Scope power for varmint-deer 200-400 yards $300 or less

[kevin2]

I finally picked out a 243 savage as the gun I'd like to use for both deer and coyotes. Now I am having a fit trying to figure out what I'd need in the way of a scope. Power and quality. Sightron has been mentioned, but I don't want to miss something that would be better at the same price point. Anyways, if you have an opinion on great scope optics at no more than $300, then that would surely help. Thanks, Kevin

[kevin2]

OK, had another fellow hunter suggest a 3-9x40 Mueller http://www.hunting-trail.com/Hunting_Trail_Approved/Mueller_Optics_3-9X40IGR_Red_D/mueller_optics_3-9x40igr_red_d.htmlbut found the 3-10x44 available for only $159 http://www.outdooropticshop.com/store-products-MU31044IGR-Mueller---Sport-Dot-3-10x44mm_39896616.html Anyone have any opinions about these scopes?

The Sightron scopes have also been suggested, anyone have experience with this brand?



Kevin

[Folically Challenged]

I was kickin' around Bass Pro today, & I had him pull out 3 scopes that I was considering putting on my 700 Mountain Rifle

1 = VXIII 1.75-6 x 32: $399

2 = VXII 22-7 x 33: $299

3 = Bushnell Elite 3200 2-7x32: $199

To my eyes, there wasn't a whole lot o' difference between 'em. My point? It's amazing what you can get for even $200 these days. And just because the masses urge you to spend "another $100", or even more, doesn't mean that your eyes will be able to tell the difference. Besides, there are places that have the Bushnells @ $124!!!!!

I'd suggest getting to a store & looking through as many scopes as you can... before you get nauseous, that is. Pick a few that tickle your fancy, then take 'em outside at dark, & check out a fixed object. If you can put a shot-up rifle target 300 yards away, that'd be just perfect.

If you stick with the usual names: leupold, zeiss, bushnell, burris, nikon, etc., you'll be fine.

I'd also consider the rifle you're putting this on. Is it a lightweight .243, or a heavy-barreled varmint rig that you never plan to carry around? You really don't want something the size of an observatory telescope on a compact rifle: glass quality trumps objective size.

Just my thoughts.

FC

[johnnybravoo77]

Bushnell elite 3200 4-12x40mm $300; Nikon Buckmasters 4.5-14x40mm $290.If you plan on shooting those distances consistantly then I think these would be my choices. Now I dont know anything about them, but Cabelas has theyre own scopes that are reasonally priced, but they may be junk.

[Hunting the North]

I bought a Sightron Big Sky 3-12x 42mm scope last year and have been extremely happy with it. I shoot clover leaf groups with it mounted on my Remington 700XCR in .30-06.
[/align]
[/align]See attached photo of it next to the 260 pound 8 point buck that I shot a few weeks back. I have to say it's my lucky scope.
[/align]
[/align]http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff75/huntingthenorth/DSCN3862A.jpg
[/align]

[timbercruiser]

You won't beat the Bushnell Elite 4200 3x9x40 for about $265 for your rifle. Compares closely to the Conquest.

[zach54]

4-16x40AO TT ILL reticlecenter point precision optics 70$$ at walmart it is clear i have one and love it

[Paul L Mohr]

I have a cabela's brand Alaskan guide scope. It's far from junk, but it wasn't cheap either. Looks alot like a Nikon to me. Mine is a 6.5-20x44AO with a mildot reticle. I paid around $350 for mine I think.

I compared it to a Leupold for almost twice the money (don't remember the model) and the Cabela's scope was much nicer for less money. Optics were pretty close, but the design and quality of the Alaskan Guide scope was better in my opinion. The objective and power rings on the leupold were hard and gritty to turn and it had those nasty friction turret adjustments. I just wasn't impressed. It seemed pretty cheap for the money. The scope I bought has positive click adjustments and everything turned smooth as silk like an expensive camera.

When I bought this scope I tried a bunch of scopes and ended up keeping this one. I don't mean I picked them up and looked through them, I mean I bought about 5 different scopes in different price ranges and took them home and tried them at 100 yards and out on my 17HMR. The nice thing about cabela's is you can try anything and if you don't like it bring it back with the box and paper work and you get all your money back. I didn't spend $400 on a scope and rings becaus I had it to blow. I spent it because after trying several that is how much I had to spend to find one I thought was good at 20 power at distance beyond 100 yards.

It really all boils down to what you want and what you are happy with though.

Paul

[srwshooter]

try one of these ,i have one on my 22-250sav and love it

http://www.eabco.com/cgi-bin/shopper.exe?preadd=action&key=205-678M