Rifle Scopes best scope new/used for under $600

slate84

slate84

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Aug 6, 2010
192
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39
Brookings SD
#1
I'm looking for a scope for my rig for when I get home from Afghanistan here in a month. Question being, what scopes should i been looking for in the sub-$600 range new or used. I've been looking really hard for a used vx-II/III in the 15-20x range, but i keep getting out bid on ebay and out pm'd on here. Is there comparable ziess or nightforce or anything else close in performance and function or am i looking in the right direction? This will be for a target/bench rig and also will be using it for some light white tail duty so i'd like a variable, going on a .300wsm savage. Preference for options will be in this order, target turrets, Mil dot or similar, good warranty (why i was leaning toward a used leupy), high mag-x, with cosmetic condition being last (since it will prob be painted). thank you for all your wisdom and direction.
 
#2
Re: best scope new/used for under $600

Appreciate your service.

I think I saw a Zeiss somewhere for something like $499, but I am doubtfull that it has what you want. I'll keep a eye though.
 
#3
Re: best scope new/used for under $600

keep your eyes out for a Bushnell Elite 4200 6-24X50. You can find them used for 500 to 600 bucks. Those who shoot a 308 sometimes complain about the last of internal travel but that won't be an issue for you since you're putting it on a 300WSM. You wont be disappointed.
 
#5
Re: best scope new/used for under $600

see i've been really interested at those vipers but was curious about the quality of there target turrets, are they setup about the same as regular leupy tall target turrets?
 
#6
Re: best scope new/used for under $600

I recently picked up one of the Vipers (6x24x44) from Cameraland NY, for $249 shipped! it's a good value for an inexpensive general purpose target/hunting scope, several friends have them as well, they have held up quite well, the turrets are capped, easy to reset by pulling up turn and push, 1/4 moa adjustments.
 
#7
Re: best scope new/used for under $600

Similar. They are covered target turrets. They feel very positive and are repeatable.
There are others who have a lot more time on them- mine's still fresh, but it is bright and clear. I am happy with mine.

Jim
 
#8
Re: best scope new/used for under $600

does anyone have a picture or know where one is of what the target turrets knobs on the vipers look like. I was against getting a leupy without the m1 knobs till i saw what the standard target knobs looked like and actually got to see the markings and hashes, now i love them (still like the m1 more).
 
#9
Re: best scope new/used for under $600

SWFA SS. You get NEW, you get enough scope to do what you describe, and you get the specs you laid out. 10x is great to 500M on paper, and super for game to 300M. If you cannot head shot a buck at 300M with 10x, welllll, I guess you suck
grin.gif
Really though, you can go to 16x, but a 10x is a lot easier to use in paper and hunting that you think. VAriables, well, unless you spend good money, don't drop it, just sayin...
 
#11
Re: best scope new/used for under $600

Vortex Vipers are okay. Kinda heavy, not the best eye relief. Seem to be decent, but I've only used mine twice.

Super Snipers are shit. Turrets suck. Glass was marginal at best on mine.

I'd get this, and be done with it. You won't get better for the price, and it will do what you said. Brunos may have it cheaper, also......
http://swfa.com/Leupold-6-18x40-VX-II-Riflescope-P2584.aspx
 
#12
Re: best scope new/used for under $600

see, i pm'd someone on this site about one (the 6x18 vx-II)he had for sale but someone beat me too it, i had cash in hand. I've heard a lot of good stuff about the ss scopes but something about buying a tasco scope, i just have always grouped tasco with like simmons and bse. I'd like it to be variable too and more than 9x so that jumps me up to the price range where i could easily buy a used leupy.
 
#18
Re: best scope new/used for under $600

Today's Super Sniper scopes have nothing to do with the old ones aside from name...

They are made in a completely different place and are quite removed from the Tasco version.

SWFA has done a great job re-imagining the line...
 
#20
Re: best scope new/used for under $600

Glass quality is far more important than magnification for hunting. Most people shoot when the sun is high. Most animals are out when the sun is low. Glass is huge when it comes to hunting. Zeiss still has the deal on the 3x9x40 Conquest for $499. This is the best glass you can get for under $600 IMO.
 
#21
Re: best scope new/used for under $600

I notice some people recommend better glass with lesser features while others advocate things such as mil/mil over mil/moa. I wonder in a budget scope of less than $600 which route would be the better one? Or rather what are the benefits of each?
 
#22
Re: best scope new/used for under $600

I got a 3x10 Kahles SFP 1 month ago new from CDNN for $630.
I got a 2.5x10 IOR SFP 1 year ago used on SnipersHide for $600.
I got a 2.5x10 IOR FFP 1.5 years ago used on SnipersHide for $650.

I like the IOR SFP the best.
 
#23
Re: best scope new/used for under $600

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: TAC</div><div class="ubbcode-body">keep your eyes out for a Bushnell Elite 4200 6-24X50. You can find them used for 500 to 600 bucks. Those who shoot a 308 sometimes complain about the last of internal travel but that won't be an issue for you since you're putting it on a 300WSM. You wont be disappointed. </div></div>

+1 I picked one of these up used for $500 and I'm extremely pleased with it. The glass in better than the SS I had previously. If you shop around you can probably find one as low as $450 (or maybe a little more). Great scope and good CS from Bushnell.
 
#24
Re: best scope new/used for under $600

I will say I am always on a budget too. I am ad mil as well. I am currently using leupold vari x iii tactical long range variables with great results. These are pre mark 4 a couple of which were early premier modded. They are out there but you will have to look hard and be patient. I actually emailed a ebay seller ( he somehow had police trade in leupold vari x iii tacticals) and made a good deal with him on one for my ltr
I would say you probably would not want 20 on top end unless you are shooting small at long range. I like the 4.5x14 LRT for most of my rigs(308 and 300wm)
I always search ebay like this type leupold vari x then use auction only as most of the buy it now you can beat here with any of the good vendors which support this site.

Another key to success if finish isnt a problem look for an older vari x iii in 4.5x14 or 6.5x20 with tall target turrets(1/4 min and they are covered) ( usually around 400-550 on ebay send to leupold for the turrets you want and a rectical change when it is feasable for you. Atleast you will have decent glass, that is upgradeable either via leupold or selling easliy, and the best part is you can be shooting instead of searching for a used mark 4 for less than 600 which are hard/ impossible to find.
Another alternative would be the ss as swfa backs their products.

Good luck
 
#25
Re: best scope new/used for under $600

thank you guys for all the help, i think i lucked out on ebay tonight though, got a matte 6.5-20x 40mm leupold vx-III target with a target dot and target turrets and a sunshade for 440 shipped. It was in mint condition. i'm really excited cause im pretty sure thats a good deal, but you tell me.

any recommendations on rings and bases for my model 10 savage .300wsm?
 
#26
Re: best scope new/used for under $600

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: slate84</div><div class="ubbcode-body">thank you guys for all the help, i think i lucked out on ebay tonight though, got a matte 6.5-20x 40mm leupold vx-III target with a target dot and target turrets and a sunshade for 440 shipped. It was in mint condition. i'm really excited cause im pretty sure thats a good deal, but you tell me.

any recommendations on rings and bases for my model 10 savage .300wsm? </div></div>

Watch for fakes
 
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