Scope for Howa 1500 in .308 out to 400 yards?

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Second the SWFA as long as your purpose is targets. I would not want a fixed 10X on a hunting rifle, as its field of view is too limiting. If you don't mind second-hand glass, I'd look for a used Leupold Vari-X III 3.5-10x40 or 4.5-14x40 for a hunting rig. Should be able to find one for $300 or less.
 
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The fixed power scopes like the SWFAs, and the Bushnell Elite 10x, give you excellent glass at a lower cost than a variable, but if shots are close and fast, they can be much less effective than a variable set to low power. If you got all the time in the world, then fixed power scopes work fine (I actually really like fixed 6s as general use scopes)

If your not a turret twister, then the Athlon Argos 4-20x50 might be a good option. As would the Bushnell UltraHD4.5-14x44, or the Bushnell Engage series.

Used I second Legionnaire, Used Leupolds have a lot going for them. So do used Burris FF/FF2s, and Nikons Buckmaster (not the B2s).
At this point I use 2 scopes I purchased new, everything else is used. The used scope market is really where you get the best bang for your buck, but you DO have to shop around.
I also support buying a NEW scope now and then, If for no other reason than just to support the manufacturers.
 
You will get the most scope for the dollar with most manufacturers 3-9X40 scope. That is where the competition is and they all try to build good stuff and sell it at the least profit. And 9X is more than enough for 400 yard shots

If you shop around a Burris FF-II can be bad closer to $150 than $200 and is my favorite in the price range.

I have no experience, but the Leupold VX-Freedom is probably a contender. I have had, and still own some VX-1's, VX-2's, and VX-3's. The VX-Freedom is supposed to compare closely to the VX-2. At almost half the money the Burris is an equal.

But in my experience most any manufacturers scopes in similar price ranges are pretty close in lens quality. Choose the features you like. Things like weight, length, reticle design, eye relief, turrets, and ergonomics are the deciding factors to me.
 
Second the 3x-9x vote, I have the Howa 1500 in .308 and with a 9x I go out to 800 on IPSC torso sized targets with not too much issue (finding them mainly, depending on the event).
 
I tend to like 4-14/16s better than 3-9s these days, but the guys who suggested the 3-9s usually being the better deal are right.
MOST manufacturers put out a pretty good basic 3-9x, and thats plenty of magnification for hunting at reasonable range.
Personally my favorites are the
Burris FF2
Bushnell UltraHd (mostly because it has focus adjustments)
Nikon Prostaff
Weaver CV9s and 10s
Athlon Argos 2.5-10x40

Id still like to try a Sig Whiskey3.
 
For $300ish, Nikon Prostaff 3x9 or even 4x12 for a few bucks more. Buying new, I believe the Howa topped with a Nikon is thee best bang for your buck combo ever.

The only rifle I've owned that was cheaper new, and equally accurate was the Stevens 200 (model 10/110).

Vanguard and Howa with a Nikon is hard to beat these days accuracy/quality/value wise.
 
Here's what I'd do for a new hunting scope. Just over your budget ($320) but on sale, a ton of scope for the money, and includes free shipping.

https://www.bearbasin.net/product_p/leu170680.htm

Edit: Here's another I'd look at. I have no experience with the new VX-Freedom line, but I like the look of this one, and it is within your budget. There are a number of magnification and reticle options. I'm tempted to order one myself just to check it out.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/prod...65_4_12x40_vx_freedom_riflescope_tri_moa.html
 
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Well, i no longer recommend the Bushnell elite3200. When you said 400 yds, I assumed target shooting, I have to agree with a 3-9 variable would be better for hunting. Can not imagine trying to sight in on an animal at 50yds on 10x.
 
So any decisions? We like answering questions, and always appreciate a follow up -- especially with pictures!
 
LNK said:
Well, i no longer recommend the Bushnell elite3200. When you said 400 yds, I assumed target shooting, I have to agree with a 3-9 variable would be better for hunting. Can not imagine trying to sight in on an animal at 50yds on 10x.
Click to expand...
3 years ago i took out my 308 700 build i did earlier in the year.it was the last day for rifle in ny. i was looking over a nice 80 acre field with the gun and know the range across it. it was cold and snowing that after noon.

I was laying on the ground with my bi pod out . i have a nice heavy wool blanket raped around me.it was a good inch per hour of snow. the butler creek caps payed for there self that day. about 30 min for sun down about 20 feet behind me a doe comes running up t the fence. i had no trouble turning about 90 degrees and shooting the deer in the head, that's all i saw, the scope was the swfa ss 10 power. ps. i think the deer was thinking i was a horse or something in the field lol.
 
If it were me, I’d most strongly suggest the 3-10 VX-3 suggested a few posts back.

At 67 YO I’ve used a LOT of scopes in my life. Hard to beat a VX-3. I have maybe three of them and am putting one in my new deer rifle
 
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