Need a new Scope under $500

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Lalondere

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Looking for your feedback on a great hunting scope under $500 dollars, the pros and cons of a 3x9 or a 2x10.

Just bought a new Tikka now I want a great field of view and will be shooting realistically no more that 200 yards.

Roy
 
A straight 6X.

I have a Leupold 6x42 with M1 turret, its $450.

I've used variables over the years, 2.5x10, 2.5x8, and 2x7.

All have been set a 6X.

The only variables I use now are on target rifles, hunters are all fixed power.
 
savagelh said:
Both of my tikkas wear nikon monarch 3-2.5-10x42 scopes. Good, clear, reliable and under 500. They fit perfectly in talley extra low rings.
Click to expand...

I have one of the Nikon Monarch 3 2.5-10x42 scopes and it is very nice glass for the money. Bright and very clear image and it fits your budget.
 
You might only want to or plan to shoot at 200 yrds but what you shoot at will be the defining answer here, If you anly want to hit a deer sized animal in the ribs then anything variable or fixed power up to 6 will completely do the job...if you want to use your gun for hunting trophy's that might need a lot of "looking" to make a decision whether to shoot or not you may need more magnification/power or if you want to shoot gophers in the eye at 200 yrds (completely do-able) you will need something 3-9 at a minimum but preferably in the 6-24 range. And the most important reason to have more glass than something "just adequate" to make the shot is target identification in low light or brush limited vision situations....I use 6-24 (and I know they are available in your price range) on everything that I might use regularly, I can power-down and shoot that gopher at 30 yrds or power-up and shoot that same gopher at 300 with the same gun. I consider under-powered glass the same as a handy-cap on any gun.

One story I tell often is that a # of yrs ago I was hunting a particularly large W.T. trophy that we knew was in the area. I was slow-walking a pipeline clearing in a particularly large tract of bush for our area when I spotted a deer at a range of 75-80 yrds looking at me, it knew I was there long before I knew it was there as is usually the case with W.T. That deer was standing with a large willow bush just behind his head and was motionless. I raised the gun and for the life of me I couldn't make out antlers from willows...even at that short distance I couldn't discern it was a buck let alone the one I was hunting ...then he moved his head a smidge and with that high powered scope I seen antlers move everywhere and a second later I had a 212" W.T. on the ground and to this day I don't know if I would have been able to shoot that guy without a high powered scope.
 
Nikon, leupold, or bushnell elite.
In fixed power 4x or 6x. If you hunt thick cover some then the 4x works better than 6x.
Variables - no practical difference between 2-7x32 or 3-9x40 for your use. But scope height might be a consideration. 40mm objective usually takes medium height rings, or you can usually mount a 32mm or 35mm objective in low rings.
 
For $500 I’d go with a used Leupold VX-3, or a used Zeiss conquest. You should find one quite easily on the equipment exchange.
 
I recently went through the same exercise as you for a new Target 10/22. Turns out the Nikon Prostaf 5 3.5-14 x 50 that I had didn't have a low enough range on the side focus adjustment. 50m minimum. Not ideal for .22lr.

I ended up buying (this week) a Bushnell Engage 4-16 x 44 that is adjustable down to 10m. Paid 400$ (after mail in rebate). Waiting on 30mm rings. I wish I had the money for a good 6-24 but it's not for right now. Trigger and stock first.

I'm about to post my Nikon up on EE if you are interested. I paid 580$ a couple years ago but never took it hunting. Actually sold the rifle because of that. I was hoping to get 400$ish, but I'm flexible. I have no need for it. PM me if you are interested. Happy to talk details.

Also, I fully agree with fingers284. There is a variable you didn't mention. What do you intend to target?

3-9 is a very popular range because it's easy to find good and affordable options. Wide enough for up close game in heavy brush and long enough for a decent trophy shot from a cleared shooting lane. Several have mentioned fixed power scopes. My take on that is the following, it works for some. If you know the estimated range your meat will be (feeders placement) then a fixed power makes a lot of sense. The clarity is always better. Variable range covers more scenarios.

That being said, I now mostly glass paper targets and try for small jagged holes.
 
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