Budget scopes

[Atroxus]

Hi, I am picking up a stevens model 200 30-06 tuesday or wednesday, and am looking for a scope for it. I plan to use it for hunting deer/elk. I am on a very tight budget though. I want something that will be reasonable quality without going broke. I found a couple that seem like good bargains on natchez, but I am new to hunting. This year will be my first. Below is a list of the scopes I am considering with links. At the moment I am leaning heavily towards the BSA scope. I wanted to get some input from some experienced hunters before making a purchase though. If you know of a better bargain on any of them, or a better scope for similar price I am open to suggestions.

Bushnell Banner 4-12x40 Riflescope Multi-X Reticle Matte $85.75
http://www.natchezss.com/Optics.cfm?contentID=productDetail&brand=BH&prodID=BH714124&prodTitle=Bushnell Banner 4-12x40 Riflescope Multi-X Reticle Matte

Bushnell Legend 4-12x40 Riflescope Multi-X Reticle Matte $124.95
http://www.natchezss.com/Optics.cfm?contentID=productDetail&brand=BH&prodID=BH754124M&prodTitle=Bushnell Legend 4-12x40 Riflescope Multi-X Reticle Matte

Simmons 4-12x44 ProHunter Riflescope Truplex Reticle Matte $89.95
http://www.natchezss.com/Optics.cfm?contentID=productDetail&brand=SN&prodID=SN511045&prodTitle=Simmons 4-12x44 ProHunter Riflescope Truplex Reticle Matte

Simmons 4-12x40 ProHunter Riflescope Side Focus Truplex Reticle Matte $79.95
http://www.natchezss.com/Optics.cfm?contentID=productDetail&brand=SN&prodID=SN517716&prodTitle=Simmons 4-12x40 ProHunter Riflescope Side Focus Truplex Reticle Matte

BSA Contender 4-16X40 Riflescope Side Parallax Mildot Reticle $109.86
http://www.natchezss.com/Optics.cfm?contentID=productDetail&brand=OS&prodID=OSMD416X40&prodTitle=BSA Mil-Dot 4-16x40 Riflescope

[Thenewguy]

I think I would look at vortex. Very inexpensive glass for the quality you get imo

[bobcat]

When you're going that cheap you really don't want to go with a 4-12x or 4-16x. I would suggest a 3-9, or even a straight 4x would work just fine. You can get a good Weaver 4x scope for around $120. But if it were me I'd spend just a little more and get a Burris Fullfield II in a 3-9x40 which you can get for $160, including shipping.

Look here:  

http://cgi.ebay.com/Burris-Fullfield-II-3-9X40-Scope-BALLISTIC-PLEX-3x9x40_W0QQitemZ290402396668QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item439d54e9fc

[Atroxus]

I was considering vortex originally but I can't find any under $200.  

[Huntbear]

Look at the new Redfield scopes, made by Leupold.  www.Redfield.com

You can get into one for about 2 bills.  Same warranty as Leupold, too.

[Atroxus]

I was looking at the redfields briefly as well. I am really trying to stay below $150. Like I said I am on a really tight budget. I have been wanting to learn to hunt for a long time now, but cost has been a big factor in keeping me out of the sport.(that and not knowing anyone that hunts to teach me) Recently I decided if I keep waiting until I can afford the gear I *really* want then I won't ever get out there. So I am working on getting started as inexpensively as I possibly can.

I am also confused as to why I would want a lower power scope? Granted starting out I don't plan on taking any long shots, but as I gain skill through practice I would like to have that option.

[Huntbear]

Cheaper scopes, ie.. simmons, bushnell banners, sportveiws, etc... have real cheap glass in them.  At higher magnifications they are very blurry, or fuzzy to my eye anyway.  I have an older Simmons that when I look thru it, it is like looking through fog, compared to even a 200.00 Bushnell 3200 Elite.  In rain, snow or other in-climate conditions, it will be even worse.  And low light?  forget about it!   

[Thenewguy]

my experience is that the less things that can go wrong during a hunt, the better. I missed a buck the season before last partially due to being to far "zoomed" in on my 4x12 scope. 3x9 will be good out to 300 yards, about as far as that 30.06. I wouldn't even consider shooting further then that until you have some serious range time under your belt

[Atroxus]

Huh, I hadn't considered that. The reason I was looking at high magnifications is that I have a 3-9x on my .22 and at fifty yards find myself using 6-7x to be able to see the center of my targets. I was figuring that ability to soom in closer would be helpful for shot placement.

[jackelope]

If you have $200 to spend on a new scope and want a Vortex, get a hold of Elknut1 on here and ask him about  a Diamondback...I agree with the others. there is zero need for a 16x scope on a big game rifle in 30-06.
Deer present a lot bigger target than paper does at the range.
If you have $200 and don't mind a used scope I'd keep looking. You can probably find a Leupold VX1 for that money...
Those budget scopes you mentioned may have a hard time standing up to the recoil of your '06 over a period of time too...something to consider.

[Deep Forks]

    I Sent You a Pm.     

[bobcat]

I bought a cheap Simmons 4-12x scope once, about 20 years ago, for about $80. It was useless above about 8x, because it just wasn't clear. With 9x you can easily shoot deer or elk out to 400 yards if your rifle and yourself are capable. Even a straight 4x scope is fine out to at least 250 yards.

You're better off buying better quality, and less magnification. A sharp, clear 3-9x is much better than a blurry 4-12x.

Vortex is a good option as has been mentioned, if you can find one at a low enough price. If not that Burris Fullfield 3-9x is a reallly good scope for only $160. I've got the same scope on my Weatherby 30-06.

[AWS]

Natchez has some Weaver V-7 2x7x32 scopes on sale for $139 right now, fully multicoated lens, very clear, repeatable adjustments and is void of things like fast focus eyepieces  and target turrets that aren't needed on a 300yrd hunting scope.  

The reason for lower power scope is for there larger FOV (Field of view) which equates to faster target aquisition.  They are lighter in weight and can be mounted lower to the bore making for a a better cheek weld.

AWS

 

[Intruder]

In the under 200$ range.

- Weaver Classic V 3-9 x 40 for 169.99
- Vortex Diamondback 3-9 x 40 for 189.99

Of the ones you mentionend... the Legend is going to have the best glass.  As others have said.... stick to the 3-9 and buy better glass.  You'll get more bang for your buck.

[Atroxus]

I contacted Elknut1 as a few other members suggested. He is being nice and cutting me a very nice deal on a vortex scope. Thanks muchly for all of the input everyone, especially to Elknut1.