Best Scope for 150

[spikehunter]

New rifle. Need a scope in the 3-9x or 4-12x power range for a 7mm-08. I would like to spend 150 bucks but no more than 200 and no less than 100. What is the best scope for the money? ( I am looking a Nikon prostaff, redfield, simmons atec, any others?)

 

[Hudge]

I would get the new Redfield or look for a Bushnell Elite 3200.

 

[peptoe]

Scope

Go with the Redfield brand made my Leopold, made in oregon. I have a 2-7X33 on a savage 110 and it's been a great buy.

http://www.opticsplanet.net/redfield-riflescopes.html

 

[Abel]

+1 on the Bushnell Elite 3200.

 

[Badlander]

Nikon Prostaff is A decent scope for the money. Bushnell 3200 is probably A bit better.
You can pick up A prostaff at Wally World.

 

[BigNYMini]

+1 Bushnell Elite 3200

 

[Rob96]

Look at the Mueller line of scopes. You get more than you pay for.

 

[FMJMIKE]

Check out a Nikon !!!

 

[Badlander]

The Bushnell Elite 3200 is nice but it's not A $150. scope.
http://www.opticsplanet.net/bu3el32hascw.html

 

[dakotasin]

i stuck a new redfield on a competition gun and have been pleasantly surprised by it - great performer for the money. functionally i think it is better than bushnell 3200 and 4200. glass quality isn't to 4200 level, of course, but it is more than sufficient for any 30 minute before sun up to sundown hunting (legal hours in many places).

 

[benzy2]

If you can swing $200, go with either the Weaver V series, Bushnell Elite 3200, Nikon Buckmaster, or Burris Fullfield II. The Weaver V series 3-9x runs about $170 shipped and they have a 2-10x that is still under $200 as well. I haven't been impressed with Leupold's VX-I or rifleman line. From what I have heard, the Redfield is given the rifleman glass, which has left a lot to be desired personally. I'm not sure if the Redfield has click adjustments or if they were given the friction turrets as well, which I'm not a fan of the friction turrets Leupold uses either. It sounds like you can afford a little more than the Redfield costs. In my opinion, if you are willing to push to the $200 limit, I think you will get a significantly better scope than what $100 or $150 buys you in a Redfield.

 

[Kernel]

The Vortex Diamondback 3-9x40 with BDC reticle is on sale for $199.99. It’s as good, or better, than anything yet mentioned. High build quality, great optics, nice features, and includes a lifetime free no-fault replacement warranty.

http://www.vortexoptics.com/product...9x40-riflescope-dead-hold-bdc-reticle/reticle

The Vortex Crossfire line of scopes are still pretty good, many of them are sub $150. Like the Crossfire 4-12x40 with AO and target turrets for $149.99. The plain Crossfire 4-12x40 (without AO & TT) is $129.99. Both also have the no-fault replacement warranty (meaning, even if you were to damage one ON PURPOSE they will replace it at no cost).

http://www.vortexoptics.com/product/vortex-crossfire-4-12x40-ao-riflescope-fine-crosshair-reticle

 

[Maverick223]

If you can squeeze $200.00 (or slightly more) out of it, the Vortex Diamondback, Nikon Buckmaster, or Bushnell Elite 3200 would be the best option; if not the Sightron S-I is almost as good for a little less...however if I were you (and I have been there) I would save a bit more for a better scope in the $250-300.00 range, that will put you into a Vortex Viper, Sightron S-II, Bushnell Elite 4200, or Nikon Monarch (roughly in order of preference/value), as these are the best deals going IMO.

 

[nastynatesfish]

You can look into brunton scopes. I have two and there both awesome scopes. You can get the base for around 70 on ebay and the NRA model for about150

 

[chains1240]

I bought a Nikon Buckmaster off ebay with full manufacturer's lifetime warranty for $220 with free shipping. This is the only good scope I have ever looked through so I do not have a comparison. I really like the scope.

 

[spikehunter]

Ok thanks for the good advice. Would you say it is a toss up between the buckmaster, 3200, and fullfield II

 

[hometheaterman]

Burris Fullfield II or the Vortex Diamondback would be my two choices. Have you seen the writeup at Optics Talk comparing scopes under $200? It's a great read if you are thinking of purchasing one of these scopes. Here is the link. http://opticstalk.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=21176

After reading that article, and several others the Redfields are not even an option I'd consider. You can just get soo much more for your money in that price range.

The Nikon Buckmaster seems to be any okay choice though, and another great choice would be the Nikon Team Primo's. Both of those are good choices in addition to the Burris and Vortex.

 

[Maverick223]

Would you say it is a toss up between the buckmaster, 3200, and fullfield II

I would take the Vortex Diamondback over the others if only because it has a much better warranty, but to each their own.

 

[jonboynumba1]

Nikon BuckMaster 3-9x40 retails for $200-ish but some factory refurbs pop up for $155-ish on ebay ect. I have one on several rifles...including my .300 win mag...very good scope for $200

 

[Red State]

Here is a side by side evaluation of 5 different scopes that cost between $150 and $200.

This is excellent and informative reading:

http://www.opticstalk.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=21176&KW=scope

 

[longdayjake]

Its not that hard to find a used VX-II for $200. That said, I have a little experience with the burris and I believe I could enjoy that scope if I was short on cash and needed something.

 

[dagger dog]

Bushnell Trophy 3X9 mildot reticule 120 bucks decent for the money.

 

[benzy2]

Would you say it is a toss up between the buckmaster, 3200, and fullfield II

Pretty much. They all are a little different and have some slight advantages or disadvantages but for the most part they are very similar. The Buckmaster, 3200, Fullfield II, VX-II, Diamondback, Classic V series, and Sightron SII are all very very similar from a performance stand point. Some have different reticles, others better warranties, others rain guard, etc. In general though, they are all at least in the same ballpark. Pick the one that has the options you find most important.

 

[benzy2]

I would take the Vortex Diamondback over the others if only because it has a much better warranty, but to each their own.

Don't the Nikon, Burris, Leupold, and Bushnell all come with a transferable lifetime warranty?

 

[Maverick223]

Don't the Nikon, Burris, Leupold, and Bushnell all come with a transferable lifetime warranty?

Yes, however the Vortex and Leupold have the best CS of the bunch and will repair or replace just about anything to satisfy the customer. They really stand on their own in that respect. It should also be noted that the Vortex also has a little better edge-to-edge clarity than any of the others mentioned (within the budget constraints), but I find the warranty to be the major deciding factor.