Hi, I just picked up a Ruger M77 II in a 7mm mag. I need to scope it out, but i'm not sure what to buy - and why?

I want a scope that looks good with the stainless barrel, but I've never had to buy a nice scope for a nice gun!

When looking at different scopes, what are some things - besides eye relief that I need to take into consideration? For example, what do the different cross hair styles good for? Is it just prefference or are there advantages to different styles?

I want decent optics, but I'd like to keep it under $300...

Can anyone recommend some models for me to look at? I did look at one last weekend - before I had the gun that I kind of liked. I think it was a Nikon Buckmaster. It had awesome eye relief as I remember...

okay - any and all opinions appreciated...

thanks

First of all, tell us a little more about you, your rifle, what you want to use it for, where you'll be hunting (ranges, etc.). All that can make a difference.

For a general purpose scope, something like a 3-9x with no more than a 40mm objective would probably be a good choice. For closer range hunting, something like a 2-7x with up to a 32mm objective would work well too. For longer range shooting, maybe a 4-14x wouldn't be a bad choice either.

It sounds like you have a nice rifle. I'd suggest going with the best glass you can afford. There are a lot of good ones available today.

Real simple here. Go buy a Leupold "VXII 3x9" with a 40 MM objective. If your dealer is in line with the rest of the sporting goods stores , it should be around $299.00 + tax. Just a standard Plex reticle should do anything you want.

Real simple here. Go buy a Leupold "VXII 3x9" with a 40 MM objective. If your dealer is in line with the rest of the sporting goods stores , it should be around $299.00 + tax. Just a standard Plex reticle should do anything you want.


I was kind of thinking of doing just that. I have a Sakko .243 with a Leupold 3.5x12 that I kind of like. however, I kind of like the 'firefly' illuminated scope by bushnell... I also found a scope - think it was a Nikon Buckmaster that had huge eye relief...

I bought the 7mm for trips out west. I would use it for muley, elk or whatever else... I might use my .242 for antelope however, since I have this new toy it might hard to sacrifice for a .243...

Anyway, that's where I'm at with it right now. I'd consider myself an very experienced utilitarian hunter, but slightly above novice when it comes to the trade of 'shooting'. To me there is a big difference.

redwing al,
A Leupold VX2, 3-9x40 or a VX2 2-7x33 would both be very good scopes for that rifle. Clean, clear, crisp images, good adjustment, great warranty and service. If you are worried about eye relief, the 2-7x33 has a little more than the 3-9x40 and you really are not giving up much magnification.
The 2-7x33 is the scope on my .375H&H and I really like the extra eye relief along with everything else this scope offers.

I bought one of the new VX-2s (3x9) for my Model 70 .30-06 last year after the Simmons Atech I had on it broke. It is a good solid scope. I wish it was a 2x7, but the price was right for this one.

You can get a Sightron 3x9x42 Plex Reticle Silver right now from Midwayusa.com for $219. That would be a fine scope for you stainless rifle IMO. I have never had one, but know some who do, and I have never heard a negative word about Sightrons.

I went and looked a thte Sightron on the Midway site. It looks like something I would like. I am also looking at the Nikon Buckmaster. The Buckmaster is one I've handled and liked it then wiht the nickoplex view.

However, what are the pros and cons between the magnifications? I'm looking at either a 3x9x40 or 4.5x14x40. I realize that one goes further than the next, but just how critical is it? And, when shooting over 150 yd, how important is the extra magnification? I was told that it's a lot harder to steady with the increased magnification...

Anyway, pros/cons by all who will participate will help me.

I'm getting close to be able to shoot this gun. I'm tired of racking the action and holding it up...

I bought one of the new VX-2s (3x9) for my Model 70 .30-06 last year after the Simmons Atech I had on it broke. It is a good solid scope. I wish it was a 2x7, but the price was right for this one.

You can get a Sightron 3x9x42 Plex Reticle Silver right now from Midwayusa.com for $219. That would be a fine scope for you stainless rifle IMO. I have never had one, but know some who do, and I have never heard a negative word about Sightrons.

3x9 is plenty for a big game rifle.

You were told right. The higher the magnification, the more the body tremors are magnified and the harder to hold still.

The larger the objective lens, the more light gathering capability, along with field of view. The higher the magnification and the smaller the objective lens, the sight begins to get kinda dark.

For most hunting applications, the old 3x9 variable is the most popular and will get the job done. Most folks tend to sight in on the high range, then set it back to 4x - 6x for hunting, only cranking up the power when target and time permit.