the hunt....for a scope

I have owned and hunted with many Leupolds over the years and none ever fogged.

Pretty much a fact on any glass is that, if you pay more you get more. Now, maybe the difference is worth it to you, maybe not. But don't EVER try to tell me that a $200 scope is just as good as a $700 scope. Doesn't work that way.

Guy that I hunt with had a newer Redfield. We were looking down a hayfield directly into the sunset. He commented that he couldn't see the other end due to glare. I have a new Leupold VX-3 and could see perfectly. Difference was unbelievable. He now has a Leupold.

I lost the chance at a HUGE deer because "this is good enough" scope fogged up. If you want something you can depend on and has exceptional glass, get a VX-3. And yes, they are worth it IMO. I have one on my .22 target rifle.

My muzzle loader has a $150 Traditions scope. The difference between that and my Leupolds is incredible. Maybe a lot of guys think it's adequate. Well, not to me. Next year it will get swapped out.

But don't EVER try to tell me that a $200 scope is just as good as a $700 scope.

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OP was asking about a no-frills 4X or 2-7. I don't think there is such a thing as a $700 no-frills 4X or 2-7 rifle scope.

Who's trying to tell you a $200 scope is equal to a $700 scope?

Historically, I have used a lot of Burris scopes. However, I am afraid that the last one I bought is going to have to take a trip to Greeley for repair. It is an E-1.

Redfields are a very good value--I have several.

However, you may want to check to see if Natchez has any Bone Collector edition Bushnell Elite 3200 3-10x left. I have an Elite 3200 with Duplex on my Tikka 243 and it is a nice piece of glass, particularly in bad lighting. I picked up a Bone Collector since it was dicounted (probably because of the graphics on the scope barrel) an went for ~$180. Nice glass if you can find one

But thinking back to your platform: Remington 788 in 308. I can make a very good case for having a fixed power scope on a hunting rifle if you have good enough eyes to not need the magnification. My 788 6 mm wears a fixed 6x scope.

Who's trying to tell you a $200 scope is equal to a $700 scope?

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Other good $200 scopes are the Redfield Revolution and Leupold VX-1.

Moving up to $300 will get you all the scope you will ever need. You can spend more, but a $300 VX-2 is about as good as it gets in a hunting scope.

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Uhhhh....no. Now, is a VX-2 adequate for you? Maybe.
Is it "good as it gets". No.

Personally, I wouldn't take a Redfield free if I had to use it after seeing it against the VX-3. If you're satisfied, have at it. For most guys, the comparison ends at looking across a warm dry, well lit show room at forty yards. Until you've used them in real world conditions, you have absolutely no idea.

I've been using scopes of various qualities for about fifty years. I've seen it. Until you can compare good glass against marginal, it's all speculation

The other mistake guys very commonly make is comparing brand vs brand. "Leupold is better/worse than Nikon/Vortex/Burris, etc". You gotta compare similar priced models to make a fair comparison. Nikon's cheapest scope is worse than Leupold's best scope, and Leupold's cheapest scope is worse than Nikon's best. If there were not a difference in quality, there wouldn't be a difference in price. Plain and simple.

As of this evening, this is the Bushnell scope and price info (~$170). And I agree with Redneck 2 on getting what you pay for. Right now I am waiting on the right deal on a Leopold VX-3 2.5-8x for my hunting 308. For some reason, my eyes are getting older.

http://www.natchezss.com/brand.cfm?...ector 3-9x40 Riflescope DOA 600 Reticle Matte

I agree with you there redneck. I was just going by your $700 comment. You are right though. $300 may not buy all the scope you will ever need.

the Trijicon Accupoint

I understand that not everybody can buy a $2,000 Schmidt & Bender. Are they incredible? Yeah. Are they affordable?? Not for me.

Everybody's got their tipping point. I just get a little torqued when somebody tries to convince a newbie that a $79 Swift or Barska is just as good at a VX-3 or the top of the line Vortex or Nikon.

Like I said, I've had cheapies fail at the worst times. Everything goes bad at some point. That's the reason there are warranties. If it never failed, a warranty would be pointless.

I've been around long enough to understand that a scope may well be a lifetime investment. And I also understand (through very painful experience) that the trophy of a lifetime may be lost due to inferior equipment. You get very few chances. Gotta make the best of them.

Redneck, so you are saying the guy here a couple years ago talking about the Osprey scope that he put on his Barrett .50 didn't make the best choice? Lol

A $700 VX3 is a 4.5-14x50mm or a 6.5-20x40mm.
For most of the hunting I do, a VX-2 2-7x33mm is better.
Lifetime investment? A new VX2 is at least as good as the VX-III was a few years ago.

Dr T said:

As of this evening, this is the Bushnell scope and price info (~$170). And I agree with Redneck 2 on getting what you pay for. Right now I am waiting on the right deal on a Leopold VX-3 2.5-8x for my hunting 308. For some reason, my eyes are getting older.

http://www.natchezss.com/brand.cfm?...ector 3-9x40 Riflescope DOA 600 Reticle Matte

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I followed your link and a suggested scope on the sidebar caught my eye. I didn't know they were still clearing these things out. this nitrex tr-1 is made by ATK and is supposedly comparable to the grand slam. http://www.natchezss.com/product.cf...497A6E-6AEF-538D-BAA8-259C0D823668&src=mbProd

I have the 6-20x50 version of the scope, and other than being huge, is a really nice piece of glass. Easily as good as a vortex viper to my eyes, and significantly better than anything I have seen under $200.

Kinda off topic, but I have heard that Vortex uses Nightforce glass and is assembled by them as well. I don't know if there is any truth to that or not, but after seeing them side by side at this year's NRA show I believe it. Vortex will be my next scope maker.

Lifetime investment? A new VX2 is at least as good as the VX-III was a few years ago.

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I believe this is true. I have some VX-III's and a couple of VX-3's. Significant difference. The eye relief on the new ones is significantly better

I'd also most likely look at Vortex. They seem to continually get positive reviews.

I have a Bushnell Elite 3-9X on my muzzle loader and my wife has one on her youth Model 70 .308. Both do the job very well. The granddaughters rifle has a Leupold M8 4X. Most of my other hunting rifles have 3-9 X VX II's on them. All are adequate for the money, all cost less than $300.

VX3 2.5-8X36 and don't look back. I believe BluegrassDan is right.On the way to being a classic.

in brief: not really. not to get them perfect anyway. At least not as far as I can tell. I would get the scope, try it in your rings, see whether you need more or less height, then buy a ring that puts you were you want to be.

But if you stick with a 40mm objective and a medium ring you will probably be safe. probably

If I were looking for a new scope--I'd be taking a hard look at these:

http://swfa.com/Zeiss-2-7x32-Terra-Rifle-Scope-P61665.aspx

Leupold VX-2 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope Product Info



Specifications of Leupold VX-2 3-9x40mm Waterproof Riflescope:
Length: 12.4"
Tube Length: 5.6"
Magnification: 3x to 9x
Objective Aperture Diameter: 40mm
Tube Diameter: 1"
Field of View (at 100 yards): 3x - 32.3'; 9x - 14'
Eye Relief: 3x - 4.7"; 9x - 3.7"
Weight: 12 oz
Adjustment Range: 56 MOA
Adjustment Click Value: 1/4 MOA
Waterproof: Yes
Features of Leupold VX-2 3-9x40 Variable Zoom Rifle Scope:

1/4 MOA click windage and elevation adjustments
MultiCoat 4 lens coatings for superior light transmission
Repeatable accuracy
Absolute waterproof integrity - Leupold pioneered the waterproof technology that's now standard in the industry
Leupold's legendary ruggedness
The famous Leupold Full Lifetime Guarantee
Plenty of non-critical eye relief
Seven reticle styles available

I am also going to replace my current no-name rings. What do ya'll suggest?

And is there a good way or place to determine whether I can use/need low, medium, or high rings?

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Problem is that one mfg's medium rings are the same as another one's high rings. Also, the barrel thickness and contour come into play, as well as how far back/forward it needs to be mounted. This depends on the eye relief of the particular scope.

Really should get the scope, then get rings that allow the objective clear the barrel and give what is good cheek weld for you.

As for brands, I prefer Leupold or particularly Burris. Lots of guys use Weavers. I have some, but the others are made better (and cost more)

Personally I like the Leupold 1.75-6x32 VX-3. That said the Remington 788 rifle has always been one of my favorites, inexpensive, acceptable quality, and simply outstanding accuracy.