3.5x10 or 4.5x14 Leupold?
#1
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Toronto Canada
Posts: 300
3.5x10 or 4.5x14 Leupold?
Well I finally decided to go with the Sako 75, Stainless Synthetic in 300 Wby instead of the Lazzeroni TRG-S. Now the new dilemma, Scope/Bases/Rings?
Scope will be a Leupold VX-III with the B&C Reticle, 40 mm objective. Thinking either the 3.5x10 or 4.5x14. Using it for moose hunting clear cuts and valleys, 300 to 400 yard shots maximum. Any opinions on magnification, which is better/overkill?
The scope will be matte black. Should I go with silver or black bases and rings (Sako Optilocks)? Thinking silver bases and black rings............. What have you used or seen that looks good.
Thanks
340,
Scope will be a Leupold VX-III with the B&C Reticle, 40 mm objective. Thinking either the 3.5x10 or 4.5x14. Using it for moose hunting clear cuts and valleys, 300 to 400 yard shots maximum. Any opinions on magnification, which is better/overkill?
The scope will be matte black. Should I go with silver or black bases and rings (Sako Optilocks)? Thinking silver bases and black rings............. What have you used or seen that looks good.
Thanks
340,
#2
Guest
Posts: n/a
RE: 3.5x10 or 4.5x14 Leupold?
either one is acceptable. When I moose hunt, I used a 4.5-14 but the 4.5 can be a little too much. But I have never had a problem. We was walking down a mountain once and bull ruan thru a clear cut about 25 yards, and the 4.5 was a little much.
#6
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location:
Posts: 162
RE: 3.5x10 or 4.5x14 Leupold?
For a moose rifle, I would absolutely choose the 3.5X10--I might even consider a 2.5X8. Moose are large enough that the extra power is not necessary at 400 yards. On the other hand, I can easily imagine circumstances where 3.5 power was way too much for running shots in thick country at close range. If this was to primarily be a deer rifle where long shots were the norm, I probably would go with the 4.5X14. By the way, I nearly purcased the identical set up this year--nice choice ( I ended up finding a killer deal on a used but mint Mark V).
#8
Fork Horn
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Colorado
Posts: 411
RE: 3.5x10 or 4.5x14 Leupold?
Hi .340
I have both the scopes you mentioned, the 4.5 on a .300 and the 3.5 on a .25-06. I REALLY like the adjustable objective on the 4.5-14x and wish I had it on the 3.5. I would get either one, as long as it had that feature.
Spend the extra money and get optilocks. I have a Sako 75 in .416 rem and those Leupold bases were constantly shooting loose. Never happens with the optilocks.
Good luck
CE
I have both the scopes you mentioned, the 4.5 on a .300 and the 3.5 on a .25-06. I REALLY like the adjustable objective on the 4.5-14x and wish I had it on the 3.5. I would get either one, as long as it had that feature.
Spend the extra money and get optilocks. I have a Sako 75 in .416 rem and those Leupold bases were constantly shooting loose. Never happens with the optilocks.
Good luck
CE
#9
RE: 3.5x10 or 4.5x14 Leupold?
In my experience, I don't like anything over 12x for large game (deer or bigger). It's just more magnification than needed for a 400 yard shot or less. I had a 4.5-14 on my 300 WSM and switched to the 3.5-10, because in field situations the 4.5 was a little narrow for quick shots.
Gordon
Gordon