Best straight power scope

[12Bravo20Bravo4]

I have a 7mm WSM Mod 70 that needs to be scoped and broken in. What straight power scopes do you guys use and which company do you think makes the best one. I am looking at putting a Weaver Grand Slam 4.75 power on it. I wish I could find a good 5 power scope that would not cost a fortune.

[MarkR]

I have a 4x Zeiss on a 7X64 most people look through it and think it is a 6X, been happy with that combination 25 years or so.
I put a 3X9 conquest on my .325 leave it turned down to 3-4 most of the time.
Mark

[oldpilot]

With Cabela's selling their 4X Zeiss for $299., I'd think it as good a deal as you'll find on a quality 4X scope. Most all my fixed power scopes are 4X, and I feel them fine for big game to 300 yds or so. Jack O'Connor sure seemed to do OK with that type set-up. I purchased the Zeiss 1.8-5.5x38 and it's a fine scope as well (same price).

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/product/standard-item.jsp?_DARGS=/cabelas/en/common/catalog/item-link.jsp_A&_DAV=netcon&id=0067755713251a&navCount=1&podId=0067755&parentId=cat601577&masterpathid=&navAction=push&catalogCode=9IS&rid=&parentType=index&indexId=cat601233&hasJS=true

[tjen]

Leupold 4x or 6x fixed power which every fits your needs. Since this is a 7mm mag I would think its your longer range gun so a 6x would be perfect for most wetern type hunting.

[smallcigar]

I was looking at these scopes as well. Would this scope be good for my 30-30 Marlin? I currently have a low-end 2-7 on it and was thinking of an upgrade.

Would you guys recommend the fixed or the 1.8-5.5? It would be used primarily in the Northeast in the woods. I have never used a fixed mag scope.

[oldpilot]

I was looking at these scopes as well. Would this scope be good for my 30-30 Marlin? I currently have a low-end 2-7 on it and was thinking of an upgrade.

Would you guys recommend the fixed or the 1.8-5.5? It would be used primarily in the Northeast in the woods. I have never used a fixed mag scope.

The 1.8-5.5x38 is a very nice scope, but not a small or compact model. It's about 13" long and I'd feel that a bit too big on a 30/30, IMO. The 4X32 and 2.5-8x32 are exactly the same size and both are smaller than the 1.8-5.5x38. The 2.5-8x32 can be found for about $350. (incl shipping)

[HOGWILD]

Can't say that they are the best but i own 2 Leupold FXIII's 6x42 and like them a lot!for less than 400.00 bucks it's hard to find a 4x much less a 6x fixed scope. To each his own, this is kinda like asking which engine oil should i use. Not sure their is a clear winner in either choice and personnel preference plays a big part in choice! Also own a 4.5x14x40 for my 300WSM BAR and like the fixed powers as much as the VXIII!

[smallcigar]

The 1.8-5.5x38 is a very nice scope, but not a small or compact model. It's about 13" long and I'd feel that a bit too big on a 30/30, IMO. The 4X32 and 2.5-8x32 are exactly the same size and both are smaller than the 1.8-5.5x38. The 2.5-8x32 can be found for about $350. (incl shipping)

Thanks, I may pick up the 4x32. I had been interested in getting a fixed power for some time now.

[Flintlock1776]

Leupold for me, made here in the USA

[7mm mag man]

id say 4x (:

[Oldtrader3]

Some Leupold lenses are made in China now. The Leupold company claim has changed to state "Assembled in USA" on most VX and above models. Reportedly, some of the lenses for the Green Ring binoculars and Rifleman scopes (and components?) are made in China. Leupold is being very tight-lipped about this entire issue. Their on-line Customer Service has not responded to several inquirys that I am aware of, regarding the use of Chinese manufactured lenses and/or parts. Several people on another optics blog have inquired and not received answers from Leupold.

Considering the number of Leupold products that I have owned an\or still own, one would think that they would respond on this issue publically, for the record when asked. Plus most of their scope products are quite expensive. Maybe Leupold should consider a little vertical integration on lenses for their premium priced products.

On topic, I used to use the 6X40 scopes on longer range rifles back before variables gained design integrity enough to be very reliable. I always liked both the 4X and 6X scopes. The Zeiss Conquest sale scopes are both a bargain at $299.

[citori]

The 4x and 1.8-5.5x Zeiss scopes are being discontinued which is why they are so reasonably priced. I bought two of the variables a few months back but have not put them on a rifle yet. I feel this is the best deal on a new scope if looking for a fixed power. Otherwise, there are a large number of fixed power Leupold, Weaver, and Redfield scopes out there that can be had very cheaply. The lens coatings and glass may not be up to today's standard but they are not all that bad, especially when compared to new scopes in the same price bracket. I have a small box full of these scopes and they still get the job done when called upon. I put them on rifles of the same period or those I bought for the scope that was once on it and then turn around and sell. As these scopes work fine and are in good condition, I have no qualms sending them off to other shooters.