03-12-2023, 05:56 AM
Iain,
these are my thought based on your supplied data.
first off, give the Leupold scope you already have a try. it might turn out just fine and that will save you some money for sure. also at dusk/dawn, turn down the power to 5x or lower to let a bit more light into your eye. you may not need an illuminated reticle. if you want to try an illuminated reticle, Leupold makes them too.
you seem to think that your shot distances will be moderate. So high levels of magnification will likely not be necessary. That is one reason I suspect what you already have will serve with aplomb.
do you plan on changing loads for each game type? if so, you'll appreciate a scope with turrets where you can just dial zeros based upon the load you happen to be using. Of course the scope will need to have repeatable adjustments if you plan on doing that. Leupold scopes do. I've used them for silhouette where you're always adjusting scope and need repeatability. other scopes might too, of course, but I only have experience with the Leupold scopes for repeatable adjustments. if you plan on just using one load for everything, or, decide just to "hold off" for the different loads then the repeatability on the scope adjustments is of less concern.
is total weight of rifle/scope setup a concern? I notice you mentioned talley lightweight mounts? again, check specs, Leupold scopes tend to be lighter than many of their competitors. the scope you already have may work well to also meet any self imposed weight limits you might have.
I agree that walnut sure looks pretty, but, if you're really wanting to make a light weight rig, look into Stocky's carbon fiber stock https://www.stockysstocks.com/stocks-by-...ction.html they advertise then coming in at 1 lb. i have put 2 blems into service, one weighed 16oz, and one came in at 17oz. I believer another forum member, Stinky Coyote, from Canada is using one as well for an ultralight setup.
other than the illuminated reticle part, I think the scope you already have would work wonderfully. Give it a try and if you still think you need the illuminated reticle, then look into other scopes. If the one you already have works out well, then you've saved yourself a bunch of money, which you could use towards that carbon fiber stock instead.
on the other hand, if you just want to buy a new scope to try it out, there's nothing wrong with that either.
have FUN with the new little howa. I sure like mine.
best to you,
-tdbru
these are my thought based on your supplied data.
first off, give the Leupold scope you already have a try. it might turn out just fine and that will save you some money for sure. also at dusk/dawn, turn down the power to 5x or lower to let a bit more light into your eye. you may not need an illuminated reticle. if you want to try an illuminated reticle, Leupold makes them too.
you seem to think that your shot distances will be moderate. So high levels of magnification will likely not be necessary. That is one reason I suspect what you already have will serve with aplomb.
do you plan on changing loads for each game type? if so, you'll appreciate a scope with turrets where you can just dial zeros based upon the load you happen to be using. Of course the scope will need to have repeatable adjustments if you plan on doing that. Leupold scopes do. I've used them for silhouette where you're always adjusting scope and need repeatability. other scopes might too, of course, but I only have experience with the Leupold scopes for repeatable adjustments. if you plan on just using one load for everything, or, decide just to "hold off" for the different loads then the repeatability on the scope adjustments is of less concern.
is total weight of rifle/scope setup a concern? I notice you mentioned talley lightweight mounts? again, check specs, Leupold scopes tend to be lighter than many of their competitors. the scope you already have may work well to also meet any self imposed weight limits you might have.
I agree that walnut sure looks pretty, but, if you're really wanting to make a light weight rig, look into Stocky's carbon fiber stock https://www.stockysstocks.com/stocks-by-...ction.html they advertise then coming in at 1 lb. i have put 2 blems into service, one weighed 16oz, and one came in at 17oz. I believer another forum member, Stinky Coyote, from Canada is using one as well for an ultralight setup.
other than the illuminated reticle part, I think the scope you already have would work wonderfully. Give it a try and if you still think you need the illuminated reticle, then look into other scopes. If the one you already have works out well, then you've saved yourself a bunch of money, which you could use towards that carbon fiber stock instead.
on the other hand, if you just want to buy a new scope to try it out, there's nothing wrong with that either.
have FUN with the new little howa. I sure like mine.
best to you,
-tdbru