Best "price point" for a hunting scope

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buckchaser

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I am continuing the research process for a new scope. I've been hunting exclusively with an Aimpoint Micro for the past few seasons (big woods deer hunting), but am looking to scope a Tikka T3 stainless 260 for medium range hunting.

It seems that scopes can be divided into three categories:

1) "Low End" - ~ $300
2) "Medium" - ~$500
3) "High End" - $1000 plus

My shooting will be 400 meters at the most - more likely 250 meters and under - so massive magnification is not needed (or desired). Durability is paramount for the style of hunting I do.

For my hunting requirements, will a scope in the "medium" range successfully fill all my requirements? Vortex and Leupold are the two brands I see recommended most in this price bracket.
 
Yes the Elites have better glass and are clearer, They come in 3-4 different series, I think the 6500 is the top series. You should be able to find a 3500 or 4200 series in your price range. They are good scopes
 
I'd look for a 3-9 or 4-12 zoom range scope. Having a low minimum magnification is nice for the close in shots, for longer range shots (400m and under) you really don't need as much magnification as you'd think. Even 6x on the top end would likely be good enough, just depends on what you expect to use it for most often.
For manufactures: Leupold VX-2 and VX-3 are popular and good. Vortex is decent, I wouldn't get less than a Viper series though. Bushnell Elite, Nikon Monarch and Sightron SIIB are good.
If I were you I'd avoid the Chinese made scopes, look for a Japanese or USA made model. European scopes are typically great, but they charge for it.
 
Omenator said:
I'd look for a 3-9 or 4-12 zoom range scope. Having a low minimum magnification is nice for the close in shots, for longer range shots (400m and under) you really don't need as much magnification as you'd think. Even 6x on the top end would likely be good enough, just depends on what you expect to use it for most often.
For manufactures: Leupold VX-2 and VX-3 are popular and good. Vortex is decent, I wouldn't get less than a Viper series though. Bushnell Elite, Nikon Monarch and Sightron SIIB are good.
If I were you I'd avoid the Chinese made scopes, look for a Japanese or USA made model. European scopes are typically great, but they charge for it.
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Very good advice....
 
I've had good experiences with Bushnell and still have three but have moved up to Sightron for the next level of quality and have not regretted it
 
The last upgrade has been good to the VX2. It's a real bargain as scopes go. Still, since you're in that deep you may as well go VX3 and be done with it. You'll forget the price difference on the way home but will have a better scope forever. A 2.5-8 or 3.5-10 will suit your prpose fine. B&C reticle is my favorite for general purpose with a bit of reaching out.
 
Ive got multiple bushnell elite's 3 and 4 series and have had excellent service from them ( currently on .375,9.3,300 mag....), optically they are as good as anything in their price range but the main factor for me is the rain guard lens coating as it really does work in the pissing rain that seems so prevalent here.
 
nomad 68 said:
Go to tradeex and order a leftover elite 3-9x40.....done!
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If you have a short action the compact 3-10 Elite is great deal at their listed price! Makes me want to buy another one. As people have mentioned the Rainguard is a great feature on a hunting rifle. I'd say it's worth $100 just for that feature alone.
 
buckchaser said:
Are the Bushnell Elite series much better than the "bargain basement" quality of Bushnell's entry level stuff?
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Elites are Made in Japan starting at $225. Japan, USA, and Europe make the best scopes..... Your other options in the sub $500 range are either made in Philippines (not bad but not as good as the Japanese Elites) or China (crap no matter who puts their name on it).
The exception to the China/Philippines in the sub $500 are some USA made Redfield Revolutions and low end Leupy's which I would still take an Elite over.
 
Hey buckchaser,

In the $500.00 range, you can be into a great medium range hunting scope that will do exactly what you need it to do. Personally, I have been impressed with what Vortex has to offer in that price range, with the Diamondback HP 3-12x42 coming to mind. In the sub $500 category, the Diamondback HP has the same high density glass as the Viper line, an adjustable parallax, and a 4 inch eye relief for a more comfortable shooting position. For a scope that retails for $469.99, it is a great value and offers a lot for the price you're paying. If you have any questions, or would like to chat further about the subject, please don't hesitate to give us a call at 1-877-547-6873 and we would be happy to help you out.

Best regards,
Anthony Haines
Online Sales Specialist
 
If you are going to look at the Leupold's do it quick and find a vendor that has stock they bought when the buck was at par.

Leupold will be at a disadvantage for most of 2016. They are made, packed and marketed in the US paying US workers US dollars. With our buck now barely worth 71 cents US anything crossing the border this year will be 35% more expensive than what most are "used to".

Our buck is not doing quite as bad against European and Asian currencies, so products sourced from "abroad", even if the parent is US, are still coming in "less effected" by our crappy buck.

I'm looking at the wholesale price for the VX-3 40mm B&C and once the currency surcharge goes up I personally won't be surprised to see these on the shelf with a sticker price "somewhat" north of 1000 bucks. By the time the dust settles you will do well if you can pick up a duplex reticle VX2 in a 3-9x40 for anything under 500 bucks (before taxes and shipping) - so if you are a Leupy fan, waiting is not in your interest.
 
Grouse River said:
Hey buckchaser,

In the $500.00 range, you can be into a great medium range hunting scope that will do exactly what you need it to do. Personally, I have been impressed with what Vortex has to offer in that price range, with the Diamondback HP 3-12x42 coming to mind. In the sub $500 category, the Diamondback HP has the same high density glass as the Viper line, an adjustable parallax, and a 4 inch eye relief for a more comfortable shooting position. For a scope that retails for $469.99, it is a great value and offers a lot for the price you're paying. If you have any questions, or would like to chat further about the subject, please don't hesitate to give us a call at 1-877-547-6873 and we would be happy to help you out.

Best regards,
Anthony Haines
Online Sales Specialist
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These are surprisingly clear for their price... the HD glass upgrade is worth every penny
 
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