Which scope for $500 or less

[mao0720]

Ok, having an ft/r rifle built and need some optics. Don't have a huge budget, around $500. I'm looking at the sightron 36x42mm, and the weaver t36. Any thoughts on what I should get. And other options I should be looking at? Thanks.

 

[treeman]

I would go with something with less power. when mirage is running hard 36x is too much. I would also suggest something with parallax adjustment. in ftr tracking ability is not that important as you can "hold off". something fixed 16X or 24X max. I know what being on a budget is all about but if at all posible hold out and get something at around twice your $500 mark. you will be much happier...don't ask me how I know. If I'm not mistaken weaver makes a fixed 16X that would fit in your budget that I beleive would be better than 24 or 36 power
my $.02,Darrell

 

[stacy]

I'd look at the viper series in 6x20x44 or 6x20x50 mil-dot or wide duplex 30MM tube I have several great scope for the money there pretty close to your budget.
GOOD LUCK

 

[weedhopper]

I was also looking for a F-class scope that wouldn't break the bank.
For just $250.00 more than you want to spend I would buy it once and be done..I got a Sightron SIII 8-32x56mmDot Ret SIIISS832X56LRTD/TDT.
Big Shop Supply had the best price, $756.00 to my door and had it in 3 days.
I was thinking hard about a Nightforce BR scope but the Sightron looks as good as my buddies Nightforce and even he's like why did I spend all this money.

 

[letronshootit]

I shoot 1000yd VBR with a heavy and a light gun, my wife also shoots a heavy gun. We are not able to have the equipment of the best but are having fun and sometimes even winning in our class on a budget. At present I really like the Weaver T36 FCH, repeatable adjustments on my heavy gun. I like my wifes's Burris 8-32 FCH Black Diamond. Both were bought used as new off this site through honest shooters for under 500. I might also mention that my light gun has a 1997 vintage BSA 8-32 made in Japan that I bought new back then and is still holding its own contrary to the naysayers. That gun always brings the ribbing about quality optics, then it stops when the awards are handed out and I am still smiling. That is for me the biggest kick of shooting, being competitive on a budget.

 

[brxbrad]

I bought one of these http://www.opticsplanet.com/vortex-riflescopes-vpr-m-06fp.html for my daughters 6br f-class build and found it to be a great scope for the money. I spent a lot of time researching mid range priced scopes and chose the dead hold reticle . I took it to the range and did the "box" test at 100 yds and found it to be spot on. I added a sunshade http://www.opticsplanet.com/vortex-riflescope-accessory-sun-shade.html and a leveling bubble http://www.opticsplanet.com/vortex-riflescope-accessory-bubble-level-bl30-bl35.html , a pair of quick release Leopold scope rings and job done.
The only exception when compared to my Burris Black Diamond 8x32 on my BRX with 1/8 MOA clicks is 12 less power and 1/4 MOA clicks. When new the Burris was $1000 without mounts, level, and shade.

It comes with a no questions asked/ no hassle lifetime warranty. If anything happens to it, send it in and they will replace or repair it at no cost.

 

[MarkS]

mao0720,

The Sightron and Weaver are great scopes. They are my go to scopes for low end cost. You did not say what you are going to shoot. For varmint hunting, their field of is too small. Paper shooting they are great. For long range, I like a variable scopes, some times you need to turn the power down.

Mark Schronce

 

[jbpmidas]

I have a couple of the Bushnell Elite 4200, 6-24x40 scopes. They aren't side focus, which I'd prefer, but they are good for the amount paid. They have tracked well in my experience.

 

[mao0720]

For those of you recommending a 6-20 or 6-24 is that going to be enough magnification for FT/R at 600 and 1000 yds?

 

[mao0720]

Anyone have any comments on the Nikon Monarch 5-20?

 

[savagedasher]

Weaver is a great inexpensive fixed power scope .With the budget being $500 many make good scopes in that range.My self i have only had good luck with good scopes. $800 plus you start getting into good quality.My self i would never buy a scope that didn't have lifetime warranty
Weaver you can get for around $400 new and $350.used .Before you spend the big bucks
ask others to look through theirs in different conditions. Good Shooting Larry

 

[broncman]

I shoot a Sightron 6x24 at 600. LOVE IT!

I just bought a Nightforce 12-42 and it is very nice.....truth is....the Sightron is just as clear and contrast is just as good. Lot less money!

Kind of dissappointed in the Nightforce... Truth is it is no better quality than my Sightron....both say "Made in Japan" on the bottom.

 

[nonliberal]

I've had good luck with a Bushnell Elite 4200 8-32X

 

[Alex Wheeler]

I would not spend $500 on a scope for competition. Patience is a virtue. Save up, buy a good scope. I would look at the sightrons for a inexpensive scope.

 

[DCRYDER]

At 600 we have to turn our 10-50x60 Sightrons down to 20x on sunny days. Dont get stuck with a fixed power scope.!!!!

 

[vtmarmot]

Well, I don't qualify as an expert, but shooting F-class at the Ethan Allen guard range in northern VT, I see 36X Sightrons and Weavers with the dot, and a lot of 12-42 Nightforce. I am the only one I've ever seen that used a 6-24 and I found it barely adequate.

 

[mao0720]

Marmot was that at 600 or 1000?

 

[fayettefatts]

I started into F-Class with a 6.5-20 Leupold shooting 500, 600 and 1000 yards. It worked OK. I upgraded to a Nightforce 12-42 and really like the higher magnification. I think magnification is a personal choice. If you go above 24x I suggest you get a variable.

 

[XTR]

In this sport you really need to embrace "buy once, cry once".


For a 1000 yard scope anyone telling you that you can shoot with a 24x day in and day out hasn't or is playing just to play. Save the money, buy a Sightron, or pick up a used NF either here or on Snipers Hide. I've seen two NF 8-32s selling for under 1000 recently, one with an NP-2DD reticle. That is your best bang for your buck unless you can find a used Sightron 10-50.


Look at this thread.... --> Link Notice a trend?

 

[Dgd6mm]

For mid-range to long-range I would suggest an 8-32 quality scope as minimum. I like a 12-42 and still would like to have a 10-50 or more. Buy once, cry once. ;D