I just put together a savage 300wsm long range target/hunting rifle and topped it off with a bushnell elite 4200 6-24. I would like to start looking for a good solid scope with a fine ballistic recticle. It seems like so many new scopes have cross hairs that are too thick and make it hard for really precision shooting. I would love a nightforce but with two young kids i just cant afford one right now. Ive been looking at vortex and sightron. Anyone have any suggestions on a good scope for the money say $650 or less that would be a good combo target/hunting scope with a nice quality fine recticle and clear glass? This rifle will be used for both hunting and target shooting.
suggestions for a good "entry level" hunting/target scope
- Thread starter jreedtn
- Start date
You might want to try a Nikon Monarch III scope. They have one in 6-24 x 50 with a Fine Crosshair /w Dot. Nikon scopes are as clear as you can get, rarely break and would do well as a "dual purpose" scope. It lacks BIG magnification and 1/8th adjustments. However, it is in your price range and it will work..
I run a pair of Sightrons and a NF. For the money the Sightrons do a great job, JMHO
If you want a good hunting scope for little cost, find a Leupold 3-9x40 VX-II & use it until you decide on your ultimate scope & can afford it. Personally, I have found that I really like the Leupold VX-R scopes for hunting. Bought one of the 3-9's from a site member who took a sheep at 700 yards with it. That impressed me. Love the illuminated dot, and reticle choices are good, too. Hope this helps you a little. Joe
snert
Silver $$ Contributor
I like the Leupold VX 2 6-18. Overlooked scope, but I find it to really be a fine scope.
Just saw Viper 6-20X with BDC on one of the sites (Camaraland? or maybe Midway?) on a closeout for about $300. I love mine I got a few months back on that deal from Cameraland. Sweet scope for price.
Just saw Viper 6-20X with BDC on one of the sites (Camaraland? or maybe Midway?) on a closeout for about $300. I love mine I got a few months back on that deal from Cameraland. Sweet scope for price.
I will second that. Nice thing is the custom shop can make changes to a number of options on the scope if you decide to change things...snert said:
I am using a Nikon buckmasters 6-18-40 bdc and love it for a hunting and mid-range target scope.The bdc charts on their website is right on and even matches Hornadys ballistic calculator.
L.Sherm
Silver $$ Contributor
I have 3 of them one a a 280 Ack. that I have been doing load developement with and 2 on sage rat guns. No problems with them at all. Mine have the v-plex reticle if i remember right, for a low to mid range scope for the money there hard to beat and awesome warranty.
ShootDots said:
I have that exact scope on my 20 Practical and it served me very well while shooting prairie dogs out to 550 yards. I really like that scope. By far my "favorite".
As far as glass is concerned, we're getting to the point where scopes have been refined to such an extent that the human eye cannot take advantage of what is being offered today. Improvements on things such as zero stop and bullet compensation and other adds continue to improve but today you can purchase an outstanding scope such as a vortex viper without breaking the bank.
I've got an array of scopes all the way up to Schmidt and Bender; it's a wonderful scope but I'd never pay that price again. Follow the sales on this site and you will find opportunities to purchase almost new scopes for a fraction of the original price.
If you can, try a few scopes friends may have, decide what's important and, wait for an opportunity to pick up a great second hand scope.
I've got an array of scopes all the way up to Schmidt and Bender; it's a wonderful scope but I'd never pay that price again. Follow the sales on this site and you will find opportunities to purchase almost new scopes for a fraction of the original price.
If you can, try a few scopes friends may have, decide what's important and, wait for an opportunity to pick up a great second hand scope.
Bangs OH
Silver $$ Contributor
Ever hear of Minox? I picked up a demo 4-20X from Cameraland a couple years back. I'm in the process of pulling a VX3 and going back to the Minox on my best-shooting rifle. Nice Schott glass and a ballistic reticle with fine hash marks would cover your requirements; not sure about the 50 or 56 mm objective in the higher-magnification models. Side focus, semi-target turrets, lifetime warranty, plus they're assembled in America. The 1" ZA model like I have is right in your price range; the new 30mm HD model is more, but I see Optics Planet has them for the same price as the older 1" (if that's correct.)
Had/have several Nikons and my gripe is their awful "tunnel vision" (vignetting). The older Japanese AO models seem to be a notch above the newer Philippines-made ones.
Would agree that the Leupold VX2, with its new, improved glass is one of the best scopes for the money out there, if the 18-power max is enough for you. Don't know how the reticle selection and thickness would work for your needs.
Another good little-known scope in the stated price range would be the Light Optical Works' Clearidge brand:
www.clearidgeoptics.com. I have one of their great little rimfire scopes and have their side-focus 5-22X50 model planned as my next scope; only a plex and Mil-dot reticle in that model, though. Buy direct from them and cut out the middleman.
Sightron SII Big Sky is a very good scope...won't say "for the money" because Sightrons seem a bit overpriced IMO.
Had/have several Nikons and my gripe is their awful "tunnel vision" (vignetting). The older Japanese AO models seem to be a notch above the newer Philippines-made ones.
Would agree that the Leupold VX2, with its new, improved glass is one of the best scopes for the money out there, if the 18-power max is enough for you. Don't know how the reticle selection and thickness would work for your needs.
Another good little-known scope in the stated price range would be the Light Optical Works' Clearidge brand:
www.clearidgeoptics.com. I have one of their great little rimfire scopes and have their side-focus 5-22X50 model planned as my next scope; only a plex and Mil-dot reticle in that model, though. Buy direct from them and cut out the middleman.
Sightron SII Big Sky is a very good scope...won't say "for the money" because Sightrons seem a bit overpriced IMO.
You have received a lot of suggestions, some are really good.
Personally I do NOT believe in first time scopes for beginners, why should a beginner have a bad sighting instrument to start with? Then you don't know if it is you, the scope, or rifle that is not shooting correctly.
The 2 most important things on a rifle is a great barrel and a scope that is completely reliable that's it. Other things help but nothing more then those 2 items.
In my opinion you can't go wrong with Sightron scopes. They have a proprietary system on their scopes that practically guarantees no change in POI.
They are reasonably priced, at least in today’s market place. Give them a long look before you buy.
Good luck.
Personally I do NOT believe in first time scopes for beginners, why should a beginner have a bad sighting instrument to start with? Then you don't know if it is you, the scope, or rifle that is not shooting correctly.
The 2 most important things on a rifle is a great barrel and a scope that is completely reliable that's it. Other things help but nothing more then those 2 items.
In my opinion you can't go wrong with Sightron scopes. They have a proprietary system on their scopes that practically guarantees no change in POI.
They are reasonably priced, at least in today’s market place. Give them a long look before you buy.
Good luck.
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