My wife bought me a Ruger American Predator in .308 I'll use it at the range and hunting. I need a scope. Trying to decide what to go with. Plan to ease into a bolt gun before building something nicer.

Vortex Diamondback HP

Diamondback but with Dead Hold Reticle

Crossfire or same in 1 inch mm again in dead hold.

Primary Arms

millett

Redfield

Or Nikon

I really like the uncapped turrets and Mil-dot but at this price range that means the Millett, Redfield or Primary Arms. Redfield has a lifetime warranty PA 3 years. I'm not sure on the Millett. The few Vortex scopes I've handled have really good glass and I think the Dead Hold Reticle could be ok, but I want to learn to use mils.

Am I missing something in this price range. I know yeah maybe I could spend more, but I'm not really a scope snob.

Consider this one as well:  http://www.midwayusa.com/product/598484/weaver-tactical-grand-slam-rifle-scope-3-10x-40mm-1-10-mil-adjustments-mil-dot-reticle-matte?cm_vc=ProductFinding





Excellent bang for the buck.  I have two of them and they are great scopes for the money.




 
 

This is the best $299 tactical mid power scope on the planet.  I have one on a long range bolt gun.  Bought the scope as a curiosity, to transition to MRAD from MOA target scopes.  I thought it might make a good learning tool, no more.  It is staying on the rifle.  It has much better glass than its price point competition, accurate, repeatable .1 mil per click turrets, and a matching mildot reticle.

It's only real limitation is that its one inch main tube limits elevation adjustment range.  But it has enough to shoot to about 700 yards before needing a sloped base.  If you are not going to shoot true long distance, like 1,000 yards, it is an amazing achievement at its price.

Yep, that's a good Weaver. Also look at Natchez for closeouts on some nice scopes. Weaver Classic Extremes steeply discounted, as well as some good pricing on the Super Slams.

http://www.natchezss.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=f01we800703

Zeiss for $300- http://www.natchezss.com/terra-3-9x42-plex-hunting-turret.html

Thanks, I'll have to take a look at that weaver.  Too bad none of these place do a 24 hour test drive like in the car commercials.

Weaver or Vortex Diamondbacks 4-12 Dead Hold or Crossfire II 6-18 with auto focus. Those are the 3 I've narrowed down to

You will be disappointed by the Crossfire II at higher magnification.  As magnification power increases, defects and deficiencies in glass also get . . . magnified.  18x requires good glass or the image will be dim, contrast will be low and detail resolution poor.  In your price range you might be better served by going with lower power.  The Diamondback HP is much better.  The  Weaver is truly amazing, both for its glass and the accurate repeatable milrad turrets and matching reticle.