Help with scope choice

[JustaShooter]

Good friend of mine is looking to put a scope on a new .30-06 that will be used for hunting deer & possibly elk at some point in the future.  Max shot distance will be 250-300 yards, typical US hunting times (1/2 hour before dawn/after dusk). 

I figure we are probably best served by something in a 3-9x40 or thereabout, but the problem is we are looking at a $200 budget, so I'm not sure what direction to go.  I usually want to put a bit more into a scope than that, but money is really tight so their budget is what it is.  (I could probably talk them into a couple $$ more, but no more than say another $20-$25.)

Any suggestions for the best scope we can get for that price range?

Just a Shooter

[Graybeard]

There are a lot of good used Leupold 3-9 Vari-X II and VX-I and VX-II scopes out there for $200 or less. There is one listed now here for $225 I think. He might take less as it has set untaken quite awhile.

If you can still find them in stock the Bushnell E3200 3-9 is in that price range as well. Dunno if they have any left or not but I picked up one of them from GBO Sponsor Midsouth Shooter's Supply a month or so back.

I think GBO Sponsor Mueller has one as well and they have a life time warranty that Rich really honors.

You might also check with GBO Sponsor Camera Land to see what they have in that price range that is of good quality.

I agree a 3-9 is an excellent choice but a 2-7 will really do you just as well and might can be had a bit cheaper. The new Redfield and the Leupold Rifleman scopes should come in around your budget as well.

[Cabin4]

Bushnell 3200
Nikon Buckmaster
Burris Fullfield
Pentax Pioneer
Leupold VX1
Swift Premier
 
These should all fall into that $200ish range. I have first hand experiance with these and can only say I'm happy with them. There are more in the $$ range but these I have enough use with to give an opinion. Weaver is another line up to consider. I don;t own one but I have had their Grand Slam in my hands and its a very nice scope.
 

[Empty Quiver]

I would look at used Leupolds. I am not a bit afraid of used myself. Unless it is obviously miss treated you can send it in for warranty service. The Redfields are within your budget as well.


Do look at the 2X7 scopes, for big game they are lighter and a 3X9 offers little more.  You might find someone who feels the need for more scope, and get a bargain.

[yooper77]

Most definitely snag up a used Leupold 3-9x40mm Vari-X II or VX-II scopes off auction sites.
 
yooper77

[Maccool]

I know its not a 3x9-40 but it is a great scope and it's being discontinued and is on sale for  cheap, I have one and love it its crisp and very bright, and has a the best warranty in the business, lifetime no questions asked, so even if you drop your rifle and break it scoop up the pieces send them back and it will be fixed or replaced.  I don't think for the money you will find a better scope.
http://swfa.com/Vortex-2-7x32-Viper-Rifle-Scope-P11227.aspx

[JustaShooter]

Thanks for the replies and suggestions.  Gonna sit down and talk it over on Monday and see where it takes us.

Thanks again,

Just a Shooter

[Brithunter]

If as you suggest an Elk trip is on the cards then may I suggest you get the best scope you can possibly find with good light transmission for first and light light shooting and of course in wooded areas. It might mean the difference of a shot verses not shot at an Elk. Good light transmission usually means an objective of at least 40mm.


In Europe the size is commonly 42mm for scopes for such use.


I would also seriously consider a fixed magnification scope like a 6x40 ..... 6x42 or even 7x50. They can often be found a bit cheaper. One must ask oneself how often the variable scope is actually adjusted in magnification? Most just set it to say 5x or 6x and leave it be so why pay for something that is not used nor really needed.


Yes I do have variables but as I am on a really fixed budget and income I usually have to buy used scopes so get what comes up good at the right price.


OH yes one other suggestion ................................... if you stumble over a Tasco Titan scope don't just pass it by    have a good look at it as it really is a good scope and nothing like the other Tasco offerings. I acquired on on a used rifle and the build is superb as are the optics. The adjustments are exactly the same as those on the German Schmidt & Bender scopes and in the UK at least when new the price was not much less that the S&B..... the one I acquired is a 3-9x42 and they have 30mm tubes by the way so bear that in mind when you consider mounts.

[Lloyd Smale]

ill agree with the used luepold suggestion but with this twist. Id look for a vx2 rather then a varix 2. The new ones have click ajustments and that alone puts them in a differnt class then the old ones. They also have much better glass in them. If you could increase your budget or save a bit longer you can get a new 3x9 vx 2 for just under 300 if you look around. Ive got 3 of them and there great scopes. Ive been slowly trying to upgrade all my friction adj. leupolds to vx2s