Need a new scope

[another okie]

I stupidly broke the scope on my Winchester 70 in .308, which was the sweetest shooting combo I had. (It was a Bushnell scope, 4 x 12.) I find the 4 x 12 about right - 6 is about the maximum I can hold steady even prone, but the higher powers are nice for shooting from a rest.

I don't know much about scopes, so I'd appreciate some recommendations and places to buy. I don't want to spend over about 200 dollars or so, though I might be persuaded to go a little higher for the right scope.

 

[rangerruck]

the nikon, leupold, or bushnell elites, are all right up your alley, and all about 200 bucks or a little less.

 

[rangerruck]

if you have an Academy in your area, they will have all these scopes, at good prices.

 

[Froggy]

The Leupold Var X I in 3-9x40 is a nice scope and is in your price range ($200 - $250, depending on where you can find it).

I'm looking at putting a Burris Fullfield II with Ballistic-plex reticle on my .308 when I find a need to replace the current scope. The Burris 3-9x40 runs about the same price as the Leupold. Check them out here:

http://www.burrisoptics.com/fullfield.html

... and here is their discussion of "ballistic-plex reticle":

http://www.burrisoptics.com/reticles.html

If anybody is using one of these now, I'd love to get some feedback on it.

 

[rangerruck]

yeah, I could go for a burris as well.

 

[browningguy]

In mid price scopes I like the Burris FFII also, and the Bushnell Elite 3200 is decent glass for the money.

 

[.41Dave]

If you are considering the Burris Fullfield II or the Leupold VX I, get the Burris. I bought a Burris Fullfield II for my daughter's deer rifle. I got it on sale for $150. I compared it side-by-side with the $300 Leupold VX II on my deer rifle. Guess what, the Burris had better optical quality, resolution, and low light clarity. Buy the Burris Fullfield II, it is an excellent value.

IMHO, the best bang-for-the-buck deals in scopes right now are:

Burris Fullfield II 3-9x40 for about $175
http://natchezss.com/category.cfm?c...05&subCategory=405&catLevel=2&prodID=BU200162

Sightron SII 3-9x42 for about $200
http://natchezss.com/category.cfm?c...05&subCategory=405&catLevel=2&prodID=SH200037

Bushnell Elite 4200 3-9x40 for $260
http://www.riflescopes.com/products/423944M/bushnell_3-9x40_elite_4200_rifle_scope.htm

Zeiss Conquest 3-9x40 for about $399
http://www.riflescopes.com/products/5214609920/zeiss_3-9x40_conquest_rifle_scope.htm

 

[Lonestar.45]

+1 on the Burris Fullfield II 3-9x40. I bought one last year for my .270 ADL and love it.

 

[Bane]

Your Bushnell could be covered by their lifetime warranty. Unless you shot it, ran over it, etc. You should call them and see if they will repair/replace it. I have a friend who bought a used (several years old) Bushnell Banner at a gun show which magically broke a few rounds after he started using it. He figured he was screwed but Bushnell told him to send it in for them to look over. He sent it in and they sent him a brand new one free of charge. Seeing that kind of Customer Service made me go buy a Bushnell scope the next week.

 

[chunk]

try cdnn sports , they have alot of scopes ...CHEAP

 

[ArmedBear]

Burris Fullfield II with Ballistic Plex, or another Bushnell Elite.

I have the Burris and I love it. Leupold hits their stride at $300; their low-end scopes lack basic features.

 

[redneck2]

I have several Burris. IMO, my Burris Black Diamond exceeds my Leupolds but it is a higher end scope.

I also have B&L's (which bought out and is now Bushnell). I consider them an excellent value. I've compared them against Nikons and feel the Bushnell is better. YMMV

As a note...if you're going to try to compare, it has to be side by side in the same light and optical situation

Bottom line is, when you're in this price range probably none are bad. Some may be slightly better than others. Your best chance of an acceptable scope would be Burris/Bushnell (toss-up), then the others.

FWIW...a good scope should last a lifetime. Look at it that way.

 

[another okie]

Thanks for all the advice.

I found a Leupold XV-1 4 x 12 at Academy for under 200 dollars. I looked at some less expensive scopes, but the Leupold was much brighter and crisper.

They didn't have covers to fit it, so I guess I'll try Cabela's or Midway mail order for that. I order lots from Midway and I appreciate their support of the shooting sports, but I'm just not willing to buy a scope sight unseen.