Best 1 inch tube variable power scope

[7MAG]

35 years of hunting hard in the Rockies with everything from a 264 to a 338 I’ve never had, heard, or seen a single issue with a Leupold …
My larger calibers have not gone down range yet but will soon, and after multiple times to the range they have not yet had any issues either !!!

I had a vx3 that couldn’t group or hold zero after the recoil from a 7mm rem mag. Used Leupold backcountry rings torqued to spec. swapped to badger ordnance rings, torqued to spec and couldn’t group or hold zero. Threw a Trijicon credo on, use it as a hiking stick and held zero shooting sub moa

 

[sgt_zim]

I had a vx3 that couldn’t group or hold zero after the recoil from a 7mm rem mag. Used Leupold backcountry rings torqued to spec. swapped to badger ordnance rings, torqued to spec and couldn’t group or hold zero. Threw a Trijicon credo on, use it as a hiking stick and held zero shooting sub moa

Sounds like you had a broken scope. I have a Leupold on my 45-70, still going strong after firing I don't know how many 425 gr bullets at 1625 fps. I have a Leupold on my 280 AI and my 404J; no problems holding zero for any of them.

 

[375 Ruger Fan]

The Leupold VX3 2.5-8 is a great scope and relatively compact. The Swaro Z3 3-9 x 36 is a great value that can be had for $750 to $800.

 

[mdwest]

I have a rifle with 1 inch Talley rings that match the finish on the receiver. If I wanted to stick with a one inch tube, what’s the best (clearest/brightest) scope in a mid range variable?

-Swarovski Z3? Leupold VX3HD?

OR…..do I swap to 30 mm rings?

Im a little late to the discussion, but will add my .02....

for me, "best" has a lot of variables.. first and foremost, what sort of rifle am I mounting the optic to? (intended range to be shot, conditions I expect the rifle to be subjected to, is heavy recoil a concern or consideration? etc..etc..)... second, budget comes into play (for me).. while I do agree with those that advocate "buy once, cry once".. I also take into account just how much quality is needed based on what the intentions are for the final rig (shooting prairie dogs from a bench in Colorado? shooting squirrels at the base of a tree in E TX? etc).. and what sort of rifle I am mounting the optic to (Im probably going to give myself quite a bit more budget to play with if Im holding a brand new Rigby Highland Stalker in my hands as opposed to a 20 year old, beat up savage 110 that I picked up at a pawn shop for $350 that I intend on using as a "loaner" rifle)..

All of that said, the Swaro Z3 is pretty hard to beat for most situations/circumstances and most bolt action rifles..

Ive got Z3's on both of my wifes "mountain" rifles.. a Kimber Adirondak in 308, and a Kimber Mountain Accent in 300 WM... the Z3 is compact, lightweight, tough enough to put up with anything we've ever exposed one to (mountains of idaho to deer blinds in TX to NW Province of South Africa, etc).. reasonably affordable, and for the money is about as clear and bright of an optic as there is...

 

[meigsbucks]

I have several Leupold VX3’s (1.5-5, 2.5-8x, 3.5-10x and 4.5-14x), Swarovski Z3 (3-10x), Swarovski Z5 (3.5-18) and Trijicon 3-9x. All are good choices. I can’t tell much difference between the Leupold’s and the Swaros. The Trijicon is really nice, but has a little shorter eye relief.
I have been upgrading from the VX2’s to the VX3’s, Trijicon and Swarovski. Now I’m going to more Leupold VX5’s and Trijicon.

 

[dogcat1]

Swarovski Z5i 3.5-18x44 with turrets is hard to beat. Especially on that caliber.

 

[375 Ruger Fan]

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[runningman]

Swarovski Z3 Would be best from my point of view !

 

[C.W. Richter]

I have a rifle with 1 inch Talley rings that match the finish on the receiver. If I wanted to stick with a one inch tube, what’s the best (clearest/brightest) scope in a mid range variable?

-Swarovski Z3? Leupold VX3HD?

OR…..do I swap to 30 mm rings?

Burris. Put the rest in investments under DJT or simply donate to the EU prices (double USD!) I've had the Fulfield II, E1, Signature, E3, Fulfield IV, Signature HD (shown $500), and Veracity-ALL with the same results (it was an off-shoot of Leupold) out to 720 yds for hunting in my experience. (aka Conspicuous Consumption AND pissing money away.) Anything Euro is a waste of money, not to mention the US economy up until 11/5/24. Props to Meopta Customer Service in FL and CZ as they picked up the ball on some HD binos that (no longer) Cabelas-Bass Pro Shops-Big Corp BS wouldn't honor any longer. "Our CFO has determined that Lifetime means 5 years...." F That Noise!!! Pay Extra for Woke and you too will go Broke.

 

[odonata]

I seem to need more eye relief than other shooters so my favorite 1" scope is my Swarovski z5 2.4-12x50 which fits everything I own well. My Swarovski z3 3-10x42 is nice too but it wasn't the best choice for a few of my rifles.

 

[7MAG]

If you’re going to spend swaro money, why not buy kahles?

 

[CBH Australia]

If you’re going to spend swaro money, why not buy kahles?

What would you say is the advantage of Kahles in the same specs etc?

My Kahles is an 8x56 late production.

My Swarovski is an older Habicht model.

I have read a lot and Swarovski seem to have the market share, but then they are the parent company.

 

[CBH Australia]

I seem to need more eye relief than other shooters so my favorite 1" scope is my Swarovski z5 2.4-12x50 which fits everything I own well. My Swarovski z3 3-10x42 is nice too but it wasn't the best choice for a few of my rifles.

I wanted a 2.4-12x50 but couldn’t spare $1800 at the time of building my .280a.i so I used a Leupold that was nib.

Even the 3-10x42 would make a nice versatile hunting scope.

The problem is I would have to sell something to do upgrades and I pretty much have everything covered for my needs because I don’t get out enough.

 

[Ruraldoc]

My favorite hunting scope is a Trijicon 1-6 Accpoint with the Green Triangle reticle.

On 1x in full daylight it’s amazing for dangerous game.

At 6x in moonlight it’s still very good.

Have used it on a charging buffalo at 10 yards and a running kudu at nearly 200 with perfect satisfaction.

I have a lot of scopes including Ziess, Swaro, S&B and Meopta. Have many Leupolds.

Nothing catches your eye and gets on a critter in a hurry like the Trijicon.

 

[7MAG]

What would you say is the advantage of Kahles in the same specs etc?

My Kahles is an 8x56 late production.

My Swarovski is an older Habicht model.

I have read a lot and Swarovski seem to have the market share, but then they are the parent company.

The kahles appear to be more rhobust. However, I’m mainly talking about the k318i

 

[odonata]

If you’re going to spend swaro money, why not buy kahles?

I got a super deal on the z5. The z3 came on a used but pristine Steyr CL II that I got another great deal on. But that’s not a knock against the Kahles as I came very close to buying a K16i. But then a ridiculously good deal on a Meopta R2 1-6x24 RD popped up & I grabbed that instead. So fate not criticism has kept the Kahles off my rifles so far.

 

[Safari Dave]

The Europeans, definitely, make the best glass.

Trijicon makes the most dependable 1" variable scope.

Leupold is my favorite and is the best "bang for the buck," but they need to be much more durable.