...the local Bass Pro Shop has the Ruger 77 Mark II in stock in this caliber.

I want to use this gun to its potential. Any suggestions where I should start or what direction to take as far as a scope.

I understand just like deciding on this caliber it is a matter of opinion. But there is a lot of experience and good opinion on this board.

I don't think you could go wrong with a Leupold Vari-X II. We've been using them for 30 years with no complaints. I'm not sure how much you want to spend but Cabela's is listing the Zeiss: 3.5-10 X 44 for $499. Zeiss is an excellent scope. I'd go with a variable with power up to at least 6X or 9X to take advatage of your flat shooting and accurate rifle.

Scott Meier
White Oak Lodge

When I got my .280 I had a Leupold Vari XII 3X9 power with the field of view being 45. I have been very impressed with it and would not get anything else at this point except if I would have to go cheaper(it is an expensive scope) I absolutely love this combination and as I've heard before the .280 is the most underrated gun out there. Congrats on the purchase.

Let me give you a little idea what my experience with scopes is first. I've owned a little of everything, from 30$ Bushnells to $1,200 Swarovskis. Most of all I've owned Leupolds and they have all been VariX-III's. As of right now my favorite is the Zeiss Conquest. It combines excellent optics with a reasonable price. I own two, the 3-9X40 and the 4.5-14X44. Of these two, I prefer the 3-9X40 because the optics seem a little clearer and because it offers more eye relief. A 3-9 is all anyone needs in a big game hunting rifle. You could probably find a 3-9 Conquest on the internet for around $350. Try one of the following companies:

SWFA www.riflescopes.com
BearBasin www.bearbasin.com
D&R Sports www.dnrsports.com

If you decide on another scope, one of these companies is still probably your best bet.

I'm a big Leupold fan but,...my next Q-U-A-L-I-T-Y scope will be a Zeiss Conquest...<img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>

Hunt Safe!

Jack

Bushnell Elite 4200 4-16X40. Got mine from D and R for a little over $300. I just used it for hunting, the light gathering and clarity were just awesome. In my humble opinion it was money well spent.

It will cost nearly as much as your rifle, but I would opt for the Leupold Vari-X III 3.5-10x40mm. Great optics with good reliability and customer service.

Good Dogwork and Good Hunting