Ok, give me your opinions on a good scope for $200-$300 to mount on my 7mm mag. I'm planning a wilderness horseback elk hunt, (hope to get drawn), and I want a dependable scope with great clarity and waterproof. Thanks!

I would look into the Leupolds,Nikon,Burris,Bushnell or Weavers.There are cheaper scopes but that's what you get especially in optics.I wouldn't even look at the Tasco,Simmons,BSA to name a few. Never using one I can't say for sure but heard the new Leupold "Rifleman" scopes are a decent scope for the money. I see them at Wal*mart for around 200.00.I don't know anything about the new Redfield's. They might be a good scope like they were years ago before going belly up. Does anybody know who's making Redfield's?

Ruger Redhawk

I would get a Bushnell 3200 Elite Fast focus. I have one on one of my 25-06 and is very clear. Also another great feature is the rain guard which makes it clearer in rain or if you breath on your scope. They are also fairly cheapv I got mine for $180.
I wouldn't get a leupold Rifleman scope they are junk[:'(]

Good luck

Whatever you choose select a model in the 2x7 or 3x9 magnification range with an objective lens of 40mm or so.Too many people buy scopes with too much magnification so they have trouble getting on target at short ranges, or with large lenses so the scope must be mounted too high for proper cheek position on the stock.

I might be mistaken, but you should be able to get either a Leupold VX2, 3X9X40 Matte OR a Nikon Monarch 3X9X40 Matte for $299.00 thru Cabellas or Bass Pro. Since hunting season is winding down, you should be able to find some decent prices.

I'd recommend the Leupold VX-II, 2-7x scope in matte finish. Excellent quality.
I've got one that's near 20years old, and never had a problem. It's currently mounted
on my 270Win. Check out price on following link (good source):

SWFA: http://www.riflescopes.com/store/default.asp

I prefer Leupold. I have used them for many years and they have been trouble free. My next scope purchase will likely be a Leupold but I plan to give the Nikon Monarch, Weaver Grand Slam, Bushnell Elite 3200 and the Sightron SII a good look before I buy. I purchased a NIB Leupold VXI for a muzzleloader last year from ebay for less than 100 bucks, so keep your eyes open there. Also check out the optic zone...they have great prices: http://www.theopticzone.com/

For the money it would be really hard to beat the Bushnell Elite scopes. The optical quality is excellent and the re-settable finger tip adjustments are very handy.

My favorite scopes (that I can afford anyway) are the Zeiss Conquests. For a bit more money you get simply wonderful optical qualities. I've got two and they are well worth it. They'll run you $400 to $500 depending on if they're on sale. I prefer these to the comparably priced Leupolds, although I never met any Lwupold owner who wasn't happy with his scope.

I would go for a Burris FullField II 3-9x40 Ballistic Plex if you purchase one in matte finish you will get a free compact spotting scope for $197.95 from www.riflescopes.com (item #200162). If you can spend $365.00 + about $10.00 S&H, you can purchase a Zeiss Conquest 3-9x40 from www.eurooptic.com Ph. 570-220-3159 talk to Alex. Good luck.

I've got a Zeiss Conquest on my 7mm rem mag and have one mounted on my ML as well. I have been very pleased with the Conquest's performance in all aspects.

If you can't afford one then the Elite 3200 is a decent scope, however the 3" of eye relief may or may not be a cause for concern to you. I have owned a number of these, while they may not be the top of the line they have proofed to be both reliable and decent in optical performance given the cost.

I know a couple guys who are pleased with their Burris FFII's but here they cost more than Elite 3200 and I certainly don't see a huge difference in terms of optical enhancement.