I am looking to get a good scope for my Savage 12FV in .204. I have narrowed it down to two finalists,either a Luppy or a Sightron. I am lookin at the 6.5-20X50. I will use this scope for target shooting as well as fox\coyote hunting. Most hunting situations should be under 300yds, with target shooting going hopefully 500+.

Heres my ? Should I get the mil dot or varmint hunters recticle(two i am leaning to) and shoot at various yardages and see where the bullet falls on the marks. Or should I get just a duplex and adjust to yardage using a dope sheet. I like the idea behind the mildot\VHR I just dont know if I will use it enough to get full benefit out of them. I am asking all these questions because I want to spend this money once and not have to worry about buying another scope for this rifle again.
I am looking for pros\cons & advice of the mentioned scopes ONLY!!
Thanks

Come on u guys...these are two of the most talked about scopes on this site. Need a little input.

Okay, you asked! Get the Leupold 6.5-20 but go for the 40mm vs 50mm (That gets the tube closer to the rifle so your cheek will hit the rifle correctly). Also, I love the Varmint Hunter reticle as it really helps with quick follow-ups when the wind is blowing. Hope that helps. Gary

Anschutz: I've got Duplex, Fine Duplex, Mil-Dot, Varmint Hunter, Target Dot, Fine Crosshairs, and Tapered Crosshairs in a number of Leupold scopes I own. That said, for what you intend to do, I'd strongly recommend going with the Leupold (best warranty in the business) and the Varmint Hunter Reticle in the 6.5-20X.

Ask yourself if you want the Long Range model with 30mm main tube and side parallax adjustment. Like Gary said above, you may also want to consider the 40mm objective versus the much larger 50mm, as if you're only hunting varmints, no need for the larger objective. Even on my hunting scopes, I have nothing larger than 40mm, and I've never, ever NOT been able to make a shot because of enough light....another Leupold advantage.

Nothing wrong with Sightron scopes (good value for the money), it's just that Leupold is made in the USA, and has a reputation behind it that others can only envy. Unless you went with a spendy Euro scope or a Nightforce, Leupold is your very best bet.

Here's the scope you're considering on my custom M700 11 twist 204 (The Silver Princess of Death) The scope now wears the sweet Leupold Alumina flip covers that fold flat against the scope:



The front Aluminia cover on my Cooper: (Nobody offers neat covers like these except for Leupold)



This particular Lupy has the M1 elevation turret added by the factory.....a great addition for LR shooting at changing distances in a target rich environment.

Rick in Oregon & Captqc. Thanks for the responses. I was leaning toward the leoupold & yes I was planning on going with the long range w/h side focus. Thanks for the advice on just going with the 40mm that will put a little more change in my pockets.

I have several VX-III's and I couldn't be more pleased. I favor the VH reticle.

As funds allow, I am slowly converting everything to Leupolds. Use fixed 10x, 12x, 16x, and 8.5-25x50 LRT on several varmint and long range rifles.

Leupods are like Remingtons, if there is an aftermarket device/accessorie available you can count on it being available for the Leupolds and besides they're good scopes. Speaking of accessories, Leupold has a lot of extras such as the aluminum scope covers plus they have one of the largets if not "the largest" reticle selection available.

Regarding Sightron scopes, I thought they were out of some where back east. Are they imported?

Jim

Sightron is located in North Carolina and have an excellent warranty and customer service....I've had one of their 4-16x Mil Dot scopes since 2005 and acquired another 3-12x Duplex last year....It may be a fluke, but the 4-16x is one of the clearest that I've used....

When I first got the scope, I knew little to nothing about the Mil Dot system and a phone call to their company not only provided good verbal instructions, but they followed up with a three page set of instructions in the mail, without my asking for them...So they get an A++ rating from me..

Of something to consider, regarless of reviews, opinions, etc...if at all possible, look thru several scopes that are at least 18 power on up to 32 power...and do a clarity test then. Later afternoon when the humidity is higher would be perfect.

The "leupys" with the varmint reticle are my favorites.

I use mildots and like them. If it is windy you can compensate and likewise for distance. Given the choice would likely be a leupold. Not really keen on them on account of thier STUPID high pricing though.

The Leupold Varmint Hunter Reticle (VHR) has wind 'hold-off' hash marks for ranges from 200 to 500 yards, marked for 10 & 20 mph winds at each range. I also have some USMC mil-dot Leupold's, and much prefer the VHR for 80% of the shooting I do (ground squirrels, PD's, rock chucks, occasional coyote).

As for "stupid" pricing, have you shopped for any other quality optic lately? Take a look at Nightforce for example, another most excellent scope made right here also. How about IOR Valdada? I'll not even mention the other high quality Euro varmint offerings. Again, you get what you pay for. I'm guessing part of your pricing problem is being in Canada. You'll want to talk to your own government about import duties and tariffs in that regard. I exported there for many years and dealt with really "stupid" import laws and duties . The problem is not with Leupold, believe me.

Nothing personel rick or any other leupold fans out there but for what they cost and what you get....no value to me. And yes rick you are right about the problem being where I live. The store I work at (Cabelas Canada Winnipeg) buys our stuff from a canadian distributor at likely inflated prices. I see US pricing is way lower than here maybe I should come pay you a visit rick and you can take me loopy shopping.....LOL!!

FB Guy: From being born and living in Canada for a substantial portion of my life, all I can say is "I feel your pain". Your government now also gives us U.S. guys the privledge of paying $50 for each rifle and shotgun we bring up there to hunt with too. Nice, eh?