recommend a scope

[Tony]

I have a friend looking for a scope and since i know very little about them i though i would check with everyone here if you have a recommendation. He is looking for something like a 4x16x44 or 4x16x50 ( i hope those numbers make sense) and is looking at shooting between 200-300 yards. Can anyone recommend a decent scope that wouldn't cost a fortune and if so what price range would a scope like this be?

[BLKBEARKLR]

leupold vx II

I have quite a few of them, some of the VX III's and they are good scopes.

They are around the 400.00 mark.

Bad thing about scopes you buy a cheap one it will eventually come back to ruin your day.

Joe

[2pt]

I'd say that size scope is almost too big for shooting out to 300yds. I have a 3x9 that works great and I rarely use anything more than 5 or 6 power on it. As far as brands i'd look into Redfield, they are made by Leupold and are pretty inexpensive. I dont want to say cheap because all the reviews i've read say great things about them. That will probably be the next scope i buy

[huntinhick]

I also like 3x9s a 3x9 with a 40mm lense is hard to beat.  I am going to say I really like the simmons prohunters.  the one piece ones made by meade optics now.  some people don't like them but side by side with my leupold 3x9 the simmons has a brighter view.  I have a simmons atec on my 204 ruger A 4X14 that I would not replace for anything.  I have 2 of there pistol scope also so far they are standing up to the recoil of a 44mag and a 30/30 contender.  that said leupold and nikon are great if you have the money.  

[bobcat]

It depends on its purpose. Will it be used for ground squirrels, or elk? Or a little of everything? What is the rifle it's going on?

[uplandhunter870]

if 300yds is max distance i would consider a 3-9 but if his heart is set on a 4-14 or so i have a nikon buckmaster in 4.5-14x40 on one of my rifles and have been happily impressed with it i paid 300ish after tax at a local shop the friday before deer rifle season a few years ago so im sure with some shopping im sure he could get it cheap.  ive also hear good things about the new redfields and the nikon prostaffs as well my buddy has a vxII in 3-9x40 that ive shot and cant say any thing bad about it

[carpsniperg2]

i like the higher powered scope i have never found myself wishing for less power where i hunt.
leupold 6-18x40 vxII is what i just picked up. you can get a 3-9 but 300yards on a small target is harder to do then a scope on 18 power if its for elk and deer then 3-9 should work but i would always go bigger myself and if it is a yote gun then hell yeah nothing less then 14 power will touch my many yote guns

[addicted]

2-300 yards to kill paper? Or prairie dogs?

If he is just interested in killing paper i would suggest an SWFA super sniper 16x42 scope with the 30mm tube as he will not need the variable. My buddy has one that he has taken out to 750 yards hitting clay pigeons with his 223.

If he is doing up some big game or all around. leupy, nikon, redfeild, meopta meopro, the list goes on.

[Atroxus]

I got a Vortex diamondback 4-12x40mm with BDC reticle NIB from a board member here awhile back for under $200 iirc. I put it on my .30-06. I have been very happy with it, and would highly recommend them to anyone with a limited budget looking for a quality scope.

[mazama]

For the money Burris puts out a good scope i like mine i also have LEOPOLDS, Zeiss,Redfield,Weaver-the Burris held up on a 338RUM.

[338WinMag]

I have always been a Leupold fan my self. I own a VXII 3x9x40 on my 270 and a VXIII 3.5X10X40 on my 338 both are great optics and you can't beat the Leupold warranty if you ever have a problem with it.

[Jamieb]

On a hunting rifle the Leupold VX II 3x9x40 is my favorite in that price range.
I don't like the 4X12's, their smaller field of view makes a big difference trying to get on target fast at close range ( jumping a deer out of his bed)
and tracking a moving deer is harder.
I regularly shoot out to 900 yards with a couple of rifles that have 3x9's on them, its plenty of X's

[Tony 270]

For 200-300 yard shots I'd go with a simple 3-9x40 or something close to that. Nikon Monarch would be a great choice and is a lot of scope for the money.

[G.R.K]

VX-3 3.5-10X40mm.   With M1 elevation.  

[Jamieb]

VX-3 3.5-10X40mm.   With M1 elevation.  

Thats what I put on my .257WBY and love it, after useing it for awhile I've bought a couple more. At this rate all of my rifles will be wearing 3.5x10x40's in a couple of years.

But I still like the 3x9x40 and I have a couple of rifles wearing them that wont get changed.


That 3x9 has enough elevation to get 120gr. NBT's to 950 yards when started at 3000fps out of the 7-08

[Deep Forks]

  I have 4 vortex scopes and couldn't be happier.  The glass is crisp and clear. color rendition and quality are excellent.  They also have a unconditional warranty.  Unless it's a loupy vxIII I like the vortex better.       

[high country]

better class of glass trumps power every day. there is no need for a 50mm scope at 200yds. there are guys that throw down silly groups with open sights at that range. I would personally try to steer a guy to a better 3-9x40ish scope. I think the conquest is the best optics you can get w/o spending a pile, the 4200 is the best bang orthe buck, and the luey is nice for guys like jamie, who want to add turrets (recomended over a reticle). ziess also can add turrets, but more $$

[MDGrand]

Looks I am going to be the first:

NIKON.. look.. and comapare.. if you see any difference at all.. it will only be one place.. the price tag! Same warranty, just as clear of optics and the BDC is better viewing in my humble opinion than the Boone and Crocket.

My call: Nikon Monarch 3-12x42 SF

[bobcat]

The original poster still has never come back and said what the scope is to be used for, and what kind of rifle it will be mounted on, so I still cannot answer the question. Again, is this for a squirrel gun, an elephant gun, or something in between?

[ebusa]

leupold vx II

Bad thing about scopes you buy a cheap one it will eventually come back to ruin your day.

Joe

True Story!

Another vote for the VXII

[BlackRidge]

Looks I am going to be the first:

NIKON..

My call: Nikon Monarch 3-12x42 SF

+1, this would definitely get the job done for anything up to and past 300yrds... paper or game

[sticky]

Leupold and Nikon are both good choices, but recently I picked up a Nitrex TR One 3x9x42 for $170.00 shipped.  I really am happy with the purchase.  I got it on ebay brand new from a gun store back east.  They originally came out at $299.00, but now are available around $200.00.  They are made by ATK, which is Federal, Weaver, etc. 

[Lightning_Rider]

I own nikon and Leupolds and recently bought a zeiss conquest on sale at cabelas for $399 and that is the best scope i have ever looked through...especially for the price. they are still on sale right now too, both my parents even got em!

[Tony]

Thanks everyone. I think he has decided on the leupold vx II

[Jamieb]

Good choice