Starter scope

[Sir Toast]

Save your $. Glass is not an area you cheap out on.

THIS!!!!! Save up a little more dough and get a good scope, it will serve you well. Look at the Vortex line of scopes. Excellent company with scopes at every price range. You can't beat their warranty.

Bushnells are nice too, but the warranty isn't as good as Vortex's.

Loopies go without saying.

Don't buy a scope until you research the Vortex line. (Burris makes great scopes too.)

[Kwikvette]

If you do save your money and opt for something better than the SWFA then I'd recommend the Burris XTR II; better glass than the Viper PST and feels way more rugged. Plus that 34mm tube will yield more elevation for when you decide to shoot at longer ranges.

[Loopwell]

I've had great results with Nikons at $200

[Horrendo Revolver]

At $250.00 you have many decent options. Don't forget to allow for decent rings and bases.

[Cowboy T]

Yep that's it exactly. I want to start at the beginning, also I'll just be shooting paper.

In that case, you don't have to spend a lot of money to get good quality. I'd definitely go with the 3-9x variable-magnification type. At 3x, you'll see 50 yards very clearly. I can see clearly even at 7 yards with mine. At 1,000 yards, you'll be able to hit the target at 9x. Such a scope will do many things well.

The good ol' Duplex reticle has punched out a whole lot of bullseyes and put a whole lot of meat on the dinner table over the decades. It ain't fancy, but it sure does work. Every scope manufacturer has a Duplex reticle version.

If you'd like a few hold-over points, I can't give enough praise to Redfield's "Accu-Range" reticle. Again, this is the one on their Revolution line. I find it the perfect balance of having good hold-over points while not being "too busy", i. e. it's easy to use and doesn't distract the shooter.

You really don't need any more scope than this. Seriously. But if you're set on going beyond the $200 range, read on....

Redfield's Revolution TAC-MOA is a mighty fine choice and hard to beat in its price range. Even Sniper Central likes this scope for $279, shipped.

http://www.snipercentral.com/redfield-revolutiontac-3-9x40mm/

Another very good option, especially if you like the metric system (I do), would be Weaver's Grand Slam Tactical for $299 in 3-10x40. This one has mil-dots and is another quality scope for not a lot of money. The windage and elevation adjustments are, like the reticle, also in mils, which makes dialing in your shot very easy (units are the same).

http://ads.midwayusa.com/product/598484/weaver-tactical-grand-slam-rifle-scope-3-10x-40mm-1-10-mil-adjustments-mil-dot-reticle-matte?cm_mmc=pf_ci_google-_-Optics+-+Scopes+-+Under+12X-_-Weaver-_-598484&gclid=CMPe1NPymMsCFVGAaQods-cEMg

And if you want to get fancy without having to pay too fancy a price, consider the Zeiss Conquest 3-9x40, currently $329 + shipping ($345 out the door) at EuroOptic with a traditional Duplex reticle.

http://www.eurooptic.com/zeiss-conquest-3-9x40-zplex-reticle-hunting-turrets-matte-black-5214609920.aspx

For scope mounts, standard Weaver bases and rings from just about anyone will be fine. I like Leupold's aluminum "Rifleman" rings for anything up to and including 7mm Rem Mag or "warm" .30-06. These rings are inexpensive and effective. If you want to get fancier, then Burris's Signature series of rings, with their ability to accept (inexpensive) 20 MOA shims down the road, is an excellent choice. For the Weaver bases, you'd get the "Signature Zee" line.

[Rickrock1]

In that case, you don't have to spend a lot of money to get good quality. I'd definitely go with the 3-9x variable-magnification type. At 3x, you'll see 50 yards very clearly. I can see clearly even at 7 yards with mine. At 1,000 yards, you'll be able to hit the target at 9x. Such a scope will do many things well.

The good ol' Duplex reticle has punched out a whole lot of bullseyes and put a whole lot of meat on the dinner table over the decades. It ain't fancy, but it sure does work. Every scope manufacturer has a Duplex reticle version.

If you'd like a few hold-over points, I can't give enough praise to Redfield's "Accu-Range" reticle. Again, this is the one on their Revolution line. I find it the perfect balance of having good hold-over points while not being "too busy", i. e. it's easy to use and doesn't distract the shooter.

You really don't need any more scope than this. Seriously. But if you're set on going beyond the $200 range, read on....

Redfield's Revolution TAC-MOA is a mighty fine choice and hard to beat in its price range. Even Sniper Central likes this scope for $279, shipped.

http://www.snipercentral.com/redfield-revolutiontac-3-9x40mm/

Another very good option, especially if you like the metric system (I do), would be Weaver's Grand Slam Tactical for $299 in 3-10x40. This one has mil-dots and is another quality scope for not a lot of money. The windage and elevation adjustments are, like the reticle, also in mils, which makes dialing in your shot very easy (units are the same).

http://ads.midwayusa.com/product/598484/weaver-tactical-grand-slam-rifle-scope-3-10x-40mm-1-10-mil-adjustments-mil-dot-reticle-matte?cm_mmc=pf_ci_google-_-Optics+-+Scopes+-+Under+12X-_-Weaver-_-598484&gclid=CMPe1NPymMsCFVGAaQods-cEMg

And if you want to get fancy without having to pay too fancy a price, consider the Zeiss Conquest 3-9x40, currently $329 + shipping ($345 out the door) at EuroOptic with a traditional Duplex reticle.

http://www.eurooptic.com/zeiss-conqu...214609920.aspx

Good info guys.

[cpthowdy33]

Awesome info, thanks Cowboy T

[LeftHand-Fu]

I'll second the recommendations for 3-9x scopes. That is all most of us will ever need for a wide range of activities. The general rule is to spend the same on the optics as on the rifle, but it makes sense to spend less until you have more experience and more idea what you want.

[Horrendo Revolver]

Bushnell changed their warranty in January. It pretty much stacks up with everyone else's now.

http://bushnell.com/global/customer-service/warranty-information

To the OP. No one can tell you which is the best scope for you to buy because everyone's eyes are different. Of all the brands mentioned there will be some that you see through better than others in the same price range. I happen to see better out of Leupold, Burris, Bushnell and Zeiss than I do Nikon and Vortex. For you it may be just the opposite. I would use these suggestions as a guideline, nothing more.

[MrSam]

Most of Nikon's optics are relatively inexpensive and will serve you well.

[Jimi Jah]

Vortex crossfire II are a great bargin. I saw a 3x9 at Midway on sale for $109.

[Bull Elk]

Leupold VX1 3-9x40

It's about $200 and is all you will need.

[Divernhunter]

^^^ Bull Elk has it right. I do prefer the VX2 3X9X40 but for the $200 price the VX1 is just fine.

[AlexHunter]

Hi there! I recommend the scope ATN X-SIGHT II HD 5-20X (http://www.atncorp.com/smart-hd-weapon-sight). This scope can be used day and night, is an ideal choice for beginners. Good luck!

[JMP]

I don't see where the cartridge, model, or range was specified. Where are people getting their suggestions?