600.00 scope budget for a .223 bolt action, what would you buy?

randyhub

randyhub

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Want a new scope for bench shooting and gophers, shoot out to 300 yards for the most part.

Like Bushnell's warranty, have an Bushnell AR Optics model and love it, like Canadian service, prefer 30mm tube, scope length around 12", mildots, FFP, and exposed turret knobs without caps.

Yeah I know I should spend 1200.00, but really don't want to go over 600.00.

Looked at Bushnell, saw a few models that meet my criteria, and also looked at Vortex.

What have you guys bought for your bolt actions in this price range?

Thanks
Randy
 
Vortex diamondback tactical FFP 6-24x50 can be found for $569 or so (possibly less)

Great optic for the money and you get Vortex’s no BS warranty which is second to none.
 
Athlon has a scope that competes with the Vortex DBT. I think it’s the Helios BTR. Illuminated and a zero stop. I have a DBT, but I would buy the Athlon next.
 
I would get the diamond back tactical also. I had to send a bushnell back for warranty and had to wait almost a year to get it back. A friend of mine sent a vortex back for warranty and they sent him a new one in less than two weeks. I’ve had a pst for about 6 years and use it for rimfire comps in rain, snow, and dirt. It’s been a great scope.
 
I would also recommend the Vortex Diamond Back Tactical. I have a few of them on various rifles and they are hard to beat the features and quality in this price range. Although I have never needed to use it the Vortex warranty is excellent by all accounts.
 
Might consider the Fixed 10x, 12x, 16x42 SWFA that have been appearing occasionally on the EE. I recently got a 10x42 with the MilQuad - reticle marked in Mils; clicks on turrets are in 1/10th Mils. It has replaced my SWFA 10x42 MOA - a mil marked reticle with 1/4MOA clicks on the turrets. Both had 30mm bodies. The one that I bought, that I sold, and others that I have seen on EE would be within your budget.

Alternatives to consider might be "Made in Japan" Tasco Titan or World Class fixed scopes, but they will not have the coatings that modern scope lenses have. I am a bit "suspicious" about older variable power scopes regarding their seals - hence mostly look at the fixed power scopes.

Will help you on small targets like gophers at 300 yards to read up and understand what parallax sighting error is, and how it is different than "focus". Do not trust the "numbers" for your scopes "parallax" settings, until you have actually verified for yourself - not unusual to have to mark your own increments.
 
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These seem very popular in the US as well? Giving Vortex a real run in shooting competitions.

Athlon Argos BTR Gen2 6-24
 
My choice (yes am going to get flamed for this) you can shoot out to 300 with a Simmons 4x32 scope for under $60.00 bucks - glass is clear and excellent eye relief. Have one on my 204 Ruger and will be putting one on my Savage Axis 223 pencil barrel. If you want to see holes on paper bring with you a good pair of binoculars or spotting scope. You will learn how to shoot with it.
 
I would look for a new old stock Bushnell Elite 3500 or 4500. Great quality Japanese-made scopes with excellent glass and coatings. I would also suggest a lightly used Nikon Monarch. Another excellent scope.
 
I'm having good results with the Athlon line of scopes, Not going to bother with Vortex anymore. I have several Vortex scopes that have given no issue but 2 friends have had nothing but grief with various models of Vortex. Ya good warranty but kind of a hassle when they #### the bed just before a hunt.
 
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