Author Topic: good scope for around $300-$400??? (Read 945 times)

lubbockdave · « **on:** February 17, 2004, 02:49:41 PM »

I'm looking to up-grade my whitetail deer rifle--a Ruger M77 in .270 used to hunt deer mostly, but also the occasional hog, mule deer, and it will go with me if I ever do a once in a lifetime elk hunt, Moose or even bear hunt.

Right now it has a Simmons prohunter 3x9x40 that I can't seem to keep zero'd in.
I've been looking at the leupold Vari III in the bass pro catalogue, but I'm just not sure and they are closer to $500 than $400, but are they worth it...

Thanks

Dave

Thanks

Dave in WV · « **Reply #1 on:** February 17, 2004, 03:29:46 PM »

You can get a vari X3 2.5x8 or 1.75x6 for $399. The new VariX2 scopes are less. I'd be tempted to get the X2 for the price and not worry about the small benifit of the X3 line. That's a personal call. My son has a Nikon Monarch 3x9 and loves it. They run about $255 (gloss). If weight wasn't a concern the Nikon Gold 1.5x6 is around $409 the last time I checked at The Optic Zone. Yes Jon, I'm guilty of lusting! :wink:

big6x6 · « **Reply #2 on:** February 17, 2004, 04:36:05 PM »

You can get several really good scopes in that price range. I have a Nikon Monarch 3-9X40, Leupold Vari-X III 3.5-10X40, Leupold Vari-X III 2.5-8X36, and a Zeiss Conquest 3-9X40 in that price range. ALL have performed perfectly and I have no complaints.

The Zeiss Conquest most likely has the latest technology, coatings and such.

TheOpticZone · « **Reply #3 on:** February 18, 2004, 03:23:51 AM »

Dave are you having dreams about the Gold? :wink: Personally there are alot of scopes out there that will suit your needs very well. Such as the Nikon Monarch, Bushnell Elite 4200, Leupold VX-III's and VX-II's and the Weaver Grand Slams. I have not had the opportunity to look at one of the new VX-III's, but have talked with a customer that has bought one from us. He said that he does not notice any difference optically between the new VX-III and the old Vari-X III's. So, if you are interested in getting a Leupold, sounds like your best bet would be the new VX-II, which has the same features as the old Vari-X III at a low price. You can get a new VX-II 3-9x40 for $275.00, which is about $100 cheaper than a close to size old Vari-X III and $100 cheaper than the new VX-III 2.5-8x36 ($379.00). When looking at the same money, I personally like the Nikon Monarch over the old Vari-X III's. I just think that they are just a better scope overall.

Dave in WV · « **Reply #4 on:** February 18, 2004, 03:46:50 AM »

Jon, my son has a Vari X III 2.5x8 and a Nikon Monarch 3x9 and he says the Nikon has better clarity and is a bit brighter. He likes both but as he said "for $150 less, I'll take the Nikon".

Zachary · « **Reply #5 on:** February 18, 2004, 04:38:05 AM »

Your son is right.

I too was disappointed that the Leupold, which was more expensive than the Nikon monarch, was actually LESS BRIGHT, than the monarch.

For the money, especially in the $400 to $500 price range, the best scopes are the Elite 4200s. As stated, also look at the Nikon Monarchs.

Zachary

goose7856 · « **Reply #6 on:** July 09, 2004, 05:56:57 AM »

Maybe even look at the Nikon Buckmaster. I just bought the 4-12x50, but they fit in your price range........and have different models to fit everyones needs.

longwinters · « **Reply #7 on:** July 09, 2004, 11:37:39 AM »

I don't think you can beat the Zeiss Conquest. I have the Monarch, 4200 and the Conquest and the more I shoot them, I would take the Conquest hands down.

Long

Daniel · « **Reply #8 on:** July 09, 2004, 11:59:25 AM »

The 3-9x40 Zeiss Conquest would be my choice. I tried the new VX III, but it just didn't do anything for me. I ended up selling it.

The Conquest offers nice eye relief (a constant 4"), a large field of view, excellent optical clarity, an etched-in-glass reticle and plenty of ruggedness among other things. Furthermore, Zeiss's warranty and service is as good as anybody out there, including Leupold.

I have not tried the Nikon or Bushnell 4200, but I understand these are excellent also.

Buckfever · « **Reply #9 on:** July 10, 2004, 03:45:14 AM »

Check them out. Great features and clarity for a reasonable price. They are owned by Mead a quality optics company. Old name new new product. have started to use them very pleased so far. There are a lot of quality scopes out there so you have a wide choice including how much they cost. Thanks Buckfever

Zachary · « **Reply #10 on:** July 10, 2004, 11:53:51 AM »

Quote from: longwinters

I don't think you can beat the Zeiss Conquest. I have the Monarch, 4200 and the Conquest and the more I shoot them, I would take the Conquest hands down.

Long

Yes, I forgot to mention the Zeiss Conquest too. I have only had it recently, but it has proved to also be a great scope. It's a 3x-9x-40mm with a constant 4" eye relief. It costs about $400, but worth it.

Again, Elite 4200, Nikon Monarch, and Zeiss Conquest - all great scopes, for around $400 or so.

The new Leupold VXIII looks promising, but I haven't used or looked at it yet.

Zachary