Scope suggestion for Zastava M70 in 8x57?

[C. Stockwell]

Hi all:

I'm probably going to buy a Zastava M70 bolt action in 8x57 soon. The gun is a little older, judging from the receiver being marked "YUGOSLAVIA" rather than "SERBIA." I'm mostly going to use the rifle for hunting here in New England.

I'm debating between a 1-6, 1-8, 2-12, or 2-16. I'd like to stick with a European brand because I own two Kahles scopes and they're quite nice. I also think a European scope from say Leica or Zeiss or Meopta would look right on this gun.

What do you all think?

 

[Tanks]

What hunting conditions? Are shots far or near?

 

[C. Stockwell]

What hunting conditions? Are shots far or near?

Depends on the property I'm on. Last year, I mostly hunted clear cuts that were about 200-400 yards across. That's about as far as my shooting abilities allow for. Edit: between cuts is usually dense brush; legal shooting hours are a half hour before dawn to a half hour after sunset.

 

[Tanks]

Get the 2-16 if taking 400 yard shots

 

[Nevada Mike]

You should do just fine with a lighter, smaller scope. I would choose the 1-6X. In fact I already have one with the fire-dot and like it. I hunt in some wide open areas and,ofthe scopes I have, none are more than 10X at max magnification.

 

[Gottfries]

I have the same rifle in 7x54 and use a Kahles csx 2,5-10x50 with low Talley qd rings. Fits perfectly and a very good scope for stalking in low light.

 

[Sika98k]

Meopta make a great scope in the R2 2-12x50. 1/2 an hour before dawn to half an hour after sunset , I would be looking at something with a larger objective, 40-42 up to 50.

 

[C. Stockwell]

Not only did I end up buying the M70, I also bought a M85 in 7.62x39. So, that settles the scope debate. The M85 will get a 1-6 and the M70 will get a 2-12.