Author Topic: New Scope Reccommendations Please!!! (Read 1405 times)

kc5rkg · « **on:** March 18, 2003, 10:03:38 AM »

Hello everyone!!

I have a Winchester M70 lightweight in 30-06. I have had the rifle about 8 years now. It has had a Tasco World Class 3-9x40 on it ever since I bought it. And truthfully, it is still working okay. But I have decided I want to upgrade. I whitetail hunt with this gun and my maximum shot where I hunt now would be about 150 yards. I want to get something that is dependable, clear, water/fog proof, and will hold up to years of 30-06 blasts. I would like a varible power.

I was hoping to find something in the $200 range. I will consider used scopes also. So new or used, I'd like to keep it about $200 or under.

So what is your suggestions? Brands? New/Used? Objective size 40mm, 50mm? etc.

Thank you in advance!

Scott

chk · « **Reply #1 on:** March 18, 2003, 10:15:19 AM »

A Nikon Buckmasters 3x9 runs around $200. For around $60 more you can get a Nikon 3x9 Monarch. Hard to beat them for the money. Check online prices and SWFA will meet competitor's prices. The others that advertise here may also.

Zachary · « **Reply #2 on:** March 18, 2003, 10:58:25 AM »

I agree about the Nikon Monarch 3x-9x-40mm as I already own and actually ordered another one from www.theopticzone.com. (I also ordered a Bushnell Elite 4200 4x-16x-50mm, but that is much more expensive than your $200 range). Ask for Jon. And like chk said, you can also look at www.swfa.com and ask for Chris. (I also plan on buying a scope from him too.)

By the way, although with optics you get what you pay for, you can get a decent scope for $200 or so.

Take a look at the Bushnell Elite 3200 series. Most models are under $200.

Yes, the Nikon Buckmasters are good, but the Monarchs are better and worth the money.

Other than that, there really isn't another scope, brand new and in your $200 price range, that I would personally recommend. That's not to say that there are not other good scopes out there, but I just wouldn't feel comfortable recommending them as much.

Zachary

TheOpticZone · « **Reply #3 on:** March 18, 2003, 01:55:52 PM »

I would go with a scope with a 2-7 or 3-9 power since you are shooting a maximum of 150 yards. A couple of scopes that come to mind is:

Bushnell Elite 3200 2-7x32 $169.00
Bushnell Elite 3200 3-9x40 $179.00
Nikon Buckmaster 3-9x40 $174.00

If you can afford $50-$60 more then I really would recommend:

Leupold VX-II 2-7x33 $257.00
Leupold VX-II 3-9x40 $259.00
Nikon Monarch 2-7x32 $248.00
Nikon Monarch 3-9x40 $255.00
Weaver Grand Slam 3-10x40 $249.00

Personally I have a 3.5-10 and that is overkill where I hunt and I have shots out to 200-300 yards.

Doesniper · « **Reply #4 on:** March 18, 2003, 03:04:14 PM »

Why not go with a fixed 4X or 6X if your shots are within 150 yds. I have a Leupold 6X on my 260 and it is plenty for shots out to 300yds.

kc5rkg · « **Reply #5 on:** March 18, 2003, 05:11:27 PM »

THanks for the help so far.

What are your opinions on used scopes? Would I be better off buying a new scope thats about $200 or getting a higher dollar scope used for the same money? Thanks

Scott

tominboise · « **Reply #6 on:** March 18, 2003, 05:39:22 PM »

Problem with used is that the high dollar scopes still cost high dollars used. I have purchased Leupolds VX-III's used, as they have a no-questions asked life time warranty, and have saved a few bucks over buying new Vari-X III, but still more then your $200 limit.

I like B&L elite 3000 and 3200 scopes for your price range, also Cabelas might have something in their line.

Tom

Graybeard · « **Reply #7 on:** March 18, 2003, 06:00:02 PM »

My suggestion to you is the Bushnell Elite 3200 2-7. That's what sits on my R700 LSS Mtn. Rifle in 7-08.

GB

kc5rkg · « **Reply #8 on:** March 19, 2003, 02:31:56 AM »

Thanks for the help guys! I was looking on optic zone's website. What is the firefly reticle on some of the elite 3200's? I think I read an article about it somewhere, but not sure. Is it something worth while?

Thanks again everyone!!!

Scott

TheOpticZone · « **Reply #9 on:** March 19, 2003, 02:48:24 AM »

The Bushnell firefly reticle has a fluorescent type material on the reticle. You shine a flashlight into the scope for 2-3 minutes and the reticle will glow for, I believe, a half an hour to a hour.

chk · « **Reply #10 on:** March 19, 2003, 02:55:49 AM »

The firefly rectical has a luninus coating much like a watch's hands when charged by the light from a flashlight will glow in the dark. I guess it works ok but is a fix for a nonexistant problem unless you can hunt between sunset and sunrise. For me,if I can't see my rectical without it being illuminated I won't shoot.

Zachary · « **Reply #11 on:** March 19, 2003, 05:03:50 AM »

There are two things that I don't like about the Firefly concept.

First, you cannot have various settings of brightness.

Second, the inside portion of the crosshairs (the most important part) are not illuminated, its just the outside portions.

Still, I guess for about $30 more it might be worth it because it would be better than nothing.

Zachary

John (Rojo) · « **Reply #12 on:** March 19, 2003, 02:25:31 PM »

I did not try Bushnell until I became a member of this forum. I have found the 4200 series absolutely excellent. Like Zachary, I too like the Nikon Monarch. Not only have I found the optics to be excellent, but the the fit and finish for the dollar spent is unequivocal.

John (Rojo)