I am currently shooting a new savage model 12FV in .22-250. I have a Bushnell Banner 6-18x50 on it that i transfered to it from my last rifle. I think its time to upgrade the optics. I would like to stay with the 50mm object and stay in the same 6-18 power range or possibly a higher powered one. I also would like something withthe bdc or mil dot reticle. Weight really isn't an issue, this is my calling/spotting stalking gun, i have another gun in .223 that i use if i am going to be doing alot of walking. The only down side is the budget is only about 350 (baby on the way). Anyone have any ideas?

Thanks
Tom

Nikon Buskmaster, Cabelas Tactical...

Your asking for an aweful lot there.

4.5-14, 4-16, or 6.5-20 are more typical zoom magnification ranges. You may have to be willing to go to one of those. Asking for one in a 50mm objective is likely to narrow the selection even more and also add a few more $ to the price. Fancy reticle is likely to limit options even more and cost extra too.

You have a few options in mid-level scopes.
Your options in a high quality scope are extreemely limited.

In a high quality line, check out Weaver classic V series in 4-16 for under $300 or 6-24 for $300 or just over. Both come in a couple of different reticle options. Though niether is available in 50mm objective. These are premium quality optics with lifetime warranties. I have both of these scopes, no complaints, love'em.

You can also look into Nikon Bushmasters series in 6-18, but that is also only available in 40mm with two reticle options.

You won't go wrong with any of these, but you willmost likely needto make some comprimises. A 50mm objective is atypical requirement in a high quality high power scope.

I know I'm looking asking for quite a bit for the price range, but i thought I would throw the question out there to see if someone new of some descent optics that I didn't know about. Thank you both for your imput,I'll have to do some research on the ones you mentioned but I may just end up waiting awhile and using whatI have untilI can afford a quality scope.

Thanks again
Tom

Bushnell 4200 Elite - with rain guard Or Leupold.

Look in the Nikon line of scopes. Great scopes, decent price. You should be able to find something.

I agree with the above poster. You are asking a lot for not much money. I was going to suggest a Zeiss Conquest 6.5-20 with mil dots, but most stores won't even let you look at one if you only have $350 in your pocket.

I am not really into cheap optics, but surely Bushnell, Simmons, or Tasco makes something to fit in your price range.

Good luck.

I think when you ask for a 6x18x50 or larger scope and you want to upgrade from a Bushnell Banner for $350 you are wasting your money as you won't get that much better glass in that price range. Shoot what you have till you can add some more money to the budget if you want an appreciable better scope or lower your scope power to the Elite 4200 3x9x40 class scope.....
Another possibility you might try. Go to www.samplelist.com and you might find a demo/refurbished scope on there that will fit your desire. They have some real good buys with hundreds of scopes to look at.

Well guys I've narrowed it down to about three scopes. #1 Burris Signature Select 8-32x 44: #2 Nikon Monarch 6-24x50; #3 the Nikon buckmaster 6-18X40. And yes I am going quite a bit over my $350 limit.

I like the burris due the magnification, but as anything once you crank up the power it seems to darken you picture quite a bit, The Monarch is awesome, I like the side focus and interchangeable turrets- the optics seem very high quality and very clear. The buckmaster isn't quite into the power range that I wanted - you can deffinately tell a difference between it and the monarch but is that difference worth $200?

What would you guys do?

I didn't like the cross hairs in the Burris and the edge of the field of vision was blurry when the magnification was turned up.

I did like the Nikon Monarch but didn't like the Buckmaster as much - although they were both good scopes.

My question would be - what type of rifle are you going to put this on and where do you hunt and what other uses is it going to be for?