Best scope in $500 range for a 7mm-08?

[epijunkie67]

Need some help. I'm a gun guy but I'm not a big scope guy. Almost everything I own has iron sights on it but this question isn't for me. I've got a friend at work who wants to buy her boyfriend a rifle scope as a Christmas present and knowing I'm a gun guy asked my advice. I told her I wasn't familiar enough to advise her well but that I'd ask you good folks for advice and see what shakes out.

He has two rifles. A Tikka T3 Deluxe and a Sako Deluxe, both in 7mm-08. She wants to get him a really nice scope and when I asked her how much she was willing to spend she said, "Umm, $500 maybe $600?"

Makes me wish now I'd asked her out back when she was single.

Anyway, she works as an Xray tech so I know she isn't made of money and $500 is a pretty hefty wack for a single present. We don't know what exactly he'll be doing with the scope but this is East Tennessee so we can assume he'll be hunting with it at the very least.

So what's the best all around scope I could suggest in the $500 or less range for these guns?

 

[S&Wfan]

Hi,

Ya simply can't go wrong with any of the Leupold Vari-XIII scopes.

They hold their zero perfectly, their click adjustments are very precise . . . and returning back to the original zero is also precise. Thus, you'll save lots of ammo zero'ing in a rifle!!! Benchrest shooters swear by 'em too . . . and for the reasons I just wrote about.

I haven't priced 'em lately, but back when I bought, they were definately within the target price range.

I'm a huge believer in getting the best scope possible for a rifle. A great one will last for years.

 

[Brian Williams]

Leupold 3x9 -33 compact VX-II, I got mine for $280
It will fit with the size gun and look nice
Here is mine on a Win Compact Classic in 7mm-08, I also would like a 2x7 compact

 

[cheaptrick]

As far as "the bang for the buck" goes, I would look at something other than Leupold.
No offense to the other 2 posters. Leupold still makes a good scope, but I feel they are on the expensive side of a $500 budget.

Nikon Monarch 3-9 with no AO would be my choice for a big game scope in E Tenn. I lived there and hunted there and a 3-9 is all you need.

http://www.riflescopes.com/products/6526/nikon_3-9x40_monarch_ucc_riflescope.htm

Or a 3-9 Zeiss Conquest which is simply the best scope in it's class right now.
Laser etched reticle, 4" "fixed" eye relief, tremendous optics.

http://www.riflescopes.com/products/5214609920/zeiss_3-9x40_conquest_rifle_scope.htm

I have used and owned both scopes.

Good luck and good shooting!

 

[Omaha-BeenGlockin]

The Zeiss Conquest 3x9x40 at $399 is the best scope in that price range--period.

You would have to spend $1000 to get anything better---and even then---they would be only marginally better.

 

[.41Dave]

+1 on the Zeiss Conquest. I went through this search for my deer rifle last year. After camparing many many scopes, I found the Conquest beats everything else in it's price range. After I got the Zeiss I compared it side by side with the Leupold it was replacing. The Zeiss beat the Leupold hands down. The Zeiss had much better resolution than the Leupold, and I could see targets at twilight with the Zeiss a good 15 minutes past the time the Leupold became useless. Leupolds are good scopes, but the Zeiss is outstanding.

 

[coltchris]

I agree with the last (2) posts; ZEISS definately superior for these old eyes!

 

[10X]

Zeiss

I also agree on the Zeiss Conquest. I bought two 3 x 9 x50 mil dot in the last year. They are fabulous. tremendous optics, precise adjustments.


Highland Gear . com may have some good deals currently.

 

[ID_shooting]

We are a Leupold house, VXII 3-9 in the wifes rifle, she loves it and wants a nother for her next rifle. I have VXIII 2.5-8 on my '06, last scope I will ever buy for this rifle.

 

[BBush]

The Leupold, Nikon, and Zeiss Conquest are all available for under the $500 limit. All are great scopes...in fact all would be perfect for a 7mm-08 rifle. If i had to choose one though, I would go with the Zeiss. If you go to a gun store and look through all three brands, you will easily see that the Zeiss is superior as far as optics quality goes. The Leupold and Nikon are a slight notch back, but you will probably not notice it in the field. With that said, you will find that if you have any problems down the road, Leupold offers a better warranty than the other two and is a lot less hassle to send back to the factory for repairs.

 

[cheaptrick]

Zeiss CS has treated me VERY well. Can't speak for Nikon, never had to use the CS dept.
I had a Conquest go belly up on a .300 Win mag. and Zeiss sent a brand new unit to me in about 8 days.

 

[HGUNHNTR]

Zeiss Conquest without a doubt

 

[LAK Supply]

All three of the brands mentioned here are great choices! I have had good luck with all. One of my personal favorites has become Nikon. . . I have used some of these, and I have sold quite a few with never a complaint. Great bang for your buck with a good variety of choices in the price range you are looking at.

The Bushnell Elite 4200 would also be a good scope to consider. . .