Right now, value to $ wise, Nikon is one of the best things going. I have another Nikon on the way as we speak. That will make 4 of them. This one is the 4.5 x 14 x 40 silver, side focus. I also have 2 - 3x 9 x 40 's and a 4 x 12 x 50.That scopes power range is really a good choice if you need to really see the animal up close for a shoot / no shoot decision, like I have to make here in Arkansas, due to antler restrictions. Going to a 40 mm bell instead of a 50 mm bell, will only cost you about one power setting in lower light situations.

I am mounting my new Nikon on a new Ruger M77 Compact. I will be using it to hunt in woods and clearcuts. I have scopes up to 16 X and I think the 14 X will be a good choice for my hunting situations. I do have other Brands of scopes , but I like the Nikons the best so far. My next purchase will either be a Burris Fullfield II, or a Weaver Grandslam.

Other scopes to look at if you are looking for any suggestions would be a Burris, or a Bushnell 3200 or 4200. The 3200 , like the Nikon Buckmasters, is multicoated, but not fully multicoated. The 4200 is fully multicoated, as is the Nikon Monarch, the Burris Fullfield II, and the Weaver Grand Slam.

Here is a link to the Burris, and you can then navigate the site to look at other scopes I have mentioned if you like. I would look at the Monarch's while you are there. If you can get the price right, they are super scopes.

http://theopticzone.com/detail.aspx?ID=4185

This site has some of the best overall prices on the net. I just paid 271.00 for the Nikon I ordered, in silver and with shipping. But I was in a hurry and ordered it , even though I could have beat that price on ebay. On ebay, the same scope sold today for 266 including shipping.

Also , if you are an ebayer, there are some great deals on Nikons and Burris Fullfield II scopes right now. I am watching about 15 - 20 auctions of those brands right now, as I need 2 more scopes. A New Burris F.F.II 4.5x14x42 sold today for 260.00.

Good luck and God bless

Michael