Need scope schooling for 30.06

[ARFrog]

I have a relative that I am assisting who was left a Remington 700 BDL rifle in 30.06. The rifle is pristine with a cheap Tasco scope. However, someone put it in a hard case and broke off the top of the top turret when closing the case. I am not a bolt action guy and my question is what an appropriate scope might be to replace the damaged one? I would like to put on something that would do both target (range up to 300 - 500 yards) and yet also be able to hunt. Cost in the $250 - $400 range.

Would something like a Vortex Diamondback in 4x16x42 be a decent choice? Any of you have this scope?

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/2420373744?pid=373744

I also have a decision to make as to removing the existing rear sight depending on scope placement. (Note: the existing scope is right up against rear sight.)

Thanks in advance for any comments.

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[NeoBlackdog]

I lean more towards lower power for hunting scopes. A used Leupold VX-III 2.5-8 would probably work really nice on that ol' gun.

 

[Koda]

Magnification is nice for target use, but for hunting you want as large a field of view (FOV) as possible, at least 30 feet at lowest magnification, or more.
For target use past 300yds you will want an adjustable elevation dial.
I would go with a Leupold, the VX3 offers good features and often on sale in your pricepoint, 10x will get you out to 500yds...

Leupold VX-3HD Rifle Scope | MidwayUSA

The VX-3HD delivers what hunters want most in a riflescope: outstanding performance in low light in an incredibly tough yet lightweight package.

www.midwayusa.com

 

[WAYNO]

Because I am a snob, I will never suggest any chinese-made scope.
That said, my boy has a Ruger American with the factory mounted Vortex scope. It's a tack driver and has never suffered any issues.

So, my suggestion is always Leupold. They offer scopes that both fit your requirement and your price range.

3x9 or 4x12/14 is common throughout the industry. My only personal requirement over and above that is an adjustable objective.

Now if a feller is not set on Leupold, I have found an acceptable option. Splitting hairs, it's not chinese... but made in Japan and assembled throughout Asia , the Phillipines or Indonesia. Burris. I have four of their 4.5x14 Short Mag or Fullfield II scopes. They have been perfect.




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[jbett98]

Are the scope rings a better grade of quality then that cheap Tasco scope.
My recommendation is to look at Warne scope rings and gets ones that will sit the new scope at the correct height.

 

[Koda]

I also have a decision to make as to removing the existing rear sight depending on scope placement. (Note: the existing scope is right up against rear sight.)

I would remove the iron sights completely.

I also highly recommend Warne rings and base or their 1 piece ringmount styles.

 

[orygun]

Every 30-06 I've owned wore (wears) a 3-9x40 Leupold.

 

[ARFrog]

Are the scope rings a better grade of quality then that cheap Tasco scope.
My recommendation is to look at Warne scope rings and gets ones that will sit the new scope at the correct height.

The scope is mounted on a one-piece flat bridge across the chamber area - I believe it is marked "Burris." I do not know what the rings are. I did see another old online listing that appeared to have the same rings and called them Redfield, which would seem to be appropriate for the 1976 manufacture date of the rifle.

 

[jbett98]

Nothing wrong with that setup. Take a close look at the scope where the rings are mounted after removing it to see if there's any pressure points or crimping on the scope tube.
Having the rings lapped before installing a new scope might be a good idea.

 

[Koda]

The scope is mounted on a one-piece flat bridge across the chamber area - I believe it is marked "Burris." I do not know what the rings are. I did see another old online listing that appeared to have the same rings and called them Redfield, which would seem to be appropriate for the 1976 manufacture date of the rifle.

View attachment 2177780

I still recommend new rings and mount, but those will work but you will need to lapp those to the new scope. I would also remove all screws and check threads for rust, especially the reciever screws.

 

[Local Loader]

If you now the ring size and depending on how far they what to zoom or how much zoom they want or need will help determine what kind of price you might be looking at. Also you need to decide on if FFP or SFP are what you want and what type of reticle view you want and if weather or not you want it to light up.

 

[Aero Denezol]

I liked fixed power scopes, 10x max. SWFA made some good ones. On a fixed power scope the glass uncluttered, crisp, and sharp and the reticle subtensions are always accurate (no concern about first and second focal plane). I had two SWFA scopes I replaced with Philippines mfg. Vortex Vipers and truthfully it was a lateral move, i.e., no real improvement by "upgrading".

Of course, if money is no object, just buy an American mfg. Leupold or Nightforce.

 

[1775usmc]

If you or your friend are/were in the military Leupold has a great VIP program that gets you heavy discounts on scopes. I think you can buy 2 or 3 scopes at discount per year.

 

[P7M13]

I have a relative that I am assisting who was left a Remington 700 BDL rifle in 30.06. The rifle is pristine with a cheap Tasco scope. However, someone put it in a hard case and broke off the top of the top turret when closing the case. I am not a bolt action guy and my question is what an appropriate scope might be to replace the damaged one? I would like to put on something that would do both target (range up to 300 - 500 yards) and yet also be able to hunt. Cost in the $250 - $400 range.

Would something like a Vortex Diamondback in 4x16x42 be a decent choice? Any of you have this scope?

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/2420373744?pid=373744

I also have a decision to make as to removing the existing rear sight depending on scope placement. (Note: the existing scope is right up against rear sight.)

Thanks in advance for any comments.

View attachment 2177684

Burris Fullfield E1 4.5-14 x 42
I have two. Outstanding value for $180.
One is on my 20" 7mm-08, which kicks like a 24" 30-06. It has held zero for years, and I don't expect it to ever lose it.

https://www.bimart.com/burris-e1-45-14x42-lr-scope/p/890755

 

[orygun]

I still recommend new rings and mount, but those will work but you will need to lapp those to the new scope. I would also remove all screws and check threads for rust, especially the reciever screws.

Why would he replace these? Good pieces on his rifle.

 

[Koda]

Why would he replace these? Good pieces on his rifle.

Easier to set up, maintain, and swap scopes in the future. most modern rings dont require lapping, less complex and stronger.

 

[Knobgoblin]

Another vote for leupold. ,
Especially an older, gloss model.
I'd try to keep the base and rings as well, but not at the expense of a bad cheek weld.

 

[VinnieBoomBah]

Not to be broken record, but . . .

Another vote for leupold. ,
Especially an older, gloss model.
I'd try to keep the base and rings as well, but not at the expense of a bad cheek weld.

 

[Rem700..300]

The Leopolds are great as said above. My favorite scope is an older gloss Nikon pre Monarch 4x12x50 AO. Super clear and the higher power allows you to trace out antlers in heavy brush.

 

[Wrongstate308]

I put a diamondback 6-24 on mine and I love it. Might be a little overkill but I dont need a spotting scope. Also a rem 700 in 3006