Hey guys, first post here, been checking out the forum for a while. Anyways, I just bought a new Remington SPS Varmint .223 that I will use for everything from squirrels, pigs, coyotes, deer and whatever else I can throw lead at, at ranges from 0 to 400 yards. My question is what sort of scope should I top it with. After doing quite a bit of research I am pretty sold on the Nikon. Now the question I have is power. I can only afford about 300 bucks so that limits me to either a Monarch 3-9x40 or a Buckmaster 4.5-14x40 (or a Burris Fullfield 4.5-14x44). Will a 3-9 suffice for my long distance shooting (taking on squirrels at 400 yards) or am I going to need to step up to the 14 power to shoot at that distance?

Thanks in advance

If you can't afford a better scope, I would choose the Burris Fullfield 4.5-14x44. Or try to save money and buy a Zeiss conquest 4,5-14x44

SWFA has the 3.5-10x44Monarch for $288.

You could also take a look for Bushell 3200 elite 4x12, as you can easily find them for under 3 bills and I have been very satisfied with the one I have had on my .300.

Save up just a little more money and buy the Nikon Monarch 6-20x44 for $498 on www.4scopes.com They've got the best prices on Nikons I've found anywhere. You won't regret it I promise. I am about to get one for my Savage 12BVSS .223 myself. I just got a .243 just like your Remington. What a sweet gun! Congratulations! Happy Varmint Hunting.

If you look around you may find one of the 6.5x20's on sale again.I bought one from midway for$358.65 including shipping back in Jan.They are not listed in the new model so they may be a closeout item when the new ones arrive????
I just bought another buckmaster in 6x18 and it is a fine scope,they have changed the center cross hairs in them to the same size as the monarch.I have an older model and the center cross hairs are thicker and it tracks really well,better than a 36x weaver I have.
I have the 6.5x 20 on a savage 12 bvs and love it.and ordered a new 6x24 monarch with target dot but haven't gotten it yet.I saw somewhere they are susposed to be out in June.

Another vote for the ZEISS...

robin: 4.5-14x40 Buckmaster would be just fine. Maybe these other guys didn't hear you say $300. Don't spend more than you want to just cause others say you need to. Just spend the extra $ you save on ammo and practice. P.S. you can pick up a new 4.5-14 Buckmaster for closer to $200 on ebay. Brett

The scopes on my two varmint rigs are a Bushnell Elite 3200 5x15x50 sitting on top of a Howa 1500 Varminter in 223 and a Nikon Buckmaster 6x18x40 sitting on top of a Savage M112 in 223 AI. I am very satisfied with both. My next project is a Savage 110 in 243, haven't figured out what I'll be topping it with yet, see what's on sale.

Here are a few to try:

http://www.natchezss.com/brand.cfm?contentID=productDetail&ammoGroup=&a mp;brand=BH&prodID=BH885154M

http://www.natchezss.com/brand.cfm?contentID=productDetail&ammoGroup=&a mp;brand=BH&prodID=BH888244M

http://www.natchezss.com/brand.cfm?contentID=productDetail&ammoGroup=&a mp;brand=BH&prodID=BH884124M

I just got the 3-9x40, and it's some really good glass at a really good price.

Good Luck,

FC