What is the absolute best scope for hunting deer, hunting elk?

[KKG]

So, a newbie question, if game is 300 yards away, why not move in closer to be able to tell?

That's way the scope has different power setting and so should your binoculars should too because you should always use them first before you use your scope!!!

 

[slm9s]

because in many situations, the elk will see you and run away.

 

[Spitpatch]

"So, a newbie question, if game is 300 yards away, why not move in closer to be able to tell?"

This is the smartest thing I've read on this thread.

From the mouths of babes...

 

[bbbass]

That's way the scope has different power setting and so should your binoculars should too because you should always use them first before you use your scope!!!

I have a pair of these in 10x and a pair in 12x, they are lightweight and I can keep them either in a pocket, or better yet on a cord around my neck:

 

[eightyeight mag]

So the title reads/asks, "What is the absolute best elk and deer scope"?
Here you go...

ATACR 4-16x50
Your welcome

 

[Spitpatch]

Iron sights are useless in open country and you can't stalk close enough.

 

[slm9s]

So you could have any scope in existence for hunting deer and elk, and you choose open sights.

Got it.

 

[Spitpatch]

So you could have any scope in existence for hunting deer and elk, and you choose open sights.

Got it.

In time, you will know. In time...

 

[slm9s]

I really like iron sights.............. i enjoy them for many roles in my shooting disciplines.................... I know they are not the best scope for deer and elk....................................................... That will not change over time..................................................................................................................................

 

[bbbass]

So the title reads/asks, "What is the absolute best elk and deer scope"?
Here you go...
View attachment 561160
ATACR 4-16x50
Your welcome

Yah, well the title was really a play on the title of another thread on hunting rifles.

The thread was then purposely "morphed" to getting some info/discussion on scopes out for @G8rHunter. Thanx. - bb

 

[bbbass]

Iron sights are useless in open country and you can't stalk close enough.

Hmmmm, I don't recall where anybody mentioned that. Purists have their place, but even Andy uses more than 1 type of tool... But...

As the OP, please, THIS thread is about scopes. Let's try to stay on topic!!!

 

[G8rHunter]

So the title reads/asks, "What is the absolute best elk and deer scope"?
Here you go...
View attachment 561160
ATACR 4-16x50
Your welcome

That is, if you have about $2500! In my case, I have to think cost of scope, rings, cost for mounting, rangefinder, centerfire rifle, ammunition, start-up fees for range, hunting license, and someone will tell me I forgot something.

 

[Baseacegoku]

That is, if you have about $2500! In my case, I have to think cost of scope, rings, cost for mounting, rangefinder, centerfire rifle, ammunition, start-up fees for range, hunting license, and someone will tell me I forgot something.

Oh so many things.

 

[bbbass]

That is, if you have about $2500! In my case, I have to think cost of scope, rings, cost for mounting, rangefinder, centerfire rifle, ammunition, start-up fees for range, hunting license, and someone will tell me I forgot something.

You forgot the GPS, and a cellphone if you don't already have one.

 

[Andy54Hawken]

Scopes I've owned a few rifles with them...and have a grand total of two rifles with scopes now.
One is a JC Higgins Model 50 with a Leupold 3x9 the other is a Stevens Model 15 .22LR with a 6x Primary Arms scope...Both work really well.

With that said I am also a iron sight guy.
The following sights / firearms have gotten me game and won many a match.
The "Hawken" Rifle has even hit and won matches out to 200 yards...
Iron sights have worked for centuries , keeping folks fed and helping them defend themselves.

Please note that I am not saying not use a scope...just don't discount iron sights and what you can do with them....with a bit of practice.
Andy

 

[G8rHunter]

You forgot the GPS, and a cellphone if you don't already have one.

True enough! Two people have recommended the onx app for knowing exactly where I'm at, otherwise I could be illegally hunting on the wrong land. Obviously, the scope I can afford won't help me know my position.

 

[bbbass]

That is, if you have about $2500! In my case, I have to think cost of scope, rings, cost for mounting, rangefinder, centerfire rifle, ammunition, start-up fees for range, hunting license, and someone will tell me I forgot something.

You could put off the rangefinder until you are ready to take longer shots. For now, you might think of putting a deer outline target up a 100yds and getting used to that. In general, if it looks smaller out in the field, it is farther away. If it looks larger it is closer.

When you get ready to move to 200yd shots, most scopes have a way to estimate the range on a deer sized target... IMO it's a basic skill you need... what if your rangefinder goes wonky just about the time you see a deer at 200+ yards????

True enough! Two people have recommended the onx app for knowing exactly where I'm at, otherwise I could be illegally hunting on the wrong land. Obviously, the scope I can afford won't help me know my position.

Ah. You meed the ACME Jetson model... does everything, even finds the deer and pulls the trigger for ya!!!

 

[Baseacegoku]

True enough! Two people have recommended the onx app for knowing exactly where I'm at, otherwise I could be illegally hunting on the wrong land. Obviously, the scope I can afford won't help me know my position.

I can show you the Onx map when we finally get to shooting

 

[G8rHunter]

You forgot the GPS, and a cellphone if you don't already have one.

Yes, I have a good smartphone and gps; in time, I will have to buy the onx app.

 

[G8rHunter]

I can show you the Onx map when we finally get to shooting

You could put off the rangefinder until you are ready to take longer shots. For now, you might think of putting a deer outline target up a 100yds and getting used to that. In general, if it looks smaller out in the field, it is farther away. If it looks larger it is closer.

When you get ready to move to 200yd shots, most scopes have a way to estimate the range on a deer sized target... IMO it's a basic skill you need... what if your rangefinder goes wonky just about the time you see a deer at 200+ yards????



Ah. You meed the ACME Jetson model... does everything, even finds the deer and pulls the trigger for ya!!!

Yes, the rangefinder is not an absolute need! Plus, I can practice at the quarry.