Looking to upgrade my scope on my Sako 85 270win. My budget is up to about $1500.00 and when I'm spending this kind of money I really want to make the right choice here. Leupold, Ziess, Vortex, or NF? Will be use it for deer and moose hunting. Any recommendations would be much appreciated.


Thank you.

For just under a grand you can get a Leupold VX-6 2x-12x (an excellent scope) or a Swarovski Z3 (can't go wrong), and for $1,500 or so a Swarovski Z5 would be a great choice. A VX-6 or Z3 and a good set of rings would probably be my choice.

Be aware that certain other optics forums are set up to steer new users into only products that they can sell for a large margin, and are seeded with posters that either work for the retailers or friends (they are all "experts"). You are always best advised to look at the scopes yourself, as your opinion is the only one that matters.

Great advice from Big Uncle. My 85 wears a Zeiss Duralyt. It's rather nice! I always default to good or great glass...even if I must save for a bit to get it. Once obtained, it's good for a lifetime.

I have 3 Sako rifles, two wear Zeiss while one a Leupold MK IV. With that said of the choices you posted I would go with Nightforce. I am slowly replacing my Leupolds with Nightforce.

The 2.5x10NXS would work on a rifle suited for deer hunting while the 3.5x15 will give you slightly more top end power. Your budget might need to be adjusted though.

I have a few rifles equipped with top end scopes. With $1500 you can buy very good glass. From my experience the Swarovski Z3 scopes are worth every $$$$. The one top end Ziess scope that I have (VMV) is fantastic, but is now well over the $1500 budget. Unless you are going to be hunting little critters at very long distances I'd not go above 10X. Something like a 1.5-6, 2-8 or 3-9 is gracious plenty for deer sized game well out beyond what most of us should even try in field conditions.

I have had a Swarovki (6x24x50PVS) on my Sako (a TRG-S Lazzeroni Warbird) since I got it in '99 & it as been FLAWLESS.

The new Z5s intrigue me, broader power selections in a euro scope in the $1000-$2000 price range. Based on your price range I'd take a serious look at the Z5 3.5x18x44. That is an awfully broad & useful power range in a scope whose physical size is still average-managable.

+100. Great advice here!

For that budget I would look at the following brands...

1. Kahles (http://www.kahles.at/)
2. Schmidt & Bender (http://www.schmidtundbender.de/en/)
3. Swarovski (http://www.swarovskioptik.us/en_us/)
4 Zeiss (http://www.zeiss.com/sports)

I wouldn't even consider any Loupy in the same class as these manufacturers (especially over the past 10 years or so...their quality has dropped noticeably)...of the above, I have looked through all of them and have shot through all of them, but the only one I own is a Kahles (a 2.5-10x40 on a target rifle)...that I bought used...it knocks the socks off what I have on any other rifle...I am afraid to place it on a hunting rifle! haha! I am envious, I wish I could drop $1500 on a scope today for my new Savage Model 10 (FLCP-K) in 308...alas it's getting a new Swift (not complaining, as i really like their glass).

Best of luck!

"I wouldn't even consider any Loupy in the same class as these manufacturers (especially over the past 10 years or so...their quality has dropped noticeably)..."


And what grounds/facts, Sir, are you using to make that statement?

I also find this a curious statement. The new VX3's and now the newer VX6's are rather nice. Kahles are great but they have had CS / distribution problems in the US for the last several years. Until they get it together, I'd not be looking at Kahles. S&B scopes are obviously nice, but their prices have recently jumped. I only have one S&B scope (Summit) which was their attempt at a 1" tube model aimed directly at the US market. The glass is awesome...the reticle selection weak...IMO. They now retail for 2K which is too high IMO. I'm a Swaro slut (have 3) that have all been wonderful. Additionally, their CS is top notch. I only have 2 Zeiss scopes (Conquest and Duralyt) both of which are very nice. There are many great choices out there now.