Best scope for 250$

[DJ_Mack]

I am trying to help my buddy find a scope.  His total budget is 250$ and I thought it would be good to check with what you guys thought.  He has a Vortex Diamondback HP he really likes.  But they run more than 250$.  Any help would be greatly appreciated!  Thanks guys!

[muleyslayer]

I've had really good luck with the nikon buckmasters. Very good scope for the money, I shot alot of deer and elk with that scope.

[kukusya]

Leopold 

[dmv9]

Redfield Revolution

[dmv9]

Or the Vortex Crossfire II 3-9x40mm $150

[Evil_EdwardO]

I am trying to help my buddy find a scope.  His total budget is 250$ and I thought it would be good to check with what you guys thought.  He has a Vortex Diamondback HP he really likes.  But they run more than 250$.  Any help would be greatly appreciated!  Thanks guys!

I own the non HP version of the Diamondback and love it. It's only $199.

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/2420143242/vortex-optics-diamondback-rifle-scope-4-12x-40mm-matte

[PolarBear]

I have a Cabela's brand scope that I won that is around $250, don't remember the model off hand but it has surprisingly been an awesome scope for what it is worth. I have had it on my .250 - 3000 for about 8 years, shot a lot of coyotes through it in all kinds of wrather and have never had an issues. My daughter has a Cabela's scope on her .243 that has also been great so far. The added bonus is Cabela's guarantee.

[DJ_Mack]

All good leads guys.  Thanks.  I have heard that the crossfire's are just not that good.  Cabela's branded scopes are intriguing.  I have a nikon prostaff on a .22lr and I like it a lot.  You can get a 3-9 for 150$. 

[superdown]

Leupold VX-1

[NRA4LIFE]

Another Leupold VX-1

[JDHasty]

Another Leupold VX-1

And  they have a $50 rebate that is still going on I think

[bosshogg112]

I've had really good luck with the nikon buckmasters. Very good scope for the money, I shot alot of deer and elk with that scope.

  I have these on top of all my rifles and they have performed very well for me.  Was able to shoot my deer last fall right at first shooting light at approx. 150 yards. 

You might also try looking around a pawn shop.  I think that there are a few manufactures out there with lifetime warranties that will fix anything that is broken on it. 

[thinkingman]

Nikon Buckmasters and ProStaff optics are very good and reliable....1/4moa adjustments, which you will not get with a Leupold VX-1.
Burris Fullfield scopes are excellent in that space.
Pentax also markets re-labeled Burris scopes.
I have seen Zeiss Terra scopes for under $250.
Vortex Crossfire would not even be on my radar.

[bobcat]

Leupold VX-1 scopes do have 1/4 moa adjustments...

[luvmystang67]

I was just helping a buddy with this the other day.  I don't think I'd buy anything that wasn't a Leupold or a Vortex now days.  The leupolds have a solid history, infallible warranty and are super sleek (and have great eye relief). The redfields are also made by leupold now days.  I don't like the 1/2 moa adjustments on the leupold rifleman or lower tiered redfields.

The VX-1 would be my choice.  i've tried higher end bushnells, nikons and redfield.  The good old VX-1 is just hard to beat.  Its quality that every hunter from every generation understands and they've never let me down.

[HntnFsh]

I would look on 24hr. Campfire. Are regularly great deals on there for scopes in that price range. Very reputable sellers. Might also check rokslde.

[Taco280AI]

I have an FX3 6x42 for sale. $300

[JDHasty]

I have an FX3 6x42 for sale. $300

That is a great scope.  If I were in the market for a $250 scope that is probably the only one that would get me to step up and fork over an additional $50

In fact that is probably the most under rated/under appreciated scopes on the market

[270Shooter]

Vortex makes good glass but the crossfire does not make the cut. Won't go down that road again. I vote for a vx I.

[thinkingman]

http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,200804.0.html
Exactly why there are no Leupolds in my safe or future.

VX1 glass was inferior to my Burris FFII when I did a direct comparison.

[luvmystang67]

http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,200804.0.html
Exactly why there are no Leupolds in my safe or future.

VX1 glass was inferior to my Burris FFII when I did a direct comparison.

That link just sends you to a great story about an old scope that received amazing warranty service...  I'm not sure i see your point.

For what its worth, I purchased a bushnell elite 3200 because it performed better in tests with light transmission than similar priced leupolds and whatever else I was looking at.  It is my least favorite scope.  Poor eye relief, hard to turn dials, feels and looks cheap.

I've never tried the burris, might be just fine, but i was burned once for branching out and wont do it again.  I wish i had bought the leupold at that time.

Also, for what its worth, if you buy a leupold and dont like it, someone will always buy it off you for near what you paid... Anyone here willing to give me $250... or even $200 for my bushnell elite 3200... I dont think so, but the specs are there.

[luvmystang67]

One caveat to my comment...

In the leupold family I have:
 Leupold Rifleman, a VX-1, a Vari-Xii and two Vari-Xiii and a redfield something or other.

I honestly cant tell much of a difference between the glass when I'm using them.  I tried to get fancy by getting bigger numbers, but really the VX-1 is fine. The rifleman just feels cheap and I don't liek the 1/2" MOA adjustments

[thinkingman]

http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,200804.0.html
Exactly why there are no Leupolds in my safe or future.

VX1 glass was inferior to my Burris FFII when I did a direct comparison.

That link just sends you to a great story about an old scope that received amazing warranty service...  I'm not sure i see your point.

For what its worth, I purchased a bushnell elite 3200 because it performed better in tests with light transmission than similar priced leupolds and whatever else I was looking at.  It is my least favorite scope.  Poor eye relief, hard to turn dials, feels and looks cheap.

I've never tried the burris, might be just fine, but i was burned once for branching out and wont do it again.  I wish i had bought the leupold at that time.

Also, for what its worth, if you buy a leupold and dont like it, someone will always buy it off you for near what you paid... Anyone here willing to give me $250... or even $200 for my bushnell elite 3200... I dont think so, but the specs are there.

Sorry you don't like your Bushnell...Seems like a decent scope but you're right about resale...Toyota, Colt, Leupold all have a cult following no matter the actual quality of the item.
I just don't like the fact that not a month goes by that someone doesn't proudly state how their Leupold scope failed and the factory sent them a brand new replacement.
I don't see Bushnell 3200 failures nearly as often...or Nikon, or Burris.
I understand that there are not as many Bushnell 3200's out there.....still....

[superdown]

If someone likes something other than Leupold good for them variety is the spice of life.For me personally i am a life long Leupold fan and customer.I have had four Nikon scopes i returned three and gave one away you won't catch me buying another Nikon scope on a bet.I have had three Bushnell scopes they were ok nothing i would buy again.I have one Burris scope and it compares pretty well with a Leupold of the same price point.Regarding Vortex i have zero first hand knowledge but i keep hearing time and time again on multiple hunting and outdoors forums it's good thing they have the warranty they do because you will be using it.I have five Leupold scopes currently a rifleman 2-7x33 ,VX-2 1.5-4x28 scout scope,VX-hog 1-4x20,M8-2X pistol scope and a VX-III 2.5-8x36.I haven't had a single problem with any of them.

[HntnFsh]

http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,200804.0.html
Exactly why there are no Leupolds in my safe or future.

VX1 glass was inferior to my Burris FFII when I did a direct comparison.

Do you suppose that could be that there or probably hundreds of thousands or even millions more Leupolds out ghere. Than the others. I think it's something that has to be taken Inot consideration.
That link just sends you to a great story about an old scope that received amazing warranty service...  I'm not sure i see your point.

For what its worth, I purchased a bushnell elite 3200 because it performed better in tests with light transmission than similar priced leupolds and whatever else I was looking at.  It is my least favorite scope.  Poor eye relief, hard to turn dials, feels and looks cheap.

I've never tried the burris, might be just fine, but i was burned once for branching out and wont do it again.  I wish i had bought the leupold at that time.

Also, for what its worth, if you buy a leupold and dont like it, someone will always buy it off you for near what you paid... Anyone here willing to give me $250... or even $200 for my bushnell elite 3200... I dont think so, but the specs are there.

Sorry you don't like your Bushnell...Seems like a decent scope but you're right about resale...Toyota, Colt, Leupold all have a cult following no matter the actual quality of the item.
I just don't like the fact that not a month goes by that someone doesn't proudly state how their Leupold scope failed and the factory sent them a brand new replacement.
I don't see Bushnell 3200 failures nearly as often...or Nikon, or Burris.
I understand that there are not as many Bushnell 3200's out there.....still....

[slm9s]

I just bought 2 used - like new Leupold VX-2 3-9x40 scopes from this seller, they arrived in excellent shape, cost was $200 shipped each.  Here is his ad with what he has left.

http://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/topics/11428032/GLASS!_Leupold,_Zeiss,_Nikon_s#Post11428032

[DJ_Mack]

I just bought 2 used - like new Leupold VX-2 3-9x40 scopes from this seller, they arrived in excellent shape, cost was $200 shipped each.  Here is his ad with what he has left.

http://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/topics/11428032/GLASS!_Leupold,_Zeiss,_Nikon_s#Post11428032

That is a killer deal!!

[coachcw]

used vx 2 or 3 ... I have a compact 3x 9 vx2 in silver if he is in the market for silver .

[Buzz2401]

If there are stories of people having failures with the Leupold it could be the fact that Leupold has been selling scopes for 70 years and most people have a couple or many more in there safe.  My main support for Leupold comes from the fact that they are made in USA.  Only companies I have had issues with is original Redfield around 30 years ago and had a Vortex scope go out on me.  For as young as Vortex is I would say they seem to have a lot of issues.  Its one thing to have a 10- 20 year old scope go out.  Its another to have one that is less then 5 years old stop working.

[JDHasty]

I have a lot of scopes and most are either made in Europe, USA or Japan, I think I may have one or two that are from somewhere else. 

I have had more trouble with older made in USA Burris than with all others combined. 

[Special T]

If you can find a Leopold in your price range it's a good choice. I own several Nixon scopes and I would say they are the best value scope. Since there are only 3 lense mfg and nikon is one of them I think they are worth a look. The lens factory is next to the scope optics factory. I don't think you can get much more efficient than that.

[lamrith]

Check out the Primary Arms offerings.  They give you quote a bit of bang for the buck.

[JDHasty]

If you can find a Leopold in your price range it's a good choice. I own several Nixon scopes and I would say they are the best value scope. Since there are only 3 lense mfg and nikon is one of them I think they are worth a look. The lens factory is next to the scope optics factory. I don't think you can get much more efficient than that.

Just off the top of my head - Swarovski, Nikon, Zeiss, Leitz, Fujinon... plus Chinese, plus Indian, plus Russian 

[Special T]

Ok so there are a lot more now than before, and my number was off. I do remember reading an article that talked about the realities small number of glass mfg compared to optics companies.

[Bofire]

find a used leupold, your price range is good. remember that the used leupold has the same warranty as new. No questions they just fix em.
Carl

[JeffRaines]

I know it's a bit over your budget but I'd consider the new nikons with the FFP BDC. At least that's what's going on my next rifle

[JDHasty]

I know it's a bit over your budget but I'd consider the new nikons with the FFP BDC. At least that's what's going on my next rifle

I owned a Nikon 5-20 Monarch 3 with that hokey BDC arrangement Nikon has and gave it away to my seven year old daughter.  Try before you buy would be my advice

[CP]

I know it's a bit over your budget but I'd consider the new nikons with the FFP BDC. At least that's what's going on my next rifle

I owned a Nikon 5-20 Monarch 3 with that hokey BDC arrangement Nikon has and gave it away to my seven year old daughter.  Try before you buy would be my advice

I never understood the need for the extra $$ to put the BDC reticle in the first focal plane.  If your target is far enough away to require one of the BDC marks it’s far enough away that you would want full magnification.

Personally I don’t like the clutter on the reticle and I don’t want to fiddle with the knobs before shooting.  There are lots of good scopes out there under $250 if you are willing to go simple. 

Try before you buy would be great, but I don’t know how you can do that with scopes. 

[JDHasty]

I know it's a bit over your budget but I'd consider the new nikons with the FFP BDC. At least that's what's going on my next rifle

I owned a Nikon 5-20 Monarch 3 with that hokey BDC arrangement Nikon has and gave it away to my seven year old daughter.  Try before you buy would be my advice

I never understood the need for the extra $$ to put the BDC reticle in the first focal plane.  If your target is far enough away to require one of the BDC marks it’s far enough away that you would want full magnification.

Personally I don’t like the clutter on the reticle and I don’t want to fiddle with the knobs before shooting.  There are lots of good scopes out there under $250 if you are willing to go simple. 

Try before you buy would be great, but I don’t know how you can do that with scopes.

Unless you know someone who has one it does get a bit problematic. 

The Nikon BDC that I reference above is a scope that came out of Nikon's "field staff" program.   I used to run a large gun counter 25 years ago and still maintain many of the contacts I have had w/in the industry and have had opportunity to "field test" and opine on quite a bit of equipment over the years. 

What I can say about the Nikon Monarch 3 5-20 is that it is a fabulous scope.  The BDC reticle, as Nikon constitutes it, is something I never warmed up to.  It isn't for me.  BUT that doesn't mean it isn't for everyone,  younger guys and gals seem to love it, old guys like me don't really seem to like it. 

My nephew tried pretty hard to get that scope off me, but then he ended up buying one after I took too long in making up my mind on what was to become of it.  It now belongs to my seven year old daughter and her little brother and sister.     

[fly-by]

Check out the Primary Arms offerings.  They give you quote a bit of bang for the buck.

Agreed.  The 4-14x44 with basic mil dots and no illumination is a great FFP scope for the $.  I have a couple of them and am very pleased.

[slm9s]

For my hunting, mostly elk on dim november days, FFP scopes just don't make sense.  A bull 50 yards away in dark timber, I need low power and a thick reticle - a FFP reticle get smaller/thinner and tough to see on low powers.  A bull on the far side of a logging - I want a decent magnification with a thin reticle for precise aiming - a FFP reticle gets thicker as you turn up the mag.  Some people love FFP scopes on hunting rigs, I just can't warm up to them.  I love my Steiner military 4-16 FFP on my tactical competition rig though!

[Mark251]

I love the Leupold scopes.  Either a new VX-1 or a used VX-2 is a great way to go....  Good luck!

[b23]

Cabelas has the Burris MTAC 30 4.5-14x42 w/AO on sale for $229 regular price is $549.  I have a couple of these scopes now and for that kind of money, I don't know of anything better.

[JDHasty]

Cabelas has the Burris MTAC 30 4.5-14x42 w/AO on sale for $229 regular price is $549.  I have a couple of these scopes now and for that kind of money, I don't know of anything better.

Other than the fact that Burris scopes are heavy... 

IDK, just give me a Leupold on my big game rifle and I am just fine with it.  It could be a VX1 3-9 and I would be good.  I use a VX3i in 2.5-10, but a VX1 would be what I would go for if that is what my budget suggested and would not feel that I could have done better. 

[b23]

Cabelas has the Burris MTAC 30 4.5-14x42 w/AO on sale for $229 regular price is $549.  I have a couple of these scopes now and for that kind of money, I don't know of anything better.

Other than the fact that Burris scopes are heavy... 

IDK, just give me a Leupold on my big game rifle and I am just fine with it.  It could be a VX1 3-9 and I would be good.  I use a VX3i in 2.5-10, but a VX1 would be what I would go for if that is what my budget suggested and would not feel that I could have done better.

The only centerfires I'm using them on is a couple AR's and probably one is going on the CZ 527 that I still have sitting doing nothing.  I've spoiled all my other centerfires with NF NXS optics.

I have a two Vari X III 4.5-14x40 on a couple rimefires and a Leupy AR MOD1 3-9x40 on my daughters M&P 15-22, to my eyes, these new Burris 4.5-14x42's are definitely better.