Cheaper scopes- Nikon, Burris, Bushnell, vortex

cote_b

cote_b

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Hi all,

Looking for a cheap ish scope for my new 308. Looking at used scopes in the 200-400 range, with magnification ranges like 2.5-10, 3-12, 4-12 and 4-14 , with objectives from 40-44 mm.

Most of what fits those parameters are bushnell, Burris, Nikon and vortex. Just in general, who makes the best scope at that level?

Cheers
 
Bushnell, Burris and I would add Sig.

I have used all of these extensively, in all kinds of adverse conditions and never had a single failure.

For my $, Nikon glass does not look as good, and i have seen a few failures. I wouldn't touch a Vortex if you paid me.

1. Bushnell Engage. 2. Burris Fullfield, Sig Wiskey (tied) in that order. If you watch the used market, or wait for a sale, you can save a few bucks and still have full warranty. Burris Zee rings are the best wallet friendly option for mounting that i have found and work 100% of the time, every time.
 
Happy Vortex customer here. My Viper 3-9x40 (1" tube version) has been nothing short of fantastic for me. Hunted hard with it for 6 or 7 years now. I also have a crossfire red dot from Vortex, no complaints there either.

Lost my bikini scope cover on a hunt one time. Emailed Vortex to ask about buying a replacement, they sent me one for free.


Also own Bushnell, Weaver, and Burris, among others. Bushnell Elites were pretty darn nice scopes for the $200 you could get them on sale like 5 years ago. Haven't touched any of their newer offerings so can't really comment on those.

Like jparent I too like the Burris Zee rings. Weaver grand slam steel rings are nice too. I like a scope ring that doesn't have a huge screw head or knurled knob sticking out.
 
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I just purchased a Riton Primal 4-16X44 for $220. shipped. I read all the reviews I could find and they were all positive. I mounted it yesterday and it's beautiful with a very interesting reticle. I'm an old guy and deteriorating vision made me forsake my old standbys (3-9) for more magnification and a larger objective for light gathering. Granted, I've yet to get it to the range but after that, I'll write up a review of my own for Gunnutz. If you're looking for budget optics, I'd give them a serious look. They have the same "no questions asked" warranty as Vortex.
 
Burris
bushnell
i would not buy any others mostly junk
nikon good but discontinued
as far as my qualification s 35 years working in gun shops
i see everyday which ones fail
burris best $ value
 
I have a Bushnell 1-4 Elite 4500 LVPO and a Match Pro ED 5-30 and they are both super clear for the money and well thought out. Though not models meeting your specs, I would definitely check Bushnell out if shopping in that $200 = $900 price range.

Would also check out Arken to see what they had in your price range, I have the EP5 and like it... but like my Bushnell better.
 
struff55 said:
Burris
bushnell
i would not buy any others mostly junk
nikon good but discontinued
as far as my qualification s 35 years working in gun shops
i see everyday which ones fail
burris best $ value
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Although Nikon is in fact no longer making rifle scopes, their line-up was redesigned and resurrected by Crimson Trace Optics.

I would stay with the Bush-Line Pro Series Models and up.

Lifetime warranty, made in the Philippines like Nikon, and very clear glass.

I sold piles of them in my Pro Shop, did not have one warranty claim that I know about.

https://www.crimsontrace.com/
 
gorby said:
I have a Bushnell 1-4 Elite 4500 LVPO and a Match Pro ED 5-30 and they are both super clear for the money and well thought out. Though not models meeting your specs, I would definitely check Bushnell out if shopping in that $200 = $900 price range.

Would also check out Arken to see what they had in your price range, I have the EP5 and like it... but like my Bushnell better.
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The match pro ed is worth the extra $ over the EP5?
 
CanadianMohawk said:
The match pro ed is worth the extra $ over the EP5?
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Yup, the glass is clearer to my eye and the hashmarks align better on mine. With the Arken it falls between marks on the elevation turret. Pluses on the Arken would be the feel of the turrets and setting the turrets is easier

Both track really well, seem super beefy, and reticle is a toss up. I use the Arken on my rimfire PRS rifle and the Bushnell on my centrefire PRS rifle as I want the clarity for longer distances. That being said, I never feel the Arken is at fault when I miss, haha.
 
gorby said:
Yup, the glass is clearer to my eye and the hashmarks align better on mine. With the Arken it falls between marks on the elevation turret. Pluses on the Arken would be the feel of the turrets and setting the turrets is easier

Both track really well, seem super beefy, and reticle is a toss up. I use the Arken on my rimfire PRS rifle and the Bushnell on my centrefire PRS rifle as I want the clarity for longer distances. That being said, I never feel the Arken is at fault when I miss, haha
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Haha. Im not a prs shooter (yet). I have an EP5 on my centerfire and debating whether to get another for my cz457 that currently has a ZeroTech 3-9x40 or step it up and get a MatchPro ED for it. What you said makes sense about the clarity needed for the longer shots on the centerfire. Thanks.
 
CanadianMohawk said:
Haha. Im not a prs shooter (yet). I have an EP5 on my centerfire and debating whether to get another for my cz457 that currently has a ZeroTech 3-9x40 or step it up and get a MatchPro ED for it. What you said makes sense about the clarity needed for the longer shots on the centerfire. Thanks.
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So, I also have my Arken on a CZ 457, have it with a 50MOA MDT rail and it works great. Have you considered the new Arken that is kinda replacing the EP5? I don't know how good it is, but would check it out if I was looking.

I think the new one is called "The One" or something like that and sold under another brand in Canada.

cc32a9b6-9a5e-42e2-8965-474ef0d4d9ec-1_all_18027.jpg
 
cote_b said:
Hi all,

Looking for a cheap ish scope for my new 308. Looking at used scopes in the 200-400 range, with magnification ranges like 2.5-10, 3-12, 4-12 and 4-14 , with objectives from 40-44 mm.

Most of what fits those parameters are bushnell, Burris, Nikon and vortex. Just in general, who makes the best scope at that level?

Cheers
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I think we need to know about the application you plan to put this 308 to. Is it hunting? If so, at what range?
Is it a budget target scope with adjustable turrets you are after?
 
gorby said:
So, I also have my Arken on a CZ 457, have it with a 50MOA MDT rail and it works great. Have you considered the new Arken that is kinda replacing the EP5? I don't know how good it is, but would check it out if I was looking.

I think the new one is called "The One" or something like that and sold under another brand in Canada.

View attachment 888917
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the one is made by DNT optics i just ordered one to go on my tikka t3x tact A1
 
Been using 308 for hunting since the early 70s with Bushnell glass . Only time I had a failure got a replace which was an up grade , no questions asked . Also use Bushnell on my range guns . Happy camper lol !
 
cote_b said:
I should be more specific about my application. It’s on a Ruger American, intended primarily for deer hunting at ranges under 200 yards
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Then a basic 3-9x40 or similar should do the job. I have a Burris Fullfield II on one hunting rifle and a lower end Leupold on another. Neither have adjustable objective or exposed turrets. I like to keep it simple as most my shots on deer are at around 100 yards and none have been over 200. I also have some Bushnell 3200's and 4200's and they are good enough for me as well.
 
There's sometimes a big difference between cheap and less expensive. I've had excellent results with the older Japan made Bushnesll Scope Chiefs. They were equal to my Redfields and Leupolds of the day and actually somewhat better. The Redfields and Leupolds were friction adjustment where the Scope Chiefs were 1/4" click adjustments. My favorites, and still have two, are the 2.5-8x33. They can be mounted low with a wide field of view. They hold zero perfectly and the power ring seems like it runs on bearings it's so smooth. I still have one on a pre-64 M88 and another as a spare. The one on the M88 has the BDC verticle turret which I don't like. When I'd pull the gun out of the soft case it would rub against the BDC turret and move the adjustment. Rather than change to the other I disconnected the BDC. Over the years I've upgraded to the VX line of Leupolds except one Redfield and one Scope Chief on the M88. My spare Scope Chief I've listed on EE.
 
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