$400 scope

[toon]

So far from what I've searched either the Nikon Buck master 6-18 or Bushnell E4200 6-24 scope seems to be the ticket for my 243. Is there anything else I should be looking at for that price range? The rifle will be used for up to 600 yrds max,typically 3-400 yrds). Squirrels, plinking and the one in a year deer,maybe). I'm currently leaning towards the Nikon due to it's price,320) and what I'm using it for.

 

[TheOpticZone]

I would also consider the Clearidge Ultra XP 6-20x40. A great scope for the money. Is comparable to the Nikon Monarch and the Elite 4200. You can see more about it on our website at www.theopticzone.com/clearidgescopes.aspx.

 

[Flybuster]

On the Clearridge 6-20x40 are the target turrents zero-able, can you loosen the knobs and set it to your zero and tighten back down?

 

[TheOpticZone]

Yes!

 

[acloco]

You are spending too much money.

At cheaperthandirt.com, buy the 6-24x56 Nikko Stirling with side focus and mildots. Fully multi coated lenses, etc, etc.

About 175 to your door. I bought one..and now own four. Will be buying two more after the first of the year. Everything from 204 to 243 wears them. My 1000 yard varmint rifle will soon be wearing one as well.

My longest kill with a 223AI - 745 yards.

 

[Flybuster]

Acloco, My shooting partner went and bought a Nikko Sterling,nighteater)4-16 power w/mildots. I was a bit skeptical when he told me about it. Its optics were good,could see bullet smudges at 495 yards on white target)for the price he paid for it, around $200. We have shot it out to almost 800 yards with his .308,has alot of elevation by the way). The only thing is, the Pull up knobs were not zero-able. Have you found a way to mark your zero so you can return to it. Or do you just hold over using the dots?

If your looking to spend around $400-450 Leupold has a varmint scope I personally own. The VX-2 6-18x40 with target turrents and fine plex. I have had this one for about 4 years on a couple varmint rifles. It lacks the adjustment range of the long range series, but you can always use Burris Zee rings to bump your elevation up.

I find that for load development and target practice with my varmint rifles, that I am wanting more and more power each time I buy a scope. Having more power really lets you see how steady your holding the gun, the image will appear shakey if your not steady enough. But I have done ok with the 6-24 power range, next scope will probably have more power though. Understanding that resolution probably drops off on most scopes when you get over 32 power.

 

[acloco]

flybuster,
Nope, cannot zero the turrets. I use the mildots for holdover and range finding. I usually shoot on 16X, so I know what size the varmint is that I am shooting and can guess the range from use of the mildots.

The turrets are graduated - should not be a big deal to dial up and then dial back to your original setting.

 

[toon]

Big thanks to everyone for the replies. It gives me a lot of food for thought. I'm looking long and hard and the clearidge now. Unfortunately I've had bad luck with Nikko Sterling before in the past,about 10years ago) and left a sour taste in my mouth.

 

[acloco]

Here is the skinny on scopes....

Scope Lingo you should know

Coated lense,s) - means ONE SIDE of ONE LENSE is coated

Multi Coated - means ONE LENSE is coated on ONE side with a couple differe flavors of coating

...or... TWO LENSES with ONE SIDE coated on EACH LENSE

Fully Coated - ONE lense coated on both sides or TWO lenses coated on both sides

Fully Multi Coated - BOTH lenses coated on BOTH sides with at least TWO different coatings.


The above are not absolutes....as everybody has a little twist on it.

 

[squirrelduster]

check out the Leapers 6x24 accushot scope. Also can be found on cheaper than dirt. The knobs can be zeroed and locked. Really good optics for the money. I shot an 8x32 on my 300 win mag lst weekend and could not find any problems. Seemed very repeatabe. I purchased another for my 6br.