Trying to make sense of riflescopes

[jester_s1]

I've been a bird hunter and pistol shooter for everything else for about 15 years now but have recently acquireda 7mag (wife's late grandfather's). I got on here to learn about scopes, but have found myself more confused if anything.
I doubt I'll need to make a shot over 200 yards, and I don't plan to hike up any mountains soon, plentiful as they are here in north Texas. As a casual hunter who won't shoot more than a box of ammo a year, will I notice a difference between the mid range scopes like the Monarchs or VX1 Leupolds vs. the low end stuff like Bushnell Banners? If there is a guide to answer questions like this online I'll be happy to consult it and save you guys the trouble of answering a question that I'm sure gets asked alot.

[savage3006]

If you plan to use your rifle for hunting you need a scope you can trust in the field. I think you should be able to get something nice in the $200-$300 range, like Nikon Monarch or VX1. Don't go to the low end of the price range. You won't enjoy them and they will eventually break.

[ericstokes250]

First thing first i would read up abit more about hunting. This will help you on how to step upeverything and what kind of things to look for etc. Asfas as scopes i would never go with low bottom bargain scopes. They will break like savage mentioned and they will be wasted money in due time. I would go to local hunting shop ask some questions and check out some scopes. Since your only hunting a very short distance you don't have to get Leica or Swaroski. Just something basic maybe something really strong like a Leupold.

jester, your on the right track. For your needs and in fact, 80% of the people posting on most forums, they will never need anything over a VX1, 3200 elite, or even a buckmaster. For long range varmiting or target, then the VXIIIs, conquests, monarchs are very nice. We all like real clear optics. Its just about what you can afford.

[timbercruiser]

If you can afford it, go with a Bushnell Elite 4200 at about $260 or a Monarch at about $220, both of them are better scopes than the Lupy.

[r33h]

I just bought a Nikon Buckmaster and it is extremely clear and it only costed $190. The Nikons are very clear and bright...even more-so than the leupold scopes. I too live in Texas and I know what you mean when you say that your max range will be about 200 yards. I took the new scope out and loved sighting the rifle in with this scope. Definitely give this scope a serious looking at when making your decision!

[jester_s1]

I've looked at the Nikons and they definitely catch my interest. The warranty is good and considering their cameras I know they know optics. The guys at the store like Leupold and Nikon for the warranty service, which says something to me. They were definitely not fans of low end Bushnells or Tasco.
Looks like I'm on the hunt for a Monarch or Buckmaster then. Thanks guys.

[Folically Challenged]

ORIGINAL: jester_s1
...If there is a guide to answer questions like this online I'll be happy to consult it and save you guys the trouble of answering a question that I'm sure gets asked alot.

Try this one out: http://www.opticsplanet.net/how-to-choose-riflescope.html

I've found the site to have some good info., & the people are top-notch to deal with. You may or may not do better on the pricing, but the info. is about as unbiased as I've been able to find.

Good Luck!

FC

ORIGINAL: jester_s1

They were definitely not fans of low end Bushnells or Tasco.

Now, be careful here. Bushnell have two different ends of the spectrum. I too used to be very hesitate to buy a bushnell. But I know of the Baush and Lomb series from years ago and knew they were good. Solitary Hunter on these pages talked me into trying one of the 3200 elite, and I was impressed. I have tested the scope for back reflection, and loss, and they are everybit as good as VXIIor buckmasters. You have to be careful as alot of folks on here have only bought like 1-4 scopes in thier life. And really don't know what else to recommend. You cannot evaluate a scope at a store counter.

Bad news is the bushnell is not as concrete clear on warranty

[Pioneer2]

Don't forget the older Balvar line before Baush+ Lomb replaced them either.Both are high quality optics.Mind youI just picked a VXII 3x9 from Scheel's in Great Falls MT for $299.Lifetime Warranty..............Harold