A $500 budget for a .223 varmint gun~what would you buy?

.22LRGUY

.22LRGUY

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******Edit~the $500 budget is for the scope alone

Hey guys, I'm hoping to NOT buy sight-unseen, but the options (in store) are fairly limited compared to what's available online~new or used. Anyhow, as the subject line suggests, I'm starting to explore the options and of course..getting a bit overwhelmed by what's out there. I don't have the rifle..or the money for a scope which means, I have some time. Planning the purchase of both around February/March next year. While I'm not married to the idea of a $500 budget, that's where I'd like to be with the scope. Here is what I'm hoping for;

1.$500 all-in budget
2.Magnification in the 20x range, or more (most shots 100-250 yards)
3.application~groundhogs, maybe coyotes

The most I've ever spent on a scope was my new Bushnell Elite 3200 4-12x40 and I really think it's a great scope for the money. I've owned a Bushnell Banner 24x varmint scope (mistake) and won't do that again. I don't mind buying used, would increase the budget a little if necessary...whatever. Just looking to tap into the collective experience of the varmint hunters out there! BTW, I did own a Mueller scope once (32x) and found parallax issues to plague me anywhere near the 100 yard mark. I'd rather opt. for less magnification than have to mess around with the scope too much when I'm trying to get a quick shot off.

Thanks for taking a moment to reply.
 
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You are looking at too much magnification for those ranges. A better scope with less magnification would serve you well. Budget $500.00 for the rifle alone and save up for a better scope would be my advice.
 
Is there a scope recommendation in that post? ;) Thanks for the reply. On the short list for the rifle is a Savage Precision 10 Carbine. The $500 (+/-) is the scope portion alone.
 
.22LRGUY said:
Is there a scope recommendation in that post? ;) Thanks for the reply. On the short list for the rifle is a Savage Precision 10 Carbine. The $500 (+/-) is the scope portion alone.
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I thought you wanted a scope/rifle combo for $500.00. Nice choice on a rifle. I have the Hunter Max 1 in .223 and put a Sightron Big Sky II 6.5-20x50 and couldn't be happier. It's over the $500.00 limit you set, but it's an awesome scope.
 
Savage Axis will run you $380 for the scope and rifle included. the rifle should shoot sub-moa out of the box and the scope will suffice till you want to upgrade it or can afford to upgrade.
 
In the $500 price range you will have a hard time beating the Vortex Viper 6.5-20X50. It is available with a couple of different reticle options and side focus adjustments. I have one of these scopes and it is an awesome piece of kit. Optics are clear and bright, and the warranty is excellent. Cruise over to the Vortex Canada web site and have a look at them.
 
Crashman said:
In the $500 price range you will have a hard time beating the Vortex Viper 6.5-20X50. It is available with a couple of different reticle options and side focus adjustments. I have one of these scopes and it is an awesome piece of kit. Optics are clear and bright, and the warranty is excellent. Cruise over to the Vortex Canada web site and have a look at them.
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x2!
 
the quality of the weaver grand and super slam line of scopes is far superior to the vortex and bushnell options at that price point, check them out and read some reviews.
 
I'll second the stevens 200. but the Savage Axis is a package gun for about the price of the stevens with out the scope. Even if the turns out to be less than what you want you can upgrade and stay within your budget.
 
For the love of god stay away from Bushnell it's good money wasted they suck so much a$$ it's not funny. You can get a Vortex Diamondback for $100 less and the glass and warranty are way better.
 
Just buy and Axis and change the scope for a Redfield Revolution 4X12X40 and you got a super combo... JP.
 
I have a millet 4-16 x 50 on my SPS tactical .223 and it is a fairly good scope in the $350 range. Get the .1mil reticle though if you can so that you have a matched turrets and reticle. I would second the "bushnells suck" comment and go for the Vortex if you want to spend more money.
 
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