New scope suggestions

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Sniper66

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I just got a really good deal on a Remington 700 CDL .243. So good (50% off MSRP) that I could not pass it up even though I have another Rem 700 .243. It gives me a chance to try out another scope and would like some suggestions. I've been looking at a Bushnell Elite 6500 2.5-16X 42mm. I'm planning to use it for coyotes on prairie hunts so expect some longer shots__300+ yards__and I can use it for white tail deer; much closer shots. I load 58gr bullets that shoot almost flat at 300 yds and 100gr bullets that drop deer in their tracks. Have always loved .243 and am eager to try another scope. Reviews of the Elite 6500 rave about the clarity of the view. I have several Leupolds, plus 3 Bushnells and like them all. I just like the dimensions of this scope and the report of extra clarity. I'll welcome comments and suggestions. You guys out there have always been helpful in my thinking through options.
 
243 does well on deer here too. How much are you looking to spend?
Not sure how much to spend. The scope I described is usually $600-$700. But, I get really good discounts at my local Bushnell Outlet Store with my membership to the Kansas State Rifle Assn., so am hoping to spend $400-$500. I hope to draw the line at $500.
 
I just got a really good deal on a Remington 700 CDL .243. So good (50% off MSRP) that I could not pass it up even though I have another Rem 700 .243. It gives me a chance to try out another scope and would like some suggestions. I've been looking at a Bushnell Elite 6500 2.5-16X 42mm. I'm planning to use it for coyotes on prairie hunts so expect some longer shots__300+ yards__and I can use it for white tail deer; much closer shots. I load 58gr bullets that shoot almost flat at 300 yds and 100gr bullets that drop deer in their tracks. Have always loved .243 and am eager to try another scope. Reviews of the Elite 6500 rave about the clarity of the view. I have several Leupolds, plus 3 Bushnells and like them all. I just like the dimensions of this scope and the report of extra clarity. I'll welcome comments and suggestions. You guys out there have always been helpful in my thinking through options.

You're a sharpshooter and Remington makes very accurate rifle, therefore, I would go to Swarovski web page and pick one from newest line with parameters you're looking for. Trust me, it's much easier to choose when you don't have to compromise on any features, hint.
 
I don't know if a Nikon is something you want but, they did have a promo for Prostaff 7 and a Monarch that had some higher magnification levels. I believe they were right at or below the $500 mark.

Just checked the Monarch is no longer on sale. The Prostaff 7 and 5 are though. Google Nikon scope rebate and click the Nikon promo link.
 
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I'm also in a discount deal with Bushnell, and even with another discount program for Vortex, and though I'm not sure of the details of your program, I'm confident in saying you won't get as much scope for the money from Vortex as you will from Bushnell. Less distortion and better tracking in the Bushnell too, for the money.

The 2.5-16x50mm is one of my favorite hunting scopes. The 4.5-30x50 version is another. I prefer the Bushnell 2.5-16x over the Leupold VX3i 4.5-14x even, it offers more accurate tracking and better clarity and brightness than the Leupold.
 
Most of my scopes are Leupold, can't go wrong there. But, recently bought a Savage precision rifle and put a Cabelas Euro (made by Meopta) on it and am very impressed with the clarity. Plus, found it new in the Bargain Cave (discontinued model), regularly around $700, I think I paid about half that.
 
I don't know if they have anything at the moment, but so sometimes you can get good deals on Weaver grand slams at Natchez. I believe they have a 10% off coupon right now.
 
Hey Guys......Thanks for the helpful comments. I get to shoot a rifle tomorrow that is equipped with a new Vortex scope....don't know what model it is. In the next few days I'll visit the Bushnell Outlet to look through an Elite 6500. I'll let you know how it goes.. And thanks for the money saving tips too.
 
7 or 8 hundred bucks is in the Vortex sweet spot. You can get lots of good features like matching reticle and adjustments and a decent zero stop (not USO or Nightforce nice, but very workable). They also have very good reticles and great customer service. I believe the first focal plane options are close to that price range as well if that is something you are after.

The Viper PST will probably fit the bill for what you are after. I have a couple and they are very good for what you pay.
 
the 4500 and 6500 elites are darned good scopes. I'm a leupold fan but have a few elites and a few Nikon monarch and there all comparable in models of the same price range. No vortex scope but do have a set of razor binoculars and there top shelf too.
 
WGP is right,,,,Cabelas Euro made by Meopta is a great value. Its my next scope.....(I've bought Meopta before,,WOW!)
Meopta is very popular over in Europe like Leupold is over here.
 
OK....so I looked thru my friend's Vortex scope. It was one of the lower.end scopes and I didn't like it....a Crossfire 3-9X 50mm. Might like the higher end, but for now I'll stick with Leupold or Bushnell Elite 4500 or 6500. Found a 6500 on line for just under $600; a bit more than I intended to spend. I can get a Bushnell Elite 4500 4-16X with side focus for half that. Found a Leupold VX 3i 4.5-14X for about $400 so might decide on that one. If I can make the Bushnell deal quickly, I can get a $50 rebate. But, I hate to hurry a decision to save a few bucks. I actually have these 2 scopes on other rifles and was hoping to have something different...........decisions, decisions.....
 
When you figure something out let us know. I have a Sig Tango 6 3-18 and its good but it was over $800 and that was at least half off from optics planet. 18x is really great at 100 yds but the more the merrier and I am next time going to go 24x - 30x. I have a love hate relationship with Sig and lately its more on the hate side so I wont buy any of there products in the near term. I am looking at a Savage 10 with the GSR stock in 6.5 Creedmor for my next rifle and will need a scope for that.
Dom
 
I have almost all Leupold scopes, one Vortex, and one Zeiss.... and one piece of advice: don't go too cheap on optics or you'll regret it later.

1. I've never been dissatisfied with any Leupold.
2. I think Vortex is a great buy for the money, but recommend the upper-level of the Vortex line. I find their eye relief to be less forgiving than Leupold, and they don't have as bright a picture. Still a good value. Their warranty equals the Leupold warranty.
3. Extremely happy with the Zeiss - comparing the same price range in the Leupold line, my Zeiss scope is brighter and clearer. (it's an older Zeiss though, if that makes a difference)
 
I have almost all Leupold scopes, one Vortex, and one Zeiss.... and one piece of advice: don't go too cheap on optics or you'll regret it later.

1. I've never been dissatisfied with any Leupold.
2. I think Vortex is a great buy for the money, but recommend the upper-level of the Vortex line. I find their eye relief to be less forgiving than Leupold, and they don't have as bright a picture. Still a good value. Their warranty equals the Leupold warranty.
3. Extremely happy with the Zeiss - comparing the same price range in the Leupold line, my Zeiss scope is brighter and clearer. (it's an older Zeiss though, if that makes a difference)

I looked a Night Force today at my local gun shop and they had two 5-25x models one was $3k and one called the beast was $4k both are definitely out of the question at those price points. I am leaning towards the Vortex, which one do you have?
Thanks,
Dom
 
OK.....I bought a Bushnell Elite 4500 4-16X with side focus. MSRP $400, I got mine for $280. The outlet store had a 6500 2.5-16X for a good discounted price of $569., but it wasn't that much better than the one I bought for half the money. So thanks for the help sorting thru my options. Tom
 
I have Leupold VX2s on all my hunting rifles. They're very clear, bright, tough, and accurate. The unlimited lifetime warranty is great.

My least expensive, but great scope is a Mueller 4.5-14x that cost about $150, but has helped me shoot some 1/4 min. groups with my .223 Tikka 595.
 
For hunting I really like the RainGuard coating on the Bushnell Elites. Out here on foggy days it is a definite plus. Yeah lens covers, but when they come off, I have seen too many others fog up, not the Bushy's :)
 
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