Which Leupold?

[H Wally]

Hi all - I've been lurking for a while learning about optics and completely agree on getting good optics for a rifle. I shoot milsurps in the .303, 7.62x54r, and 8mm range and have several that are drilled and tapped for scopes. Ranges are between 100-500meters, range or heavy forest. It's gets pretty mountainous as well, so that's where the 9x comes into play.

What leupold 3-9x40 scope would be best for around or under $300? I see all sorts in varying prices from $100-$800, but I can't tell which ones are built for heavy recoil and which ones will give up the ghost.

I'm planning on buying off the EE, since scratches on the scope tube don't really matter to me.

 

[Fassteel]

Which one

Wally if you are seeing Leupolds for a $100.00 I'd sure like to know where?
Trouble with Leupold is they don't make much in the way of selection in the $300.00 price range. Their Riflemen series are the least expensive. I f I had $300.00 to spend I'd get a Bushnell 3200 3-9 at about $249.00 then Leupold rings and bases for another $69.00 and you're good to go. FS

 

[Grizzlypeg]

I'd get a VXII or VXIII. Go to Leupolds website and look at the differences between the lines as you step up from Rifleman, VXI and onwards and upwards. The low end one's are made offshore. The standard ones are made in the USA and the higher models have better lenses and coating for one thing. I can't comment on quality or ruggedness. I'd hope they were all designed to withstand heavy recoil.