New Rifle Questions

[RobNDenver]

I have just become the proud owner of a Winchester Model 70 Classic Sporter in 7mm Remington Magnum. Its brand new, in the box and this is my first hunting rifle. I need to buy a scope and am leaning toward a Bushnell 4200 3-9 for about $299. A friend tells me that I don't need to spend that much . . .that I should look for something less expensive. I want a good scope, but don't want to spend 6 or 700 for a Leupold or Zeiss or the like, but I think that a less expensive scope might cost me more in the long run.

So. Bushnell 4200 OK?? Where should I try and buy it? Bass Pro and Gander Mtn both carry them . . . I am open to suggestions.

And. Ammo prices seem to be pretty steep. Can I bore sight this rifle, then use Wolf or similar ammo to practice with and a few factory 7mm Rem Magnum rounds to verify the sight with before heading into the field?

 

[ADKWOODSMAN]

Check out www.midsouthshooterssupply.com

You should be able to find a Leupold 3x9 VX2 for about $299.

I have several on my hunting firearms and they have been excellent.

 

[jmr40]

I have no experience with the Bushnell 4200 but a lot of people like them. I like the Leupold myself because they tend to be a little lighter in weight and have longer eye relief than most scopes.

The VX2 ADKWOODSMAN suggested is a good choice but for about $200 I feel the VX1 is capable of doing anything I need a scope to do. Yes the more expensive scopes are better. JUst need to decide if it is worth the extra cost.

Another scope that I have been impressed with is the Nikon Buckmaster at around $200. To be honest mine seems clearer than my Leupolds, but at a cost of larger size and less eye relief.

Using cheap ammo to get the scope close is OK in my opinion but you may need to try several brands and bullet weights to find what it shoots best. I would shoot at least 30-40 rounds of what you plan to hunt with before shooting at game to familiarize yourself with the gun and loads.

 

[trstafford]

Friends Experience

How much experience does your friend have with shooting and scopes? If he has limited experience then what else can I say?

IMHO you can't go wrong buying a top of the line scope. It took me several years of buying cheap until I splurged on myself for a Nikon scope. That convinced me that I will never buy another cheap scope unless it is for use on a 22 then I will still buy mid range scopes. I buy Leupold, Nikon, Burris but would buy a top line bushnell.