Rifle Scopes Help: need new scope

[theblakester]

I'm helping my dad pick out a scope for his Marlin 336 30-30. He currently has a $50 cheap Simmons. My dad is very cheap but after missing a few opportunities shortly before dusk he wants to upgrade. He will probably only spend up to $200 (I know I know)... Here's the criteria
1. Cheap (between $100-$300 (probably well under $300 but suggestions are welcome)
2. Light transmission ability. Most of his shots will be near dusk or after dark at deer, hogs and axis (full moon and he has one feeder w/ a feeder light).
3. Low end magnification. 99% of Shots will be under 150 yards. 1-4,2-7, maybe 3-9. A fixed 4 or 6 power would be better if it allows more light to be transmitted or has a good illuminated reticle that doesn't wash out the image when in use.
4. Reticle- illuminated will be nice, but I know anything in this price range with decent light transmission and an illuminated reticle that actually performs well is probably not realistic. Don't need anything special for type of reticle (bdc, MOA etc)

So what fixed 4 or 6 power scope with good-ish light transmission in that price range to go with??


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[1911fan]

Not fixed, but this might work, and it's a good scope: Vortex Optics - Diamondback 2-7x35 Dead-Hold BDC though you might want to consider this, as well: Vortex Optics - SPARC Red Dot
Red dots have a great field of view and fast target acquisition.


1911fan

 

[Crosshair]

I was going to mention the Diamondback 2-7x also. Great little scope with very wide field of view.

For a budget 1-4x, check out the Mueller Speed shot. It's got a daylight visible illuminated dot and good glass for its price. It would be a great match for a 30-30.

Another all around use budget hunting scope is the Redfield Revolution 2-7x.

 

[redneckbmxer24]

My first choice for a scope like that under $200 would be one of the bushnell elite 3-9's on close out at Natchez. It's probably the only Japanese made scope you're going to find under $200 and the highest quality. The redfields aren't bad either but they're assembled here from parts sourced from China and other countries.

If he wants a Nikon buckmaster I have a 3-9x40 with BDC that was mounted but never shot that's basically new with box and all. I paid $200 for it, I'd let it go for $150 shipped.

 

[RyeDaddy]

Redfield Revolution are the brightest, clearest hunting scopes I've ever looked through in the sub $300 category. They are worlds apart from Bushnell or Nikon to my eyes. I would look at the 2-7x33, if size and weight matter. I have a 3-9x40 and if looking for a scope in that price range I would buy it again without hesitation. They also have a 3-9x50 if you want better dusk/dawn performance.

 

[Justinray]

I have a leupold fx-II on my 336, its a fixed 6 power and is probably the best scope I could justify putting on that rifle. Its readily available for 299, but can probably find a better deal on it shopping around.

 

[Badger300wm]

Swfa 6x

 

[brwn bggr]

Leupold fx2 ...2.5x20...
Pretty good glass,usable at first and last light,more than enough for<150 yrds...small footprint,light...sounds just right for that canine and your budget...
I have had one on a TC encore muzzle loader for a while and like it a lot...
I know Leupold gets a lot of hate mail,but they still make some good products...

 

[theblakester]

Hmmm thanks for the replies. Keep em coming.. But it looks like I've got some homework to do now. Thanks again


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[supercorndogs]

when i was looking at 2-7 scopes i found a lot of the 3-9 scopes had a better feild of veiw. i thought the burris fulfeild II was good for the money. i really like the monarch 2.5-10 but it is a little over budget.

 

[slm9s]

You can find a used zeiss conquest 3-9 for $300. Excellent low light scope.

 

[g2gjoe]

You should really check out the Redfields, IMO the best $200 new scope out there. Made by Leopold, great warranty. I have purchased two of these in the last five years, as gifts, one for my father, one for a friend. You can cover the objective with your hand and still see the reticle. Also look for used VX-l's, stay away from the Leopold rifleman series.

 

[theblakester]

Looks like my dad's putting the scope purchase on hold for a bit. But thanks for all the replies. I'll be looking into the suggestions


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