So I got a pretty good deal on a t3x .308 20” roughtech through eurooptic. Trying to decide on a scope mounting system, either dovetail or pic rail. Will be using the gun for hunting timber and open farm fields, as well as bench shooting out to about 600 yards (the farthest range within 20 minutes or so of me in SE MI). Thoughts/experiences? I’d like to change the stock one day to a manners or something.
Also,
Any scope recommendations? I want to stay 2-3 power on the lower end thanks. $1000-$1200 tier and maybe one in the $600-$800 tier.
Scopes. You have a couple different types of requirements there (multiple scopes?) so I suggest the “timber” scope should have second focal plane, lower-end magnification like 3-9, 2-10, etc. (or even LPVO might be an option?), but with a budget like that you can get really good glass. If Illumination is important to you also, check out the Vortex Viper HD 2-10x42, I love this scope for whitetail hunting in the Midwest; the glass is exceptional for the price, and the illumination is awesome. Turrets are slightly mushy (not as bad as Leupold’s VX Freedom, but not crisp either), but they are zero-resettable without tools, just lift and adjust. So overall I love it. Also comes in 3-15x44 if you prefer. You can spend more money to go with Leupold VX 4HD 3-12x40/50 or VX 5HD 2-10x42 or 3-15x44 (all available with the “FireDot” reticle) which is really similar to the Vortex Viper HD, but honestly they are so close in quality to the Vortex, and if you don’t need the CDS dial at close ranges, the Viper HD is a better value dollar for dollar. Check out the Trijicon Accupoint for “battery free” illumination and good Japanese glass, also a good choice. The one thing I will say about Accupoint is that the scope body is heavy around the edge of the glass, some people are bothered by it, I like very little scope body visible–like you just have a floating piece of glass in front of you. So I use this one on a 17hmr but rarely reach for it, just because this bothers me. The fiber/tritium illumination is super cool though. If they ever update this line to a Gen2 that fixes the scope body sight picture, I’m all over it.
Second scope: you could really go with either a second or first focal plane if only out to ~600 yards. If you save money by going with the Vortex on your whitetail scope, you can spring a little higher and get a really nice FFP scope for the range/longer shots. Look at the Leupold Mark 4 HD 4.5-18x52 (fantastic scope, order from Predator Optics to save big). Or you could go the other way maybe and spend more in the former category and get something really affordable for the range like an Arken in 4-16x44, or a Venom in 3-15x44.
I have Viper HD 3-15x44 scopes on my Tikka T3x superlight 6.5prc and CVA Cascade 300WM. And a Viper HD 2-10 x42 on my 375 Ruger Guide gun all great scopes despite what naysayers say.
Oh my CVA Cascade XT 6.5 prc has the Viper HD 5-25x50.
Yeah the Viper HD series is an excellent value all-around. Some people just like to dunk on Vortex, which I get–not all of their scopes have been winners. But this one is.