You have $260 to spend on a new rifle scope, what do you choose?

You have $260 to spend on a new rifle scope, what do you choose?


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sapper6fd

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Ok, so I'm in the market for a rife scope. I'm looking for something on my 303 British, the best bang for my buck. Glass with clarity, a zero that holds, weather proof, and durable. I know this cuts it down significantly to only a handful of manufactures. It will be used for a mix of hunting and target shooting up to 400 or so yards. Maybe more if I can push it.

Here's my list, tell me what you would get and why:

- Vortex Crossfire II 3-9X40 - $239.99
- Vortex Crossfire II 4-12X44 - $269.99
- Nikon Prostaff 3-9X40 - $239.99
- Nikon Buckmaster II 4-12X40 - $199.99
- Bushnell Trophy XLT 4-12X40 - $219
- Other

I'm getting mixed signals on the Nikon Prostaff. Some things I read say they are only for 22LR, and some people say they are great on their 30-30 / 30-06 / 308 rifles. I own a high end Nikon SLR Camera, so its a brand I trust. A lot of reviews have also said the Nikon Glass in their scope line is better than that of Vortex and Bushmaster. After all, they are an optics company whose glass is their name and when it comes to photography, small imperfections in glass can ruin a lens faster than being dropped. So I tend to like their gear.

The Vortex line I'm hearing is a great line with an unbeatable warranty. I'm told they kind of made their way onto the market and took a large chunk of it by storm. Other than that I don't know much about them.

As for the Bushnell brand, all I know if that they have been around for years
 
Hey there, best thing you could do is keep a keen eye on the EE (equipment exchange) for a used vortex diamondback, the quality level is better than the crossfire, and i believe would suit your needs well.
 
A second hand leupold , bosh and Lomb ,bushnel elite or even scopechief would be better glass . I've heard good things about the Nikons but no personal experience
 
Out of your list, my choice would be the prostaff. I used one on a 308 for a couple years with no problems.

I say Keithjohn has it right with a used Leupold off the EE if you aren't in a rush. They do come up frequently.
 
Just saw a Redfield Revolution 4-12X40 on the EE. If I was in the market for a scope at this time, I'd buy that in a heartbeat. I have a 3-9 X 40 on my Winchester Mod.100 and I love it.
 
Previously enjoyed Bushnell Elite 3200 (tactical) 10x fixed power x 40mm (1" tube). These range from 250$ - 300$, probably one of the best scopes for the price. These have been around a long time and Tactical Teacher told me about these at a M14 clinic and I have been buying them ever since. They are SOLID. Have good light transmission and one of the best warranties ever.

Good luck in your search.
 
BTW nikon has lifetime unconditional warranty as well. So they are right up there with vortex is type and length of warranty. I'd say for the budget scopes nikon's glass is better.
 
I have a few prostaffs, bushnell elite & elite 3500(which im pretty sure are the same) and a vortex crossfire had them all at the range together and the nikon & bushnell have far better clarity IMO. The crossfire is now in a box!
 
Redfield Revolution is made in the USA.
Nikon is made in the Philippines
Most Trophy's are too, but the 4-12x40 I have is Korea (like the Banners)
Bushnell Elite are made in Japan
Crossfire are made in China

From best to worst places that make scopes:
USA/Japan/Europe are all very very good.
Philippines are catching up and also very good.
Korea is mediocre
China is garbage
 
either the bushnell elite link on tradex that was posted...or a sightron S1 in whatever model you prefer, the 4-12x40 ao is pretty nice
 
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