Classic Looking Scope For CZ 550FS?

[Hoss50]

I just picked up a CZ 550FS in 6.5x55. It is a full stock Mannlicher style rifle, and I would like to put a good looking and functional piece of glass on it. I want a classic look with modern features. A plain duplex reticle isn't going to cut it.

 

Part of me really wants to put a high gloss Leupold with gold ring on it, but I want a good value, and a scope capable of longer range shooting too. I kind of want the the features of a turret scope to be able to shoot longer range if needed, but don't want big giant turrets.

 

I don't mind a hold over reticle either though, but want to be able to shoot 600 or so if I chose to.

 

My goal with the rifle is deer to 600 yards, elk to 400. My budget is probably $400-600 maybe more for the right scope with the rifle look and features.

 

Thoughts? I want to try and keep a classic look with some more modern features.

 

Harley

[GreyGhost85]

I was in the same position recently. Went with a leupold vx3i cds 4.5-14x40. Great scope with a turret and has the classic look to it

[MULEPACKHUNTER]

Same here, putting a classic style Leupold 3x9x40 on my sons Mauser.

[singleshot]

Recently bought a Nightforce 3x10x42 SHV. It is extremely clear and I feel it's even crisper than my VX6. Short, compact and looks great. Little pricey though at around 8 bills. 42 mm objective gives you a little more light without those obscene 50mm long bells. It would look great on your CZ

[Hoss50]

Recently bought a Nightforce 3x10x42 SHV. It is extremely clear and I feel it's even crisper than my VX6. Short, compact and looks great. Little pricey though at around 8 bills. 42 mm objective gives you a little more light without those obscene 50mm long bells. It would look great on your CZ

 

 

I stopped at Sportsman's today at lunch and looked at a fair amount of scopes to see what I liked. I think I made a mistake by looking at the Nightforce you mentioned. Dang that is a nice scope. I think I am going to have to save my pennies for one of those. I really wanted to talk myself into a Leupold with the gold ring and CDS, but that Nightforce made the VX3i look very average, and even was nicer than the VX6 I looked at...

[Hoss50]

Update on this. I think I have narrowed it down somewhat and wanted to see if anyone had an experience with them.

 

Nightforce SHV 3-10x42 & Leupold 3-15x44 VX-5HD.

 

I like the nightforce a lot because it is clear and seems rugged, but I do like the Leupold for the old school gold ring appearance and the higher 15x power it offers. Thoughts?

Does anyone have experience with either of these? Any other scopes I should be looking at?

 

Thanks

Harley

[singleshot]

I had some issues with the Nightforce mounting it on a long action receiver. The rings fit up tight against the bell, and the power adjustment ring on the scope. I mean to the thousandth. I ended up buying a rail which solved the problem. On your short action rifle you should have plenty of room though. I went with the IHR reticle, the concept is new to me but I really like it. A zero stop like some of the Leupold scopes come with would be a bonus.

Overall though I think the Nightforce is a great buy. Glass is extremely clear.

[Coach]

Can't wait to see your pix. I'm a huge fan of the Mannlicher style stock. I've got a 10/22 in stainless with what they called the "International" stock. I'm sure I'm just picky, but I've always liked a gun with a little style. Never owned a Ruger #1, but it's on my short list for just that reason. Almost bought a Remington 1187 with a straight (English) stock almost 30 years ago. Wish I had, but I was a kid with future plans and every dime accounted for.

 

Looked like this one...

 

 

[lancetkenyon]

If 600 is your max range, 10x is plenty.

Also, there is nothing you won't be able to see with clearer glass @ 10x than slightly less clear @ 15x.

 

Features, reliability, reticle, weight and appearance would be my determining factors. And you know I am an optics snob.

 

For the price range, there are not many others I would consider other than the 2 you picked. I think Leupold will look the best on the rifle if you want to keep it kind of classic looking. But the NF is a great scope too.

[yotebuster]

Can't wait to see your pix. I'm a huge fan of the Mannlicher style stock. I've got a 10/22 in stainless with what they called the "International" stock. I'm sure I'm just picky, but I've always liked a gun with a little style. Never owned a Ruger #1, but it's on my short list for just that reason. Almost bought a Remington 1187 with a straight (English) stock almost 30 years ago. Wish I had, but I was a kid with future plans and every dime accounted for.

 

Looked like this one...

Englishg stock.jpg

 

 

If you hold one of those you'll instantly learn two things. 1: you don't want one. 2: English stocks are why the English lost the war!

 

They look cool but they are made for carrying not shooting!

[Hoss50]

I finally pulled the trigger on a scope. It will be here next Tuesday.

 

I found an NIB obsolete Leupold VX-6 2x12x42 with Boone & Crockett reticle for a good price I think. It has a CDS ticket so I can dial once I get a load developed too. It really came down to this VX-6, a VX-5HD, and the NightForce SHV 3-10.

 

This is the most I have ever spent on a scope, but I am really trying to work on improving my optics across the board. It's not a Kahles or S&B but it will be better then anything I have known before.

 

This one had a better power range and the BDC reticle which I like for quick shots, and then the CDS when you have time to dial.

 

Now I am debating rings.... Then I might be able to actually shoot this thing for real.

 

Harley

[Hoss50]

It got here today!!!

 

Now I need to call and get the rings ordered.