Which scope for $500 or less

[mao0720]

XTR, yeah I read that thread. Im looking at the Sightron 8-32. I may be able to scrounge up enough cash for that scope, especially if I can find one used.

 

[mao0720]

Anybody have experience with the bushnell 6500 4.5-30? Looks like I can get one for $700.

 

[Lapua40X]

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.

If you're patient you should be able to find a used Sightron in a nearby gun shop at a pretty good price. The one I bought a few years ago was in excellent condition and ran me about 60% of the new price.

 

[mao0720]

I found a sightron 8-32 online for about the same price as a Bushnel 6500 4.5-30 (both right at the $700 mark). How do these two scope compare. I know a lot of guys are using the sightron for F-class and FT/R, but how is the Bushnell?

 

[jsthntn247]

Save up and get the 8-32 sightron or 10-50

 

[Lazydays]

I happen to have a brand new Weaver T36 setting right behind me. Bought it for a 22 rimfire build that never came off. Gladly trade it for a Weaver T24
gary

 

[snowpro440]

I too have some weaver T36 that I would recommend....Great scope for around $400. They track well and the glass is really good .

 

[stinnett1981]

Bushnell Elites and Sightron are great scopes for under $1K. I have both brands and they have great glass and track perfect. I agree with everybody else on taking your time and saving the extra cash and buying either one. $500 isnt far off on a very good scope that you will own for the rest of your life. Cheaping out on a scope is a horrible idea. If a scope doesnt track (function) perfectly then you basically threw your money in the trash can! You should be able to find either one on this site for $750 give or take. I did! I highly suggest going to a Cabelas or somewhere that has a large inventory and handling it and looking through it. I sat at Cabelas for a good hour multiple times and looked through many scopes before making a purchase. Obviously you cannot fully judge a scope in a store. Its a different story when you are in the elements. 100 degree day, rain, shooting in low light, durability and tracking from using it for multiple years and so on and so on. This site has the BEST info you will find. All true shooters that will give you true reviews on the products that they personally own and use. Good luck.

 

[mao0720]

Like I said, I found both the Sightron 8-32 and The bushnell 4.5-30 for about $700 retail. Smoking price, Im going to hold out for one of these... Just not sure which one. Help me decide?

 

[stinnett1981]

You will be happy with either one. Go to a store that has both of them. Handle them and look through them. Then you will have your answer

 

[mao0720]

There in lies the problem, nobody in my area has Sightrons and the only Bushnell 6500 I can find to look through is the 2-16.

 

[jsthntn247]

Sightron over the Bushnell everyday. Glass will be comparable but if you ever have a problem Sightron will fix it or replace even if you arn't the original purchaser no questions asked and Bushnell wont. I've got a 8-32 on my F/Tr gun and couldn't be happier.

 

[Alex Wheeler]

My friend has a 10-50 Sightron. Very good glass for the money. http://www.midsouthshooterssupply.com/item.asp?sku=00074251398

 

[richard_123]

have a Burris Black Diamond 8-32x50mm with side focus and sunshade($600+shipping)has small scratch on tube and light ring marks---------mounted in badger rings---been on a 308 for 3 years----bench and bi-pod shooting at local shoots----ready for----Night Force with zero stop

 

[articmp]

I have found myself in a bit of a bind for optics this year. With setting up 2 rifles, buying brass, bullets, powder, dies,etc,etc, etc, I just can't swing the money for a Sightron. Season starts late April and I have to get some lead dowrange beforehand. Something more along the lines of the SWFA Super Sniper 20X is what I may have to go with. Anyone on here try to compete with one at the 1k mark?

 

[mao0720]

I have one of the 20x super snipers and have shot it out to just past 1000m (1100 yds) at steel targets with good success. I really like the scope, great glass very repeatable tracking and I really like the rear focus, however, for trying to hit a .5moa X ring at 1000 yds, it's probably pretty under powered hence the reason I'm going with the sightron 8-32.

 

[articmp]

I got to throw some rounds downrange at a 1k match last year with a borrowed rig, which wore a Mueller. Shot a 5" wide by 10" tall group with 10 rounds. I am hoping I can repeat that performance with one of my 2 Savages. Maybe do a little better. I just happened to have a 30mm tubed Nikko Stiriling left over from reglassing a bunch of AG's, slapped it on the first rifle. Shot tighter than a .50 piece at 300 with a 20 MPH right angle wind, off of the bipod with the plastic fantastic factory stock with about 30 rounds through it. Hate to be stuck with a fixed power and have mirage beat me up. So my list of scopes that I can afford this year are leaning towards.....
SWFA SS 20x
Nikko 10-50 Targetmaster
Mueller 8-32 Target
I am just plum leery about using cheap varibles after dealing with a Tasco Custom Shop 8-40. It was pretty worthless past 200 yards. The NS Nighteater is 10 times the scope when it comes to clarity at distance.

 

[Alex Wheeler]

Ok, if you really can't swing it get a 36x weaver. I shoot 1k in south Fl. We get a ton of mirage. You learn to shoot with it. I have never turned my scope down past 35, and lately I just leave it at 42. I used a 35x all year and never wished I had a variable.