Ok guys, scope for my 700 CDL?

ACfixer · 06-04-2008, 04:21 PM

I have a Rem 700 CDL in stainless with a fluted barrel that will be here Monday. I've always heard a good rule of thumb is to spend at least 50% of what you spent on the gun on optics. So... the rifle cost me around $900 and it's to be my "keeper" North American game rifle (.30-06). I'm looking hard at the Leupold VX-III in silver 3.5-10 with 50mm for $549. Any other suggestions? Do I need to spend than much or should I consider something pricier? It's hard for me to "see" a huge difference when looking through a $350 scope vs. anything more expensive (to a point) but since I plan on doing this once and doing it right, well, I'm listening.

Thanks,
Lance

Mike Franklin · 06-04-2008, 05:53 PM

Because I used to shoot a lot in low light, not at night, conditions I like a lower power than 3.5 at the bottom. I had good luck with a Leupold 2 X 7.

telkev · 06-04-2008, 11:14 PM

If your going to spend that much on a 1" diameter scope, get a Zeiss conquest. Leupold's are good scopes, but they are over-rated. While the conquest series are built by Meopta(I think), they still have Zeiss lens. Otherwise, look at the Bushnell Elite's and Sightron before you buy the Lupy.

ArkansasHunter · 06-04-2008, 11:29 PM

It's hard to suggest a scope when your already looking at probably the best, being a
VX-III.
Nikon's are great Scope's and Burris are good one's if you want to save some money take a look at a Burris Full field II. I bought a 3X9-40mm and it's excellent for me.
I bought it at www.swfa.com for around $200.00.
A.H

toolman · 06-05-2008, 12:04 AM

I've heard some bad things about the newer Leupolds, ie: quality control probs, unadvertised surprises like friction-stop adjustments, yellowing, etc.
For the $$$, I'd look at the Sightron and Nikon scopes.

GlennF · 06-05-2008, 08:26 AM

I would agree with Mike Franklin on the benefits of lower power (i.e. 2 x7) scopes for low light conditions. I have a Redfield 2x7 (1989 vintage) on my Rem. 700 mountain Rifle in 30-06. Set at 2 power, it is ideal for still hunting elk, etc. in heavily wooded areas. I normally leave the scope on 4x for normal hunting. Looking at current optics, the trend is away from lower power variables and there aren't too many on the market especially in the premium brands.

SwedeSteve · 06-05-2008, 08:31 AM

I would suggest Schmidt and Bender, but they are pricey.

ACfixer · 06-05-2008, 08:51 AM

Ok guys, many thanks. I will look more into Nikon and the others. AH, if you think I can buy a $200 scope that will serve me as well as a $550 Lup I'm all ears. I'll do some reading and check out some stuff that is a little lower powered such as a 2-7.

Any reason to go with a 30mm tube rather than the 1"? I'm not in a hurry, sure I'd like to shoot the rifle but I want to buy the right optics for it.

Swede, I just saw an S&B going for $3500... I think I'll have to pass on that one.

Deersniper · 06-05-2008, 09:36 AM

Nikon, Sightron, Leupold, [made in U.S.]. Make sure it has 3" or more of EYE relief. Very important with 30-06. Grats on the new one.

GlennF · 06-05-2008, 09:39 AM

A 30mm tube would (in theory) have 40% more cross sectional area than a 1". I think the quality of the optics and light transmission are more important factors. The 30mm will be a little heavier.

telkev · 06-05-2008, 12:57 PM

The 30mm scopes provide more light transmission than 1" scopes of same quality. I have many different brand scopes(the quest for finding something just as good, but cheaper), I do a lot of target shooting and hunting, but when it comes time for hunting, I use a Burris Black Diamond with 30mm tube. They have clearness and brightness that is equal to higher priced scopes. Lots more brightness than my vxIII. I would say, going from 1" tube to 30mm tube is about equal as going from 40mm lens to 50mm lens. I see no benifit going to a 2-7 power scope, since most of them are not offered in anything bigger than a 40mm lens. A quality scope on 3 power with a 50mm lens is going to be brighter. For something in the $300-500 range, its hard to beat a sightron. Very good lens, customer support, etc. Burris has 30mm euro scopes in that price range also, as well as Bushnell Elite 4200. All are quality scopes with good lens. I have them all.

rdale501 · 06-08-2008, 06:46 AM

I have a Vari-X lll mounted on a 300 Win Mag in 1981. Over the years it has taken many deer and several elk. It was always right on zero and I never had to adjust it until 1999, when something went wrong inside and it would only be in focus on 4 power. I fired it off to Leupold with a note saying I needed it back asap because of an upcoming mule deer hunt. I got the scope back 5 days later with a note saying they had fixed the problem, added 3 updates, polished and recoated the glass, resealed and filled with gas. They said they did not address the scratches on the finsish because they wanted me to get it back as soon as possible. I put it back on the rifle and have not touched the zero since 1999. This combo has taken many deer and elk in the time I have owned it and is my first choice on any big game hunts. I also have a Vari-X lll Tacticle on my 25-06. It is newer and doesn't get hunted with, but at the range it always produces for me...I have not touched it since first shighting it in. I am sold on these scopes and Leupolds policies in problem solving. I would recomend them to anyone...

ACfixer · 06-13-2008, 12:57 PM

Guys, for now I settled on a Nikon Buckmaster 3-9 in silver to match my CDL SF. I compared it to several in the $100-$600 price range and at $219 it seemed to fit the bill and provide the best bang for the buck. The Lupy VX-III was my favorite but not by very much, certainly not at almost triple the price. I live in SoCal so adverse conditions shouldn't be a factor too often and since I had a few other bills pop up the price tag was very friendly.

Went and shot it yesterday, had it zero at 100 yards within 8 shots. I got lucky, my first shot at 50 yards missed the bull by 6" low and left

I'll go back this weekend and get it zero at 200 yards.

The rifle, the Remington 700 CDL SF is just a sweet sweet thing to behold. Chambered in the classic .30-06 I fell in love instantly. I'll try to post a pic or two later today. Thank you ALL for your advice, I'll give this scope a try and if it doesn't pan out I can always step it up if need be, but it sure seems like a decent piece of glass for $200 and change.

matt760 · 06-13-2008, 01:16 PM

thats what ive got on my 760. mines black though. good scope. good price. i just need to get some see through covers for it.

06-04-2008, 04:21 PM	#1
ACfixer Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Turning base to final -KAPV- Posts: 248	Ok guys, scope for my 700 CDL? I have a Rem 700 CDL in stainless with a fluted barrel that will be here Monday. I've always heard a good rule of thumb is to spend at least 50% of what you spent on the gun on optics. So... the rifle cost me around $900 and it's to be my "keeper" North American game rifle (.30-06). I'm looking hard at the Leupold VX-III in silver 3.5-10 with 50mm for $549. Any other suggestions? Do I need to spend than much or should I consider something pricier? It's hard for me to "see" a huge difference when looking through a $350 scope vs. anything more expensive (to a point) but since I plan on doing this once and doing it right, well, I'm listening. Thanks, Lance

06-04-2008, 05:53 PM	#2
Mike Franklin Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Poteet, Texas Posts: 1,276	Because I used to shoot a lot in low light, not at night, conditions I like a lower power than 3.5 at the bottom. I had good luck with a Leupold 2 X 7. __________________ Aim real good we're nearly out of ammo.

06-05-2008, 12:04 AM	#5
toolman Mr. Fixit Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: abilene,tx Posts: 5,565 Blog Entries: 22	I've heard some bad things about the newer Leupolds, ie: quality control probs, unadvertised surprises like friction-stop adjustments, yellowing, etc. For the $$$, I'd look at the Sightron and Nikon scopes. __________________ Don't be messin' with my gun!

06-05-2008, 08:31 AM	#7
SwedeSteve Bullet Maintenance !! Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: The anchor point, Alaska Posts: 10,262 Images: 1	I would suggest Schmidt and Bender, but they are pricey. __________________ Thank God we don't get as much Government as we pay for! -Will Rogers

06-04-2008, 11:14 PM	#3
telkev Senior Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: SW MS Posts: 234	If your going to spend that much on a 1" diameter scope, get a Zeiss conquest. Leupold's are good scopes, but they are over-rated. While the conquest series are built by Meopta(I think), they still have Zeiss lens. Otherwise, look at the Bushnell Elite's and Sightron before you buy the Lupy.

06-04-2008, 11:29 PM	#4
ArkansasHunter Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: South Arkansas Posts: 10,678	It's hard to suggest a scope when your already looking at probably the best, being a VX-III. Nikon's are great Scope's and Burris are good one's if you want to save some money take a look at a Burris Full field II. I bought a 3X9-40mm and it's excellent for me. I bought it at www.swfa.com for around $200.00. A.H

06-05-2008, 08:26 AM	#6
GlennF Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Ohio Posts: 28	I would agree with Mike Franklin on the benefits of lower power (i.e. 2 x7) scopes for low light conditions. I have a Redfield 2x7 (1989 vintage) on my Rem. 700 mountain Rifle in 30-06. Set at 2 power, it is ideal for still hunting elk, etc. in heavily wooded areas. I normally leave the scope on 4x for normal hunting. Looking at current optics, the trend is away from lower power variables and there aren't too many on the market especially in the premium brands.

06-05-2008, 08:51 AM	#8
ACfixer Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Turning base to final -KAPV- Posts: 248	Ok guys, many thanks. I will look more into Nikon and the others. AH, if you think I can buy a $200 scope that will serve me as well as a $550 Lup I'm all ears. I'll do some reading and check out some stuff that is a little lower powered such as a 2-7. Any reason to go with a 30mm tube rather than the 1"? I'm not in a hurry, sure I'd like to shoot the rifle but I want to buy the right optics for it. Swede, I just saw an S&B going for $3500... I think I'll have to pass on that one.

06-05-2008, 09:36 AM	#9
Deersniper Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 1,659	Nikon, Sightron, Leupold, [made in U.S.]. Make sure it has 3" or more of EYE relief. Very important with 30-06. Grats on the new one.

06-05-2008, 09:39 AM	#10
GlennF Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Ohio Posts: 28	A 30mm tube would (in theory) have 40% more cross sectional area than a 1". I think the quality of the optics and light transmission are more important factors. The 30mm will be a little heavier.

06-05-2008, 12:57 PM	#11
telkev Senior Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: SW MS Posts: 234	The 30mm scopes provide more light transmission than 1" scopes of same quality. I have many different brand scopes(the quest for finding something just as good, but cheaper), I do a lot of target shooting and hunting, but when it comes time for hunting, I use a Burris Black Diamond with 30mm tube. They have clearness and brightness that is equal to higher priced scopes. Lots more brightness than my vxIII. I would say, going from 1" tube to 30mm tube is about equal as going from 40mm lens to 50mm lens. I see no benifit going to a 2-7 power scope, since most of them are not offered in anything bigger than a 40mm lens. A quality scope on 3 power with a 50mm lens is going to be brighter. For something in the $300-500 range, its hard to beat a sightron. Very good lens, customer support, etc. Burris has 30mm euro scopes in that price range also, as well as Bushnell Elite 4200. All are quality scopes with good lens. I have them all.

06-08-2008, 06:46 AM	#12
rdale501 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: oregon Posts: 398	I have a Vari-X lll mounted on a 300 Win Mag in 1981. Over the years it has taken many deer and several elk. It was always right on zero and I never had to adjust it until 1999, when something went wrong inside and it would only be in focus on 4 power. I fired it off to Leupold with a note saying I needed it back asap because of an upcoming mule deer hunt. I got the scope back 5 days later with a note saying they had fixed the problem, added 3 updates, polished and recoated the glass, resealed and filled with gas. They said they did not address the scratches on the finsish because they wanted me to get it back as soon as possible. I put it back on the rifle and have not touched the zero since 1999. This combo has taken many deer and elk in the time I have owned it and is my first choice on any big game hunts. I also have a Vari-X lll Tacticle on my 25-06. It is newer and doesn't get hunted with, but at the range it always produces for me...I have not touched it since first shighting it in. I am sold on these scopes and Leupolds policies in problem solving. I would recomend them to anyone...

06-13-2008, 12:57 PM	#13
ACfixer Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Turning base to final -KAPV- Posts: 248	Guys, for now I settled on a Nikon Buckmaster 3-9 in silver to match my CDL SF. I compared it to several in the $100-$600 price range and at $219 it seemed to fit the bill and provide the best bang for the buck. The Lupy VX-III was my favorite but not by very much, certainly not at almost triple the price. I live in SoCal so adverse conditions shouldn't be a factor too often and since I had a few other bills pop up the price tag was very friendly. Went and shot it yesterday, had it zero at 100 yards within 8 shots. I got lucky, my first shot at 50 yards missed the bull by 6" low and left I'll go back this weekend and get it zero at 200 yards. The rifle, the Remington 700 CDL SF is just a sweet sweet thing to behold. Chambered in the classic .30-06 I fell in love instantly. I'll try to post a pic or two later today. Thank you ALL for your advice, I'll give this scope a try and if it doesn't pan out I can always step it up if need be, but it sure seems like a decent piece of glass for $200 and change.

06-13-2008, 01:16 PM	#14
matt760 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Kentucky Posts: 158	thats what ive got on my 760. mines black though. good scope. good price. i just need to get some see through covers for it.