Not wanting to do a lot of research, I thought I would ask the experts. I picked up a weatherby Ultra light accumark in 280 rem. I would like to put a 3-9x or larger scope of good quality on it. Its going to be used in Nevada on mule deer. Any suggestions?

Take a look at the Zeiss Conquest sale posted by Gr8fulDoug in the classifieds. Really great scopes at great prices. The Camera Land demo list is also a good place to look.

Take a look at Leupold. The VX-II 3-9 is quite compact and high quality. Even better is the VX-III 2 1/2-8. For my money it's the perfect scope for mule deer hunting.

I think too much magnification is a mistake, esp. on a moderately powered rifle like the 280. Once you get over 6x, parallax/focus and vulnerability to accidental damage loom as problems. A Leupold 2-7 or, if you can afford (and find) it, A Zeiss Victory Diavari 1.5-6 would be my choice.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by sambarman338:
I think too much magnification is a mistake, ... Once you get over 6x, parallax/focus and vulnerability to accidental damage loom as problems.QUOTE]

No.

Simply no!

BTDT.

I like over 6 x magnification. If you really hunt, and are not only an armchair hunter, you should know this.

I have hunted for far too long with 6 x fixed scopes.

I like 8 or 9 or even 10 x.

More is really not necessary.

Hermann

Arminius
I got my first scope in 1962. I have hunted with them ever since. If you had that many miles you would know for big game 2.5X or 3X is all you need. Only a stand and arm chair hunter thinks he need a lot of magnification on big game. If you need more magnification use your binocular. For aiming you do not need that much magnification. You can shoot 25 mm groups at 100 meters with metallic sights. Why would you need a lot of magnification to hit 200mm X 200mm?

quote:

Originally posted by Arminius:
[QUOTE]Originally posted by sambarman338:
I think too much magnification is a mistake, ... Once you get over 6x, parallax/focus and vulnerability to accidental damage loom as problems.QUOTE]

No.

Simply no!

BTDT.

I like over 6 x magnification. If you really hunt, and are not only an armchair hunter, you should know this.

I have hunted for far too long with 6 x fixed scopes.

I like 8 or 9 or even 10 x.

More is really not necessary.

Hermann

If weight is the priority, Leupold has an Ultralight FX-II and VX-II line that is REALLY light. I have their 2.5 x 20mm on my 10/22 and it's the nuts. Weighs 6.5 oz!

The 3x9 in the same line is only 8.8 oz and they cost less than $400.00.

quote:

Originally posted by SR4759:
Arminius
I got my first scope in 1962. I have hunted with them ever since. If you had that many miles you would know for big game 2.5X or 3X is all you need. Only a stand and arm chair hunter thinks he need a lot of magnification on big game. If you need more magnification use your binocular. For aiming you do not need that much magnification. You can shoot 25 mm groups at 100 meters with metallic sights. Why would you need a lot of magnification to hit 200mm X 200mm?
...

It would seem many old-timers considered scopes were only needed at all beyond about 200 yard. A Chicago merchant advertised in 1930 that the 2.25x Zeiss Zielklein was good for 300 yards, the 4x Zielvier 800 yards and the 6x Zielsechs adequate to 1200 yards. How one would calculate the distance or rainbow trajectory at three-quarters of a mile was not explained

I would hit the pawn shops and find a Leupold 2x7x33 if you like varibles. usually about $200, I wouldn't be concerned if it was 1, 2 or 3..they are all good hunting scopes and the lifetime gurentee used and no matter how many times its changed hands will always be good..

High dollar oversized and over engineered European scopes are a suckers buy IMO. Leupold, Nikon, and Burris, are as good as anyone needs in optics on a hunting rifle.

quote:

Originally posted by tiggertate:
If weight is the priority, Leupold has an Ultralight FX-II and VX-II line that is REALLY light. I have their 2.5 x 20mm on my 10/22 and it's the nuts. Weighs 6.5 oz!

The 3x9 in the same line is only 8.8 oz and they cost less than $400.00.

+1

I have a VX-2 Ultralight 3-9x33mm with the CDS dials on a Weatherby Mark-V Ultra Lightweight in .270. The rifle weighs about 5-3/4 lbs and the scope is only 9.8oz. Together, rifle, scope, and rings is a hair over 6-1/2 lbs.

After you purchase one of the CDS scopes, you call Leupold and give them the serial number and they will send you a custom dial for the ammo of your choice. Other dials can be purchased. I have two dials for the .270.

Leupold makes the same scope without the CDS and it only weighs 9.3oz and costs about $50 less.