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Author Topic: best scope for < $250?  (Read 3998 times)

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Offline Gallahad

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best scope for < $250?
« on: June 04, 2012, 02:37:12 PM »
 seems like almost everything out there is made in phillipeans. currently have a revolution in 4-14x40. I like it and trust the thing to stay zeroed. why change? I don't need that much scope, Im shooting less than 100 yds. thought if i could get something better why not. I think its everything a  vx2 is. I suspect nikon to have brighter, and crisper optics, but I don't know about reliability/ability to maintain zero, which is most important to me. I think burris and weaver in this price range are philippeano. Ive even considered getting the 3-9x50 rev., but havent checked one out yet. any thoughts?
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Offline fatercat

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Re: best scope for < $250?
« Reply #1 on: June 04, 2012, 11:22:32 PM »
used leupold, any kind
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Online Lloyd Smale

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Re: best scope for < $250?
« Reply #2 on: June 04, 2012, 11:30:41 PM »
vx2 leupold and they are a better built scope then the revelutions are. They may not be hands down better in the optics dept. compared to the redfields but they mechanics are much better. Keep in mind that both are made by leupold and dont you think that if the redfield was just as good they charge you accordingly.
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Offline Swampman

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Re: best scope for < $250?
« Reply #3 on: June 05, 2012, 12:16:25 AM »
Nikon builds the best scope in that price range.
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Offline cwlongshot

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Re: best scope for < $250?
« Reply #4 on: June 05, 2012, 01:11:28 AM »
I have bought over a dozen used Leupold VX I,II and Vari X II scopes for 200$...  If your patient and willing to search i have also seen and bought VXIII leupolds for 250-275$ used.
You can "settle" for a pro staff Nikon if you like looking thru a tube... It is a Brite tube, I will submit ::)

Look for USED hi end scopes for good savings and a price within your budget.  Spending hard earned $$ on good optics are/is NEVER a regret. Buy the best you can afford.

CW
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Offline Swampman

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Re: best scope for < $250?
« Reply #5 on: June 05, 2012, 01:29:35 AM »
The Nikon Prostaff will hold up on really hard kickers as well or better than anything else.  It is very bright in fact more so than the Leupolds.  Check ebay that's were I buy most of my scopes.
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"Brother, you say there is but one way to worship and serve the Great Spirit. If there is but one religion, why do you white people differ so much about it? Why not all agreed, as you can all read the Book?" Sogoyewapha, "Red Jacket" - Senaca

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Offline Cheesehead

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Re: best scope for < $250?
« Reply #6 on: June 05, 2012, 03:49:45 AM »
You can buy a Leopold Rifleman at Walmart for 229 bucks. I have one and it is excellent.

Cheese
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Offline Swampman

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Re: best scope for < $250?
« Reply #7 on: June 05, 2012, 07:28:26 AM »
I've bought some VX-IIs off eBay for $249.95.
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"Brother, you say there is but one way to worship and serve the Great Spirit. If there is but one religion, why do you white people differ so much about it? Why not all agreed, as you can all read the Book?" Sogoyewapha, "Red Jacket" - Senaca

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Offline 30calflash

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Re: best scope for < $250?
« Reply #8 on: June 11, 2012, 02:52:24 PM »
Any thoughts on the Burris Fullfield !!'s? There seem to be some of these in the price area mentioned including some with 30mm tubes. Thanks, 30calflash.
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Offline hardertr

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Re: best scope for < $250?
« Reply #9 on: June 11, 2012, 04:11:15 PM »
Whatever you decide to get, I would suggest you look at swfa.com
You might actually be able to bump your price range up $100, and find a demo version of it for under your $250 limit.
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Offline 31 bertram

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Re: best scope for < $250?
« Reply #10 on: June 11, 2012, 05:58:42 PM »
My first 3x9x40 Burris FF II was made in the USA but I bought a second one from SWFA on closeout for $119.95 in Gloss and it's made in the Philippines and I like it just as much as the US made if not better.  You won't find a tougher scope for the $$$.   
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Offline Bugflipper

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Re: best scope for < $250?
« Reply #11 on: June 11, 2012, 07:46:59 PM »
I like to recommend scopes manufacturers that will honor their warranty.
My dad knocked one of my Ars off a porch rail. The vortex strikefire scope softened the 12 ft drop onto a stone paver. The funny thing was it kept zero. A year or so later I decided to send it off. It had messed up the button to turn it on and off. It still switched from red to green and would brighten and dim. Just got tired of unscrewing the battery cover to kill the power. I wrote down what was damaged and how it ended up that way. About a week later I received a new one.


I have bought several broken leupolds and sent them in. If it's beyond repair and they don't make the particular model anymore they send one that would be comparable. IE vx-2 for a vari-x3. The note attached has always been what I thought was wrong with it and that it had been bought in that condition, I did not know if there was more wrong with it.


I sent in a sightron that I had worn the elevation turret out on. It was on a bench gun and had countless adjustments over 15 years or so. Again a note of what was wrong and why. They no longer made that design anymore. I think it was steel and the new ones were aluminum. I was sent the next model up of what would have been the one I had if it was current. A s2 big sky. Back then they just had a s1 and s2.

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Offline Savage .250

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Re: best scope for < $250?
« Reply #12 on: June 12, 2012, 03:54:41 AM »
To many scopes under $250 out there . Some might be considered "the best " by some.
    Matter of opinion at best.   Some stand out though and for me that would be , Weaver,
     Nikon, Leopold and a couple others.
     Some time it even comes down to what the "eye" likes. Plus other features as well.  :)
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Online Lloyd Smale

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Re: best scope for < $250?
« Reply #13 on: June 12, 2012, 11:42:57 PM »
another good one in that price range is the vortex line.
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Offline hunt-m-up

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Re: best scope for < $250?
« Reply #14 on: June 13, 2012, 04:31:10 PM »
Another vote for Burris in this price range.
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Offline Huffmanite

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Re: best scope for < $250?
« Reply #15 on: June 15, 2012, 07:07:04 AM »
Galahad,  Year ago or more, Nitrex line of scopes was discontinued.  Nitrex TR1 and TR2 models basically same scopes as Weavers, made in same Japanese plant with same internals/optics of Grand Slams and Super Slams.  Nitrex and Weaver both owned by same company.....Weaver handles the Nitrex lifetime warranty.  Have a couple of the Nitrex TR2 scopes and shoot with a couple of gents at range with the TR1s.  We've pretty darn pleased with them.
 
There are still some Nitrex TR1 scopes, in power range you're interested in, available at place that sold what was left of Nitrex inventory when brand discontinued.  Prices on these scopes are quite a bargain.....$140 or less, depending on model.  They once had a retail price of over $320.   Just google Nitrex TR1 scopes for sale, you should find the place with them. 
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Offline bigswede

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Re: best scope for < $250?
« Reply #16 on: June 21, 2012, 11:36:37 PM »
Heres another vote for a used Leupold.  Best customer service in the industry.
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Offline mannyrock

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Re: best scope for < $250?
« Reply #17 on: June 22, 2012, 03:51:29 AM »
 
   I can only say this.  Absolutely do not be afraid to buy a used Leupold VariX II scope, 2x7 or 3x9 at a gunshow.  You can tell whether it has been abused or not by simply examining the tube and looking through the scope.
 
   I have bought three of these in my lifetime, paying from $150 to $175.  I never had a single problem with any of them, and still use them all today.  Only exception to this is that after a while, the adjustment ring on one of them became hard to turn.  I mailed it back to Leupold with an explanation of the problem, and 10 days later I received it back in the mail, totally fixed, free of charge.
 
   You cannot achieve this type of qualityand service by buying a new $250 scope today, likely made in China.  Impossible.  Don't waste your time or money. The VariX II and III were and are built for a lifetime of use.
 
Hope this helps.
 
Mannyrock
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Offline Dixie Dude

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Re: best scope for < $250?
« Reply #18 on: June 22, 2012, 03:56:27 AM »
I chose Nikon over Leopold because they are brigher.  Haven't had any problems. 
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Offline Bugflipper

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Re: best scope for < $250?
« Reply #19 on: June 22, 2012, 04:52:26 AM »
Quote from: mannyrock on June 22, 2012, 03:51:29 AM

   I can only say this.  Absolutely do not be afraid to buy a used Leupold VariX II scope, 2x7 or 3x9 at a gunshow.  You can tell whether it has been abused or not by simply examining the tube and looking through the scope.
 
   I have bought three of these in my lifetime, paying from $150 to $175.  I never had a single problem with any of them, and still use them all today.  Only exception to this is that after a while, the adjustment ring on one of them became hard to turn.  I mailed it back to Leupold with an explanation of the problem, and 10 days later I received it back in the mail, totally fixed, free of charge.
 
   You cannot achieve this type of qualityand service by buying a new $250 scope today, likely made in China.  Impossible.  Don't waste your time or money. The VariX II and III were and are built for a lifetime of use.
 
Hope this helps.
 
Mannyrock


I have bought several that were damaged and the owners didn't want to mess with sending it off. Just a simple note shipped with it that I bought it this way and don't know what all is wrong with it. A week or two later there is a replacement in hand. They either send it back fixed or send a new one.
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Offline cwlongshot

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Re: best scope for < $250?
« Reply #20 on: June 22, 2012, 05:14:48 AM »
Quote from: Bugflipper on June 22, 2012, 04:52:26 AM
Quote from: mannyrock on June 22, 2012, 03:51:29 AM

   I can only say this.  Absolutely do not be afraid to buy a used Leupold VariX II scope, 2x7 or 3x9 at a gunshow.  You can tell whether it has been abused or not by simply examining the tube and looking through the scope.
 
   I have bought three of these in my lifetime, paying from $150 to $175.  I never had a single problem with any of them, and still use them all today.  Only exception to this is that after a while, the adjustment ring on one of them became hard to turn.  I mailed it back to Leupold with an explanation of the problem, and 10 days later I received it back in the mail, totally fixed, free of charge.
 I
   You cannot achieve this type of qualityand service by buying a new $250 scope today, likely made in China.  Impossible.  Don't waste your time or money. The VariX II and III were and are built for a lifetime of use.
 
Hope this helps.
 
Mannyrock


I have bought several that were damaged and the owners didn't want to mess with sending it off. Just a simple note shipped with it that I bought it this way and don't know what all is wrong with it. A week or two later there is a replacement in hand. They either send it back fixed or send a new one.

I read a person here write something along of the lines of "I cannot afford a cheaper scope than Leupold" I agree!!!

I also agree, 110% with Bugflipper and Mannyrock, about buying used. NO worries!! You don't even need to know what the problem is. They go threw them stem to stern and will fix what ever they find that effects the scopes ability to do its job. Scratches and dings are not covered. But lenses and controls defineately are!

I have commented many times, in like threads, about Leupold and many times gotten negative comments about having the "money" to buy Leupold. I simply refuse to skimp in my scopes. YES there are better, but for under 250$ the Leupold will be amount to top available. I have quite a few Leupolds and only a few have been bought new. Leupold has NEVER let me down. They have many times even returned scopes to me BEFORE payment!!!! They are a STANDUP USA company, making a superior product. I will gladly pay a few $ more to such a company.

CW
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Offline Gallahad

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Re: best scope for < $250?
« Reply #21 on: June 24, 2012, 03:29:50 PM »
well, after really looking over my options, I had kinda settled on a buckmasters or vx2. Then I found a good deal on a like brand spankin' new 3-9x40 monarch. local shop. told him I'd buy it over the phone, then I got there and found out it was gloss. I can't stand gloss scopes, but i bought it anyway since he let me in on a day he was closed, and I got a really good deal. really nice optics!
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Offline Dixie Dude

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Re: best scope for < $250?
« Reply #22 on: June 25, 2012, 08:42:41 AM »
If I am not mistaken, either Buckmasters or Cabela's scopes are made by Nikon. 
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Offline cwlongshot

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Re: best scope for < $250?
« Reply #23 on: June 25, 2012, 12:36:12 PM »
Quote from: Dixie Dude on June 25, 2012, 08:42:41 AM
If I am not mistaken, either Buckmasters or Cabela's scopes are made by Nikon.


The Buck master is a NIKON, maybe some Cabelas scopes are NIKON as well but DEFINEATELY not the whole line!

The Monarch is a very nice scope with very good optics! Aside from the finish, you made a good choice, good luck with it! (I DO NOT EXPECT YOU TO NEED "LUCK")

CW
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Offline Bugflipper

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Re: best scope for < $250?
« Reply #24 on: June 27, 2012, 05:22:30 PM »
Quote from: Gallahad on June 24, 2012, 03:29:50 PM
well, after really looking over my options, I had kinda settled on a buckmasters or vx2. Then I found a good deal on a like brand spankin' new 3-9x40 monarch. local shop. told him I'd buy it over the phone, then I got there and found out it was gloss. I can't stand gloss scopes, but i bought it anyway since he let me in on a day he was closed, and I got a really good deal. really nice optics!


You could just dull it down. Rub bees wax, chap stick, a bar of soap or whatever on it and it will knock the shine off. If you are worried about odor just dilute baking soda in water and squirt it on. It will dry with a dull finish. A lot of those scent killer sprays have baking soda in them and will do the same.
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Offline yooper77

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Re: best scope for < $250?
« Reply #25 on: June 27, 2012, 08:39:09 PM »
Absolutely no question I can only vote for Leupold!


yooper77
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Offline Swampman

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Re: best scope for < $250?
« Reply #26 on: June 28, 2012, 11:06:23 AM »
There are new in the box Leupold VX-IIs on Gunbroker for $239.00.
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Offline Ranch13

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Re: best scope for < $250?
« Reply #27 on: June 28, 2012, 01:26:50 PM »
Burris, and catch the combo deal with the binoculars and be twice as satisfied.
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Offline trotterlg

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Re: best scope for < $250?
« Reply #28 on: July 01, 2012, 11:52:15 AM »
Just be aware that a lot of the Leupold scopes you find at gun shows are not.  There are tons of knockoffs in from China, so, unless you know how to tell the difference, sending it back repair will do nothing for you except cost you the shipping.  I kind of like the Swifts, they are sort of in between cheap and expensive, nice scopes, I have several of them.  Larry
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Offline Bugflipper

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Re: best scope for < $250?
« Reply #29 on: July 01, 2012, 05:27:00 PM »
Quote from: trotterlg on July 01, 2012, 11:52:15 AM
Just be aware that a lot of the Leupold scopes you find at gun shows are not.  There are tons of knockoffs in from China, so, unless you know how to tell the difference, sending it back repair will do nothing for you except cost you the shipping.  I kind of like the Swifts, they are sort of in between cheap and expensive, nice scopes, I have several of them.  Larry


 Great point Larry. That doesn't get brought up a lot here.


http://www.leupold.com/corporate/resources/counterfeit-warning/
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