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Budget hunting scope recommendation

jrkotz

A friend of mine has an old NEF 30-06 that shoots just fine, but desperately needs new glass. He doesn't want to spend much. I suggested a 3-9 in the $150 range. New or used is fine .

I'm thinking - Nikon prostaff, Leupold VX I, Redfield revolution, maybe a deal on a used Zeiss Terra or Sig Whiskey

I don't know the lower end Vortex or Sightron models very well.

Any suggestions? Thanks
 
I think there are some good deals on Burris and also Weaver. They have pretty good reputations in their price range.
I have owned both on hunting rifles and didn’t have any problems with either.
Check out Natchez Shooters Supplies, they have some sales going on now.
Gary
 
Natchez used to have Nikon Buckmaster scopes in various configurations for $250. Decent glass, reliable turrets, reliable.
 
I have the Sig Whiskey 3-9x50. Light good eye relief. cheap. Bought it with the Kilo 1250 range finder. Eh, on the range finder.
 
I think any of those you suggested should be just fine if you can find one second hand. Most of them can be found for people on a budget frequently under $100.
 
VI luppy vote here.
I own one of those and 2 nihon buck masters . I'd say better low light clarity in the luppy and definitely better clarity in the luppy when then sun is low on the horizon as well. But the buck master can be had for 130 new and the leupold are around 200 ish down as low as 159 on sale.
 
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All the posts here have been good ones. I'll just add that I have a wide variety of optics at several price points and nothing beats actually looking through the glass you are considering buying. All the brands have tiers of quality so don't purchase based on name only. A good gun store will have a wide selection of optics that you can look through. When compared side by side you will notice light transmission differences as well as things one person's eyes like better than the next person. Here is where knowing how to adjust a scope to your eyes can make things easier. The reticle adjustment at the eye piece will bring the cross hairs into focus making them easier to see. My old eyes need more adjustment so I turn the eye piece counterclockwise to make that adjustment, though each brand is a little different.

I'm also partial to adjustable objectives to remove parallax or improve the target focus. Getting this feature in a budget scope is challenging but when shopping and looking at least view some scopes with that feature and see for yourself what a difference it makes. Non adjustable scopes tend to be focused for 150 yards.

What we see through the scope is one factor, the other is how repeatable are the adjustments and that is tougher to evaluate, just have to do research or recommendations . What is good about the major brands is they will fix it if it's broke. You will have to wait though.

The classifieds here have a good selection of scopes for sale. Yes, many of them are super spendy but not all. You can open up a WTB ad and you'll get responses. Good luck with the search. Share what you decide to do.

As for Natchez shooting supply, well that is one fine online store with great prices. During their optics sale, I scored a Bushnell trophy 4-12x40 with side focus and a ranging reticle for 129.99 shipped. I am amazed how clear the optics are. I have a Weaver Grand Slam 3-10 on my 30-06 and I'm certain the new Bushnell is as good. Next time I go to the range I'll put it next to a Leuopold VXII and the Weaver to be sure. The VXII is a nicer scope though, won't be fair.

I just checked Natchez and they have the exact same Bushnell still on sale for 124.99
https://www.natchezss.com/bushnell-...sf-1-tube-doa-600-cf-reticle-matte-black.html

This is why you need to look through the scopes. At the sub $150 price point you have very low quality optics mixed in with some loss leader close out deals on amazing quality. Choose wisely
 
I have bought a couple of the Nikon Prostaff 5 and 7s from Natchez that I threw on a couple Savages and have been really happy with them. Good bright glass and nice features for the cost.
 
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