Would appreciate your inputs on scopes for 7x57

Question:
What scope would you prefer for a 7x57, 300Y max use, animal size-upto elk (not at 300 though)
plan-140, 160,175 gr projectiles

Choices:
fixed 6x or 8x
small variable-1-5x20
large variable-4-14x56
Electronic

 

I see you are an Aussie.....and I'm not sure what the choices are there.....I voted straight 6-8 power

I much prefer to use a 3-9 X 40 Variable for all kinds of rifles that shoot to 300 yards.

9X is all I need and I usually have it set on 5 power.

I just got home from a hunt where the scope was set on 9X the entire time.....quite unusual for me.....but the setting was appropriate for the mountain hunting.

I have aging eyes and a 3x9 on my 7mm-08 and at 300 yards I can easily hit the kill zone, I have to strain to do it. Also I want to stretch my litle 7's legs beyond 300 so I vote 4x14 based on my experience. But your eyes are different and you may ever want to go past 300 yards. just my 2c

The large variable you list has way too large a bell for me. 56 MM is much more than I want.

The 14 power is fine however.

quote:

I much prefer to use a 3-9 X 40 Variable for all kinds of rifles that shoot to 300 yards.

9X is all I need and I usually have it set on 5 power.

+1

Used a fixed 6 for a number of years. but I think the 3x9x40 is neat also. roger

It all depends on your hunting conditions.
Close brushy conditions, the 1-5.
Open country with long shots, the 4.5-14.

I know I'm a member of a very small minority but I've got a fixed 4x Conquest on my ruger No 1. 7x57.

I think we are over powered on glass and guns today. I was at the range today with my 6.5-20x44 Viper scope, on my varmint .223AI but I was shooting it on 6.5 for comparison sake. I was still able to shoot extremely well on 6.5. The clarity and power was more than enough to see my target out to 200 yards and beyond. I also shot my 06 a couple of times and it has a 3-9x40 and of course I had to shoot it on 3x for comparison sake. I could see my 200 yard target with no issues and was able to print a very fine group. I hunt on 3x anyway but the observation was this. When trying to print a tight group it is very important to see the target. The target on a game animal is significant in comparison to the 1" orange pasty I was scoping at the range so getting more power to see game is kind of a preference rather than a requirement. I also have a fixed 6 on an older 06 that I don't shoot that often and I feel handicapped with it because if the animal closed the distance I would not be able to find it in the scope. The fixed 6 has a home out in the plains states were there are no trees and 50 yard shots at game are rare.

Having more optical power is addicting and the scope manufacturers are happy to oblige us. The problem that I am seeing is that finding a good low powered scope is becoming more difficult. The Zeiss Conquest 2-8x32 has been discontinued, whats next?

quote:

I know I'm a member of a very small minority but I've got a fixed 4x Conquest on my ruger No 1. 7x57.

Nothing wrong with that. For an all around fixed power scope I still like the 4x with good glass.

I made a boo boo on the ocular size for the 4-14, 56 IS a bit big by my reckoning too.
have a spare MC conquest 3-9x40. cost as much as the rifle...the 1-5x20 by Sightron is a very impressive piece of glass, as is a Kahles 8x...thats the predicament. I respect my game,wear glasses, am 45 years old and shoot F class with a 12-42 NF too.

I had a 3-9x32mm on a rimfire a while back, and in the evening it became very hard to see out of... a 40mm was fine though. if you would be hunting in the evening, take that into account. as for range, what is the closest you would encounter game? 75 yards or greater I think a 3x or 4x and up variable would be fine, any close range and I would consider a 2x and up variable. I carried a 4.5x-14 nikon in some dense woods and feared it was just too high for close range.

A Leupold 2-7X resides on mine and it seems about perfect.

I guess the answer depends on your likes and circumstances.

There are two 7x57s in the family. My son's rifle has a 1x5 and is perfect for the heavily wooded conditions he hunts in and has enough power for 300yds on deer sized targets. It makes a very neat and compact rifle. Mine has a 2.5x8 Leopold VariX III. This is a very nice scope, also relatively compact and also makes for a very neat rifle and is more than adequate for the cartridge.

I don't understand the fascination with the very large, high powered scopes that look like small astronomical instruments. They sit up too high for most stocks, add a lot of unnecessary weight, and are just too large and cumbersome for a compact hunting rifle. I also find they make for an aesthetically challenged rifle. Just my opinion.

Jerry Liles

Leupold VariX-lll 2.5-8x you can't go wrong with this scope.

I also use a 4x32 on a 6.5x55. I don't own a 7x57, yet. I have no problem w/ a 300 yard shot w/ the 4x.

OP, you may want to look at a side mount. That way you can use irons for close range. My 8x57 Swede '98 has an original short side rail that makes it possible to use irons for up close and personnal shots. The rifle is topped w/ a 3-9x32mm.
Here are some reproductions.
http://home.comcast.net/~yzhu/accumount/

quote:

Originally posted by MHC_TX:
Leupold VariX-lll 2.5-8x you can't go wrong with this scope.

+1 Just about perfect.

.

Alf,
My little Brno has a Scope Chief VI 2.5X8 made in Japan.. They are a amazing little scope for the price..
PM sent regarding load data to shoot to their open sites..

quote:

Originally posted by Boxhead:
A Leupold 2-7X resides on mine and it seems about perfect.

Same here, I use a Burris Timberline 2x7 it fits the bill perfectly.

I use the Kahles CSX 1,5-6x42 for my 7x57 and it is just perfect for my needs. So I wote for the fixed 6x.

I have a bolt aperture on mine for out to 200yds or so but depending on terrain I may carry my 4.5-14 Nikon in qd rings in my day pack.

Von Gruff.

Thanks Guys
Alf- That Butterknife bolt handle and banded sling is part of the enhancements planned. Very nice set up there, Thanks

@Von G- bolt mounted peep sights like the Rigby? Ideas appreciated, please!
TIA

quote:

Originally posted by eljefedouble:
I made a boo boo on the ocular size for the 4-14, 56 IS a bit big by my reckoning too. ...

When you Hunt in Low Light conditions, the 50mm and Larger Objective Lenses separate the, "Oh yes, I can make a well placed clean Kill." shots from the, "I'll just throw one in that direction and see what happens," crowd.

If you ever happen to Hunt where it is Legal to; 1. Hunt 1-hour prior to sunrise. 2. Hunt 1-hour past sunset. 3. Hunt in a HEAVY overcast with rain. 4. Hunt during the night hours(Varmints)., then the advantage of the Large Objective is very "clear".

Nothing at all wrong with the light weight weenie scopes when you are Hunting up close and you are only out for a few hours during the sunshine though.

Hotcore !



When you Hunt in Low Light conditions, the 50mm and Larger Objective Lenses separate the, "Oh yes, I can make a well placed clean Kill." shots from the, "I'll just throw one in that direction and see what happens," crowd.

You are simply killing me, man ! I damn near spat a mouthful of coffee all over my screen ! Geez you should not do this so early in the morning.

This must be the best one you have ever come up with !

I've a 2.5-10x56 S&B Zenith on mine and it is the best money I've ever spent: good enough for shots up close, and also good enough for far away. It is also illuminated so I can cover early morning and late evening. So good it is in fact, I bought a similar one (Zeiss Victory 2.5-10x50*T) and put it on my 6.5x55. Wouldn't change them for the world!

Finman

My 7x57 has had a Leupold VXII 1-4 for years.Always had enough power-never had to much.

quote:

Originally posted by eljefedouble:

@Von G- bolt mounted peep sights like the Rigby? Ideas appreciated, please!
TIA

This aperture sight is made by rusty42marlin@yahoo.com




Von Gruff.

quote:

I much prefer to use a 3-9 X 40 Variable for all kinds of rifles that shoot to 300 yards.

9X is all I need and I usually have it set on 5 power.

I just got home from a hunt where the scope was set on 9X the entire time.....quite unusual for me.....but the setting was appropriate for the mountain hunting.

better advice than this i could not give

quote:

Originally posted by Oday450:

quote:

Originally posted by MHC_TX:
Leupold VariX-lll 2.5-8x you can't go wrong with this scope.

+1 Just about perfect.

+2

I think I'm still the only person on these forums talking up this scope, but it's really worth taking a look at. The Leupold 3x9x33 Ultralight Vari-X II. Weighs only 8.8oz, very clear, and comes with an available long range reticle. I love it. I have mounted it only several double rifles as well as some bolts. No complaints from anyone so far. Mike

I have a Kahles 2x7 scope on mune and think it is perfect. If you can't find one I would recommend a Leupold 2.5x8.

I dunno, I'm stinking happy with a Leupold 4x on my 06, with a 7x57 i'd do the exact same

Thank you folks.
40% go for a fixed 6-8x
37% for small variable and 23% for a largish variable.
I am enamoured by that Rigby Sight-thanks to Von Gruff-awesome work. All local? My 7x57 and 404J are 'work in progress'
Dont let Walter Clode of Rigby see your guns...
Not dissin any one, am sure each of you has posted as per your scope merits and experience.
I would want to refine this further-say 'jump shooting' game, upto elk size? less than 200m?
But what a compendum this has become ,for me!
Look forward to more gleanings

Leupold VX2 2-7x33 or VX3 2.5-8x36.

I'm a 2-7x guy, so make mine a VX2 2-7x33 with the heavy duplex reticle.

The 7x57 rifles that I shoot have 2 2-7x and 1 3.5-10x.

Jeff

.

Damn Alf, am I happy to see some posts by you...

I'd use the 3X9X40 Leopole If it were my rifle.

Alf,If you do that to me one more time-I'll die a happy man...whooee.am glad I asked.Should I have added a 4th option?
option 4-
"bolt mounted sight,especially on a pristine, colour case hardened bolt..."
People like their 7's here, eh?

Hello,

For me, a GOOD 4x is a near perfect 7x57 fixed scope. I have a Zeiss Diatal DA 4x32 in one of mine and a Hensoldt Diasta DA 4x32 in the other. In the first one I use also a Schmidt & Bender 1,5-6x42. This kind of a variable or similar, 2-7 and 2,5-8 x is all you need in a 7x57 Mauser.

Regards

PH