last edited by a moderator:
Sorry it didn't work out with my scope.
Best of luck and looking forward to seeing some holes in paper in the not too distant future.
 
So, from what I'm getting the high side is pretty important since you're going to be brain-dusting a croc. Ok, the Leupold VX-5HD in either 2-10X 42mm or if you really want to see gnats hairs a 3-15X 44mm will cover the crocs requirements and can be lowered to take care of anything else including a 20 yard duiker shot. I personally wouldn't tinker around with the CDS turret but it could be useful for the croc if you really practice with it a lot.
Good luck.
 
I love my Swaro’s but honestly, I am very happy with the Leupold VX-6 2-12x illuminated on my .243. It would work well for you app at a slightly lower price. I also love the Swaro Z6 1.7-10x on my .325, but it will set you back more in the wallet.
 
Teutonic guns get Teutonic glass...

Go Zeiss, Swarovski, Leica, etc...

Don’t get me wrong.. I’ve got a number of leupold, vortex, and other scope brands in the safe...

But I wouldn’t be putting one of my $500 scopes on an R8... a fine rifle like that warrants a fine optic to go with it...
 
I have a Leupold VX6 2-12x42 on my Blaser K95. Works really well. Has the Duplex reticle, I'd prefer the fine duplex but they don't make that reticle for the 2-12.
I've shot animals out to 260 yds with it and targets out to 940yds.
A friend has one on his .308 and likes it.
 
Leopoldo has many options and they back the product with excellent service. Get one with then CDS dial built to the rounds you will shoot in the rifle.
 
There are a few good buys on Swarovski Z6 2-12x50's right now
 
I use a two scope set-up on my 375 H&H. Both are Leupold VX6s. One for DG is the 1-6x and the other is a 2-12x. Both have QR mounts and are red dot illuminated. I used the 2-12x for a 90 yard shot on my croc in 2018. Worked perfect!
2-10 is probably plenty good for a croc, but mine worked perfect. I enjoyed it a lot and plan to hunt another. Something about a prehistoric reptile hunt with a difficult shot required is fascinating!
Best of luck in your choice! It just seems like a German rifle should have German optics.
 
I love the glass in my Swarovski’s but I have a leupold vx6 2-12 on my 375 HH that I wouldnt trade!
 
I use a two scope set-up on my 375 H&H. Both are Leupold VX6s. One for DG is the 1-6x and the other is a 2-12x. Both have QR mounts and are red dot illuminated. I used the 2-12x for a 90 yard shot on my croc in 2018. Worked perfect!
2-10 is probably plenty good for a croc, but mine worked perfect. I enjoyed it a lot and plan to hunt another. Something about a prehistoric reptile hunt with a difficult shot required is fascinating!
Best of luck in your choice! It just seems like a German rifle should have German optics.

I have acquired a Leupold VX-2 3-9x40! Not the top of the line, but MORE than sufficient for everything I want to get into in the upcoming years. Can't wait to get mine mounted and out to the range! Hope I have a good a hunt as you did with croc when I get the chance!
 
I have acquired a Leupold VX-2 3-9x40! Not the top of the line, but MORE than sufficient for everything I want to get into in the upcoming years. Can't wait to get mine mounted and out to the range! Hope I have a good a hunt as you did with croc when I get the chance!

NurseFet, I have had a number of VX-2s and they have been excellent scopes. 3-9x is a classic range. It should serve you well. Let us know how your new toy shoots!
 
I have acquired a Leupold VX-2 3-9x40! Not the top of the line, but MORE than sufficient for everything I want to get into in the upcoming years. Can't wait to get mine mounted and out to the range! Hope I have a good a hunt as you did with croc when I get the chance!
I have the same mounted on a K98 not a lot of frills but decent glass
 
I have acquired a Leupold VX-2 3-9x40! Not the top of the line, but MORE than sufficient for everything I want to get into in the upcoming years. Can't wait to get mine mounted and out to the range! Hope I have a good a hunt as you did with croc when I get the chance!

Same scope I have mounted on my Winchester M70 in 7mm WSM.... I have been extremely pleased with the optic..

very bright and clear for the price point.. and has taken a real beating on my magnum and never has given me any problems at all..

I think you will likely enjoy it very much..
 

Forum statistics

Threads
53,618
Messages
1,131,265
Members
92,675
Latest member
jhonmark007
 

 

 

Latest posts

Latest profile posts

Impact shots from the last hunt

Early morning Impala hunt, previous link was wrong video

Headshot on jackal this morning

Mature Eland Bull taken in Tanzania, at 100 yards, with 375 H&H, 300gr, Federal Premium Expanding bullet.

20231012_145809~2.jpg
 
Top