r/canadaguns • u/Large-Recipe-2024 • 9d ago
Buy recommendations Iron sights or scope recommendations?
Just picked up a Tikka T3 in .270 Win. Should I hunt with the factory iron sights, or put a scope on it? If you’d go with a scope, what would you recommend? Thanks!
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u/16gaugeguy16 9d ago
I wish more modern guns came with iron sights installed from the factory. I like having a useful rifle without having to put a scope on.
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u/Large-Recipe-2024 9d ago
Couldn't agree more. That's why I picked this one up as soon as I saw it!
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u/Iokua_CDN 9d ago
My kind of person! I also love irons on a rifle. These look nice and low and out of the way when not using them, but then useful anytime you have the scope off!
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u/Hotdog_Broth 9d ago
It’s hard to comprehend how lush some parts of Canada can be even when I’m out there seeing it with my own eyes.
Anyway, what sort of budget are we looking at here? What sort of hunting? What sort of range?
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u/Large-Recipe-2024 9d ago
Agreed, we're quite lucky to have landscapes like this right in our backyards. I'm looking to spend up to $750, hunting for mule deer and probably inside of 250 yards. Looking to keep it as light weight as possible.
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u/Iokua_CDN 9d ago
Sounds like irons to me, if you want to save money and keep it light weight. Maybe practice a bit with irons as 250 yards first, if you don't already do so
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u/DryF1re 8d ago
Shooting a deer at 250 yards with irons is probably unethical for most people. Sorry, most people just arent good enough to take that shot. Most people shouldnt be hunting with irons at 150yards.
That being said, there are very few places on Vancouver island that you are taking a 150-250 yard shot on our tiny blacktail deer (scope or not).
So, you are probably fine hunting without a scope on vancouver island.
If you ever hunt elsewhere, you are going to want a scope.
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u/Large-Recipe-2024 8d ago
Agreed, my limit for irons would be 100 yards max. That's what I feel comfortable with at the moment. I have another scoped rifle in 308 for hunts if I anticipate longer ranges. I think I've decided to stick with irons for this rifle too keep it light for longer walks into the bush with shorter shots
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u/HughChardaun 9d ago
Get proficient with iron sights and then invest in a good optic.
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u/Large-Recipe-2024 9d ago
Been working on that. I can hit a 10 inch gong consistently at 100 yards. I'd like to work on shrinking it down to 6 inches.
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u/Finnurland 8d ago
New England custom gun sells peep sights that fit on the tikka t3. An aperture sight with a longer sight radius would help shrink that grouping.
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u/newtdiego 9d ago
the tikka factory irons are (to me) rather easy to use up to 100. YOu mentioned you're on the island, i'd honestly consider jsut using irons as thye are less likely to be damaged when bushbashing and sightlines aren't as open.
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u/Large-Recipe-2024 9d ago
I have been pleasantly surprised by the factory irons too. Half of me is thinking keeping it plane jane it will be ultralight and don't have to be worried about damaging any expensive glass.
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u/coniferslav 8d ago
I know I'm gonna get called a fudd and down voted but I believe that you shouldn't touch a scope before you get good with iron sights and basic rifle shooting fundamentals. This was pretty standard practice back in the day and I stand by it. Too many people spoiled with fancy optics but can't shoot good groups freehand standing, sitting and prone. This was core rifleman training and how competitive shooting used to be done.
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u/DefensePays 9d ago
I like a scope. I hunt in BC. I do a lot of my deer hunting in logging cuts where it’s very difficult to stalk closer. But then again people bow hunt successfully here. If you’re new to hunting a scope will be nice.
If you’re hunting in terrain like your picture, lower power is better. My main hunting gun has a 3-12 on it. There have been times I’ve wanted lower magnification. I’ve never wanted more. I use the same rifle for sheep and goats.
People seem to really like vortex, but I don’t like their reticles and have never owned one. In my opinion, even cheap modern scopes are quite good. I have an athlon on one of my guns and it’s surprisingly good for the price, but it’s heavy. My Trijicon has significantly better glass, which means clearer picture, especially in low light. It also cost more than double the athlon.
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u/Large-Recipe-2024 9d ago
I agree with you, lower power is what I am thinking. My main hunting rifle is a 2.5-10 but I am thinking of keeping this one as light weight as possible. All the hunting I do are in cut blocks like this. I will check out the athlon you mentioned!
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u/cartridgebrass 9d ago
Are those irons factory? I am not a tikka expert but part of the reason I’ve avoided them is lack of sights..
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u/iatekane 9d ago
Yes, tikka offers a few variants with iron sights, the common Battue model and the less common “iron sight” version OP has. They’re around but rare and offered in a limited number of chamberings.
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u/Shitmonkey5425 9d ago
They’ve got a model called the battue and it’s got nice irons
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u/Large-Recipe-2024 9d ago
Yeah this is an older t3 not a t3x. Supposedly could be an import from Europe.
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u/Iron-Iceman sk 9d ago
You can get a high profile mount so that you can still use the iron sights as well.
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u/SpectreBallistics Spectre Ballistics International (Verified) 9d ago
The best 3-9 you can afford. It will really depend on your budget.
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u/AdhesiveCam 9d ago
I wouldn't recommend it but I've got a fixed 4x and it's sufficient inside the ranges you want to shoot. I won't hunt beyond 300 with it. Just for reference for your decision making.
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u/Large-Recipe-2024 9d ago
I like the simplicity to it! I feel the same way I hunt inside of 300 yards as that's the furthest I feel comfortable making solid shot placement.
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u/gyates93 9d ago
The magnification of a scope helps select your point of aim a little easier, allowing you to be more precise. As well when the adrenaline hits it is more user friendly vs lining up iron sights, one less thing to think about.
Finally, a good scope is more useful in poor lighting conditions than irons.
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u/ThatBigFuckoffTree 9d ago
For a hunting rifle I like the Vortex Viper HD 2-10x42. Compact, good magnification range, good glass, good features.
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u/No-culture5942 9d ago
I'm not a pro about scopes, but I own a nikon monarch and a vortex viper and love both.
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u/Iokua_CDN 9d ago
I love irons, it would be a sweet rifle to keep irons only.
If you want to enjoy BOTH, you might want to look into some quick attack scope rings, or even just getting some see through rings can let you still use the irons under the scope, but you might run into issues with the scope being too high or the irons being too low to use comfortably. Probably works best with a rifle with an adjustable cheek riser.
Basically, I'd choose if you wanted and really sleek, compact and lighter rifle for hunting closer distances, then keep it irons. Try it out Like that.
If you find you aren't able to get close enough to make the shot, or you feel uncomfortable shooting at that distance (no shame, my eye sight is garbage, so while I like irons, there is a certain distance I can shoot and beyond that is no good), then maybe you should add a scope. Like it said though, feel free to do a quick detach scope or see through rings if you still want to occasionally use the irons.
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u/Master-Editor2668 9d ago
Lived and hunted the island my whole life shot lots of deer up close with buckshot but I would put a scope on that rifle if you wanna make a ethical shot at any distance past 100m imo a 4-12 will do you perfectly as you don’t get many opportunities to shoot anything from far away with our topography
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u/BisonCompetitive9610 9d ago
I put an LPVO 1-6 on my hunting rifle. Highly recommend! 300 yard shot would be no problem.
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u/GasMan1021 9d ago
Burris Fullfield 2.5-10x42 gets my vote. Nice low magnification and can go up if need be. Price is right for a good little scope.
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u/Large-Recipe-2024 9d ago
Never owned any burris optics but I only ever hear good things! I will check it out
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u/GasMan1021 9d ago
I mounted one on my wife's rifle and she really likes it. They dont get enough credit in my opinion. Plus the new ones are nice you can change them to exposed turrets if you want to dial.
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u/5hane7rain 9d ago
Yes it would be a good idea if you put a decent scope on a hunting rifle. Its really good you can use iron and have practiced with them. Vortex makes some very good scopes for the money. I haven't been disappointed by them. Leupold scopes are very good but are more money; I really like the 2.5-8x36 Leupolds.
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u/Difficult_Pipe_991 9d ago
Take a look at Athlon scopes, I did a lot of research when I bought mine and they seemed to be the best mid tier budget for quality and affordable FFP (first focal plane) scopes.
If you don’t know, most scopes are SFP, FFP magnifies your reticle, SFP your reticle stays the same size. FFP is useful if you want your hold overs to be accurate at any magnification.
Tangent aside, all of their scopes are decent at a good price, I’d put them up there with my burris.
They have few retailers in Canada now too, I got an Athlon Midas 2-12 on my 308. Love it.
All this being said, 9/10 deer will be in iron sight range, if you’re hunting in an area like your pic, and when they’re not you should consider being closer for the shot.
Scopes are great for the range, and hunting.
Irons are wayyyyy lighter to pack in the bush, no messing with scope settings when game presents itself, and personally I have more fun with them, so you do you!
2¢ :)
Edit: saw you commented you’re on the island! Me too, if ya need hunting company
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u/TheOriginalFarmboy 9d ago
Whats your range? For the environment in the photo I'd something like 1-6, Vortex Venom is a good choice for around $500
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u/Large-Recipe-2024 9d ago
I am thinking for something inside of 200 yards. Light enough for me to take on longer hunts. I think a 1x6 would be a great option!
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u/iatekane 9d ago
For that distance and with emphasis on light weight, go for a Leupold VX3-HD 1.5-5 and mount it in low height quick detach rings. You can get QR optilok or warne also makes a cheaper option that attaches directly to the integrated rail.
You’ll save a lot of weight vs the typical 1-6 and retain the ability to use your irons when you want.
Good choice on the rifle, not too many around with the non-Battue iron sight option
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u/Large-Recipe-2024 9d ago
I think that might be it. The best of both worlds with the quick detatch. Do they maintain a zero if you take them off and put it back on? I had to buy the rifle as soon as I saw it had factory irons on it
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u/iatekane 9d ago
Yeah this would be a great/best way to go and yes the Warne QD rings maintain zero when detached and reattached.
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u/gavsgrinders 9d ago
That is majestic. Where is this