Scope choices under $400

[FitGunner]

Yes another "need input" thread. I'm looking for a new scope to put on a Weatherby Vanguard in .30-06 and I'd like some feedback on the choices I have narrowed down. The main purpose for the rifle/scope will be hunting deer and hogs within 300 yards and paper-punching so I have been looking at something in the 2-10 power range with a BDC reticle. My budget maxes at $400. Other suggestions are welcome.

I have looked through the Fullfield II and Viper (Diamondback too). They are both nice scopes with good clarity and eye relief. I'm leaning toward the Viper due to the reticle and the glass seemed a little clearer. I checked out the E1 too and it's a nice scope but I don't care for the reticle. The Burris is about $200 and Viper is $250-300.

I have not been able to look at the Super Slam ($320) or the Viper HS ($380) in person. I have read good things about these but I'm not sure if they are worth the extra money. The HS is the only 30mm of the group; not a big deal for me.

 

[Outlaw Man]

With the caveat that I haven't really looked at the HS, I'd be tempted to go with the Viper HS, of the ones you mentioned. Vortex seems, to me, to edge out the others a little with quality and glass, and I think the 2.5x low end would be great for up close deer and fast moving deer or hogs, while still giving you enough top end to reach out to 300.

Have you looked at Leupold's LR Duplex reticle? You can get a 3-9x40 VX-II with it, under your $400 limit. Just to throw another option out there...

 

[FitGunner]

I was able to look at the HS today and was impressed. Very crisp glass and the eye relief is generous and FOV is great at 47-10.9. Outlaw Man, I totally agree about the versatility with a 2-10 power scope for different applications. I won't always be hunting in flat, open terrain. Sometimes it will be in wooded and hilly areas.

I will take another look at Leupold's VX-II. I had not seen that reticle before so it will definitely be something to consider. When I compared the VX-II to the Burris and Vortex in the store the glass just seemed more dim and the edges clouded out with slight head movement.

Thanks!

 

[jmr40]

The VX-II was discontinued many years ago. It was replaced with the VX-2 seven or eight years ago and updated again in 2011. A current production VX-2 is essentially a 2010 VX-3, but selling for $300-$350 depending on the exact configuration.

I own Zeiss and some Older VX-3's. My 2 year old VX-2 is equal or better than any of them. I simply don't see where any hunter needs to spend any more.

If you really need to keep the price close to $200 the current VX-1 is where you need to look. Any made after 2011 are essentially an older VX-2. Most scope in that price range. The Burris is only a few $'s less and is another good scope, but I can't see saving $20 and passing on a Leupold that was selling for $300-$350 2 years ago.

 

[blarby]

Nikon Prostaff with BDC fits the bill in all respects.

I've owned two, and they are fantastic.


http://www.midwayusa.com/product/524748/nikon-prostaff-rifle-scope-4-12x-40mm-bdc-reticle-matte

As a bonus- the above is a 4-12, mine were(are) 3-9's. This one even has free shipping.....

 

[john843]

Got to agree with jmr40 on the Leupold VX-1. I think I paid $229. at Bass pro a couple months ago for a 3x9-40 with the duplex ret. and mounted on a new win. mod. 70 featherweight .243 in Talley ex-low lightweights. It seems like a lot of scope for the money, and has prefomed flawlessly. Just make sure you get the latest one, and not one of the original VX-1s with the friction adj, dials as opposed to the click adj.

 

[john843]

BTW, I don't think you'll beat Leupold's Warranty/ Service.

 

[HexHead]

Leupold. 'Nuff said.

 

[rbernie]

Last I checked, the Nikon Monarch 2-8x was well under four bills, and it's better than my VXI's and my FFII's by a decent margin.

I'm partial to the VXIII 1.75-6x and I can usually find that for just at $400 if I shop around.

 

[red rick]

New VX-2 from opticsplanet and on sale now.

 

[ColtPythonElite]

Used Leupold in your favorite power.

 

[paulo]

NIKON best bang for the buck hands down.

 

[blarby]

NIKON best bang for the buck hands down.

I'd have to agree.

My remaing 3x9 has suffered 4 years of REALLY tough use, and still keeps on kickin. From the high 120's of Bakersfield, to the -30's of northern Michigan, to all the rain of Oregon and everywhere in between- including all the road trips ! Its been mounted on 3 rifles and 2 shotguns- and worked great on all of 'em.

 

[Coltdriver]

I picked up a Zeiss Terra for $309 and it is good glass with great precision. You could easily draw a box around a zero with this scope. It is their entry level scope and I think its made in Japan. But it seems to be a pretty good value.

 

[Outlaw Man]

The VX-II was discontinued many years ago. It was replaced with the VX-2 seven or eight years ago and updated again in 2011

You are correct. I guess old habits die hard. Thanks for picking up the slack.

 

[LeonCarr]

Leupold

Just my .02,
LeonCarr

 

[CB900F]

Fitgunner;

SWFA has the Nikon Monarch 3, 2.5-10 mil-dot for sale right at the top of your budget number. The Monarchs have excellent optics & the mil-dot reticle is perfectly acceptable for target work unless you're going to enter competition. For hunting, it's my reticle of choice.

900F

 

[FitGunner]

Thank you to everyone for your input. I have not purchased yet but I am still leaning toward the Viper HS. I have had the chance to look through numerous scopes outside in the dusk including multiple VX3 models, a VX2, Rifleman, the Monarch BDC, Burris FFII & E1, Bushnell, and the Vortex lineup including the PST FFP. I looked at a VX6 too which was a bad idea because the FOV and clarity on them is incredible! If possible, I would have saved up for the VX6 before the season.

Second place: the PST in first focal plane would be my next choice if it wasn't twice my budget. I will probably pick up one of these or a SWFA FFP down the road for a target rifle. Constant holdover at any magnification is a nice plus.

I keep going back to the Viper HS. It gathers plenty of light to my eyes, has nice eye relief, and parallax is decent. The price is comparable to the others. The Leupolds are definitely lighter but I don't mind a little extra heft since I shoot from a bench or in a blind with a rest. I will compare the Monarch, VX3, and Viper again before choosing.

 

[Outlaw Man]

Sounds like you're going about it the right way. Being able to look through it in poor lighting can give you a completely different outlook (pun only slightly intended ).