I want to get a scope for my varmint gun. Its a Remington 700 .223 and I don't mind getting a higher end scope. I would like a silver scope if at all possible to match the stainless gun. I don't shoot too far with 400 yards being about my maximum. Not very often or not at all that I can remember in low loight situations. Mostly woodchucks during the middle of the day. I was looking into a Nikon Buckmaster 4.5x14x40 but the price doesn't seem that high for a good tack driving scope. I got sick of missing with my Savage 223 and a Simmons scope so I bought a new setup to help fix my problem of inconsistancy.

Sightron makes GOOD glass at a Fair price. I like them better than my other 2 Leopolds.

I have a Bushnell Elite 3200 5x15x50 on one of my varmint rigs, the other wears a Nikon Buckmaster 6x18x40SF. I'm quite happy with both. I know the Nikon's and Leupolds make silver scopes, you'll pay a little more but it that's what you want buy all means go for it.

IMO the most important feature to a varmint scope is tracking. Good glass and and multi-coating(all glass) is also important, but second to tracking. The Bushnell Elite's have good tracking capability for their price range. The 4200 has the better coatings. I would recommend a 4200 in 4X16 or 6X24. I just bought a new 6X24X40 for $403. I was very happy with the deal. I would have rather had the 4X16, but they were a god bit more.

I do not think low light gathering is important on a varmint scope. Tracking is KING. Tom.

I was thinking of the bushnell too. The 6500 series in a 4.5x30. The only concern I have is the warrenty. For that kinda money I'll continue to buy leupolds. Lifetime Warrenty is hard to beat. I like Ridge runners choices but if you want to go all out get the 8.5x25. They are really nice scopes. Shop around and you should be able to find one in the $750 range. Silver isn't an option and it is more scope than you'll ever need for a 223, but they are REALLY nice.

Monarch 8x32x50 should be all the scope you need.

What is the Bushnell not a lifetime warranty?

According to their web site it's a 1 year no questions asked replacement. I was unable to find anywhere that it mentioned a lifetime. Maybe I was looking in the wrong place. But it appeared to me that none of their scopes are lifetime. Correct me if I'm wrong because I would like to try one of the 4.5x30. I might give them a call.

Just bought a gun with a Bushnell 3200 on it and I checked the warranty out. Thats how I read it too! 1 year!
If this is the case Bushnell will be off of my "buy list"!

Funny, when I bought my Elite 3200 it specifically said limited lifetime warranty.