Sub 600$ scope new and used

I have a buddy who wants to get a new scope for a rig he is putting together. He would like a max of 14-20 power and a min of 3-4.5 power. What would be your suggestions for him to buy new and then also what should he keep his eyes out for in the used market? I've been out of the scope buying game some time now so I don't know what new models are out. Please don't say...he should save more money etc. just trying to get a list of new scopes and used scopes. He is more of a buy new person but I'm trying to convince him to look in the used market as well. This will be a hunting scope and he is not a long range person. Max distance he likely will shoot will be 500 yards when he hunts with me.
Use a vortex 4x16x44 lslr you will be very happy short and long range system
 
MIDWAY USA has Sightron scopes on sale for 50 to 55% off. I have never never seen them priced this low. They say discontinued but they are the same model numbers I bought a couple years ago and same power. They have different powers scopes to choose from and if they are out they will let you place a back order. I paid 1000.00 for a Sightron lll 10-50x60 feels years ago , now $500.00.
I Bought another one yesterday from them.
No brainer for anyone buying a scope in next 3 days. MD
 
Never bought from them, but make sure if you order from Optics Planet they actually have them in stock; there's a thread on that. Sports Optics has a kind of neat feature; sort of a negotiation. You go on the site and a chat box pops up where you negotiate for price.
 
I have a buddy who wants to get a new scope for a rig he is putting together. He would like a max of 14-20 power and a min of 3-4.5 power. What would be your suggestions for him to buy new and then also what should he keep his eyes out for in the used market? I've been out of the scope buying game some time now so I don't know what new models are out. Please don't say...he should save more money etc. just trying to get a list of new scopes and used scopes. He is more of a buy new person but I'm trying to convince him to look in the used market as well. This will be a hunting scope and he is not a long range person. Max distance he likely will shoot will be 500 yards when he hunts with me.

Best value I've ever found:
 
NDAR15MAN said:
MIDWAY USA has Sightron scopes on sale for 50 to 55% off. I have never never seen them priced this low. They say discontinued but they are the same model numbers I bought a couple years ago and same power. They have different powers scopes to choose from and if they are out they will let you place a back order. I paid 1000.00 for a Sightron lll 10-50x60 feels years ago , now $500.00.
I Bought another one yesterday from them.
No brainer for anyone buying a scope in next 3 days. MD


Just went on there and checked. Both deeply discounted SIII's (6-24x50) were "Not Available - One Time Run." No 10-50s with those discounts. I was just a bit slow. Good score.
 
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SWFA 3-15 would be perfect for 500 yds or less. they may have a sale around fathers day or the july 4th if he can wait.

i traded my SWFA 10x back to them a few years ago when they were having a sale. got the 3-15x, sunshade and flip covers for about $150 after the trade in. mine is the SFP model.
 
I have a buddy who wants to get a new scope for a rig he is putting together. He would like a max of 14-20 power and a min of 3-4.5 power. What would be your suggestions for him to buy new and then also what should he keep his eyes out for in the used market? I've been out of the scope buying game some time now so I don't know what new models are out. Please don't say...he should save more money etc. just trying to get a list of new scopes and used scopes. He is more of a buy new person but I'm trying to convince him to look in the used market as well. This will be a hunting scope and he is not a long range person. Max distance he likely will shoot will be 500 yards when he hunts with me.
Got a new Athlon Helos btr ffp 6 to 24 w/ rings, level and sunshade in the box for $600.00....used 3 times. Tracks perfect.
903-734-3667
 
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Hmm.... MIDWAY USA on the Sightrons said no problem on phone. I bought one with reticle I wanted and another that they were out of and it said ok to back order the one not in stock. I called and made sure lady said no problem and took the 2nd order. So maybe they reached the number on reticle you wanted today. I would double check on phone just in case for this kind of price. MD
 
I have a buddy who wants to get a new scope for a rig he is putting together. He would like a max of 14-20 power and a min of 3-4.5 power. What would be your suggestions for him to buy new and then also what should he keep his eyes out for in the used market? I've been out of the scope buying game some time now so I don't know what new models are out. Please don't say...he should save more money etc. just trying to get a list of new scopes and used scopes. He is more of a buy new person but I'm trying to convince him to look in the used market as well. This will be a hunting scope and he is not a long range person. Max distance he likely will shoot will be 500 yards when he hunts with me.

Hi Kurt,

There are a lot of options and even more opinions out there when it comes to scopes. A lot of that will depend on what caliber/cartridge you buddy is shooting. As you have stated, that maximum range your friend is shooting is 500 yards, he will likely be using at least one of the nerd-knobs and perhaps two. Most hunting rounds have a MPBR (Maximum point-blank range) of 200-250 yards. This is the maximum distance you can shoot at a 5"(typically) target without adjusting the elevation. When we move beyond that MPBR you are really looking beyond the scope and more of an integrated system. This system consists of the scope, range finder, ballistic program and deeper familiarity with the round he is shooting with particular attention to the ballistic coefficient of the bullet it self. Wind is also a consideration that should not be ignored, but often is. Wind meters vary widely in cost and capabilities. Caldwell on the low end, Kestrel on the higher end.

Now, back to the subject at hand...scopes.... I like Leupold. More specifically the VX3i and VX5HD variety. Even more specifically equipped as follows: 30mm tube, 44 and 50mm objective, 20MOA picatinny rail, Maginification 3/4.5 - 14/15 power. and for the nerd-knobs Zero stop elevation exposed turret, Side focus "parallax" and CDS system that can be custom made for your specific round and elevation. Windplex reticle with sub tensions that can help with approx wind drift calculations without adjusting your windage knob. Dare I "hold over" or sideways...

Why a system ? You're shooting up to 500 yards ! For example: 7mm RM loaded with a 165gn bullet, BC-600, MV-2950fps The MPBR is 233 yard on a 100 yard Zero. Bullet drop is as follows: 300 yards - 11", 400 yards - 24", 500 yards - 44". In a nutshell after 233 yards - You're adjusting that scope.You are also making decisions and using outputs from your range finder, wind meter and phone based ballistics program to DOPE your shot. In this case you are potentially adjusting your elevation setting 34 clicks/.25 MOA, both ways. This up and down coupled with the recoil environment of the rifle mean early failure on a poorly built scope. Or on a lesser quality scope - will not return to zero or a sub tension accurately. Therefore it is important that one selects a scope builder rather than a scope marketer that has their logo slapped a common product built over seas at a contract manufacturer.

To end this Epistle, 14/15 power is more than enough unless you're pal is looking to shoot the ears of a field mouse. 20x would be a luxury item in my opinion. VX3 vs VX5 - Better glass, more granular magnification. If money were no object, one could certainly look at the Mark line. I did not go into the Freedom or Rifleman line as I feel that they are more of a recreational offering than a serious hunter/shooter offering.

Best of luck,
 
Optika 6 is very good for the money. I got the 4.5-27x50 sfp 6.5cm reticle. It was less than $600 from cameralandny. The glass is way better than any $600 scope should be. The reticle is nice but does not really match my 6.5cm hold overs.

The turrets are solid and it has a good eyebox for a high power scope in this price range.
 
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