Warning

 

Close
Confirm Action

Are you sure you wish to do this?

Cancel Confirm
AR15.COM
AR Sponsor
9/19/2010 6:03:34 PM EDT
I'm looking for something cheap around the $250-300 range. I already have a Leupold MK4 that sits on my 308 rifle.
The purpose of this cheaper optic is so I can mount it in a Larue QD mount and easily swap to my 18in SPR that normally has a ACOG in QD. Mostly I want this for the occasional banging steel at 500-600 yards and generally experimenting at long range with this rifle. Also I need something with more magnification to test reloading recipes.
I don't need a super Mil spec optic since the rifle normally has a 3x ACOG on it.
I want something in the 3-9x, 4-12, 4.5-15 area. I prefer some turrets that allow adjustment on the move so I can easily adjust between the 200 and 600 yard shots. I'll be shooting 75-650 yards.
I've seen people recommend Leupold, Bushnell, Vortex, but what others and what models too?
Thanks



(And in before people laughing for having a mount that costs almost as much as the scope)





 
9/19/2010 7:28:39 PM EDT
[#1]
Millet maybe.

J
9/19/2010 7:53:53 PM EDT
[#2]
I love my Burris 3-9x Timberline I just picked up. It comes in under your budget. The Fullfield line is a step up.

Good luck,

MP
9/20/2010 4:39:25 AM EDT
[#3]
Weaver Tactical 3-10X
9/20/2010 5:28:46 AM EDT
[#4]
Honestly, for that price range, you already have the answer, although I'd substitute a Nikon Monarch for the Leupold.  I ended up with the Vortex Viper 3-9, and also have a QD mount that cost almost as much as the scope.  I think there are good scopes that are cheaper, but at $300 I'd do a Viper or Nikon M223.

The only negatives I heard about Bushnell were customer service & a very limited warranty, which is why I would hesitate to recommend them.  The 4200 glass is the equal of anything in that price range, according to various reviews.  Vortex is 100%, no-questions-asked send it back.  Doubt I'll ever need it, but it's nice to have.
9/20/2010 6:10:29 AM EDT
[#5]
Quoted:
Weaver Tactical 3-10X


Doesn't exist. They only make the Tactical's in 3-15x50 and 4-20x50, and they are both around $600. Maybe you mean a 3-10x Grand Slam with mil dot and turrets?
9/20/2010 6:49:31 AM EDT
[#6]
Quoted:
Honestly, for that price range, you already have the answer, although I'd substitute a Nikon Monarch for the Leupold.  I ended up with the Vortex Viper 3-9, and also have a QD mount that cost almost as much as the scope.  I think there are good scopes that are cheaper, but at $300 I'd do a Viper or Nikon M223.

The only negatives I heard about Bushnell were customer service & a very limited warranty, which is why I would hesitate to recommend them.  The 4200 glass is the equal of anything in that price range, according to various reviews.  Vortex is 100%, no-questions-asked send it back.  Doubt I'll ever need it, but it's nice to have.


Everything I've heard about bushnell's CS was excellent and the opposite about nikon... Bushnell scopes also have a lifetime warranty.  The bushnell 4200 3-9x40 can be found for just a hair over $200.  You will not find better glass than that unless you spend twice as much and get a zeiss, period.
9/20/2010 7:13:25 AM EDT
[#7]
Quoted:
Everything I've heard about bushnell's CS was excellent and the opposite about nikon... Bushnell scopes also have a lifetime warranty.  The bushnell 4200 3-9x40 can be found for just a hair over $200.  You will not find better glass than that unless you spend twice as much and get a zeiss, period.


Then somebody needs to tell Bushnell.  From their website:
"No Questions Asked" one-year replacement (U.S. only)
And  elsewhere:
Since 1984, the majority of our Bushnell sports optics products have been covered by a Limited Lifetime Warranty. Bushnell Outdoor Products guarantees those products to be free of defects in materials and workmanship for the lifetime of the original owner.


From the Vortex website:
Repair or replace your Vortex product for any reason at NO CHARGE TO YOU. It doesn't matter how it happened, whose fault it was, or where you purchased it.
Unlimited lifetime Warranty
Fully transferable
No warranty card to fill out
No receipt needed to hang on to
If you ever have a problem, no matter the cause, we promise to take care of you.


Don't know much about Nikon's CS.
9/20/2010 8:39:40 AM EDT
[#8]
I think (I hope) that means that for the first year it is no questions asked.  Then after that its a limited lifetime warranty.  Hopefully I'll never have to find out for sure.
9/20/2010 11:03:45 AM EDT
[#9]
Quoted:
Quoted:
Weaver Tactical 3-10X


Doesn't exist. They only make the Tactical's in 3-15x50 and 4-20x50, and they are both around $600. Maybe you mean a 3-10x Grand Slam with mil dot and turrets?


Yeah- I'm talking about the Grand Slam, I guess.  Midway has it listed on their website as "Weaver Tactical Grand Slam Rifle Scope 3-10x 40mm 1/10 Mil Adjustments Mil-Dot Reticle Matte".
9/20/2010 11:11:59 AM EDT
[#10]
Nikon Buckmaster 4.5x14x40 side focus.




9/20/2010 11:19:41 AM EDT
[#11]
Bushnell 4200 3x9

I've been using it for almost 3 years of coyote hunting and I'm well satisfied with it.

9/20/2010 6:52:16 PM EDT
[#12]
Natchez has nitrex tr2 on closeout.  

Got the 3-15x42 and am very pleased for the money.
9/20/2010 7:33:21 PM EDT
[#13]
CS Tactical is having a close out on Vortex Vipers.  I have a Viper 4-12 and it is a great optic for the money with a good warranty.  Vortex has stated in their industry forum that they will honor the warranty on the closeout optics.

Vortex Viper
9/21/2010 12:59:51 AM EDT
[#14]
Thanks for the recommendations. I'm going to try and find the best one for me and hopefully some shops around my area will have some that I can look at in person.



Lots more nice budget scopes on the market than I thought.
9/21/2010 6:52:55 AM EDT
[#15]
Quoted:
CS Tactical is having a close out on Vortex Vipers.  I have a Viper 4-12 and it is a great optic for the money with a good warranty.  Vortex has stated in their industry forum that they will honor the warranty on the closeout optics.

Vortex Viper


This is what I was going to recommend. You have quite a few options with the Vortex closeouts.

Also, if you don't mind a fixed power, look at the Bushnell 10x for around $180 on the EE regularly.


Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Weaver Tactical 3-10X


Doesn't exist. They only make the Tactical's in 3-15x50 and 4-20x50, and they are both around $600. Maybe you mean a 3-10x Grand Slam with mil dot and turrets?


Yeah- I'm talking about the Grand Slam, I guess.  Midway has it listed on their website as "Weaver Tactical Grand Slam Rifle Scope 3-10x 40mm 1/10 Mil Adjustments Mil-Dot Reticle Matte".


Weaver Tactical Grand Slam 3-10x
AR Sponsor