New Scope
 

I'm debatiing between a new 2.5 to 10 or 3 to 9 power scope to go with a new rifle ill be getting soon. I love the lenses and quality of the Nikon Monarch but I'm also considering the Nikon Buckmaster BDC and Leipold VX3 with the Boone And Crockett reticle... I've looked through the Redfield revenge and the glass inst clear in comparison 2 either of the Nikons... Looking 2 spend no more than 500 dollars... Any other recommendations would be helpfull. Thanks :)

Out of those I like the Leupold VX-3 but it doesn't come in 3-9. I have a VX-3 in 3.5-10x50 with a plex really like it

If you want the B&C reticle in the VX3, you are looking at 3.5-10 X40. It comes in a bit over your stated budget. As Bowhuntercop suggested, the duplex reticle 3.5-10 x 40 is about as close as you will get, and it's a bit cheaper than the B&C reticle version. Either would be fine and, IMO, a better product than the Nikon.

You can get a Ziess Conqest or A Minox ZA5 for under $500 and they will smoke those two scopes.

Of the options you have listed I'd stick with the Nikon hands down..it's better glass and less money than the Lupy. The Nikon Monarch 3 4-16x50SF on my .257 Roberts AI is my favorite scope hands down.

I would also recommend looking at a Swift Premier...I have several and love them.

Zeiss Conquest is under $500 - Best Buy IMO

Hearing a lot about Vortex - they have a "no questioned asked" lifetime warranty !

As an owner of 4 Conquests and a couple Leupys, Conquest offers the best value at this price point but does not "smoke" the VX-3 line. No experience with Minox.

MNDH,

What kind of shooting are you going to be doing? Also what rifle are you putting it on? Is it going to be a deer rifle only? Or an all purpose rifle? Target shooting, steel, long range, praire dogs..........

DanMorgan

In terms of the rifle back and fourth between a Ruger American and a Tikka T3 lite... For whitetail deer in the Midwest mostly thick woods of Mn and woods and fields of West Centeral WI... Calibers gonna be a 270. Deer rifle and some coyote work.

I would think you don't need anything with more than 9 power. A 2-7 or 3x9 should work out well in that country and what your doing with your rifle. Don't forget a scope is only as good at it's mounts. Don't go cheap on them is all.

Good luck,

DanMorgan

Smoke is probably a harsh term to use but the edge is defiantly in favor of Conquest especially when you factor in the price. Minox in a side by side comparison? Really hard to choose one over the other. No doubt all things being equal I would choose Zeiss but sometimes Minox can be had for less.

I've got a couple VX3 3.5-10x40s. Got one used on ebay for about $350, and that's a route you might consider, given the warranty. Very good quality glass. In the right conditions I've been able to see my bullet holes in paper at around 500yds. I usually shoot steel at longer ranges.. Just throwin' that out there. I like mine and would recommend one.