Opinions on a good straight up hunting optic for $500-$700 dollars

[Will Gray]

Should be able to find a lightly used vx5hd 3-15 for $700, that would be my choice.

Huron™ 3-9x40 On Optics Planet for under $500: great scope

 

[robpiat]

Either of these:

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1648335683

Midas BTR 2.5-15x50 APMR1 SFP IR MIL from Athlon Optics

The Midas BTR 2.5-15x50 APMR1 SFP IR MIL is equipped with our advanced multi-coating so you’ll have the brightest, clearest long-distance image possible.

athlonoptics.com

 

[Lovellr653]

Hey guys, what all your opinions on a good hunting scope to go on a tikka t3x lite in 6.5 creed? Trying to keep the overall package around 8lbs scoped. This will be my 0-500 yard whitetail rifle and will also be for my boy when he goes hunting next year so I dont need anything fancy. Looking for something in that 3-15ish power range with an easy to use reticle. Illumination is nice but not a must. A low profile exposed turrent is a bonus. I've seen a few but just cant make up my mind. Trying to keep in around d 500-700 bucks

I've got a Leupold VX3i 4.5-14x40 on my Tikka T3x in .260 Rem. I had very similar requirements when I was looking for a scope and found this scope to be priced right, good quality for hunting at 0-500 yards and pretty lite weight. I shot a deer with it last year at 350 yards in the last couple minutes of shooting light. Even at 14x and a small 40mm bell it was plenty bright to take a clear shot. Its been a couple years so there may be better options on the market now though. Good luck

 

[rackattack]

My vote would be the Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44 with firedot. You can pick up a lightly used one on here from time to time in the upper end of your price range. This optic has everything you listed in your criteria and even a custom turret for your rifle if you choose.

 

[hazer]

I've been a vortex guy for awhile, but bought a 6x swfa on black Friday. Sighted 2 rifles in on sat and I must say I'm a swfa fan now.clearest scope I've looked through.

 

[Lenny Foffa]

I took the Leupold Vari X 3 , 2.5X to 8X off my Weath . Ultralight in 270 Win , and put a Leupold Vari X 3 4.5 X to 14 X 30mm tube , 40 mm Objective lens, on that rifle. Just got one for $599.00. I think it was Optics Planet.

 

[Mike D Texas]

Should be able to find a lightly used vx5hd 3-15 for $700, that would be my choice.

Yep.

 

[lamiglas]

Midway has had the 4.5-14 x50 mark 4s for 699.99. Thats a hard deal to beat.

 

[xsn10s]

I have 4.5-14x50 Leupold. I always thought the 3.5-10X either Mk4's or even inch tub VariXIII's were brighter. As of now I have an old VariXIII 2.5-8x32 that has sat on my old 30-06 for over a decade. It has no exposed dials but a Premier Mildot reticle which I use for holdovers. I shoot out to over 750 yards, but have never taken any game over 125 yards with it.

 

[org57]

I have a Leupold VX3i 3.5-10x50, on my 7mm and it is perfect. It also carries the lifetime warranty. Clarity and zoom is great for the long shot or the close up. I hunt in woods with shots around 25yds to 85 yards. Possible overkill in optics, but for the money it is worth it.

 

[Dee Hugo]

IMHO most of the scopes mentioned are overkill for a lightweight hunting rifle.

Keep it light, keep it low and keep it simple.

The best choice for decades has been the Leupold 2.5-8x36. Everytime I see one at a bargain price I buy it.

Ditto

 

[CVCOBRA1]

The OP is worried about near sunset shooting situations. A 30mm tube and 50mm objective should be foremost. 10X power should be enough at the yardage he mentioned. Look at the 20 ounce Leo's.

 

[Charles Keethler]

Might try go to Gunbroker.com , look for seller Sportsman Supply all start at penny + shipping. Have seen Leupold 5HD go for 600 to 700.

 

[Out Of State Hunter]

I might just have a VX5HD 3-15x44 for sale.