What scope to use?

[RNE228]

Yes! Besides shooting, have done a lot of photography and microscope work. this is spot on. Have shot photo's with high end f2.8 lenses that a similar lens with smaller aperture just could not take. Also had folks bring me samples to look at, that they just couldn't see with a cheaper but same magnification microscope.

A couple good tests for scopes
- look for softness at the edges of the field of view
- check if image gets darker or the edge soften as you zoom in
- does the image flare out as you look towards sun/light?

I can tell huge difference between mid grade Leupold and Simmons I have of similar size/zoom. especially for low light shots, or when the sun is glaring in my face.

Buy as much glass as you can afford. It's simply astonishing how much better glass gets with a little more investment. There is a tipping point of lots of money with diminishing rates of return. -NordicDave

[2shotjoe]

I am also looking for a hunting scope, I'm just going to get a Nikon Buckmaster 3-9x40.

[LCU1670]

Swfa ss line, under $300

[fiveover]

Redfield

Does it actually state "Made in USA" on the scope?

I note that the statement "Made in USA" is missing in the attached picture.
It does state that it is designed, machined and assembled here though.
That means that they did not use enough domestically produced parts to be considered "Made in USA".

I think it's safe to say that it's made in the USA, specifically Beaverton, Oregon.

http://www.redfield.com/redfield-story/

[toby]

I think it's safe to say that it's made in the USA, specifically Beaverton, Oregon.
http://www.redfield.com/redfield-story/

Just like most every other scope makers Leupold uses outsourced glass from Japan for their low end optics. Redfield is low end. Assembled in Beaverton,yes. American made partial.

[drunktank]

At your target price a Nikon Prostaff 3x9 would work fine. I would not recommend higher than a 9x for pigs, especially at that range. You shouldn't need that much magnification and you lose too much field of view. Really, a 4x should be enough.

[chairmnofthboard]

I have 3-9 in the following Nikko Sterling $75 bucks (on .22) Prostaff $175 (on .22) and Redfield battlezone $200 (on .308).

To me the Nikon is the clearest.
Redfield is the quickest to adjust and almost as clear as the Nikon.
Nikko Sterling I put on the "guest gun" and is on par with clarirty with the other two. I'm not sure if the Nikko would hold up to a 30.06 though.

[BruinGuy]

I've got a Weaver "Kaspa" 3-9x40 on my American 30-06. It seems fine; holds zero, is clear enough, adjustments work. Very good price, but it is a made in China model. I've put about 100 rounds through the rifle so far, and it has held up. Time will tell... Anyway, there isn't likely to be a better scope for $100 or less, but there are certainly worse that cost more.

That said I like my Nikon Prostaff better, and it's right at your budget too.

[Armando de la Guerra]

I'm a fan of the Redfields. I've got a Revenge Hunter 3x9 on a .308. It has a trick AccuRanger reticle and it's crystal clear.

And by the way, Redfield, I'm waiting for my $45 Rebate. Thanks.

[Whiterabbit]

You have $180 and are considering $80 models? I wouldn't consider Konus or Pentax, personally.

$80 gets you into Bushnell banner territory. Other than that, I agree that a used Leupold vari-X II or Nikon variant is in order, for the top of the budget.

But if you are serious about <$100, do yourself a favor and get the banner rather than a konus or pentax.

[Carpenter 409]

I just picked up a Browning A-Bolt Stalker II with a B.O.S.S. in 300 Win Mag and I may never shoot out to 1500 yards but it's nice to have that option. I needed a piece of glass that would allow me to see close to that distance comfortably and clearly.
I ended up mounting a Leupold Mk 4 LR/T 4.5-14X50. It's taken me a while but just zeroed this rifle last weekend and this weekend I'm gonna see just how tight I can get my 200 yard zeroing group. I'm hoping for a 200 yard 3 shot group that I can cover with a quarter to a half dollar and I'll be happy.
So far I love this scope, it's very clear and easy to use and with the TMR it makes shooting on the fly with hold over easy.

[NordicDave]

Nicely done Carpenter409!

The Leupold Mark 4 is great glass for the money.

Going back to post #9 in this thread; People never regret saving up for good glass.

With all due respect to the others who like scopes for under $250, it's just wasted money. Looking through a new Redfield a few weeks ago at the range, it was slightly blurry near the edges and did not have decent resolution. Same for Nikon, Nikko, and Pentax on the low end. Nikon and Pentax make nice glass, and the they also make cheap crap.

I was working with another shooter using name brand sub $200 scope, and he was disappointed with his rifle's accuracy. I helped him with a different scope and he quickly learned the scope was not repeatable - nothing wrong with the rifle.

There's no free lunch.

-NordicDave

[8200rpm]

I would get a fixed Weaver K4 or K6 in your budget. Something like this : http://www.midwayusa.com/product/174...-reticle-matte


Very rugged and clear. Fixed Scopes are light weight and have fewer lenses and moving parts making them more reliable than a variable.

Good call!!! Here's one with Butler Creek caps in the classifieds for a great price.

http://calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=884350

[B!ngo]

If the OP says he has a $180 to spend, telling him to spend 2x that or so seems pretty thoughtless. I've been there and I suspect most of us has been there.
Sorry, I feel better now, and will go back to reading this thread and other threads.
B

[bubbapug1]

I second SWFA. Great value.

Here's a great deal from the sample list on a bushnell

http://www.samplelist.com/Bushnell-6-24x40-Banner-Dusk-Dawn-Rifle-Scope-DEMO-B-P67673.aspx