Rifle Scopes Entry level scope

badseed

badseed

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Full Member
Minuteman
May 13, 2010
11
2
California
#1
I am looking for a good entry level scope that would be suitable for a 223 and/or 22-250. The max range would be about 500 yards typically used for target and varmint hunting (yotes and squirrels). My question is what would you recommend for a good entry level scope, ideally something under $450, mil dot 40-50 objective. I have a leupold vx2 4x10 and a buckmaster 6-18 that I currently use on other rifles and honestly I see little difference between them, the leupold looks a little clearer but it also more expensive. I have heard a good things about Vortex and Millet but I have not personal experience with them Any suggestions?
 
#2
Re: Entry level scope

To see difference in scope you will have to really test drive them. You also have to know what to look for when looking through a scope. There are sheets that you can print out, and use at 100 yards to test scopes clarity and optic quality.


Here are a few you can check out at swfa.com

Swfa scopes, Hawke scopes, WOTAC scopes, Konus 4.5-16x40 Konuspro M-30, Millet scopes, Vortex scopes.
 
#3
Re: Entry level scope

I would strongly recommend the Vortex. In your price range look for the Viper series that are still on close-out. You can use this search engine to investigate your questions further, or for deciding on a specific scope.

http://www.google.com/cse/home?cx=010955838166721108978:qcbx5qqy10o&hl=en

These are the two best companies I've found to use as well. Doug and Scott are both great guys that stand behind their products and will help you if you have any questions on deciding which scope:
http://www.cameralandny.com/
http://www.libertyoptics.com/
 
#4
Re: Entry level scope

+1 for Shooter's rec. - FInd a Viper PST in SFP.... mag to fit your needs. May not be right at your budget, but you can find the SFP for a good price if you search enough.
 
#5
Re: Entry level scope

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: badseed</div><div class="ubbcode-body">My question is what would you recommend for a good entry level scope, ideally something under $450, mil dot 40-50 objective. Any suggestions?</div></div>

This...

5xcsbig%20copy.jpg
 
#6
Re: Entry level scope

Super Sniper 10X fixed was my starter scope for $299. It works very well and is simple and tough. Your position errors and trigger control will represent more variance in the accuracy equation than the scope in the beginning.
 
#7
Re: Entry level scope

Tasco VAR624X42M. Should be able to buy as many as five of them for the money you're investing. Lots of better scopes out there, but mine are versatile, effective, and haven't failed me in five years so far. I have four. One's on my custom Savage .260 Rem Fullbore/F Class rifle, and the others are on other rifles, serving as 'hot spares' for each other. Except for some image dimness under lower light conditions, you may never need a more expensive scope. So far, I haven't need to swap any around for reliability reasons. As Stalin once remarked, quantity has a quality all its own...

Greg
 
#9
Re: Entry level scope

I would stick with the buckmaster for the time being. I used one for quite awhile before I went with a NXS and it did pretty well I just wanted more than the buckmaster could really offer. The main reason I say time being is because shooting is kind of addictive, if you shoot 500 yards you may want to get to 600 or more. If you do really want to get another scope thats in your price range the Nikon Monarchs are pretty good according to a buddy of mine. Also you mentioned mil dot. If you are going to dial in shots in MOA you may want to get a ranging reticle that's in MOA as well. Other than that I think everyone else's replies will guide you well.
The super snipers are quite good. I just don't like having fixed powers for hunting, and I have no experience with their adjustable models. Vortex isn't bad either, though I'm not sure about their lower end models.
 
#12
Re: Entry level scope

Try this one.

http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthre...542#Post2559542

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ranger1183</div><div class="ubbcode-body">This is a great scope for the money.

Bushnell Elite 3200 Tactical Rifle Scope 10x 40mm 1/10 Mil Adjustments Mil-Dot Reticle Matte

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=950843

950843.jpg


I rate the glass on these scopes from descent to pretty good. I used a low rating of "descent" in an attempt to avoid arguements. Frankly, of the several 10 power 3200's that I have owned, all of them have had pretty good glass. And for the price, the glass is an excellent value.

The reticle is the standard mil-dot and the knobs are matching mils. That way when you look through the scope and measure you necessary correction using the reticle, simply turn the knobs accordingly and shoot. It really is as simple as that.

The scope is well built and being a fixed 10 power it's strong and reliable. And fixed 10 power mil-dot scopes were used for years by both military and law enforcement snipers.

The scope is currently on sale for $200. That's an excellent deal. And this scope will work just as well on that .22LR trainer you'll want to build after you're done with your .300 Win Mag. </div></div>
 
#14
Re: Entry level scope

+1 for the Super Sniper scopes! If you do not have to buy right now keep a eye on samplelist.com Good deals come up on scopes and rings frequently, just make sure you check every day because your not the only one looking.
 
#15
Re: Entry level scope

MidwayUSA has Nikon scopes with mil-dot instead of their usual BDC or Duplex. Nikon scopes aren't often mentioned here because they don't market to the "tacticool" crowd, but they are very good scopes. I have had a 4-12X 40mm on my AR for a year and it has taken a lot of abuse while mountain hunting and held zero. The mils are set for the 12X magnification which is great, and it came with a coupon for a FREE mil-dot master, which came in the mail a few weeks later.

I do not recommend a fixed power scope at any price.
 
#16
Re: Entry level scope

Why knock the fixed powers? Curious. Target & varmints out to 500 yds - seems like good territory for a 10x.

Personally, I favor fixed power scopes - especially when constrained by budget so that what ever money goes into the scope it goes towards quality glass and quality turret mechanics. No need for extra moving magnification elements to add to the costs at the expense of quality.
 
#17
Re: Entry level scope

My buddy used the Bushnell 3200 Elite Tactical 10X all last year at the 1000 yard matches and it performed very well. Always tracked true and returned to each distance perfectly. 10X was a bit hard to see smaller targets at 1000 but on a 15" circle you could still see the target around the crosshairs. Good inexpensive scope that served the purpose well until it could be upgraded.

Topstrap
 
#18
Re: Entry level scope

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: bp78</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Why knock the fixed powers? Curious.</div></div>

A coyote can easily show up at 50 yds without you knowing it. There are many variable power scopes in the same price range as the 3200 10X scopes.
 
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