Best 3-9x40 hunting scope for $300ish?

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I'm really partial to the elite models, something about my glass rating system - USA, Germany, Japan for quality vs. price.
The older Bausch & Lomb scopes I use have performed perfectly.
 
Launching say a ....165gr SST, at 2800FPS, and all things equal, you will drop off a whole 3.4" at 200y..... 13" at 300y..... 29 or so at 400y and so on.

Can you tell what 3" is on the side of a deer? If at 300y hold at the top of the back...it gets trickier at 400y and on, but instead of all that reticle clutter why not use some good ol' kentucky windage?
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True. However, what I'm saying is that having to hold over 13" at 300 yards with a .30-06 and standard weight bullets is, itself, a waste of a perfectly good caliber. Sight in at 200 yards and you can ignore range out to maybe 250, and you only have to hold over 7" at 300 yards -- much easier than 13" to guesstimate well enough, and fast (7" translates to "hold on the target, but a little high" to me, vs. 13", which can be "hold over the deer's back"). I don't care for a fancy reticle that FORCES me to sight in at 100 yards if I want to use it, because around here, people sighted in a .30-06 at 200 yards even 60-70 years back when bullets and powders weren't as good.
 
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Second the ArmedBear sighting in method, had a BDC Nikon and hated it for hunting - too much going on before I squeezed the trigger. Still had good glass in the Nikon.
 
Although I definitely like you short list, the correct answer is not on it.

For a big boomer like .30-06 and above, I like the insane eye relief of the Nikon OMEGA 3-9x40mm, which is even better than the Team Primos, as the same or less price. Better because of the better eye relief, and otherwise identical or nearly so. If you're shooting heavy loads and/or have a lot of thick hunting clothing on, you will definitely appreciate the eye relief on the Omega.

But pretty much all your choices are good. The Sightron SII (regular) would be my second choice.

Another plus one on ditching the BDC - try to find the Omega withOUT the BDC -not only will you probably like it better in the long run, the other day Natchezz had these on clearance for $135 plus shipping - you might check to see if they still do.

I was initially enamoured with BDCs, too, but have come to realize that they're just not needed and add to the clutter and complication.

True. However, what I'm saying is that having to hold over 13" at 300 yards with a .30-06 and standard weight bullets is, itself, a waste of a perfectly good caliber. Sight in at 200 yards and you only have to hold over 7" at 300 yards -- much easier than 13" to guesstimate well enough, and fast (7" translates to "hold on the target, but a little high" to me, vs. 13", which can be "hold over the deer's back"). I don't care for a fancy reticle that FORCES me to sight in at 100 yards if I want to use it, because around here, people sighted in a .30-06 at 200 yards even 60-70 years back when bullets and powders weren't as good.
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Once again, AB speaks wisely.
 
Dr. Winslow,

What is the parallax setting on the Omega? Aren't most blackpowder scopes set for 75 yards?

I have seen the Omega in person and it is good glass. Side by side, the clarity seemed almost identical to the Burris FFII.
 
Red State, yes I believe that it is (unfortunately) set at 75 yards, instead of 100 like most scopes or 150 like most Leupolds.

However, in my understanding and belief of how parallax error works, the difference in actual parallax error induced at most any hunting range past 100 yards, between a 75 yard setting and 100 yard setting, is fairly miniscule. For example, at 300 yards, neither setting is going to help MUCH if your head is not centered and error thus introduced.

And less than 75 yards, where many if not most shots are taken, the 75 is slightly superior in this department. Between 75 and 100, again where many shots are taken, it's a wash essentially.
 
What is the parallax setting on the Omega? Aren't most blackpowder scopes set for 75 yards?
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If anything I consider that an advantage, like Doc. said few shots are taken at longer range that about 100yds.

:)
 
I agree on seeing really no utility for the BDC. That said, for the Nikon, I just don't care for the Nikoplex, and with or without the BDC, the rest of the BDC reticle is close to a german #4 which I like a lot. If Nikon offered a #4 in the Prostaff, I would be all over it. Until then, the circles don't distract me at all.
 
I too like the German No. 4 reticle because it offers faster target acquisition, honestly I don't know why it isn't more popular.

:)
 
I will put in a good word for the Nikon Buckmaster 3x9 with BDC. In a word amazing. I have owned a Leupold straight 4 power for 30 years. It is perhaps not fair but the Nikon is really a light gathering marvel. I had a late shot at a buck this year and tagged him. Right after I shot I tried to find him with my small binoc's. I thought someone had turned the lights out. I switched back to the scope and was amazed to be able to see clearly in the low light. Really, Nikon has done extensive work in the coating department of their lenses. Give them a look see at the store and head for a poorly lit area of the store.
 
Really, Nikon has done extensive work in the coating department of their lenses.
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I have a Nikon, and I like it. I'd recommend it, but not the BDC, especially if it requires a 100 yard zero. However, Leupold has also done a little work on their lenses over the past 30 years... I have a couple of those, too, one new and one a bit older, and they are also fine scopes.:)
 
Thank you all for your responses.

I purchased the Sightron SII Big Sky. The midway price dropped yesterday and I just couldn't resist. Once I applied one of their current coupons, I got it for $267 delivered. It was just too good a deal to pass up.

Dr. Winslow, I do like the Omega specifically and Nikons in general. Before the SII dropped in price, I was leaning towards the Primos or Monarch.

Armed Bear, your input was usefull and I understand your frustration with your previous ballistic reticle. I have had 5 or 6 previous scopes over the years and none of them had the ballistic reticles and I found myself desiring one. Hopefully I am not making a mistake. If I am, I can always transfer this to a different caliber gun that might be better suited for the specific ranging of the Sightron Hunter Holdover reticle.

If I remember, I will provide everyone here with an update regarding this scope. Guys that I shoot with have the Burris FFII and the Nikon Omega and the Bushnell Elite 3200 and I will try do some quick comparasons at the range.
 
Leupold

The answer to this question is very easy and there is only one answer: the American made Leupold. In the price range, it would be the VX1 series. A lot of old "standbyes" are now made in china and are no longer as good as as the scopes yesterday.

I have bought a lot of chinese, tiwaneses, etc made scopes and some for as much as a Leupold. When I had problems with the cheap ones, I just through them away. I threw away a lot of scopes. When I had a problems with one of the expensive japanese scopes, the manufacture would not warrenty it, so I called one of the premier custom scope companies. They told me not to bother shipping it. They would only work on Leupolds, the steel Weavers, Steel Lymans, and the Euro models. Too many of the other scopes would not stay fixed so they stopped working on them. That did it for me. American made Leupolds or $100 cheapos for my 22LRs
 
are the lower price Leupolds still made in America?? I think they are farmed out, correct me if I am wrong.
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I believe they are made in Asia (not China...but I forget where exactly), all of the lenses are made in Japan to the best of my knowledge (for scopes, some other products are made in China).

:)
 
The Mueller TAC II is near the top of that price range, is a mil-dot and has exceptionally clear optics. Better optics than any other in that price range (Nikon, Bushnell, Pentax) that I have looked through, IMHO. I have been using one on a M1A for over two years and it has repeatability and has handled the recoil of just under 1k rounds.
 
I apologize for not reading all posts in advance... I would go with the Weaver Grand Slam 4.5X14. 95% light transmission, excellent reticle, and with an excellent adjustable objective/ long tube design. Also has the quick adjust eyepiece, and finger adjustable deluxe knobs. I shot a prairie dog at well over 400 yards with mine. It would be brighter than a VXII with higher power and adjustable objective. Downside is it's a little heavier.
 
I have shot quite a bit with the Nikko Stirlings. They seem to hold their zero just fine on range guns.

But the glass quality on the Nighteater leaves a lot to be desired. It is nowhere near the clarity and brightness of a Burris FFII or Bushnell Elite or Nikon Prostaff. Not even close.
 
Also, the Nikko scopes seem to be really heavy, to me, for a given size and power.
 
I'll agree...Nikko needs to revamp their line of scopes.
Back in the day, they were good, but like Red says, they do not favorably compare with the Burris FFII or some of the others.
And yes, they are heavy!

I would stick to the Weaver stuff.
 
Red State how do you like your Sightron SII Big Sky? I love mine.Best optics I have saw for the price
 
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