Best scope in for budget of $300

[rcoody]

this thread explains why there are so many scopes out there

throw all the quality scopes in a basket and they are all more than adequate for the intended job.

Name recognition and the features is what really sell the scopes

target turrets are all the rage, zero stop, huge elevation adjustments, etc....

pick the one you like with the features you need.

don't just buy a Nightforce because everyone says it is the best. Best for what?

 

[gohring3006]

No way would I go w/ a straight 10x scope for hunting, not a chance, nope.

I have to agree, on a hunting scope it's going to be a variable for me.
I really like that Weaver/Midway Tactical 3-10x40. It has as good or slightly better glass than my Super Sniper. Parallax is not needed at 10 power or below. Believe me I have tested this over and over. And I see no difference in impact with my parallax adjusted SS or the Weaver. That's why a lot of scope companies don't put parallax adjustments on scopes 10x or less..



With all of that said...
I will never be without at least one Super Sniper 10x..

 

[rcoody]

12 power or.less no parallax adjustment needed

On a hunting scope I don't want something else to keep adjusted

Now if you are really stretching it out there you might want.more magnification and parallax adjustment is required. But you usually have.time to make the adjustments.

 

[KurtB]

I've had a lot of issues with $300 variables. So I just shoot a lot of SWFA 6x and 10x stuff.

 

[gohring3006]

I've had a lot of issues with $300 variables. So I just shoot a lot of SWFA 6x and 10x stuff.

I have too, the Weaver is the only one I would probably trust. With the exception of maybe a Vortex Diamondback HP. The Weaver can only be had for 300$ once in a while. It's normally $400.00..

 

[rcoody]

I would save up and get this

Leupold VX-3i 3.5-10x40mm Riflescope | Free 2 Day Shipping 170680-KIT1

 

[rcoody]

Or.this

Vortex Viper HS-T 4-16x44 VMR-1 Riflescope Up To 15% OFF | Free 2 Day Shipping VHS-4309

Depending.on the features you like

 

[gohring3006]

Or.this

Vortex Viper HS-T 4-16x44 VMR-1 Riflescope Up To 15% OFF | Free 2 Day Shipping VHS-4309

Depending.on the features you like

I am running the 4-16 PST on my Creedmoor.
I really like it. I didn't need the illuminated reticle but wanted a glass etched instead of a wire crosshair. Admittedly I never had a problem with wire crosshairs.. The HS-T is a good choice...lightbulb

 

[Black67]

I have the setup that you are asking about. I have a VX-2 CDS mounted on a Winchester Model 70 Featherweight in 243 Win. It is a nice setup, and light. It works well for the purpose that I have put it together for.

The biggest thing that I do not like with the new VX-2 is the fast focus eye piece. It does not lock llike the old ones and it can move, as I have bumped mine and it moved some. The scope is tough though. It has good clarity, is very light and compact.

For this price point, I also have a Nikon ProStaff 5 3.5-14 40mm on a magnum rifle and a Cabela's Instinct Euro 3-9 40mm with the EXT reticle. The Instinct is made by Meopta and very similar to the older Ziess line. I think the glass is a slightly better and the fast focus is much better for me. Cabela's has both of these on sale now for about $250.

The Nikon is about 17 oz, Instinct is about 15 oz, where the VX-2 is 13 oz. Not sure it weight is an issue for you on this, just letting you know. Glass wise, I put the Instinct first, then the Nikon and then the VX-2. Now, this is very a minor difference and they are very close to each other. They are all great glass, and will work great on a 243.

i have not dealt with some of the others mentioned, but I have been told of good things about Vortex optics.

If you have a chance, I would recommend finding somewhere that might have a large selection of scopes and look through them. What works for me, might not work for you.

 

[cody0707]

No way would I go w/ a straight 10x scope for hunting, not a chance, nope.

I agree. I thought long and hard about how hard it would be to shoot a game animal at 20 yards using a 10x scope. As much as I wanted it to work I decided against it.

 

[68w]

I would look at athlon scopes, they are right in your price range with impressive features. Lots of threads on them on the hide forum. From what I have heard they are quite impressive at their price point.

 

[freebird63]

I traded my leupold mark 4 for an athlon scope. They are awesome scopes. For the money its hard to beat.

 

[Scoobyh]

I traded my leupold mark 4 for an athlon scope. They are awesome scopes. For the money its hard to beat.

I keep seeing people talk about these. What model do you have? I was looking at the Argos BTR 6-24.

 

[nateisw]

For the money and features, I think the Vortex Diamondback HP is tough to beat. Bushnell Elite 3500 and 4500 series scopes deserve a look, as do Meopta Meopro scopes. I think there are a bunch of decent scopes in the sub-$400 range. If you're patient, maybe wait until Black Friday or cyber Monday.