Selecting a scope

[wombat13]

My father-in-law just won a Ruger M77 Mark II Sporter (stainless with laminate stock) in .338 Win Mag. Yesterday he said he would eventually get a Leupold 3x9 in stainless for it. My wife, her mother and I decided we are going to buy him a scope to go with it for Father's Day. I took responsibility for picking the scope, but I have never purchased a rifle scope before, so I have a few questions. All help will be appreciated.

1. He said he wanted a 3x9 variable scope but did not specify 30mm, 40mm, etc. What are the advantages and disadvantages of a larger lens diameter?

2. He is an experienced, successful deer hunter. Deer is almost exclusively what the rifle will be used to take. How should this affect my choice? What features should I look for?

3. I don't see any stainless scopes on Leupold's site. Are they all made from aluminum?

4. He said he likes Leupold for their quality, guarantee, and that they're American made. Any other brands I should consider?

5. Anything else I should consider?

Thanks again for the help.

[CharlieHo]

PERSONALLY, I would recommend nothing else. But that's MHO.

All are made of aluminum, but have different finishes to match stainless rifles.

I would be proud of any VXII 3x9-40 on that rifle. Larger wouldn't hurt, but that's what I'd pick

[Gunzzi]

Get the 40mm at least, also you would want to make sure it is a good scope in low light conditions (i.e. dawn and dusk are your best times for getting a shot on a deer).

I just purchased a Burris 3-9X40mm Fullfield II for my Remmy on eBay for $169.00 with a ballistic reticle. Awesome clarity even in low light, lots of other features I liked over the Luepold (sp?) Might be worth consideration.

[wombat13]

Thanks for the quick responses. I think he would really prefer the silver finish to match the stainless rifle. Here are the three options that I am currently considering, all Leupold:

1. VX-II 3-9x40, $300
2. VX-III 3.5-10x40, $470
3. VX-III 3.5-10x40, $550

Any opinions on whether the VX-III is worth a 50% increase in price?

[mdjamesd]

the larger objective lens allows for better light gathering

if it's mainly for deer, you definitely want the larger objective because most deer are taken at dawn or dusk

I just bought a Pentax scope, I figure they make nice lenses, they probably make nice scope lenses also. My friend has a Nikon, which have been ranked very close to the Leupolds.