which scope?

I went with a Leupold VX-3 3.5-10x40 CDS on my Vanguard S2 Sporter .257. Great combination and within your budget. I have a VX-2 4-12x 40 AO on each of my other two Vanguard S2 rifles, and there's a noticeable difference with the VX-3.

I strongly suggest the CDS turret. Have it on two of my scopes and plan to have the first one I got updated to it.

Leupold vx-ii or vx-iii

Nikon Monark also is a good scope in your price range but try amazon.
http://swfa.com/Nikon-25-10x42-Monarch-3-Riflescope-P61596.aspx

FWIW, I've killed bunches of deer with an old Leupold Vari-X II 3x9x40, out to 350 and 450 yards.

"Good used" is always attractive to me'n'my billfold. I bought one from a fellow THR member some years back for $150. Works just fine.

Leupold vx-ii or vx-iii

Click to expand...

The VX-II and VX-III have been discontinued for some time. They were good scopes, but the upgraded VX-2 and VX-3 which replaced them are much better. And both of those were upgraded again in 2012 without a name change.

In fact you can get all the scope you need for a lot less than $600. The VX-2's made within the last 2 years or so are using the same technology as the older VX-3's. For about $300 you get basically the same scope that sold for $400-$500 3 years ago. You can spend more, but will never need more scope.

In the same price range I'd research the new Zeiss Terra scopes. They sell for $350-$400 and are supposed to replace the 3-9X40 Conquest which was discontinued. I haven't actually looked through one, but if it is as good as the Conquest they should be good.

Leupold VXIII 3.5-10 or 4.5-14 plain or fancy they will work just fine.

Have to throw my vote for the Leupold or Nikon also. Fantastic scopes for the money. Only 2 brands I own are Leuopld and Nikon. Have no preference between the two. You can spend more money. But won't get a better scope.

Ian,

What kind of hunting are you planning to do?
In a blind? If so may make sense to have better glass (Scope) since you are setting up.
Walking around? If so save your money for a better pair of Binoculars and get a good enough scope to do the job.

The suggestion here are good but keep in mind if you don't already have good glass to find the deer in the first place worry about that first.

I have a Nikon BDC and it does a great job.

C eck out Clearidge Optics. Scopes are 100% Japanese built and top quality.

Oh that 2.5-12x42 look nice .

You might also check out the Burris Fullfield line of scopes. Just as good as a Leupold or Nikon. I have tried all three. All three are great scopes. Remember to include in your budget a top of the line scope mount. It is just as important as your scope. I prefer the one piece mounts by DNZ products. They are rock solid. If you have to sacrifice some of the fancy gadgets on the scope to be able to afford a rock solid scope mount, then do that. Solid scope mounts are crucial, especially for hunting. I would try all of the scopes you are considering at a local sporting goods store and see which one looks and feels the best to you.

Being that you are a poor college student, I would recommend a Nikon ProStaff in 3X9. I've had one on my rifle for about 8 years now and it is an excellent performer for the money. It won't let you down...and if it ever gets broken or damaged....Nikon has a lifetime warranty on it. Pretty good deal for a college student. Plus it looks like a Leupold from a short distance away due to the gold ring around the end of it. My son took his first Whitetail with it at around 225 yards. It's quality glass provides a very clear sight picture even in low light conditions.
BTW I have mine mounted on a Remington Model 700 in .270 Win.

"Broke college student" .... Centerpoint of your choosing and spend the other $450-500 of your budget on ammo. Though in full disclosure this comes from someone who has never owned "good glass".

My Model 700 with the 3X9 Nikon ProStaff. The Gold Ring is being covered by my scope caps at the moment.

***For some reason my image won't load*** I'll keep trying.

Leupold vx-r makes it hard to miss what you are trying to put a hole in.

Ian,

I've had Burris, Weaver, Redfield, Nikon, Bushnell, Leupold, and Picar. Picar is not easily available (my brother bought them in Germany 30 years ago). But, after going through many scopes, I always return to Leupold. My personal favorite is the VX 3 3.5-10X. I bought it on line for $400, but these days it will cost you closer to $500. I have a Leupold VX III 4.5-14X AO, but it's not as clear as the 3.5-10X. For greater magnification, I have 2 Bushnell Elite series scopes, a 4.5-16X and a 6-24X. They are good for the money but not great and not as good as Leupold.

I'm not a hunter, but what kind of a reticle would one want going out to 350 yards as Ian stated. BDC, crosshairs with dot...... Variable with turrets? Would turrets be good for sighting in at 100, 200, 300 with a target scope? Or can you sight in with a BDC reticle? Do you have to shim the rear to get the elevation you need at 350 yards? What's needed to sight in at 350 yards for a deer vs a moose or elk? Just curious.

I have a different opinion to most when it comes to scopes. There's no getting away from the fact that more expensive scopes perform better than cheaper ones, although the incremental gain in quality of top-end scopes is quite out of synch with the extra cash you will need to hand over. So whilst top-end scopes are poor value, they are still better than mid-range scopes.

The other side of the coin is that a quality scope will likely stay with you for a lifetime, and being a youngster you will gain much more "life" from investing in quality now, than would some of us older farts who hang around this forum!

In the past, I've gone without alcohol, tobacco, meals out, entertainment, etc., just to invest in a decent scope that will stay with me forever. I class "decent" as Swarovski, Kahles, Zeiss, Nightforce. Leupold make the list, but only with their top-end models that are in the same price range.

In the situations where I couldn't reach out for a top-end lifetime companion, I've chosen a stop-gap model, such as the excellent value Nikon ProStaff that others recommended on this thread. With this option, you get reasonable glass for not too much investment, something to get you through until you can afford the "real thing".

If your budget is 600$, then spend 150$ on a ProStaff today and stuff the other 450$ into your scope fund for the future. Happy Hunting!

my 257 wears a 4x12 vx2 cds leupold. It has never left me asking for more.