Scope suggestions - $500 range

[jeepmor]

First off, I've done the search and read several threads already. But all are about a year old, so I'm starting a new one.

I'm looking for a new scope to put on my Ruger HB benchrest laminated stocked .223 for coyote and squirrel shooting. My budget is $500 and I'm interested in all scopes and all sizes within that budget. I'm not married to any particular brand, but am pleased with Nikon and Leupold quality for their typical price points as I have Nikon binoculars and a Leupold VXII scope.

For coyotes, the 6x and up is a bit much as I have an NCstar like that already. It gets milky at high magnification on warm days. Spelled, cheap scope. However, I do enjoy this gun mostly on the bench and for those long shots on groundhogs, so I really do like the 4x-6x and up variable option. I shoot more paper than game also. I'm close the city, not the groundhogs, drat.

For coyote duty, I may just put my 3x9 VXII Leupold on or go buy a Nikon Coyote model.

I have read of sightron, leupold, zeiss, vortex and bushnell. I just want the very best scope I can get IN MY BUDGET to accomplish this goal.

All opinions and suggestions welcome. Thanks for your time and gracious review of what you deem the best in this budget constrained inquiry. This will probably be my "big" scope purchase for my guns until I determine I need more. I just sold my 14' fishing boat and I dedicate my funds from recreation toys back into recreational activities.

 

[_Westy_]

I'd lean towards one of the Leupold VX-II's in your budget. I've got a 6-18x that I've been using for prairie dog hunting the last couple years. In my mind 6x on the low end is too high but they've got other models that would work better for your setup. You may even be able to get into a VX-III on the lower power range.

Another good option would be one of the Nikon Monarch scopes. I'm borrowed my dad's 4-12x Nikon Monarch with the BDC reticle to put on my AR. Optics are pretty close to my Leupold's and even with only 12x on the highest level prairie dogs at 500 yards were no problems. 4x on the low end should be adequate for coyote hunting.

 

[jeepmor]

Shopping this price point quickly illustrates to me that I'm shopping for an econo-box, not a luxury SUV.

Appreciate the input.

 

[AKElroy]

Zeiss Conquest is probably the best glass you can buy for $500

 

[jeepmor]

I've read mixed reviews about the Zeiss Conquest. Some reviews equate it to Nikon and Leupold in the same price range, some say it's the cat's meow.

When I was doing my binocular shopping a while back, I could not tell the difference in the store from the $500 Nikon and Leupolds from the high end Steiner and Swarovski and such. I know the higher end glass was superior, I just could not test it in conditions that brought out the difference, namely low light.

I have found that conifer trees are good things to look at while evaluating optics. The more the needles shine, the better. I bought a Leupold VXii over a higher priced Bushnell due to the stark difference between them. Plus, something about Bushnell doesn't work for me. I'm biased, no doubt, but I just have not seen a pair of binos or a scope that wasn't beat by a Leupold or Nikon at the next price point down, let alone even price points.

jeepmor

 

[Polar Express]

Jeepmor,

Thanks for sharing your observations. I'm beginning the search for two scopes, (I started a thread asking for others' experience and advice). I appreciate your summary of :

...but I just have not seen a pair of binos or a scope that wasn't beat by a Leupold or Nikon at the next price point down, let alone even price points.

That seems to sum it up nicely. I got a chance to look through a Nikon monarch and a Leupold VXII in the Cabela's store recently. And, while you shared your experience, I think you are absolutely correct, they make the store lights to show off the retail product, and put you in a buying mood, not to test the low-light performance of rifle scopes. In the store, I liked the view through the Nikon just a wee bit better than the Leupold, but not much. From other posts, it appears the Leupold customer support tends to be a bit better if you ever need it, so I'm leaning that direction. I will also look more into the Bushnell Elite 4200 series per a recommendation, as well as the Burris product lines.

The applications you list differ from my intended purpose, as I don't punch paper other than to practice and make sure a tool is zeroed and accurate. I prefer larger game (at this point), but I want to have a longer range if I can.

Thanks again for putting up your post, I've enjoyed reading the responses!

PE

 

[Sheepdog1968]

I went through this recently myself. I settled on Leupold scopes. I like the made in the USA and no BS lifetime warrenty. Are they the best? I don't know. They are very good and likely rank 4 out of 5, or 5 out of 5 starts. I've been very happy with them and that is all I will buy from now on (their new Redfield scopes included as well). I wouldn't worry about what is the best (that will drive you nuts trying to figure it out). I would just focus on getting a scope from a top tier company and you won't be disappointed. From me it's Leupold.

 

[Harold Mayo]

Vortex.