Scope choices for 22-250

[BradZ]

Hey guys, new member here. Just wondering what scope you guys would recommend, I've just ordered my new Tikka T3 22- and can't decide on a scope as im quite new to this.

I'm aiming for a 4-12x40mm, cant quite afford a leupold but ive had a look through a Redfield and it looks pretty good to me. Ive looked at Nikon and Bushnell but know nothing about them.

Could anyone steer me in the right direction?

[Browning]

What's it going to be used for and if for hunting, do u do much night stuff??
I've a z3 4-12x50 and it's exactly what I need for night time stuff

[Combat_Wombat]

I have a Redfield revolution 4-12 on my .270 and it's been brilliant so far for the price.

[BradZ]

Thanks for the quick replies.

What brand is this z3 you're referring to?

Yeah I plan to hunt with, mostly via spotlighting.

What sort of reticle does your Redfield have on it? Im leaning towards accu-range I think

[Combat_Wombat]

I've got the four plex on it because I wanted a simple thin crosshair for running shots on pigs with nothing getting in the way but the accurate would be good for spotlighting.

[Browning]

The z3 is a swarovski.. Same as combat wombat, I've got simple thin crosshairs for the exact same reason.. Have used illuminated reticles on vortexes, leupolds etc (I have a vxr) and 99% of the time find them unnecessary.. Not saying I don't like them, just "for what I do" it's not necessary..
K.I.S.S. Seems best strategy for me with hunting scopes

[brett1868]

I use a Leupold VX2 4-12x50 on my Sako 22-250 and can't fault it and will be putting an identical scope on the .204 when they get more stock. I use the plain thin cross hair reticule which is fine for lining up the giant bunnies.

[BradZ]

If you had the choice betwee a Redfield or a Nikon prostaff what would be your choice?

[Bennybigbores]

Redfield for sure

[Combat_Wombat]

Can't say never used a nikkon

[Zilla]

If you had the choice betwee a Redfield or a Nikon prostaff what would be your choice?

I've got a few Redfields and prefer over the Nikon.

See my signature for scope models.

[Chronos]

Something with good glass is a no brainer, but a large adjustment range could be a good thing on a fast flat shooter like the 22-250.

I was impressed by the glass on the Burris scopes for the money , originally they had better light transmission than the VXii range but not sure about the current offerings.

I've got a couple if Bushnell 6500 2.5-16x42 which I love but they may be out if your budget. I bought them both second hand.

Any quality 4-12 should suffice really unless you're pushing out to 300-400 m but that's not likely under spotlight.

Chronos

[BradZ]

Plenty of information to think on, thanks guys.

Next question, whats the difference between the Redfield Revolution and Revenge? What would be your choice?

Im pretty set on a 4-12 zoom but would prefer a 50mm for spotlighting but I can only find 3-9 in 50s

[bigfellascott]

I run a Zeiss 6.5-20x50 Conquest on my Howa 22.250 its a nice scope, I can't see bugger all diff between it and my Nikons.

[Wheelbarrow]

I've got a Nikon Monarch sitting on my Hawkeye and it's as good as any others I've looked through.

[BradZ]

Ended up buying a Redfield Revolution 4-12x40 in 4 plex. Quite a nice scope, especially for the price

[bigfellascott]

Ended up buying a Redfield Revolution 4-12x40 in 4 plex. Quite a nice scope, especially for the price

It will do fine I'm sure Brad, enjoy it mate and happy hunting.

[lole]

4-12 is a good range.

Wide enough field of view set low on 4x that you can find targets at reasonably close distances, then the zoom is there when you need it.

[BradZ]

So I've had the gun and scope for just over a week now and I couldn't be happier!

I honestly don't see much if any difference looking through a mates leupold vx-r than I do with the Redfield.

Glad I went 4-12 too, now if only I can get everything dialled in nicely haha

[Tiiger]

I honestly don't see much if any difference looking through a mates leupold vx-r than I do with the Redfield.

If you get the opportunity try looking through the pair of them at dawk/dusk. In the twilight hours is usually where the 'better' hunting scopes show it.

Not knocking your Redfield or trying to show flaws in it or anything but if you look I think you'll learn the difference there.

For the most part though you're right, there a s**t scopes, decent scopes and top scopes.

A lot 'decent' and 'top' scopes look effectively the same in half decent light. At the range, day time hunting, spotlighting... You'd be hard pressed to pick differences.

Anyway. Something to try if the opportunity pops up.

[lole]

Glad I went 4-12 too, now if only I can get everything dialled in nicely haha

Takes a little fiddling but you'll sort it out

[Zilla]

Go the Redfield!

[Browning]

If you get the opportunity try looking through the pair of them at dawk/dusk. In the twilight hours is usually where the 'better' hunting scopes show it.

Agree with Tiiger on this one.

Always thought scopes looked the same looking through them until I tried a mates z3 at dusk... Wow! We were using it one night under a full moon with no spotlight not a problem.. Was awesome and hence why I then saved up the bickies to get one myself... Amazing at night and now have z6 as well...
4-12 is great for the 250...

Enjoy mate!

[Lorgar]

Definitely.

I've got a $1,000 Bushnell 6500 and a $300 Leupold VX-1. Putting holes in paper at a few hundred metres there is no difference, same strolling around during the day.

In the fog at 5:30 in the morning though, it's no contest for the Bushnell. Same at dusk.

[BradZ]

Well I learnt this lesson the hard way.

Always had trouble with eye relief with the Redfield but i learnt to live with it until it decided to play a new trick.

After being dialled in 110%, I'd go out hunting and wouldn't be able to hit water if i fell out of a boat. Go and check the sighting and its as much as 6" high and left! After this happening twice that was it.

The nioa rep took one look at it and said it's clear so there is no problem. So now that scope resides on my .22wmr.

Have since lashed out on a Zeiss Hd5 5-25x50mm. Not only has it fixed my problem, I'm still to this day blown away by it, quality, clarity and all the rest. Of course this is to be expected when it is worth as much as 3 Redfields.

Reading over these old comments made me cringe as to how great i thought the Redfield was before discovering higher end optics.

I still use it when i take my 22wmr out and so far it's hanging on fine. Maybe it didnt like the recoil of the 250? I don't know, but i do know I wouldn't buy another one.

[Gwion]

Thanks for adding the long term feedback, BradZ.

[sandgroperbill]

Are you sure it wasn't the rings? I have a redfield and it is perfectly fine with recoil. Had an experience that would have shifted any cheap scope and the scope didn't shift.

[Swarm]

Ended up buying a Redfield Revolution 4-12x40 in 4 plex. Quite a nice scope, especially for the price

Good choice

[BradZ]

sandgroperbill

No, I'm not sure it wasn't the rings. As a matter of fact it probably was. Even still, I wasn't 100% satisfied with the scope for other reasons.

It now lives on my .22wmr happily.

[sandgroperbill]

Just FYI, they share Leupold's lifetime warranty, so if you,re not happy, perhaps it's worth shooting leupold an email. May get nothing out of it, or may be surprised. Either way, there's nothing to lose