budget/quality scope

[cripple]

I have a savage 10fp le2 that I have gone through 2 scopes and am on a 3rd. I have picked up cheap or crap scopes for next to nothing, but its time I got a good quality scope. I have looked at a few like Leupold, Nikon, Weaver. I am curious what others think is a good budget scope, nothing fancy. 3-9x40 or similar. I do have a more specific question though. I am seeing that Nikon makes a BDC reticle specific for a 168 gr .308. I have read generally BDCs are bad, but Nikon does a good job. I'm not particularly interested in it unless it is good. So if anyone has experience with Nikon's BDC reticles what do you think?

[ky2970]

I would recommend a Vortex scope.

[cripple]

I would recommend a Vortex scope.

Thanks, I have never heard of them. The diamondback models are in my price range.

[lewdogg21]

I have a savage 10fp le2 that I have gone through 2 scopes and am on a 3rd. I have picked up cheap or crap scopes for next to nothing, but its time I got a good quality scope. I have looked at a few like Leupold, Nikon, Weaver. I am curious what others think is a good budget scope, nothing fancy. 3-9x40 or similar. I do have a more specific question though. I am seeing that Nikon makes a BDC reticle specific for a 168 gr .308. I have read generally BDCs are bad, but Nikon does a good job. I'm not particularly interested in it unless it is good. So if anyone has experience with Nikon's BDC reticles what do you think?

The most effective way to get good advice is to tell us what the intended use for this gun/scope combo is.

[Dinosaur Jr]

First, I recommend not going "budget" on your glass.

Having said that, Vortex Diamondback is a decent choice on a budget, however, at that price point, don't overlook a Nikon Buckmasters or Prostaff. Nikon glass is surprisingly clear and bright in their lower tier scopes. They've been making quality lenses for a really long time...the "generic" as opposed to the "custom" BDC Nikon scopes offer the greatest flexibility.

http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-Buckmaster-3-9x40-Riflescope-Matte/dp/B000FGZRMU/ref=sr_1_2?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1387820964&sr=1-2&keywords=nikon+buckmaster

http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-ProStaff-Black-Matte-Riflescope/dp/B004MY7L6G/ref=sr_1_4?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1387821138&sr=1-4&keywords=nikon+prostaff

and don't cheap-out on rings...

[crufflers]

First, I recommend not going "budget" on your glass.

Having said that, Vortex Diamondback is a decent choice on a budget, however, at that price point, don't overlook a Nikon Buckmasters or Prostaff. Nikon glass is surprisingly clear and bright in their lower tier scopes. They've been making quality lenses for a really long time...the "generic" as opposed to the "custom" BDC Nikon scopes offer the greatest flexibility.

http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-Buckmaster-3-9x40-Riflescope-Matte/dp/B000FGZRMU/ref=sr_1_2?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1387820964&sr=1-2&keywords=nikon+buckmaster

http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-ProStaff-Black-Matte-Riflescope/dp/B004MY7L6G/ref=sr_1_4?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1387821138&sr=1-4&keywords=nikon+prostaff

and don't cheap-out on rings...

I have a Vortex Diamondback on a bolt gun that I am very happy with, and a Nikon P-223 (Prostaff) that I have been impressed with so far. A couple of others I am curious about but haven't tried are the Redfield Battlezone and Revenge, and Bushnell AR Optics 4.5-18x.

My Diamondback is on a .308 rifle similar to yours and the Vortex with Dead-Hold BDC works well with their online tool to calculate for any round you shoot. I recommend the BDC reticle over the normal one. You might consider paying more for the AO version, but check the specs and prices. A normal price for a Diamondback 4-12x40 is under $200, but more with AO.

I prefer the Vortex BDC reticle to the Nikons I have used, but you should look through the ones you are considering to see what you like.

[cripple]

The most effective way to get good advice is to tell us what the intended use for this gun/scope combo is.

The rifle is a heavy barrel .308 bolt action. 100-500 yds mostly, but sometimes farther with practice. The most common use is just target shooting in the desert, but I also hunt with it(yes its heavy, but Im used to it) and I want it to use in emergencies too which is why I want to have a somewhat simple scope. Less to remember or worry about.

[crufflers]

Prostaff 3-9x40 - $170

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/175710/nikon-prostaff-rifle-scope-3-9x-40mm-bdc-reticle-matte

Bushnell Elite 3200 10x40 1/10 mil mil - $199.99

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/950843/bushnell-elite-3200-tactical-rifle-scope-10x-40mm-1-10-mil-adjustments-mil-dot-reticle-matte

Vortex 4-12x40 BDC

http://www.amazon.com/Vortex-Optics-Diamondback-4-12x40-Riflescope/dp/B001EC7KMY/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1387919563&sr=8-2&keywords=vortex+diamondback

AO

http://www.amazon.com/Vortex-Diamondback-4-12x40mm-Adjustable-Riflescopes/dp/B002SCYSL0/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&qid=1387919563&sr=8-12&keywords=vortex+diamondback

[CaliforniaSon]

Personally I like Centre Point - I have put them on everything from my .270 and .308 to a .30-06 with no issue. Their BDC is excellent, up to 600 yards. You can get a decent scope from them for about $120 and they have a great warranty.

[SURVIVOR619]

I've a Nikon M-223 on my Howa 1500, and the BDC for 55gr is spot-on... Used out to 400 yards so far. While .223 is obviously not the same as your .308, commenting upon the usability of the nikon, I'd suggest it is good quality.

However, I paid about 30% less than retail. So, I'd save up the money for a better piece of glass if I did not have such a deal.

[ROrr]

+1 for Nikon

[KING_PALM]

Don't rule out swfa I house brand.
I have a swfa ss hd 5-20 ILL ffp MIL/MIL scope on my 700 in 308...
1000 yard shots all day. Clear glass and solid cs

[roushstage2]

Don't rule out swfa I house brand.
I have a swfa ss hd 5-20 ILL ffp MIL/MIL scope on my 700 in 308...
1000 yard shots all day. Clear glass and solid cs

Only about $1,100 more than the OP is spending, but a good scope indeed.

[wpage]

There are some value priced scopes on ebay made by chinese co's that make scopes for name brands,,,

[ejhc11]

Burris, Weavers also make great scopes but Vortex is also a favorite.