Been shooting the smallbores a bit lately, and their intended purpose is 150+ yards work. I have a desire for a higher power scope, say 12x min, but am not familiar with a scope that isnt overwhelmingly sized for the rifles, Cooper 204 i.e.

I also would like to have thinner crosshairs, as I have noticed quite a bit of target subtension at even 100 yards, with a finer crosshair and higher power, I am able to shoot smaller groups, but the one scope I have that qualifies, is a Swarovski Z-6, and it is just too damn big--looks funny on my 17, 204 and 223 rifles.

Open to thoughts and suggestions--Thanks--Don

Don, I have been shooting a Leupold 4.5-14x40 for long range. I have had a custom, ballistic compensation reticle installed by the Leupold Custom Shop. Works very well for big game (pronghorn etc) at least. The scope also comes with factory ballistic compensation reticles and any number of other options.

http://www.leupold.com/hunting.../vx-iii-4-5-14x40mm/

Sorry, I can't tell whether this is too large a scope for you. Personal thing really... As a European, I'm less worried about scope size, anyway...

- mike

Thanks Mike, you know us Americans are always on about the size......Good suggestion on the Leupy, I've just been disappointed in their optics for some time now. I haven't tried a Leupold in about 2 years, so maybe their glass is better now....I like the idea of that scope, I actually found that Burris makes some high mag with 44 mm Obj. lenses, and actually found a few others, but pricey--i.e. US Optics....I think Nikon probably has an option too--but it is definitely bigger than the Leupold.....

Thanks for the tip.

Don,
You might want to wait until after the SHOT Show for Leupold's new VX-3 scopes to come on line. They promise to have better glass, plus a fast focus eye-piece, and better adjustments.
I'll be waiting with you..,.
I have a Leupold VX-7 now, and its glass is stellar.

Don, good idea., I am not in a real hurry, so I think that's what I will do. Good thinking--how much did the VX-7 run, if you don't mind sharing.

Thanks

Don,

I bought the 1.5-6x VX-7 a little over a year ago and it ran $1300. The glass in it is just superior to any other Leupold I've looked thru, and it may be an equal to the high end Euro scopes, but I haven't done any comparing so I don't know. The image it delivers is excellent.
But, it's a 30mm tube scope and I think it overwhelms the Ruger 77 Mk II it's mounted on. I prefer scopes with 1" tubes; they just look better on a sporting rifle. I have heard that the new VX-3's will come with 1" tubes and some will have 30mm tubes. I'll be looking for one with a 1" tube.
Just read this AM that Cabela's has them listed on their web site, so I should go look at them. Prices are right too, as reported by a guy who saw Cabela's listing.

Take care,

Don

Good intel DMB, I think I'll take a look over at Cabela's in the AM