I would appreciate opinions on scoping a bolt action lefthanded Savage Model 10 in .308. It weighs 6.5 lbs and has a 22" barrel.

It is to be used for deer hunting, target shooting and general marksmanship. Distances will be 50-300 yards. And if I gain skills at 300 yards, I would like to extend to 500 (just to improve my marksmanship skills).

I am considering the Leupold VX-II 2-7x33 or 3-9x40. Which of these 2 scopes would be best in your opinion?
Thanks

There is no appreciable difference in the two scopes. Both are very good, and will do quite well on your rifle. I'd also consider the Weaver Grand Slam which is a very good glass and about half the costs of the Leupold. Ku-dude

PS: If you think you will be shooting inside 300yds, I'd consider a fixed 4 or 6 power. I generally end up with my variable set on 4 or 6 anyhow. K-d

If it were just for deer hunting, I would recommend the Leupold Compact M8 2.5x20, which is really lightweight and about $200 from Midway. It would be all the scope you would ever need for 300 yd deer hunting. But since the rifle is also used for marksmanship and target shooting, I'd recommend 3-9 or 3-10. Deer hunting may not require that much magnification, but target shooting sure does.

If the minimum distance will be 50 yards, I see no drawback to going with the 3x9, and a slight benefit to the 9x. Though, perhaps, I, too, would look at other scopes besides that one. HTH, Dutch.

My choices would be either a fixed 4X Leupold, or else a Vari-X II 2-7X Leupold. If you're willing to spend the extra cost, a Vari-X III 2.5-8X would be even better.

AD

I think a compact 2x7 would balance the rig out nicely. If you're talking about a 300 savage, you might want to rethink that 500 yard hunting. Hone your woods skills and stalk to within 300yards. If you can't close to a reasonable distance, leave 'em for seed. You'll feel much better about yourself than you will watching a humped up deer going over the hill knowing he is going to die a long painful death.

Sorry, I just re-read your post and saw we were talking about a .308. I still hold with my coments about 300 yards being a close to maximum distance.

Out of those two I would like the 2-7 best. Heaps of eye releif recoil tolerant (mine was mounted on my .416 Rigby) and good field of view !!.