New to shooting, would like some assistance with optics

[Kody]

P&D is having a decent sale on Leupold VX3s. That might be something to look at. I am not sure what kind of hunting you will be doing down the road (bush or open field) but a VX-3 3.5-10x40 might be something to consider if you are going to be hunting in the open. On sale for $570. If you want to shoot targets only, you may consider a VX-3 with a higher magnification and suitable reticle (also on sale).
Kody

 

[kwjkwjkwj]

A Bushnell Elite , such as a the 4200 to 6500 series should have something suitable in your price range. These are really nice quality scopes for the money, and have a lifetime warranty.

There are a few 6500 2.5-16 scopes on the EE right now for decent prices.

 

[colonelangus]

I like Nikon too. All I'm talking about is resale value, not initial purchase value. Leupold, Zeiss and Swarovski are names to conjure with. They hold their resale value incredibly well.

$429+tax Leupold VX2 3-9x40s sell for $400 routinely.

Bushnells depreciate 50% before you open the box!

I hear ya I purchased my prostaff is for plinkin and paper so the Nikon prostaff is more than adequate and the quality is better than alternatives in that price range.. imo ofcoarse

 

[Mudduck]

Depending on where you are hunting the magnification you will want can vary vs the reticle type/ magnification of scope you may want for target shooting. In much of Ontario you generally won't shoot beyond 200 yards because of the amount of bush vs out west where there are many more long distance shooting opportunities because of the typography. If you buy name brand scopes here on EE you will find you can generall resell them without much loss and try a number of different ones until you find what you like. Nikon, Burris, Leupold, Sightron are all great scopes. I have used them all buying and reselling until finding ones that I really like. Maybe talk to Omar at Plainsight Solutions here on CGN. He has some great insights about the type of scope for what type of hunting you plan on doing.
Also there are a lot of great videos that share information to consider. Here is one guy with some no nonsense basics that may help
http://youtu.be/G8PEHNsZFCA

 

[Canada tail]

I'd watch the EE for a couple of weeks for a name brand used scope and if you don't see a good candidate buy into the upper price range if possible but with the dollar the way it is look for older stock

but those old stocks on EE are surpassing the retail price. like the loony fall has affected their used stuff.

 

[BigUglyMan]

Find a used 3.5-10x or 4.5-14x Leupold VX3 and have it sent to Korth for a reticle change and turret install. Good way to get into a very good scope for not a ton of money. Hell, you could probably get into it new for $800.