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Looking for good budget whitetail scope

radford56

I just traded for a Winchester Model 70 Featherweight in 7x57 Mauser. The rifle is in great shape, but the scope and mounts on the rifle are garbage and need to be replaced. I'm looking for a good optic suitable for this rifle and I need to keep the cost under $500 (well maybe $550).

I plan to use the rifle to hunt whitetail deer, primarily at ranges of 200 yards or less. The stands I shoot from include some in wooded areas so I'm looking for a scope that does a good job in the first 15 minutes or last 15 minutes of shooting time.

I know good and cheap doesn't usually go together, but if you have a recommendation I'd appreciate hearing it. One of my acquaintances recommended a Leupold 3x9 Freedom scope which fits the budget, but like most everything else isn't easy to find right now.
 
First congratulation of obtaining a really fine rifle and caliber which should be a real deer slayer.

The classic 3 x 9 scope with a standard plex reticle would do nicely for your purposes. I'd look at the various Bushnell options. I have their 3 x 9 Elite, paid $240 for it and it's clear and hold zero.

The 50mm objective however gathers more light and can be an advantage in prime time for white tails, i.e. early and late during legal shooting hours. Take a look at the Elite 4500, 2.5 x 10, 50mm. NatchezSS.com latest catalog shows it on sale for $344.86.
 
Maybe try Europtics or SWFA and look for a leupold vx5HD 2-10x42, they have 30mm tube. They are awesome low light. Field of view is amazing. They also come with firedot. I think europtics occasionally has Swarovski demos, and a 3.5-10 is also good low light scope. I seen the demo scopes getting close to the $550 mark, and a used leupold might be fouled at that price.
 
We have been putting the Redfields on our kids rifles. They stand up to rough handling and the price is very good. I have bought several used Leupolds and the two out of 20 that had a problem I sent back to Leupold and they fixed the scope. If you can find a used 3.5-10 they are great in low light and hold up well.
 
Sightron 3-16x42 or 4-20x50 STAC model scopes fit right in your price range. You'd be best to decide the magnification. Price range from 325-425.00. Rings and base would keep you under 550.00. Great scopes. In this case Cheap and Excellent can be had.
 
Man, for woods hunting, low light and 200 max, a lot of the scopes mentioned are a heck of a lot bigger than I’d choose. Natchez may still have the Weaver Grand Slam 2-8x36 available for $250 or so. Awesome scopes at any price. A good old Leupold 4x or the 2.5-8x36 would be at the top of my list too.
 
The used market usually has some very good quality scopes at very reasonable prices. Rifle scopes like cameras are usually very well cared for and have an inspection period. Determine what will work for you, check the different site frequently and be patient.
 
Keying in that you mentioned in your goals, low light, try a 3.5x10x50 Leopold, with heavy duplex cross hairs.
Low light means reticle selection will play a big role in your satisfaction. What good is an excellent light gathering scope if you can't see the reticle?
 
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