$129 Scope on a $900 rifle,why?

[USMCM16A2]

Folks,


I have a Savage Predator/Hunter in 6.5 Creedmoor. I have looked at several scope options from low end to high end. What I was looking for was versatility, a bdc reticle, and a scope that I came with a good ballistics program. So I chose the Nikon 3x9x40 BuckMaster II.
The spot on program is incredible, flexible, and ultimately covers many of the loads I use. The glass is very good, I like the reticle, the controls are easy, it is light weight. It had all the right characteristics for a good hunting scope. I plan to shoot no farther than 500 yards for coyote, and max 400 yards for deer.
I use a range of bullets from 95gr Lehigh Defense to 160grn Hornady Round nose. The round nose for out of state hunting, eventually. I have had the Redfields, I also have Leupolds on my AR rifles. But this little scope packs a whallop in the bang for buck catagory. A2

[Masterdebater]

Unless you're shooting comp, pro staffs and buckmarks get the job done. I have only ever owned nikons but then again all my rifles have been sub 700

[JackEllis]

When I was doing my research on scopes for hunting, low light performance seemed to be the biggest selling point for expensive scopes. I don't hunt when I can't see the target with the naked eye, so low light performance means nothing to me.

The other thing to remember is that the scope has to hold up under recoil. I had a cheap Bushnell atop my .30-06 break on an elk hunt. Luckily my good friend loaned me his .300 and I was able to shoot it well enough that day. Any scope can fail, but more expensive scopes should be better built. I happen to like Vortex so I'll put a mid-priced Diamondback on a rifle but I won't take a chance with their Crossfire line.

But that's me. YMMV

[Jimmy's]

Why are you using the 160 roundnose bullets for out of state hunts other than they are lead and banned in Komifornia?

[USMCM16A2]

160gr Hornady round nose why?

Jimmys,


I guess in my imagination I hope to take a Elk with this round. I will never get to Africa, and some of my favorite programs like Tracks Across Africa, Hunters Moon. The hunters carry doubles with round nose solids, or Mauser style rifles with round nose lead, or solid bullets. And I guess it is a way for an old man to pretend that he his a big game hunter.
Although it is not a .375 H&H, or a .416 Rigby, but a little 6.5 Creedmoor. Sounds weird, but that's why I like the 160gr Hornady round nose. A2

[TMB 1]

I like Nikon scopes have a couple 3-9 ProStaff scopes. The 160gr round nose would probably be good for moose, buffalo and bear too.

[RNE228]

I like Nikon scopes. Partly because my experience with their microscopes and camera's has been very good. They do make different grades of scopes and lenses so you have to watch for that. But historically, they have made some nice glass...

[SBsasquatch]

Don't forget to chrono your load and plug it in. It'll get you closer at range

[JackEllis]

I will never get to Africa

Never say never. I never thought I'd go there, then I never thought I'd go back, now I'm planning a fourth trip (third to hunt).

[Jimmy's]

Nothing wrong with Nikon optics I run three different levels of Nikons and they all deliver.

[hambam105]

No need to apologize for buying a Nikkon scope. If you really want to out-class the competition, tell them you have proof tested preset windage & elevation settings out to X amount of meters. Meters sounds cooler than yards. Old camera dudes say, 'Nick-On'. What brand? Oh! 'Nnn-eye-con', yes, yes.

Range Cards & Shooting Log Books & Ability are a lot more impressive than what brand of scope on your rifle. That might have ruffled some feathers here, but it's a sound comment on any Marine Corps shooting range that I ever went to. Heck! Even some Army dudes might even agree.

[XVIga_Rob]

Range Cards & Shooting Log Books & Ability are a lot more impressive than what brand of scope on your rifle. That might have ruffled some feathers here, but it's a sound comment on any Marine Corps shooting range that I ever went to. Heck! Even some Army dudes might even agree.

I'll 2nd that. Nikon makes good glass, as well as others. Quality glass just costs more up front, but pays bennifits long term.

[FishnHunt]

I have had few nikons and they never let me down.
Good scope for the money.
The bdc works but I suggest you go out and set up targets at 200, 300, 400 yards to really see how to use it. The further you get the harder it is to use the nikons bdc. Hash marks are a lot easier than circles and guess where the center is.
Good luck
Here is 8" target on a 2x2 at almost 400 yards on 9 power.
.
Here is my group from 270.

[Wren1911]

I own 4 scoped rifles,3 of the 4 wear nikons.I almost threw another on the 4th but I wanted to try something different.

[hambam105]

Is there a 'Biological' to the upper right? Too bad you missed the tape measure. Would an obsolete caliber like the .270 penetrate the tape measurer at that distance?

Humor....Ar, Ar, Ar.