Optics for a Savage 99?

[Shyster]

I intend to go old school this year and hunt with a Savage 99 Featherweight in .300 Savage. The rifle is already drilled and tapped with a Leupold mount but no scope mounted..

I am trying to figure out what glass to put on it. I have two scopes in my safe that I could use, a Zeiss Diavari 1.5-6x or a Kahles 3-9.

Where I hunt I am highly unlikely to have a shot past 200 yards and more likely much closer.

Thoughts? I considered getting a new Leupold 2-7 but I would rather not spend the money.

[MichiganShootist]

IMO after 40+ years collecting Michigan white tails... it's hard to go wrong with a 3 X 9. One key is the scopes ability to gather light. That maybe more important than the power (especially under 100 yards). A 40 mm is a good all round size.

Mark

[MCPO_SOCM_RET]

Agree. A 3x9 in your described conditions is more than you'll need.
Without knowing the exact model I'll go out on a limb and say the Kahles is a 42mm objective (just like the Zeiss is a 42mm) so that's a wash.
If you have the #8 reticle in the Zeiss, that would be my pick - unless your hunting area is an early morning/dusk movement, then the Kahles (maybe) with a slightly better twilight factor.
Even with a fixed parallax at 110yds - I'd still pick the Zeiss, unless you have an older Kahles with the "Multi-Zero" system (the 300 Sav can have a ~3"-6"+ drop depending on your zero range and quoted max distance).

Either way, both are perfectly fine for your .300 Savage.

[BBQ Chef]

Your Kahles 3-9 will be plenty enough.

[john.41]

In Michigan I favor low power variable scopes. Most of my shots are well under a hundred yards. The low end gives a great field of view and if you see something farther away, you have plenty of time to dial up to 6X.

[Garymac]

I just replaced the 1-4.5X scope on my Savage 99 308 with a 3-9x. The 4.5x just wasn't enough magnification on a buck at 200 yards last season. He was across a ravine in thick woods.