Gary O
Member
I am limited to spending under $100 for my .308 deer rifle scope. Is such a thing possible? What say you? Thanks...
$100 deer scope?
- Thread starter Gary O
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ArchAngelCD
Member.
Everyone has their scope favorites and that includes me. My 2 companies are Nikon and Bushnell.
If you are looking for a $100 scope that's clear and reliable look into Bushnell Trophy XTL 3-9X40 scope. SWFA has them for just slightly over $100 @$111.95 but that scope is extremely clear and will never fog up. Their Banner Dawn & Dusk 3-9X40 scope will run you $85. IMO the Trophy XTL scope is a much better scope for not a lot more money.
If you decide to hold off and save a little more money I really like the Nikon ProStaff scopes. I have one on my 30-06 and it is a very good hunting scope but it will cost you $159 to $169. I know that's way over your budget but I just wanted you to know about it in case you want to go higher.
http://swfa.com/Riflescopes-C1443.aspx
If you are looking for a $100 scope that's clear and reliable look into Bushnell Trophy XTL 3-9X40 scope. SWFA has them for just slightly over $100 @$111.95 but that scope is extremely clear and will never fog up. Their Banner Dawn & Dusk 3-9X40 scope will run you $85. IMO the Trophy XTL scope is a much better scope for not a lot more money.
If you decide to hold off and save a little more money I really like the Nikon ProStaff scopes. I have one on my 30-06 and it is a very good hunting scope but it will cost you $159 to $169. I know that's way over your budget but I just wanted you to know about it in case you want to go higher.
http://swfa.com/Riflescopes-C1443.aspx
I have a backup scope from thirty years ago that I bought at Wal-Mart during a lunch break from work to use on a jobsite to read model numbers on devices way up in the air. Saved us big money and time. I got an attaboy, and I got a free scope out of the deal. I have used it a few times on a 22, 243 and 308 rifles. I bet it was less than $50. I hate to say it, but the scope is as clear as my current scopes at low power.
I would suggest going really cheap, or use iron sights if already equipped, until you can afford what you want.
I would suggest going really cheap, or use iron sights if already equipped, until you can afford what you want.
JeeperCreeper
Member
I really don't want to be "that guy" that tells you to spend more money on something when your budget is set... but I believe the absolute best bang for your buck scopes are the: Redfield Revenge, Leupold VX-1, and the Nikon ProStaff... which all run for about $125-175 if you shop around.
But... if you are stuck at the $100, there are still good options. At my Walmart, there are two Bushnell high powered rifle scopes for about $85-100. Not sure what the model numbers are but I believe they came with a warranty and were claimed to be "waterproof, fogproof, shockproof" which is where I always start when looking at budget scopes. I checked the Wally World website and only can find the ProStaffs for $125 and $135 depending on which model you get, so your local store might carry others.
Side Note: my hunting rifle has an old Bushnell scope from the 70's that was an el-cheapo by those day's standards and still gets the job done... never had a need to update so there are bargains out there
But... if you are stuck at the $100, there are still good options. At my Walmart, there are two Bushnell high powered rifle scopes for about $85-100. Not sure what the model numbers are but I believe they came with a warranty and were claimed to be "waterproof, fogproof, shockproof" which is where I always start when looking at budget scopes. I checked the Wally World website and only can find the ProStaffs for $125 and $135 depending on which model you get, so your local store might carry others.
Side Note: my hunting rifle has an old Bushnell scope from the 70's that was an el-cheapo by those day's standards and still gets the job done... never had a need to update so there are bargains out there
ColtPythonElite
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I bucks will often times buy a used Leupold M8 4x.
urbaneruralite
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- Oct 28, 2007
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- 473
Does the hundred include the mount, too? Weaver bases, Burris Zee Rings and a low end Bushnell may be had under that. Not a hard use or low light rig, but if the gun doesn't have irons to use until a few hundred could be saved...
Also consider a red dot. Bushnell, Primary Arms and Vortex micro red dots can be found for that. For 100 yard targets and the usual hunting, they work.
Also consider a red dot. Bushnell, Primary Arms and Vortex micro red dots can be found for that. For 100 yard targets and the usual hunting, they work.
Zeke/PA
Member
I'll second the Nikon Pro Staff suggestion.
I currently own three with no problems whatsoever.
Check out Cabellas as a cousin of mine recently purchased a Pro- Staff 3x9 at a greatly reduced on sale price.
I currently own three with no problems whatsoever.
Check out Cabellas as a cousin of mine recently purchased a Pro- Staff 3x9 at a greatly reduced on sale price.
You might luck into something used at that price. There are a few options in the $150 range that aren't bad, but that is about as low as you can go and get a decent quality scope. There are lots of very good options right around $200 which I normally suggest as my minimum.
If $100 is truly the upper limit I hear quite good things about some of the scopes sold at Walmart that come in the clear clamshell packaging. I can't recall the name. I'd also advise something in a simple fixed power or 3-9X40 scope. You'll get more scope for your money that way.
It'll most likely do OK for a while. You'll also most likely either have to, or want to upgrade within a year or 2.
If $100 is truly the upper limit I hear quite good things about some of the scopes sold at Walmart that come in the clear clamshell packaging. I can't recall the name. I'd also advise something in a simple fixed power or 3-9X40 scope. You'll get more scope for your money that way.
It'll most likely do OK for a while. You'll also most likely either have to, or want to upgrade within a year or 2.
Cheap scopes aren't all bad as some people say. The worst ones are better than open sights by a large margin. However, they do often have problems with things such as durability, sticking adjustments, and wandering zero if variables. My suggestion would be to mount it, sight it in, and leave it on whatever power you sight in with. If possible do not move it from cold to hot any more than needed. The seals are not that great in cheap scopes. More than likely it will last quite a while .
ID-shooting
Member
I will offer a different route for you. Having been in the budget mode during the layoff craze of the early 2000's and not having much cash after gas, ammo, and hunting license/tags but still needing to put food in the freezer to feed the family.
Think used market maybe? For $100 locally I could think of a few options. scratched up Leupold fixed power, old "el paso" steel weaver scope fixed power (4x maybe even 6x), some older Redfields.
Go hit some gun stores, check your local craigs list, local facebook gun pages, heck, even post up here the the marketplace.
New is great an all, but I owned many used scopes over the years that while may not have been pretty, were still functionally sound.
Think used market maybe? For $100 locally I could think of a few options. scratched up Leupold fixed power, old "el paso" steel weaver scope fixed power (4x maybe even 6x), some older Redfields.
Go hit some gun stores, check your local craigs list, local facebook gun pages, heck, even post up here the the marketplace.
New is great an all, but I owned many used scopes over the years that while may not have been pretty, were still functionally sound.
OP
OP
Gary O
Member
I bought the Burris for $114 shipped after the rebate...
R.W.Dale
Member
The 3x9x40 sightron s1 is the scope I buy for hunting guns or just something I want to try before committing to higher end glass
I always keep a couple around and catch em on sale occasionally for just under a $100 bill
They are VERY good non Chinese scopes
I always keep a couple around and catch em on sale occasionally for just under a $100 bill
They are VERY good non Chinese scopes
chicharrones
needs more ammo
Like others have mentioned, if you happen across a decent used scope or a factory refurb, it's usually a pretty low risk gamble. It may have mounting marks, but the innards are typically fine.
I peruse SWFA's Sample List from time to time and also look for refurbs at Natchez.
If time is on your hands, sales are coming. http://www.midwayusa.com/black-friday-sale
I've had good luck with older Simmons scopes made in the Phillipines and Korea. This one might be worth the money. http://www.samplelist.com/Simmons-35-10x40-Whitetail-Classic-Riflescope-DEMO-C-P71762.aspx
This is $20 over budget, but Nikon factory refurbs are money well spent, IMO. http://www.natchezss.com/Optics.cfm... 3-9x40 ProStaff Riflescope BDC Reticle Matte
I peruse SWFA's Sample List from time to time and also look for refurbs at Natchez.
If time is on your hands, sales are coming. http://www.midwayusa.com/black-friday-sale
I've had good luck with older Simmons scopes made in the Phillipines and Korea. This one might be worth the money. http://www.samplelist.com/Simmons-35-10x40-Whitetail-Classic-Riflescope-DEMO-C-P71762.aspx
This is $20 over budget, but Nikon factory refurbs are money well spent, IMO. http://www.natchezss.com/Optics.cfm... 3-9x40 ProStaff Riflescope BDC Reticle Matte
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Arkansas Paul
Member
A serviceable rifle scope can be had for under $100, yes.
I hear all the time on the internet of how you should spend as much money on the scope as you do on the gun and all that stuff. Many will act like you risk complete failure if you don't have a high dollar scope. I hunted with Tasco and Simmons during my younger years when I couldn't afford anything else. You know what? I pulled the trigger and the deer died. Same as I do now with Leupolds.
At that price point, I would go with a Bushnell Banner. My dad has the 3-9x40 on his .30-06 and it has never once let him down. I believe it was $79.99.
I hear all the time on the internet of how you should spend as much money on the scope as you do on the gun and all that stuff. Many will act like you risk complete failure if you don't have a high dollar scope. I hunted with Tasco and Simmons during my younger years when I couldn't afford anything else. You know what? I pulled the trigger and the deer died. Same as I do now with Leupolds.
At that price point, I would go with a Bushnell Banner. My dad has the 3-9x40 on his .30-06 and it has never once let him down. I believe it was $79.99.
chicharrones
needs more ammo
I missed that! What model of Burris?
CaliCoastie
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- Jun 24, 2010
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used leupold vx1 should be able to find one under one bill. or burris. last resort would be bushnell. pass on the nikon(from my experince) but there are people that like them.
Sav .250
Member
Check out the Natchez web site. See what you can get for a $100.
Sock Puppet
Member
Burris Fullfield II. Burris has a $50 rebate on the 3-9X ballistic-plex, and $100 rebate on the 4.5-14X ballistic-plex. Check the part numbers to verify. If you snag a 3-9X and subtract the $50 rebate you end up with a great deal on a solid scope. Passed this on to Gary on a different forum:
Rebate Page: http://www.burrisoptics.com/promotions.html
Rebate Form: http://www.burrisoptics.com/pdf/FullfieldII_rebate.pdf
Best price I've found: http://www.fedtacticaldirect.com/BUR-3-9X40-FULLFIELD-II-BALLISTIC-PLEX_p_99544.html
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Arkansas Paul
Member
A Burris Fulfield 3-9x40 for under $100 is an incredible buy. That is a very good scope.
Put another $19 with it and this is a great option.
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/16...-accu-plex-reticle-matte?cm_vc=ProductFinding
For your price range this one would be hard to beat and it's backed by Leupold if you ever have any issues.
I don't need another scope and I'm thinking of ordering one..
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/16...-accu-plex-reticle-matte?cm_vc=ProductFinding
For your price range this one would be hard to beat and it's backed by Leupold if you ever have any issues.
I don't need another scope and I'm thinking of ordering one..
Bushnell makes good scopes, and Nixon is a good option as well. Good advice.
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