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Offline KyFarmer

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Best inexpensive scope
« on: May 30, 2007, 07:37:22 AM »
It looks as if I will need a new scope for my Remington 700BDL Varminter in .22-250.  After missing 4 out of 6 groundhogs at about 100 yds,  I have discovered that my scope will not hold a zero.  I don't need to spend a lot of money for a new one.  Would like your opinion on the best value for $150.00 or less.  Busnell,  Tasco,  BSA.?   Any suggestions anyone???????    kyfarmer



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Offline Casull

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Re: Best inexpensive scope
« Reply #1 on: May 30, 2007, 07:53:19 AM »
At about $100 to $120, the Bushnell Legend is tough to beat.  Hope that helps.  I'm sure you'll get more suggestions.  I have probably 6 or 7 Leupolds and about that many Bushnells (Banners and Legends), and for the money, the Legend is a great scope.
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Offline quickdtoo

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Re: Best inexpensive scope
« Reply #2 on: May 30, 2007, 08:11:17 AM »
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Offline azmike

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Re: Best inexpensive scope
« Reply #3 on: May 30, 2007, 10:57:02 AM »
Not sure what is best, but I'm gonna try a Sightron S1 in 3-9x40 on my .223 soon.  Will let you know how it works.   For 119 dollars, it's worth a try.
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Offline burntmuch

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Re: Best inexpensive scope
« Reply #4 on: May 30, 2007, 11:03:33 AM »
I like the burris scopes. I ve got 2 Leupold's & 4 burris scopes . I dont care for the FF2 line. so if i was in the market Id buy an older one.  Jay
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Offline ihuntbucks

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Re: Best inexpensive scope
« Reply #5 on: May 30, 2007, 03:48:59 PM »
Here's another vote for the Mueller APV  4.5 - 14 x 40 for around 130 bucks.I have the 3 -10 x 44 Tac II and it is awesome.........Rick
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Offline quickdtoo

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Re: Best inexpensive scope
« Reply #6 on: May 30, 2007, 03:52:03 PM »
The APV is only $115 shipped! ;)

Tim
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Offline billy_56081

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Re: Best inexpensive scope
« Reply #7 on: May 30, 2007, 03:57:20 PM »
Bushnell Banner!
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Offline lucky guy

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Re: Best inexpensive scope
« Reply #8 on: May 31, 2007, 07:29:36 AM »
I've bought two used Leupold VXII 3x9's in the last few months, one for 150, one for 175.  Leupold optics and internals, lifetime warranty, hard to beat for the money unless you just have to have new.
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Offline ctaylor

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Re: Best inexpensive scope
« Reply #9 on: May 31, 2007, 08:46:21 AM »
ebay for great deals on leupold they go for about half price of new
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Offline quickdtoo

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Re: Best inexpensive scope
« Reply #10 on: May 31, 2007, 10:51:57 AM »
I'd be cautious of Leupold scopes that sell for bargain prices on Ebay, or anywhere else for that matter.

Tim

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

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Re: Best inexpensive scope
« Reply #11 on: May 31, 2007, 12:48:37 PM »
Quote from: quickdtoo on May 31, 2007, 10:51:57 AM
I'd be cautious of Leupold scopes that sell for bargain prices on Ebay, or anywhere else for that matter.

Tim

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

Good point.  Here's an exerpt from the Leupold website.

"Leupold employs serial number tracking for all its riflescopes, so if a customer finds a scope that is suspect, he or she can simply write down the serial number and call 1-800-LEUPOLD to confirm if it is indeed authentic.

In general, most of the scopes appear to originate from Hong Kong (People’s Republic of China), and have “Leupold Mark 4” laser engraved on the bottom of the turret in a silver etch, while the black ring on the objective is etched in white and does not include the name “Leupold.” The scopes also do not bear the Leupold medallion, a mark all Leupold scopes will always possess. An authentic Mark 4 riflescope will always be engraved black on black and have the name “Leupold” engraved on the black ring."

I haven't bought any used ones on line, and from the prices I see on ebay ($200 and up) I'm not sure they're such a bargain anyway.

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Offline victorcharlie

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Re: Best inexpensive scope
« Reply #12 on: May 31, 2007, 12:53:50 PM »
Sportsman's Warehouse has a Nikon Prostaff 3X9 for $149.....That's the way I'd go......
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Offline LaOtto222

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Re: Best inexpensive scope
« Reply #13 on: May 31, 2007, 09:15:57 PM »
I have several Bushnell Banners from 2.5X up to 6 - 24X and have had good luck with all of them.
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Offline beemanbeme

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Re: Best inexpensive scope
« Reply #14 on: June 01, 2007, 02:13:15 AM »
I have a Nikon 3x9 on a hunting rifle and its nice and clear but I don't think a 3x9 will get the job done on a 22-250.  Something in a 4x16 sounds about right.  Depends, of course, on what kind of shooting you're doing. I had a BSA for a short while to see what they were like.  The cross hairs were kinda coarse for long range Pdog sniping so I sent it along.  Not for any fault except the cross hairs.
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Offline OLDHandgunner

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Re: Best inexpensive scope
« Reply #15 on: June 01, 2007, 02:37:22 AM »
I've always been a Leuopld, Redfield, Lyman & Burris type of scope person. Lately I've checked out the Nikon Pro-Staff scopes. They are a very nice scope for the money. Super clear and positive adjustments.
I buy most of my scopes used now at gun shows, gun shops & even on E-bay. Leupold, Burris & old Lyman All-Americans can be bought for less than half of what they cost new. Of coarse the Lyman's are no longer made but what a nice quality scope.
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Offline alsaqr

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Re: Best inexpensive scope
« Reply #16 on: June 01, 2007, 08:25:03 AM »
Have had good luck with fixed power Nikon ProStaff scopes.  The four power ProStaff on one of my muzzle-loaders has stood up to 400-500 shots, about half of them were heavy loads. 
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Offline pastorp

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Re: Best inexpensive scope
« Reply #17 on: June 14, 2007, 01:00:07 PM »
KYFarmer, I've got a swift 6x on my CZ527 223. The scope was just under 100$ shipped. Works well for me.  ;D Byron
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Offline Country Boy

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Re: Best inexpensive scope
« Reply #18 on: July 11, 2007, 03:26:15 PM »
Just got back from the range. I had very good luck with the following.  Simmons 3x10x44master series on a .243 a nikon prostaff on a .50 cal Ml Bushnell banner on a .45-70 Yes I have more expensive scope but these scopes have been very good for me.
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Offline Ponydog

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Re: Best inexpensive scope
« Reply #19 on: July 12, 2007, 10:24:59 AM »
Bushnell Banners have been my choice for years...they have held zero , and they just work.....got a Nikon Prostaff 3x9 x40 on my 204 this past year...it's more clear , and is a great scope as well....Banner 70 bucks....Nikon 150 ...both inexpensive as optics go ...
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Offline Mac11700

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Re: Best inexpensive scope
« Reply #20 on: July 12, 2007, 06:09:17 PM »

You got a real nice long range rifle...but you want to put a cheap scope on it...? Optics are like your glasses...you can get by with a pair of reading glasses from 7-11 for about $4.00...but...do you really have to? Having a good pair makes a big difference when you using them all day long...and the same holds true for a scope you'll be using a-lot...

I know I sure would like to get by with cheaper optics..but..sitting on the firing line looking thru them at targets that are much larger than a prairie dog at 300-400-500-600 yards make me quickly realize the old adage of not scrimping on my optics mandates I heed that advise...other wise I am wishing I had... I have used several of them...and have looked thru a bunch of the cheaper priced scope trying to save myself a few dollars...and have to fight the urge to spend less on one...every time I do scrimp...I regret it...and wind up taking it back...or trading it or selling it...

Get the best scope you can afford...and you will thank your self for it...every day you use it...A-lot of folks will tell you their brand XXX is just as good as one of the better scopes costing 2-3 times as much...well...if you want to believe it...that's fine..but the reality is they aren't as good...Go try and look thru the ones being suggested here...look into dark areas and focus on the furthest corners of the store you can...or ask if you can look at it in natural light on a try stock...this will be the best thing you can do for your self...Late evening..early morning is the best time to check them for light transmission...The brightest part of the day is the best for checking to see if the scope "flares" out on it's edges...You need to be able to compare them for your self...Then you will know for sure if the cheap one is for you...A cloudy dark scope on the higher powers with a large black ocular ring showing in your field of vision doesn't make for a good scope...no matter what any body tries to sell you on....It should be a very tiny line around what your looking at...not something 1/4" to 1/2" thick...

I use a-lot of Leupold scopes...from their VX-1's to some of their most expensive ones...and several other higher priced scopes of various manufactures...I  just recently picked up a Nikon Buck Master 6x18 side focus...yes...it is 2x what you want to spend...but it is one of the clearest brightest..easiest to focus scopes I have used in a very long time...I am totally amazed at this scope...and rate it up with some of my better scopes...It tracks perfectly..it has a much improved "box" to get my head situated correctly in..and a vastly improved light transmission coatings...This is coming from a person who just a few years ago wouldn't give a plug nickel for another one of them too...so...go and look thru as many of them as you can..and see which gives the better site picture...and which one don't...then picture yourself using it for several days on a hunt...Then buy the right one for you...

Mac
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Offline beemanbeme

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Re: Best inexpensive scope
« Reply #21 on: July 13, 2007, 02:05:15 AM »
Buy the best YOU CAN AFFORD is good advice but remember, there's been a whole bunch of Pdogs shot with BSA's and Tasco's.
I've know guys that bought top of the line bass boats then couldn't afford to go fishing for having to work overtime to pay for them. :D
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Offline Ponydog

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Re: Best inexpensive scope
« Reply #22 on: July 13, 2007, 06:37:47 AM »
Ok , I agree, sure I'd like to have a Leupold...and yeah , I'd also like to have to not work every day as well...lol...but...I , like you , had a budget....and I did what Mac said.....I looked through as many as I could...for my hunting choice, I picked Bushnell Banners....after several years....I saw the Nikon I just picked out for my 527 CZ...and like Mac....I am amazed , even at the "lower end" Nikon I bought....it is brighter than the Banner...so if brighter means better..ok , for that aspect it is better. But , I can also say from ground squirrels to white tailed deer , to hogs to javelina to coyotes and bobcats.......the Bushnell saw them all  and I  had successful hunts.   Ask lots of questions , sure...but as Mac said, look through them all, and make your best choice...for your type of hunting...that really is all that matters.
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Offline handirifle

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Re: Best inexpensive scope
« Reply #23 on: July 13, 2007, 12:16:57 PM »
Take a good long look at the Simmons Aetec.  I have one on my 243 and love it.
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Offline Hogchaser

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Re: Best inexpensive scope
« Reply #24 on: July 26, 2007, 02:04:53 AM »
I will repeat what other people have said and say buy the best you can afford...but I certainly understand when you drop all that $$$ on a rifle $$$ gets scarce, in your price range I would look at the Bushnell Trophy series or keep an eye out at the different classified sections around the net...lots of good deals to be had.
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Offline Bob A

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Re: Best inexpensive scope
« Reply #25 on: July 26, 2007, 05:26:06 PM »
Bushnell Banner is a great line. I currently have 2. One on my 336 30-30 and one on my Hornet. These are called "Dusk to Dawn" scopes and they are really very clear in low light. Best value out there for under $100. 

Bob A
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Offline benchracer

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Re: Best inexpensive scope
« Reply #26 on: July 26, 2007, 10:02:56 PM »
The Simmons Whitetail Classic 6.5-20x50 AO can be had from Midway for about $100 (normally lists for $219) on sale.  I bought one early this spring and am very impressed with it.  It is a lot of scope for the money.  I mounted it on a sporterized mauser in 22-250.  At the range, I could easily spot my impacts at 300 yards through the scope.  In fact, with the AO properly adjusted, I could see more clearly through the scope than I could through a friend's BSA spotting scope.  A person could spend more, but one would have to spend A LOT more to better the performance of this scope.
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Offline poncaguy

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Re: Best inexpensive scope
« Reply #27 on: July 27, 2007, 04:03:22 PM »
Weaver K6...................$129....excellent glass.
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Offline jon f

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Re: Best inexpensive scope
« Reply #28 on: August 03, 2007, 08:25:38 PM »
I agree with Mac. I have a Meopta 7x50 with an illuminated reticule on my CZ .17 mach 2.
If you love your rifle, get a scope that befits it. Yes it cost more than the rifle...
                             Jon f.
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Offline cccombo

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Re: Best inexpensive scope
« Reply #29 on: August 07, 2007, 08:13:30 PM »
Quote from: Casull on May 30, 2007, 07:53:19 AM
At about $100 to $120, the Bushnell Legend is tough to beat.  Hope that helps.  I'm sure you'll get more suggestions.  I have probably 6 or 7 Leupolds and about that many Bushnells (Banners and Legends), and for the money, the Legend is a great scope.

+1
the legend is the best value scope on the market
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