Thanks for all the responses. As far as price range goes, $500-$600 would be top end but DEFINITELY open to spending less for good quality.

The majority of the suggestions are for 3-9x40 scopes. In reviewing scopes, I've seen 3.5-10 and 4-12, etc. Are there any advantages/disadvantages to these scopes.

For price comparison, I've been lookin at the trusty Cabela's catalog. I know they are high priced on many items but was wondering how close their scope prices are to other retailers? When buying a scope, does everything needed for mounting the scope included or do have to purchase seperately? I'm unable to mount scopes myself & was wondering what the average cost for mounting would be? I know a friend who owned an Archery shop used to charge different rates to mount items purchased in his store vs items purchased elsewhere. Again thanks for all your help.

Here is a site I go to to compare prices www.theopticzone.com they have some good deals sometimes.
As for the diffrence between 3x9,3x10 or 4x12 is not much in the hunting stand point.A 3x9 x40 mm scope will cover all hunting aspects, the othe powers offer more magnification at longer ranges.
BBJ

You do need to purchase quality scope mounts for the scope. They are sold seperate. I think most everyone on here will agree that the mounts are just as, if not more, important than the scope itself. If the recoil allows the mounts and scope to move any at all you would be better off not having a scope at all.

I think most hunters have too much scope for big game. Before variables we thought 3 and 4x scopes were just fine for most huntin' some liked 6x for goats. Now you can have it all in a 2x7 variable with a 33mm objective that lets you mount your scope lower than them big observatory models most makers stick you with. [:-]

Best advise given. VarX11 is a great choice and 40mm lenses is the maxiumum size I would chose. Cabelas has them for about $279.00. Bobby

I concur excellent scope and the 4" constant ER would be something I would consider an advanatge for your situation vs a variable ER.

Natchez Shooters Supply has a Burris 3x9x40, fullfield for $199 and you get a nice little 20x compact spotting scope for free.

I own 4 Burris scopes, only scope 100% made in America. One is 18 years old and has never failed me.

Another vote for the Zeiss Conquest. I personally like the 4.5-14x44mm one I have on my 7mm but I hunt a lot in open country (sage and sand) and here in WA you can shoot only spike elk during the normal season (without a special drawing permit) so it's friggin' hard to see the difference between a spike and a 2-pt bull at 300+ yards. Cost me an elk 2 years ago because my Nikon 3-9x40 couldn't pick up the bull (my binos were cheap too). Now I have that scope and some Zeiss 10x30 glasses and my eyes are so much happier with them. Well worth the money and if I could have afforded better I'd gone there (those two items alone almost cost me my marriage as it is!). Had to placate the wife with a pair of Diafun 10x30's (thankfully she hunts too and is mostly understanding).

with optics it helps to first set your price point, then shop

That said, you can get a lot of scope these days for $200.

I've been happy with scopes from Leupold, Kahles, and Bushnell. Picked up a Fullfield II last year, and think it's one of the best values out there right now... and it got me in this photo contest (vote, please )... perhaps you'll get in next year!

sheep photo

Is a Fullfield II as much scope as you get for $400? Maybe, maybe not. Depends some on what features you're after, and what your eyes think. I don't know about the internal construction of these different scopes, that'll affect durability.