high power budget scope

[greyling22]

I'm looking for a high powered scope for shooting paper in bright daylight. Not a hunting scope, not a competition scope, just paper in the 100-200 yds range. I find that 12x and a thick reticle just isn't working for me at 100 yds with a 223.

I hear good things about the Simmons Whitetail Classic Rifle Scope 6.5-20x 50mmc for $100, but I am concerned the reticle night be too thick.

Some other scope I am considering:
redfield revenge 6-18x44 $250
Tasco Target & Varmint 6-24x44 - $130
Weaver 6.5-20X44 40/40 AO Riflescope Varminter Reticle $200
Weaver 6-24X42 Classic V-24 AO Riflescope STT .223 Ballistic-X Reticle - $280
Vortex 6-18x44 Crossfire $200


I'll be honest, I can't really tell much of a difference in the glass between my tasco world class, burris timberline, vortex viper, or weaver grand slam. Now, turret clicks, power, eyebox and reticles are all different, but I have a sneaky suspicion I am not a scope snob, however, I do like nice things when I can afford them.

I am open to suggestions and opinions, but I have a hard ceiling set at $300. Suggesting a sightron s3 or a nightforce is not helpful. The less I spend on a scope the more I get to spend on ammo.

 

[R H Clark]

It's easier-cheaper to make a fixed quality scope than a variable.

 

[helotaxi]

Vortex Viper 6.5-20x44. $279 from Camera Land. Very fine plex reticle, very good glass.

 

[Coltdriver]

I would recommend you go take a look at used scopes on ebay. You can frequently get some reasonably good glass there for a decent price. Some of the older Leupold glass in a gloss or silver scope often goes for under $300. Then you have as good as you can get and the Leupold's still have a lifetime warranty that you can use.

 

[jogar80]

I have 2 Barska Varmint scopes, a 6-18x and a 6-24x. Just about every comment I've read online says they are the worst crap out there. I dont know if i've been lucky, or if everyone else is just talking out of the rear, but these two have worked great for me. Both hold zero, with crisp, repeatable adjustments. In broad daylight the view is very clear, and since I only use these to punch paper, I don't see any reason to switch. If it were something more important, like a big hunt, then I'd opt for something else.

 

[helotaxi]

I'd take many newer scopes over an old Leupold...or a new Leupold for that matter. The above Vortex also has a lifetime warranty.

 

[greyling22]

taxi, that may be the ticket right there. Thanks for posting. I still wonder about that $100 whitetail though......