I just picked up one tonight it was about 250 at Walmart. I choose not to get a scoped one for 400 because of all the negative reviews on cheap rifle combos.


This year will be my first deer hunt ( most likely just a walk in the woods) I was going to go last year but it never happend.




So whats a beginners scope that will work on a 30.06? Preferably under 200 bucks.

The 30-06 may be sort of main stream and 'vanilla', but it works.  There is a reason its the most common cartridge for big game...  congrats.

It is hard to find a "good" scope for $200.  Generally speaking, there is a BIG difference between a $200 scope and a $400+ scope.  With that said, you are in luck.....

Weaver Super Slam and Grand Slam scopes are really very very good for the money.  They are not Schmidt and Benders or Swarovskis or Leupold VX6, but they are right up there quality wise with the best of the Nikon line and the Leupold VX3 series...  And they are on sale...

Natchez Shooters Supply

They have regular sales on various optics.  You can do very well here.  Weaver SuperSlam 2-8x is normally about $450.  Its now $229.  I know thats a bit over your $200 limit, but trust me.... that is a screaming deal.  That scope is a very good value when its full priced at $450.  There isn't a $200 scope on the market that comes close.  The 2-8x will do anything that need doing with a 30-06.  No, you don't need more magnification.  I've been using a 1.75-6x and a 1.5-6x at all practical ranges for about 20 years.  Works great.  the wider field of view is a big bonus when critters are close.  

If you hunt deer in broken terrain, shots often are anywhere from 10 to 300 yards.   A 1.5-6x or 2-8x is perfect for this.  Works great in the tight woods up close, yet can be cranked up to max power for shots across power lines or crop fields....   The 8x might be a handicap compared to a 14X at 600 yards, but most of us cannot shoot well at 600 yards.  Its kind of a moot point.  But get a buck in close in the cedar thickets at 5 yards, and you are going to be wanting that big wide field of view a lower power offers.

Leupold is great.  But don't get sucked into a VX1 or a Rifleman.  Those are the bottom of the line, and really aren't worthy of the Leupold name in my opinion.

The scope is not the place to cheap out on your rifle.  My advice is to look for a used Leupold VXII in 2-7 or 3-9x.  You can probably find one under $300 but probalby not under $200.

This. Buy once cry once.

Vortex is nice.

I have a Nikon Prostaff BDC on my Savage Trophy 11 XP.

Nikon Prostaff serves me very well.

Mine shoots well with the cheap bushnell it came with.

I have bought numerous VX2 3-9X40 off the EE and ebay for around $200. No regrets. We have VX3 now. Same thing, just a little more cash.

For under $200, try one of these. Lifetime warranty.

http://swfa.com/SI-Hunter-C173.aspx

Burris FFII in 3-9x40 (I have 2) or a vortex diamondback in the same (I have 1).  Get the BDC reticle.

Both a $200 proposition and a very good scope.  Clear glass and smooth operation, great warranties.

Cabela's has Vortex Viper HS 2.5-10x44 scopes on sale for $249.  They also have a code right now for 10% off and free shipping for $99+ orders, so $225 with free shipping.  

This scope is usually $400+, so it's a great deal.  I bought one recently for $275 and thought it was a good deal.  I may buy a second one from Cabela's.

That is a good deal.

What about a Nikon buckmaster? Or a Minox scope
I'm pretty happy with several of the buckmaster and a minox

Agreed.
And once you look thru a Leupold scope in marginal lighting, you'll be glad you didn't go cheap.
I've taken countless deer at first or last light that my brother/buddies with lesser scopes couldn't even see, let alone count tines.
(I'm partial to the VX III line, but that's another level up in price.)

Leupold VX II 3-9x40 is the answer you seek.  Leupold is absolutely rock solid.  They have good glass and they take a beating in the filed while holding zero.

Link


ETA: Buy the best and only cry once.

Bushnell trophy line. I deer hunt a lot and I've got trophys on 4 rifles.  It's great bang for the buck. 3x9's run around $120 or so and bushnell has $30 rebate and trophy line right now also.

Two low priced scope I have used and could recommend are these:

Bushnell Trophy 3-9X40mm.  These can be had from Natchez or PSA for about $70 plus shipping.

Weaver Kaspa 3-9X40mm.  These can be had from Natched for about $85 plus shipping.

I've used these two scopes a lot for long time and never had any problems.

Not the place to cheap out but you can get a pretty good scope for 200.  Burris fullfield 2 is right at 200 and a good scope.  Nkon prostaff is decent and can be had for 120 now.  burris has a no questions asked lifetime guarantee.  Leupold vx1 is a good solid scope for around that price as well, but I think the burris has better glass.  Any bushnell elite scope is solid as well.

Yeah I really like the burris for a sub 200 scope(right at 200)  plus a really good warranty even on used scopes for the burris.  To my eye my 2 burris fullfield 2's are similar in optic quality to my nikon monarch 3 and better than the vx1 leupolds.

I always have (and always will) recommend a scope with IR- illuminated recticle.  For deer hunting, things get close, quick.  You aren't antelope hunting or elk hunting, go low power.

A Vortex 1-4 PST or 1-6 Strike Eagle, or a Primary arms 1-6 will do fine.

Leupold VX I can be found under $200 if you look, VX II can be found between $200-300.  Either in 2-7 or 3-9 power range.