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FL, USA
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Posted: 3/26/2011 6:25:57 PM EST
What's the best quality / magnification available for a small budget?
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OR, USA
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Posted: 3/28/2011 5:35:12 PM EST
[#1]
I bought a Nikon 3-9x40 "Buckmaster" for my M4 and am very happy with it. The reticle is very fine and the lenses are as clear as they come. When I bought this scope I wanted something that was quick to find the target, easy to use windage and elevation knob adjustments without needing any tools, a medium distance zoom, along with having great reviews. After some discounts and rebates this scope cost me about $170 regularly I think was about $230. I looked at Leupold because they are also great scopes in my price range, but some of the scopes did not have the features that I wanted for the cost. Once again I am very happy with the performance of my Nikon scope.
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HI, USA
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Posted: 3/30/2011 1:47:15 AM EST
[#2]
Depends on what you are using and what you are using it for.
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PA, USA
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Posted: 3/30/2011 7:03:16 AM EST
[#3]
It's a little bit more than your budget... But for $300... I have 2 TRS-1's in mil/mil and have been very pleased with mine. I have one on a 24" AR-15 & another on a CZ-527 in .223 If you can find the extra $50, I think you would be happy with one. |
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OH, USA
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Posted: 4/2/2011 1:14:34 PM EST
[#4]
vortex vipers 24x 210$
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KY, USA
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Posted: 4/6/2011 7:41:14 AM EST
[#5]
Originally Posted By NA_Wreckdiver:
It's a little bit more than your budget... But for $300... I have 2 TRS-1's in mil/mil and have been very pleased with mine. I have one on a 24" AR-15 This the application I am looking for. I am building a 24" bull barrel with a Gieselle trigger on a bipod for varmint/hog killin' What kind of accuracy are you getting at 100 & 200 yards with this scope what load and what twist? |
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PA, USA
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Posted: 4/6/2011 12:24:53 PM EST
[Last Edit: NA_Wreckdiver]
[#6]
Originally Posted By Woodys556:
This the application I am looking for. I am building a 24" bull barrel with a Gieselle trigger on a bipod for varmint/hog killin' What kind of accuracy are you getting at 100 & 200 yards with this scope what load and what twist? The scope is fine... on the CZ527 it gets boring shooting 52g SMK's into usually a .33" cluster... (never more than .5") The AR is exactly what you described... 24" SS Bull barrel w/ 1:8 twist, Gieselle trigger & bipod. It regularly shoots about .75" - 1" @ 100 yads with the 52g loads. It was built to shoot 69g & heavier. It's not really broken in yet... (I hope). I'm still working up a load for it. So far I was not impressed with 69g SMK's & Reloder 15. I have some 77g Nosler CC's & and some other powders to try. I need to get to a 300 yard range to run some ladder tests, so I don't waste ammo. |
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TX, USA
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Posted: 4/9/2011 4:08:14 AM EST
[#7]
Super Sniper or Bushnell 3200 tactical.
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TX, USA
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Posted: 4/15/2011 11:05:08 PM EST
[#8]
For $100 I'd get a nikon prostaff 4x fixed power. Its an efficient scope and not insultingly cheap like the BSA and other cheap scopes.
for $250 I'd get a leupold VX-II 2-7 or 3-9 and forget about it. Skip the analog turrets on the VX-I. for $350 there are a bunch of options. none of which are going to be that much better or different than the above. If you've got a real tack driver and like to shoot from a rest, then consider something with 12-16x magnification on the high end. Skip the fancy illumination and adjustable objectives. They often aren't worth the weight, cost, or complexity. for $500 I'd get a SS 3-9x with mil reticule and turrets. |
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WV, USA
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Posted: 5/14/2011 3:51:00 AM EST
[#9]
Wotac....Sightwonders.com clear glass very user friendly and excellent customer service.
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Posted: 5/14/2011 6:22:30 AM EST
[#10]
Super Sniper can be had for about 50 bucks more. I have 2 and have found them to be decent scopes for the $$.
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Posted: 5/17/2011 1:11:24 AM EST
[#11]
Don't waste your time or money on Wotac. Matt is a nice guy and stands behind is optics, but his optics are pure crap. Sure you will get a replacement optic, but I'd rather have an optic I can use versus always having to send it back for warranty.
BTW, no one seems to be able to get a hold of Matt these days...there is speculation that his company is going under. Originally Posted By bigjake2010:
Wotac....Sightwonders.com clear glass very user friendly and excellent customer service. |
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IL, USA
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Posted: 5/18/2011 8:10:58 PM EST
[#12]
For 250 you can find pretty decent 3x9 by Burris, Bushnell, Nikon, etc. Not their most high end stuff, but very serviceable. Also, take a look at the new Redfield line.
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OH, USA
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Posted: 5/31/2011 7:39:29 AM EST
[#13]
just bought this, read the reviews.. it also has good reviews on snipershide.. and great sale price... not the usual BSA crap
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=962234 and this for a FFP is a GREAT price, and great reviews http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=456482 |
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Posted: 6/5/2011 3:36:23 PM EST
[#14]
I have read the the center point scopes 4x16 are not bad for a under $100.
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Posted: 6/9/2011 2:02:54 PM EST
[#15]
Originally Posted By OhioLongRange:
just bought this, read the reviews.. it also has good reviews on snipershide.. and great sale price... not the usual BSA crap http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=962234 How do you like the scope so far? I am thinking about getting this one as a place holder until I have the cash for a Nightforce. |
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TN, USA
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Posted: 6/9/2011 4:16:03 PM EST
[#16]
Originally Posted By BRONZ:
I have read the the center point scopes 4x16 are not bad for a under $100. I'll agree with this. The glass is not as good as an ACOG, or high end glass - but nobody ever would think it would be. |
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Posted: 6/10/2011 6:24:31 PM EST
[#17]
Originally Posted By Narc1911:
Originally Posted By OhioLongRange:
just bought this, read the reviews.. it also has good reviews on snipershide.. and great sale price... not the usual BSA crap http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=962234 How do you like the scope so far? I am thinking about getting this one as a place holder until I have the cash for a Nightforce. I have used it twice breaking a new Mk12 clone I built. Scope is solid. Clicks are sharp. I like that the turrets can be reset. Its not in the same class as my IOR buy a long shot but, the glass is good for a $70 dollar scope. The other day I was at the range breaking in the barrel, and there were a bunch of AR shooters there. You would think they would ask about a MK12 clone....nope they asked what kind of scope I had on it. lol. If it turns out to be repeatable and holds it zero, I will buy another. Would I like another IOR and any other 1k scope yep I sure would. But I'm not shooting competition, or going overseas, I'm just punching paper with it. |
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Posted: 6/12/2011 4:03:34 PM EST
[#18]
Cool, thanks.
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OH, USA
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Posted: 6/20/2011 7:26:03 PM EST
[Last Edit: OhioLongRange]
[#19]
Originally Posted By Narc1911:
Originally Posted By OhioLongRange:
just bought this, read the reviews.. it also has good reviews on snipershide.. and great sale price... not the usual BSA crap http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=962234 How do you like the scope so far? I am thinking about getting this one as a place holder until I have the cash for a Nightforce. FUCKING GREAT for 150$... i blows the 210$ crossfire out of the water... clear at 24x "for a 150$ scope", the side focus is great... turrets great... only complaint is setting the turrets to zero after sighting may not always line up on zero due to the gear tooth in the cap... if u pull the cap off and on it may be +2 or -1 click off from where it needs to be,, needs a finer tooth on the gear... but not a big issue |
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MO, USA
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Posted: 6/20/2011 7:39:06 PM EST
[Last Edit: PlinkerMO]
[#20]
Probably not enough magnification for what you want but for the money my Millet DMS 1-4x works great for my application. Decent glass and seems to do well up close and at reasonable distance.
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NJ, USA
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Posted: 6/29/2011 6:07:38 PM EST
[#21]
I have a Bushnell Elite fixed 10x power on an M1A Loaded. Shooting a Precision Rifle class in PA, I could keep up with the BIG $$$ scopes that were present. It has good glass for the $$, and I have popped clay pigeons laying on a berm at 740yds.
Mine has the Mil-dot reticle for estimating range, but I am sure that "hunting" type reticles are available. It costs around $250. |
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GA, USA
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Posted: 7/7/2011 4:10:19 PM EST
[#22]
You may have to hop a bit above $250, but you can get a Super Sniper for around or just under $300... I use one on my Remington 700 and it's actually a decent scope. Definitely worth the money!
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USA
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Posted: 7/16/2011 10:36:26 PM EST
[#23]
www.muelleroptics.com
I highly recomend these scopes. I do not have the most expierience with scopes but have some. When compared to my and my fathers leupolds it is right on par for a fraction of the cost. |
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TX, USA
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Posted: 1/24/2013 4:09:29 PM EST
[#24]
Check these out as an entry level scope:
Primary Arms 4-14X44 Mil Mil FFP Scope Check the reviews - Primary Arms has a reputation for GREAT customer service Falcon Menace 4-14x44 Tactical 30mm Riflescope - I personally like the looks of this reticle better Both first focal plane scopes Both mil/mil Both 30mm tubes Neither is illuminated however |
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Posted: 1/24/2013 4:15:43 PM EST
[#25]
Nikon Prostaff 3-9X50.
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WV, USA
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Posted: 1/27/2013 5:48:40 PM EST
[#26]
Millett
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ME, USA
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Posted: 1/31/2013 4:10:00 AM EST
[#27]
I have a redfield revolution in 3x9 and I love the thing! It was like 225 on sale when I got it a year ago
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Posted: 2/21/2013 5:57:00 PM EST
[#28]
Vortex
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Posted: 4/15/2013 10:07:11 PM EST
[#29]
I believe I gave $250 for my Weaver Grand Slam Tactical..4x10. Made in Japan, its held up well
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Posted: 4/18/2013 7:29:24 PM EST
[#30]
The Redfield battlezone seams like a good choice if you want tactical style for under $250 . From my understanding Redfield is the cheaper line of Leupold Mfg. I have had several of their Redfield line and the glass is clear and the turrets track very well - for a $200 optic -
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DE, USA
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Posted: 5/27/2013 7:04:56 AM EST
[#31]
You can get a Bushnell Elite tactical for around $230 from Optics Planet
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KS, USA
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Posted: 5/31/2013 1:39:26 PM EST
[#32]
I have a Leupold VX-2 3-9x40. It falls in your price range if you shop around. May be a few bucks over $250. I have it on my AR and shoot out to 300. Haven't got any further than that but the quality is the best I've seen in the price range.
Originally Posted By KYGlock:
What's the best quality / magnification available for a small budget? |
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MI, USA
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Posted: 6/2/2013 3:49:43 PM EST
[Last Edit: RobHazmat]
[#33]
Honestly the best option I think would be a Primary Arms 4-14x44FFP Mil Mil. The FFP takes most of the guess work for figuring distances and what not. It has a little higher magnification in case you're trying to stretch your legs a little bit, and the glass doesn't get fuzzy at max magnification. The Mil Mil is nice to as you don't have to convert MOA to Mil and vice versa. Takes a bit of real estate up on the rifle, but it's well worth it. Holds zero and is built tough. Also, it's a bit under your budget which leaves some room if you wanna put some money toward a nice mount. TheTruthAboutGuns.com did a couple nice reviews on it as well, saying it was a perfect long range scope for beginners, and they're not shy about calling something junk if it is indeed junk. Here are the reviews if you want to check it out.
http://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/2012/10/foghorn/gear-review-primary-arms-4-14x44-mil-dot-ffp-scope/ http://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/2012/11/foghorn/ask-foghorn-whats-a-good-beginner-scope-for-longer-range-shooting/ my setup 
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NY, USA
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Posted: 7/6/2013 4:01:18 PM EST
[#34]
Might want to look st the Sightmark Triple Duty 4-16x44 with 1" tube. I have one and love it. runs right around 150.00
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CA, USA
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Posted: 7/22/2013 4:35:50 AM EST
[#35]
I just got the primary arms 4-14x44 ffp mil mil scope and it seemed to do well at the range today. The turrets are crisp enough and I was able to sight it in with 2 shots due to the mil reticle and mil turrets. Glass was clear up to max magnification and I just need to see how well it holds zero after more rounds. I'll post more as I put it through more testing.
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VA, USA
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Posted: 9/9/2013 3:00:08 PM EST
[#36]
Shameless bump. Please keep the replies coming. This thread has been very helpful to me. Thank you kyglock for starting it.
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Posted: 10/14/2013 9:35:12 AM EST
[#37]
I'm surprisingly happy with the Bushnell 3200 10x mildot I got off the EE for $160, and that's coming from someone who has a S&B.
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MT, USA
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Posted: 12/27/2013 7:56:05 PM EST
[#38]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By OlKev:
Check these out as an entry level scope: Primary Arms 4-14X44 Mil Mil FFP Scope Check the reviews - Primary Arms has a reputation for GREAT customer service Falcon Menace 4-14x44 Tactical 30mm Riflescope - I personally like the looks of this reticle better Both first focal plane scopes Both mil/mil Both 30mm tubes Neither is illuminated however this |
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MS, USA
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Posted: 2/14/2014 5:35:48 PM EST
[#39]
SWFA
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Posted: 4/3/2014 11:46:59 PM EST
[#40]
This ones easy
SWFA Super Sniper Get a fixed 10 and be done with it. They track perfectly which is the most important thing and what sets it apart (more than any other feature)from most other scopes in its price point. It will hold zero on anything you strap it to and its got as good of glass as anything 3-4 times its price not to mention its pretty much bomb proof. My second choice would deff be any of the Bushnell elite scopes you can find to fit your budget. For the $ their very solid |
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Posted: 5/3/2014 9:43:14 AM EST
[#41]
ANother vote for the Primary Arms 4-14 FFP scope.
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LA, USA
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Posted: 5/10/2014 9:24:40 PM EST
[#42]
I have a Lucid.......Really good optics, some assembled in US. Most in China, but QC'ed in US. Can be had for 300$ if U hunt around. List 450$
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AZ, USA
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Posted: 3/6/2015 10:53:49 PM EST
[#43]
You can't go wrong with Vortex or Nikon optics at that price point.
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Posted: 9/9/2016 10:50:34 PM EST
[#44]
My vote Bushnell Elite
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Posted: 10/28/2016 5:32:56 AM EST
[#45]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By motorcopm4:
My vote Bushnell Elite Concur, I have an 4200 on my 308Win R25 and it has done well, before that it was on a M70 270WSM (which has blown up other inexpensive scopes). |
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Posted: 8/15/2017 7:45:32 AM EST
[#46]
Falcon Menace 4-14 FFP...I believe same manufacturing as primary arms stuff...
Cant say enough about this thing. Great product |
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Posted: 10/12/2017 1:47:23 PM EST
[#47]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By jwill242004:
This ones easy SWFA Super Sniper Get a fixed 10 and be done with it. They track perfectly which is the most important thing and what sets it apart (more than any other feature)from most other scopes in its price point. It will hold zero on anything you strap it to and its got as good of glass as anything 3-4 times its price not to mention its pretty much bomb proof. My second choice would deff be any of the Bushnell elite scopes you can find to fit your budget. For the $ their very solid |
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MO, USA
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Posted: 10/12/2017 1:59:31 PM EST
[#48]
Find a used SWFA fixed power.
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Posted: 10/22/2017 1:53:20 PM EST
[#49]
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MN, USA
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Posted: 12/4/2017 7:48:11 AM EST
[#50]
At $289 the ACSS Gen III 1-6x Scope is a tad over your budget. Couple extra perks to consider below.
sootch00 has a nice review on the optics plus links for free mount and shipping from Primary Arms for the optic. Running it on a Del-ton DTI ECHO 316/MOE currently and its a very nice optic to shoot. Our range is currently built out to 300 yards. |
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