I am in the gradual process of gearing up to try my hand at deer hunting this upcoming season. I went some when I was younger and enjoyed it. I just sort of got away from it. I recently picked up a Winchester model 70 in .270 that has a cheap tasco on it, and I'm looking to upgrade the scope. It will be used pretty much exclusively inside of 200 yds and my budget is firm at <$200. After doing some extensive reading I am looking at the nikon prostaff and the burris fullfield II. Both in 3-9x40. I wanted to get you guys/gals opinion on these two, or if you have another recommendation within the budget I would love to hear it. Thanks for all the help!
Scope Suggestions
- Thread starter jacob2745
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MtnCreek
Member
Win 70 in 270 is a nice rifle. Treat it to a VX-2 (~$50 over your budget).
greyling22
Member
I'm not certain I would have picked either of those scopes, but if you put 3 guys in a room and ask for a "best scope" recommendation you will get about 7 answers. Of the 2 I would take the nikon.
redneck2
Member
IMO, scope quality is really important in hunting. Getting one that won't fog up and one that has good enough glass to see at last light is paramount. If I were limited to the under $200 market, I'd either look at a demo from some place like SWFA or find something used. My LGS will pull scopes off the guns in their used rack and I've gotten them for less than 1/2 price. If it's any decent scope it will have a lifetime warranty.
Unless it's a Leupold Gold Ring, most "lifetime warranty" for scopes are only to the original owner.
redneck2
Member
Burris, Zeiss, Swaro, Vortex come to mind. Have to check each brand/model I guess. As noted, I know that Leupold does 'cause I've used it.
My LGS has a nice VX-2 on a Savage right now. I suspect one could get it or one similar quite reasonable. I've gotten Leupold VX-III's and Burris Black Diamond this way.
My LGS has a nice VX-2 on a Savage right now. I suspect one could get it or one similar quite reasonable. I've gotten Leupold VX-III's and Burris Black Diamond this way.
With a $200 budget the Burris FF-II is my choice by a wide margin. I wouldn't go under $200 on a scope. It might be possible to get a Leupold VX-1 for just over $200 and the VX-2 for around $300.
I'd rate the Burris as better than the VX-1 and the equal of the VX-2 WAAAAY better than the Nikon
http://swfa.com/Burris-3-9x40-Fullfield-II-Rifle-Scope-P7932.aspx
I'd rate the Burris as better than the VX-1 and the equal of the VX-2 WAAAAY better than the Nikon
http://swfa.com/Burris-3-9x40-Fullfield-II-Rifle-Scope-P7932.aspx
redneck2
Member
You got that. Problem is, your hunting conditions may be significantly different from somebody that just plinks. Your weather may be different (snow & cold versus heat)
I understand being fiscally challenged. Just don't believe that a $100 scope is just as good as a $500 one
Lots of guys really like Nikon scopes. I had a chance to get one, an older Monarch 6.5-20x40. Really checked it out closely today. The incredibly short eye relief makes it almost useless compared to my newer Leupolds. Then again, the VX-III's don't have the eye relief a VX-3 has. Go figure
I understand being fiscally challenged. Just don't believe that a $100 scope is just as good as a $500 one
Lots of guys really like Nikon scopes. I had a chance to get one, an older Monarch 6.5-20x40. Really checked it out closely today. The incredibly short eye relief makes it almost useless compared to my newer Leupolds. Then again, the VX-III's don't have the eye relief a VX-3 has. Go figure
The eye relief on the prostaff is the most common complaint I can find on the net. I haven't really heard anything else negative about it. As of right now I have added a couple more scopes to the hunt. The leupold vx1 and the redfield revolution.
Also, I understand a $200 scope is not going to be on the same level as a $500 scope. It's not that I can't afford something better. It's just that I can't justify spending that much for it's intended use. As I stated earlier, it will be used at no more than 200 yds and also another thing I have to consider is whether I actually stick to hunting. That is why I have chose this price point.
oldfortyfiveauto
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Take a long hard look at Leupold's Rifleman scopes. Also consider going with a 2-7 power. They are a lot smaller and more then enough power for deer out past 300yds. And just as importantly they go down to 2X for better low light and woodsy conditions.
As a rule, the scope should cost at least as much as the rifle. I'm currently putting together a tactical Remington 700 .308 rig and I spent more than three times as much on the scope as the rifle. I'm not saying that's necessary for you or others, but don't put a junk scope on a nice rifle like your Winchester.
That said, there are some decent budget scopes. With your $200 budget, a Redfield Revolution would be my choice. They're clear with good eye relief, rugged, and assembled in the US with mostly US components (except the glass) with a "no questions asked" lifetime warranty from a company that will still be around a decade from now (Leupold owns them). I think they're at least as good as, if not better than, the Leupold VX-1 and Rifleman scopes for a little less money. In their price range, I think the Redfields are clearer than most of their competitors, including the comparatively priced Bushnell, Nikon, and Weavers I've see, although the Vortex and the Burris Fullfield might have slightly better glass, but the build quality and warranty of the Redfield edges these two out, in my opinion.
That said, there are some decent budget scopes. With your $200 budget, a Redfield Revolution would be my choice. They're clear with good eye relief, rugged, and assembled in the US with mostly US components (except the glass) with a "no questions asked" lifetime warranty from a company that will still be around a decade from now (Leupold owns them). I think they're at least as good as, if not better than, the Leupold VX-1 and Rifleman scopes for a little less money. In their price range, I think the Redfields are clearer than most of their competitors, including the comparatively priced Bushnell, Nikon, and Weavers I've see, although the Vortex and the Burris Fullfield might have slightly better glass, but the build quality and warranty of the Redfield edges these two out, in my opinion.
Jim Watson
Member
Have you shot it with the cheap Tasco?
If it holds zero and does not fog up, it will hunt as well as a new $200 scope.
If it holds zero and does not fog up, it will hunt as well as a new $200 scope.
Muzzlelover
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it's hard to beat a Bushnell Trophy XLT 3-9X40.but then again I'm a little biased.all but two of my rifles have bushnells.one has a redfield and the other has open sights.i guess between the two you listed I would go for the Nikon.
I appreciate the heads up. The E1 looks like a strong candidate. I'm going to try and go fondle a few scopes Saturday and make a decision. It's looking like it's going to be a Prostaff, Fullfield E1, or Revolution.
greyling22
Member
FWIW, natchez hit me with about $20 in shipping last time I ordered a scope.
Went today and handled the scopes I was considering and decided on the Burris E1. Got online to order it from Natchez and to my surprise they won't ship to Tn. Needless to say I'm extremely disappointed because their price was ~$50 cheaper than anywhere else I can find. More decisions to make.
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