Well, the CFO (wife) approved 300-350 for a new scope for my ruger 358. Leaning towards a fixed power Leupold with a post and duplex, German 1 or German 4 reticle. I've a German 4 on my 375 and really like it, although the post and duplex is intriguing. My biggest conundrum is whether to get a 4x or 6x. The vast majority of my hunting is woods in the northeast. One spot on a farm in upstate newyork that I hunt yearly presents some 250-300yd shots over fields, but that's about the max. I'm thinking the 4x will be the most flexible for me, given a number of the areas on that farm and various other properties I hunt give shot opportunities at 15-20yds, also.

What are everyone's thoughts? Where's the best place online to order from that I can specify my reticle? I've only run across optics planet so far with that option.

quote:

Originally posted by FFemt5287:
Well, the CFO (wife) approved 300-350 for a new scope for my ruger 358. Leaning towards a fixed power Leupold with a post and duplex, German 1 or German 4 reticle. I've a German 4 on my 375 and really like it, although the post and duplex is intriguing. My biggest conundrum is whether to get a 4x or 6x. The vast majority of my hunting is woods in the northeast. One spot on a farm in upstate newyork that I hunt yearly presents some 250-300yd shots over fields, but that's about the max. I'm thinking the 4x will be the most flexible for me, given a number of the areas on that farm and various other properties I hunt give shot opportunities at 15-20yds, also.

What are everyone's thoughts? Where's the best place online to order from that I can specify my reticle? I've only run across optics planet so far with that option.

If you've read some of the other scope threads over the past year or two you should be aware that the new player on the block for the rugged $300 scope with outstanding glass is Nikon. In fact, the Nikon Inline will only set you back $200-220. If you want the German post, then go with the 1-4 Nikon Monarch. The Nikon Monarch 2-8 Compact is another great option with good eyerelief (4") and glass rated 95%. Either Midway or OpticsPlanet works well, though MIdway service is rated higher. The Nikon Inline 3-9 has a 92% light transmission, 3-9 power, 5 inches of steady eye-relief, and is probably more rugged than the Leupold. I switched from Leupold to Nikon four years ago and have been impressed with all nine of my scopes. In anycase, Nikon variable scopes have been so tough that you don't need to go to a fixed power in Leupold.

Advertising hype from camera companies which build rifles scopes as a sideline aside, there is a lot to be said for a fixed-power scope, and it will have a few advantages, both physical and optical, which NO variable, by definition, can fully match: Larger FOV at a given power, greater light transmission (all things being equal) due to fewer lenses, less weight, more compact, fewer moving parts, fewer seams/seals for infiltration of moisture, and the reliability and ease of use which comes from pure simplicity. That's not to say that the variables of the last thirty years or so aren't very functional (as most of what I own and use are variables), just to say that the fixed power has all of the advantages other than variable magnification.

I would opt for the 4x because (1) there is nothing you are going to shoot with a .358 at the ranges a .358 is capable of which you can't see very plainly when magnified "only" four times, and (2) the wider FOV of the 4x can come in very handy when things are quick and close, and (3) the 4x is more compact and will mount lower and look cleaner on your rifle.

For a fixed scope on a 358 I would go with a 4x over a 6x.

Also the Leupold 2.5 to 8x is a good scope for hunting. It is about the same size as a fixed 4X.

I also like a German Picket Post reticle.

as NE 450 NO 2 said: Leupold 2.5-8X

I had one on my CZ 450 Dakota when I went to Zim 5 years ago to hunt Cape Buffalo. Worked great.

You can order a new 3X with whatever reticle you want direct from the Leupold Custom Shop for about $345.00

The 3x Leupold with the post reticle, I prefer the old flat top post, would be very good on the 358.
The low powered variables work great too. I have a few of those, all with PCH.

I have shot a lot of deer with a 3X9 always set on 3X but I much prefer a straight tubed scope.
My choice is the Leupold M8 3X fixed.
You can get it with any reticle. If you hunt in heavy dark woods you can get the heavy duplex. I have an oldie 3X about to go back to Leupold for replacement of the dot reticle with a standard duplex.

I have Leupold VXII 2-7s on my .358 Wins.

Brandon,

Get what your eye likes and the type and brand that appeals to you.

I have hunted in the Northeast for 60 years and with a .358 Win. since 1966. I have a number of them so chambered.

Most of them have a 2-7 variable however the M70 Featherweight has a 4X Redfield.

Here are some of my hunting rifles at the range. The 99 and the Steyr at the bottom are 358's. The 99 has a 2-7 Leu. and the Steyr a 2-7X Conquest.



Scopes can come and go. I have extra ones. For some hunting up north a 1" long antler tine must be identified for a legal buck.

That's why I like variables.

I would go for a small Leupold 4X or even the 1-4X shotgun scope.

Seems Leupold is still the favorite on this thread and that's great by me, as a 30-year Leupold user, especially the 2.6-7.8 (aka 2.5-8).

Having said that, my Nikons are now sitting on a 500 AR Nyati (=500Jeffrey level power), 416Rigbys loaded over 6000 ftlbs, and a couple 338s. They hold up great and have 'seen the buffalo' more than once. Nikon USA doesn't even know yet what great products they have for heavy recoil.
(a rumor I heard here on AR is that Nikon epoxies some lens fixtures so that they cannot be easily repaired, but they can't be shaken in order to need repair, either. When in the bush on the other side of the world, I'll take 'rugged' over 'lifetime customer service'.)

Thank you guys for the thoughts. I've my eyes on a vx2 3-9x40 with a German #4 for $349 that I think I might pounce on. The custom shop route would be great if there wasn't that 4-10wk wait, or it wasn't almost hunting season.

Here are specs
Leupold vxii 3-9 40mm

-- (Low High)
Actual Magnification 3.20 x 8.80 x
Linear Field of View (ft/100 yd) 34.60 ft 14.60 ft
Linear Field of View (m/100 m) 11.40 m 4.70 m
Eye Relief (in) 4.20 in 3.70 in
Eye Relief (mm) 108.00 mm 94.00 mm

Weight (oz) 11.20 oz
Weight (g) 318.00 g
Objective Clear Aperture (in) 1.60 in
Objective Clear Aperture (mm) 40.00 mm
Elevation Adjustment Range 52.00 moa
Windage Adjustment Range 52.00 moa

A. Length 12.60 in
B. Tube Length 5.60 in
C. Illustration 2.30 in
D. Illustration 2.20 in
E. Eyepiece Length 3.20 in
F. Objective Length 3.50 in
G. Objective Diameter 1.80 in
H. Eyepiece Diameter 1.60 in
K. Tube Diameter 1.0 in

= = =

It's strong enough and has enough eyerelief for 358.

i really like the bushnell elite 3200 2x7x32

Mine wears a VXIII 1.75-6X and it is ideal I believe.

How about the Leupold VX Hog 1-4x20mm with the Pig Plex Reticle? It is light, bright, leaves you enough in your budget to buy the rings, and has the Leupold lifetime warranty. They also offer one in 1.25-4x20mm with an illuminated dot but that has a 30mm tube and is a little above your "approved" budget. Frankly, I prefer 1" scope tubes anyway.

Just for fun I put the VX Hog on a 400H&H mauser and I really, really like it. I like the easy-to-see wide lines that don't obscure the center of the view and the way the little circle gets me on target fast. In fact I like it so much I will be using it in a big bore match next weekend.

In reference to your request for where to find one online - MidwayUSA has them here - http://www.midwayusa.com/produ...g-plex-reticle-matte

quote:

Originally posted by Boxhead:
Mine wears a VXIII 1.75-6X and it is ideal I believe.

My 35 Whelen, 338-06, and 375 Ruger all have this scope.

Barstooler

My Ruger 358 Win wears a Leupold VXII 2-7. I also have one on my CZ 550 9.3x62. Great little scope for the money.

I hunted a 77R in the Catskills during the 1970's and early 80's. A 3X Leupold at first then a 1.5 X 5 was all I ever needed

I liked the 2 3/4 X Redfield years ago. Still have two. one plex and one P/CH. Also have two 2.5X Leupolds. I like them for field of view and still can get a 200+ yd shot off if need be. Running shots are not out of the question if sporting/humane. Didn't WWII sniping guns use 2 to 3 power scopes? Must be OK eh?

I apologize for being a thread killer. I was hoping for some more experienced shooters to chime in after me.Packy

Packy
Your suggestion is not bad except that there is really no warranty or service available for Redfields. The 3X Leupold is available through the custom shop & is a close match to the 2 3/4 Redfield plus you have the life time warranty.

Packy, I'll chime in. I have a Redfield 2-7x33 on my Marlin lever action 30-30 and find it very close in brightness to my Leupoold VXII with the same magnification (which I have on my 358 Win). Optics are not quite as clear but it is a very useable scope. According to their website, Redfield scopes made after 2010 do have a warranty that is honored by Leupold. Here is the information: http://www.redfield.com/support/

From what I read most of you are assuming he meant a 358 Winchester. He only said 358, he could have meant 358 Norma Magnum.
Big difference. 225 gr at 2400 fps for the Winnie and 2900 for the Norma.
I think he meant the Winnie too. Just saying though.
Leo

quote:

Originally posted by 44magLeo:
From what I read most of you are assuming he meant a 358 Winchester. He only said 358, he could have meant 358 Norma Magnum.
Big difference. 225 gr at 2400 fps for the Winnie and 2900 for the Norma.
I think he meant the Winnie too. Just saying though.
Leo

The OP said for his .358 Ruger, I don't think Ruger ever offered the .358 Norma up as a standard chambering. This is why I think it is safe for most to assume that it is .358 Win. That of course doesn't mean he couldn't have built a custom .358 Norma on a Ruger action.

I would opt for a 3X Leupold, used or one of the new ones on that nice caliber of rifle..

I see no reason to own a more powerful scope unless your a meat hunter and need the extra power to see small horns, and thats a legitmate reason..

My meat hunting mule deer rifle is a 300 H&H with a 4x12 Leupold for that very reason, otherwise I mostly like fixed power Leupolds of 3X to 4X. I can see a deer well enough to shoot at it up to 1000 yards as far as optics go, but I never shoot past 300 yards, I can almost always get a lot closer than 1000!! :shocker A trophy hunter perhaps needs binoculars but you have no trouble picking a big buck out in a 3X at any range.

Yep right in your budget.

http://swfa.com/Leupold-3x20-F...flescope-P50855.aspx

Great scope right in the ol price range too;

http://www.samplelist.com/Leup...e-DEMO-B-P66611.aspx

Few bucks more but worth thinking about:

http://www.samplelist.com/Zeis...e-DEMO-B-P62102.aspx

I have a peep sight on my 80's vintage BLR--Lover it!

Ed