Best 1 inch tube variable power scope

[Nevada Mike]

I received the Tract Toric 3 - 15 X 42 scope yesterday. The glass is amazingly bright and clear. It weighs 20 oz. and has a quality feel overall. It is supplied with a ‘standard’ turret system AND a capped, low profile dial up turret kit that can easily be installed by the user. I chose the T Plex reticle (like a German no. 4). It has parallax adjustment down to 5 meters, IIRC.
I will install this scope in Talley rings on a Model 70 with a 24” no.5 contour Brux barrel chambered in 308 NM and Mark Bansner will fit a CF sporter (22 oz.) stock. Should come in at a bit over 8 lbs.
I am happy with the scope and the very good service provided by Jon at Tract.

 

[Doug Hamilton]

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?

I really don't know anything about the Swarovski, but I do have a Leupold VX3 3..5-10 x40 on my .300 Win Mag. I have used it to take game in Washington, B.C. and Zimbabwe. It hasn't changed zero and is still working well.

 

[Topshots]

The best 1x is a G7 nightforce NXS 1x24

 

[geopat]

Vx 3hd is in a class if its own at that price point.

The Swaro z5i is one of the only 1” illuminated scopes you will find. I also consider it a solid step up from the z3.

 

[geopat]

I have a VX3i 3.5-10 on my 1885 6.5 Creedmore. It’s a nail driving combo. The glass is great and I have zero problem with repeatability with the elevation. Where I set the elevation knob is where it shoots. As a 1” tube it is superb. If it were illuminated it would be fantastic!
I have recently acquired a VX5 2-10. It’s really something special. I am loving the 30mm. I have two Vortex Strike Eagles, one in 1-6, and 1 in 1-8. They are good but the Leupolds are clearer to my eyes.

 

[dchamp]

Hands down Swarovski Z5i 3.5-18x44 P BT w/4W reticle. I have three of them, one on a 8mm Rem Mag, a 8x57 Mauser and one on a 6.5Wby RPM. I couldn’t be happier with this one inch tube scope.

 

[geopat]

Swarovski Z5i is at least a $1,500.scope.
I am under the impression that mid range pricing is what you are after. (I’m assuming that means $500-1000.)
I also have a 1” Nikon 1-4x20 African on my.375 Ruger M77, which is very clear and reliable, but won’t do you any good as they are out of production. (Unless you find one used in good condition)

 

[brym427]

I agree 100%. Many, if not most, hunting applications don’t require dialing in a shot. It’s a cool thing if you need it, but I really wish they would offer non-cds versions.

It hasn’t stopped me from buying them, it’s just unnecessary.

At least they're a locking turret i guess. Better than some scopes with no lock. But i agree. Just give me caps so i dont have to worry about the turret

 

[Mauser3000]

Swarovski Z5i is at least a $1,500.scope.
I am under the impression that mid range pricing is what you are after. (I’m assuming that means $500-1000.)
I also have a 1” Nikon 1-4x20 African on my.375 Ruger M77, which is very clear and reliable, but won’t do you any good as they are out of production. (Unless you find one used in good condition)
View attachment 638642

I’m not after a price range, I’m after the “best” one inch tube mid range variable scope. Price was not a factor in the criteria. I have several Leupolds and some Zeiss scopes but mainly was curious about Swarovski, Schmidt @ bender, Trijicon, and Nightforce scopes.

 

[Laniarius]

Sounds like the Z5i is a serious contender.

And to clarify again, the OP is referring to mid-range magnification, not price.

 

[CZDiesel]

I think that you should seriously consider Vortex

 

[Rule 303]

As far as I can tell the Nightforce NXS etc are the toughest going, followed by S&B and Trijacon. I have all 3 makes and the clarity of the glass I would rate as S&B best then Nightforce and Trijacon. The actual scopes are
Nightforce NXS 2.5-10X32, S&B Zenith 1-6X42? and Trijacon Acupoint 1.5-4X25 picket post reticle.

However the NF and S&B are 30mm tubes.

 

[mooze]

Swarovski Z5

second that, also comes with illumination, rare in a 1", best glass, I find Svaro ver well built, no issues with 1 each Z3, Z5 and Z6 1s gen in > 10 years. and on not so easy kicking rifles ( 8x68, 9.3x62)

 

[Safari Dave]

Swarovski has the best glass that I have ever looked through, but I would advise caution on using one with a heavy recoiling rifle.

IMHO, holding zero is the most important thing a scope should be expected to do.

 

[CZDiesel]

Swarovski has the best glass that I have ever looked through, but I would advise caution on using one with a heavy recoiling rifle.

IMHO, holding zero is the most important thing a scope should be expected to do.

Swarovski has a sterling reputation on DG rifles…

 

[Safari Dave]

Swarovski has a sterling reputation on DG rifles…

You may be right, but the only scope I have ever seen on PHs' rifles has been Leupolds.

(which still doesn't have a bombproof reputation of holding zero)

 

[CZDiesel]

You may be right, but the only scope I have ever seen on PHs' rifles has been Leupolds.

(which still doesn't have a bombproof reputation of holding zero)

Although I worked for Swarovski I use Leupold too lol

 

[7MAG]

The last 4 leupold I’ve had needed to be sent back for repair due to not holding zero. Trijicon and nightforce are the only ones I’ll buy now, have dropped them, went down rugged terrain in a SxS and they’ve held zero, no issues tracking. Clarity is not on par with a Swarovski but I’ll sacrifice some clarity for being robust and an illuminated
Reticle

 

[Safari Dave]

The last 4 leupold I’ve had needed to be sent back for repair due to not holding zero. Trijicon and nightforce are the only ones I’ll buy now, have dropped them, went down rugged terrain in a SxS and they’ve held zero, no issues tracking. Clarity is not on par with a Swarovski but I’ll sacrifice some clarity for being robust and an illuminated
Reticle

In my experience and in everything I have heard from very experienced riflemen, I will completely agree with you.

I want to love Leupolds, because they are my favorite scopes for almost everything. But, they need to spend the next 2 years on making their scopes VERY rugged. All of their variable scopes are questionable now.

Every Vortex that I have used has been a disappointment. I, no longer, own one... I, no longer, want one...

 

[CZDiesel]

In my experience and in everything I have heard from very experienced riflemen, I will completely agree with you.

I want to love Leupolds, because they are my favorite scopes for almost everything. But, they need to spend the next 2 years on making their scopes VERY rugged. All of their variable scopes are questionable now.

Every Vortex that I have used has been a disappointment. I, no longer, own one... I, no longer, want one...

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 !!!