Tikkahunter,
Incidentally, I like the handle.
As you can see, your "best" scope question started the eternal
debate between the Leupold fans, and fans of better values in
rifle optics. I need to know your definition of "best". First,
what are you using the .270 Win, for. For hunting, what would
the game species be, or conditions you plan to hunt in, or
for target shooting, is it 100 yards or 1000 yards, and is it off
a bench, or in some off hand position. These details will
help with providing better recommendations. Also, how
important are things like changing reticules, or having bullet
proof warranties, or resale value.
So for the sake of time, let's assume you are hunting deer
with this .270 Win, and you are hunting open country, in
box blinds. In this situation, you will probably have time
to adjust objectives, and will need optics for longer ranges.
In this case I'd recommend a 4-12x to 4-16x scope, and
would probably suggest looking at a Bushnell 4200, or a
Nikon Monarch. Why? First, the Bushnell has "rainguard",
and in almost all hunting situations, where rain is a factor,
this feature is sweet. Both scopes are very clear and bright,
and will easily hold up to this chamber, and these hunting
conditions. The Nikon has a little better name recognition,
so if you think you might sell this scope in the future, then
it may be a better choice. Optically they are extremely close,
and both are excellent quality for the price point.
About the only time I recommend a Leupold, is where longer
eye relief is required for heavy recoiling rifles. It is the only
feature of Leupold, that has me spend the extra cash for one.
They are only average scopes optically, for their price range,
but eye relief, after market reticle changes, durability, and
customer service are all features that may swing a buying
decision in favor of spending more for a Leupold...Oh yah,
there is name recognition, too
Some people just have to
see that gold ring on their scopes. I have some on my rifles,
and about the only thing I like about them, is when I pull the
trigger on a magnum rifle, the scope has enough eye relief to
not put a ring around my eye socket :-D But I do respect
rabid Leupold owners opinions, I just prefer to buy the best
value, and often these days, the price of that gold ring is too
high.
So, if you would provide a few more details around what
you are going to use that .270 Win. for, maybe we can provide
better recommendations for a $300 to $400 scope for that
rifle.
Squeeze
