Scope recommendations

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JustACowgirl

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I'm looking for a scope for my Savage .243. $150 or less. Went to good ol' Walmart, couldn't find anything I liked. Part of my problem is I simply don't know what to look for. This is my predator gun for out in the desert. I'm not into big. I don't want to put on a telescope. So, what should I get and where should I get it from?
 
You might want to check the Nitrex scopes by Weaver being clearanced by Natchez Shooters Supply. I just ordered 2 based on price and the lifetime warranty. I read everything i could find and except for one notable exception everyone seemed very pleased. I have used Weaver scopes before and found them to be good quality for the money. Just my two cents.
 
You might want to check the Nitrex scopes by Weaver being clearanced by Natchez Shooters Supply.
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+1 on this recommendation. I own three Nitrex scopes and I am VERY VERY happy with them.

Since don't want high magnification you may want to try the Nitrex TR1 1.5-5x32 here is the link http://www.natchezss.com/Category.c...2mm Rifle Scope Matte Finish TrexPlex Reticle I have that scope mounted on my 14.5" BCM Middy and there is no problem hitting targets out to 300 yards with it dialed up to 5x.
 
The Vortex Viper 2-7 is a very good scope and a complete bargain from SWFA at $149. I paid $169 and thought that I got a great deal.

Significantly better glass than the ProStaff and the Redfield and a lifetime warranty as well.
 
A Weaver K6 or equivalent would work well. Easy enough to hit a coyote at 300 yards with that sort of rig.

I have a thirty-year-old 2x7 Leupold on my .243, and it works plenty good for prairie dogs to 300.
 
Cal-gun Fan said:
Might be a little bit more but look into a Nikon Pro-Staff 3-9 power. They're light, clear, and a very good price.
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+ 1 on the Nikon from Wally World. Light weight, tough, clear and bright. If it goes wrong, you return it to Wally World and get another. Not likely to go wrong :)
 
I ordered a nitrex from natchez today. they hit me up for almost $20 in shipping. just a budgetary thought. they also have a variety of refurb nikons.

the mueller scopes are fairly highly thought of. but from what walmart offers, maybe a nikon prostaff or a redfield. They're entirely adequate for a hunting gun.

and this page has become something of a classic post on low/middle end scopes. http://www.opticstalk.com/inexpensive-scope-comparison_topic21176.html
 
Having used the Prostaff it's decent for the $100 you can get them onsale for right now, but the Burris Fullfield II would be a much better choice imo. Glass wise they aren't anywhere near comparable. The FFII or the Vortex Viper on sale right now would be my choices. Another good choice is the Bushnell Elite 4200 3-9x40, but they were running $200 on sale. If you can find one of these and stretch your budget out, it's a good way to go too.
 
helotaxi said:
The Vortex Viper 2-7 is a very good scope and a complete bargain from SWFA at $149. I paid $169 and thought that I got a great deal.

Significantly better glass than the ProStaff and the Redfield and a lifetime warranty as well.
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+123456789

great deal at SWFA
 
The new Redfields are the best scope made now in that price range. Made in USA as well.
 
Optical acuity trumps magnification every time. Having dealt with a wide variety of scopes over more years than I care to admit to, I have learned this the hard way. Before purchasing any scope, go look through them out to long ranges. If they are not bright, clear and sharp to your eye, pass on the scope. Check for optical clarity at all power settings all the way out to the edge of the field of view.

A $150 fixed power scope often has better optics than a $200 variable. A predator hunter on a budget can get a lot of use out of a fixed 4x or 6x. My recommendation is to find a good used fixed 4x or 6x Leupold (assuming you like the optics) and shoot it enough to decide what scope really suits your needs and save up for it.

Above all, get the scope you like. Keep trying them until you find it

PS- Quality mounts & rings are also important
 
It might cost you a few bucks more, but my only choice would be Leupold. A bottom shelf 3x9x40 can be found for around $200 and will meet your every need. They are absolutely 100% water proof, fog proof, clear and bright, and provide plenty of eye relief. Also of value is Leupold's customer service, it's the best! I've destroyed two Leupold's, binocular's and a scope. Leupold didn't charge me one penny, not even shipping, and replaced both without any questions asked as to how they both got mangled, that's another story for another post.
 
a 2x7x33 Redfield ($150) on my Ruger mini 14 tactical and I knock hogs andd coyotes out for a long ways out. they're made by Leupold anyway. great scopes..
 
My first scope was a Mueller APV and it has been good. I almost bought a redfield for my second rifle, I hear good things about them. The scope I did buy is a Burris Fullfield II. it is great, a little more spendy but great value. I think you would be satisfied with any of these three brands offerings in 3-9 magnification.
 
I didn't catch what 243 was. work gun, fancy my varmint rifles better than yours gun, what. Also what Varmint specifically , Coyotes? fixed 4x or 6x. If your gonna shoot picket pins, over all ranges, I'd get a variable power,
But, I would strongly suggest an adjustable objective for Parallax. Cheapest scope I would recommend is Bushnell 4X12, I've got three of them from wallyworld and I bet they still have them, never had a problem. Walmart quarantee hard to beat. And walmarts closer than Leupold/burris/nikon factory.

Another option is ,used, at pawn shops, I've picked up a Kollmorgan(pre Redfield),a couple Unertls and two Lyman Allweather Alaskans, because pawn shop guys never seem to know about scopes! Partly they don't care cause they wont loan much on them. Unertl scopes rarely say Unertl on them. they say hawk, falcon,condor stamped with small blockletters and white paint, Alaskans look for 7/8" tubes, where name is stamped on scope will usually be covered with the rings, and they won't look under them, other Lyman scopes have alum bodies with thin finish, but super optics. Lots of guys starting to pick up Weaver steel tubes, but you'll still see them.

I think Nikon if you have to have a premium. new scope.
 
Last edited:
a bushnell banner 6-18X50 AO is what i have on my bargain basement varmint gun. cost me $130, but that was about 5 years ago. good scope for the money.

murf
 
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