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

[CanadianBaconPancakes]

My Bushnell XLT is going strong on my .308 win 200 rounds later. Its clear too, IMO clearer then my leupold VX1 or VX3.

Avoid Vortex.

 

[AP]

How much goes into a scope designed to retail for $240 CDN?!? By the time the retailer, wholesaler/distributor,importer and manufacturer take their margins and allow for marketing, customer service and warranty? Personally I would take your $260 (and the Government's 13%!!!) and find a good used scope... you'll do better AND keep those thieving bastards from pocketing another 13% they did SFA to earn!

 

[sapper6fd]

Thanks all for your opinions and thoughts.

It seems the Nikon is what most prefer. I am on a bit of a time constraint here, heading out to the bush for two weeks at the end of the month, so I don't have the time to save the extra few bucks for something higher end. I did search the EE for all of the options you guys have provided. Some were simply out of the budget, others were within but didn't seem like too good of a deal (used for $20 - $40 less than new and I have to pay shipping = why don't I just spend the extra $5 - $10, buy it new and be worry free about it?).

I ended up grabbing the Nikon Prostaff 3-9x40. Mounted it this evening, and will sight it in when I get to BC.

AP - I get you, trust me. But if a company stands behind their product, and the reviews are good, it must be a decent product. As for the 13% the gov takes, I'm in AB and only pay 5%. You need to move

 

[BigUglyMan]

If I had $260 to spend on a new scope I'd spend it on a used scope. Your buck bangs much harder on the EE and other used markets. A used Burris is better than anything on that list and can be had for a comparable price.

 

[Kelly Timoffee]

You will love the Nikon glass , it is very bright crisp and clear for the $$ invested.

 

[Mr. Friendly]

I wish you allowed for multiple choice.

I'd go for the Crossfire II 4 - 12 x 44 as the extra magnification will allow the rifle to be a bit more fun on the range and 4x mag is low enough to not interfere with close shots on any game you encounter.

however, $260 would likely get you superior glass if you consider buying used, which is what I'd do.

 

[Hitzy]

If I had $260 to spend on a new scope I'd spend it on a used scope. Your buck bangs much harder on the EE and other used markets. A used Burris is better than anything on that list and can be had for a comparable price.

I dunno....I've had a few Burris over the years, and they are durable, but the glass was mediocre at dusk, and it's hard to find a regular "duplex" version vs their "bdc" which just crowds the crosshairs.
The newer Nikon Prostaffs are pretty nice scopes, check one out next time you are in a shop.

 

[BigUglyMan]

I dunno....I've had a few Burris over the years, and they are durable, but the glass was mediocre at dusk, and it's hard to find a regular "duplex" version vs their "bdc" which just crowds the crosshairs.
The newer Nikon Prostaffs are pretty nice scopes, check one out next time you are in a shop.

Gun shop...interesting concept. A store where you can go and look at go and hunting stuff? Sounds like a unicorn!

All my Burris scopes are older ones...3-9x Signature and Fullfield, 2-7x Fullfield and fixed 4x Signature (now THAT is a clear and bright scope). I haven't got any experience with the new models. That must be the Fudd shining through.

 

[altaberg]

At that price range Nikon is the best value in my experience.

 

[Ar180shooter]

For $260, a used Leupold, Bushnell Elite or a Burris Fullfield. For $350 you should be able to get an of those new too.

 

[freezer filler]

I'd go with a used leupold, redfield, burris or bushnell

 

[rhino62]

Most people in these type of threads will recommend what they are used to. I recently bought a Sightron on S1H 3-9X40mm mil dot scope which are available from Prophet River and Hirsch Precision, who are both CGN sponsors. The Sightron scopes are very good value for the money and are a quality product made by a Japanese OEM in the Phillipines and Japan, depending on the model range. The following link gives a good overview of Sightron scopes from a very well regarded optical products reviewer.

http://opticsthoughts.com/?page_id=123

 

[Tac Man]

I voted Nikon Prostaff but I would also recommend the Redfield line as well.

 

[heliace]

I just bought the Nikon Prostaff for my 270. So far, I love it.

 

[CreamySmooth]

The Nikons or push to a Redfield. Sightrons are great scopes too. Lately I've been going Redfield as they are essentially a Luepokd VX-1+, and most reviews say as good as a VX2.

 

[tiriaq]

None of those. There is no need for a 3-9 or 4-12 scope on a .303. What are you going to do with 9 or 12 power?

Look for a good used Leupold. Vari-X 3s either 1 1/2-5 or 2-7 are great hunting scopes.