I' m looking to replace an old scope on a .30-06 that my grandfather gave me. I don' t know what all the numbers on a scope mean so I was hoping someone could shed a little light on the subject.

straight 4X scopes, 3-9 variable and 2-7 variable scopes all make good glass for a .30-06.....I' ve also used a straight 6X scope and liked it....you need to do some research as to brand but I have no trouble recommending a low cost Bushnell.

But what does 3-9 variable and 2-7 variable mean?

nevermind, i did some research

The first numbers on a scope mean the magnification of eye power,ie 4 times greater than the eye, next is followed by lens size,light transmision and so on, say 30mm,so the scope will say 4x30 mm.That is for fixed power scope,the same applies on vardible power scopes 3-9,1.5-4x ect....Most scope today are a vardible kind 3-9x40mm,3 to 9 times stronger than the eye veiwed thru a 40mm lens.

Don' t worry about the questions you ask,we are all hear to help,welcome to the forum.BBJ

on my browning medallion chambered in the 30-06sprg. i have my leupold variX-II 3-9X40mm. been there for 2 years

The Leupold Vari X II gets my vote too. This will be my second year with one on my old .30-06 and I can' t say enough good things about it. Great scope!

I would go with the VX-1 just as rugged and clear and 70-100.00 cheaper.

I would go with a Pentax Lightseeker II 3-9x43. Good luck.

here' s a better question...


how much you want to spend? the VX-II 2-7X33mm that i bought for my 308win was about $289.00. the variX-II i bought 4 years ago cost me about $250.00. even though i think the VX-II is alittle bit clearer than the older variX-II it still does the trick.
there are alot out there. i look at it this way. if your gonna spend the $$ on a nice rifle might as well put a nice scope on it that i can afford. also look at e-bay they usually have alot of scopes for sale at reasonable prices.