Best scope for around $300?

My girlfriend is getting me a rifle for Christmas. I don't really know what it is other than a higher caliber rifle. I would be using it for white tail hunting. Also, my parents are just giving me money for Christmas this year. So I'd like to get me a decent scope to top off my new rifle for around $300. I can't really go much higher than that, because I'm broke at the moment. So do you guys have any suggestions? I don't really think I need more power than a 3-9 or maybe 4-12.

I was thinking about a Nikon buckmasters, then have a little extra cash for ammo. I could also afford a pair of Nikon prostaffs; a local place sells Nikon pretty cheap and I have a cheap Bushnell that came on a combo that I need to replace one day. I have heard of a Zeiss terra 3x. But it's a little higher than what I have and can't find any reviews on it. For the price range, I would be hard pressed to find a decent leupold; at least vx-ll. Some other things I've considered are finding refurbished or demo scopes. So if you had $300, what would you buy? Also, anybody know of any good sales, good sites, and places that sell demo/refurbished scopes?

Thanks

 

My vote goes to Burris fullfield. For the money I dont think they can be beat. I have a 3x9 on my .270 and a 4.5x14 on my .300WM.

 

Very pleased with my Redfield Revolution. Good American made scope for the money. The Revenge gives you more features for the money, but is built overseas. My brother has one though and no complaints.

 

Nikon Buckmasters. I have used it against a Leupold Gold Ring and honestly I like the Nikon better for the amount of light it lets in and the clarity is about the same as the Leupold.

I wouldn't lean toward refurb stuff for 2 reasons: The rolling-dice factor of reliability, plus, why taint a new rifle with a used optic?

Seriously, from an experienced hunter who has owned and used many optics from redfield, to leupold, to nikon, to burris, bushnell, including different grades within each brand, I would always recommend a buckmasters for your price range and encourage you to spend the leftover cash on a quality cleaning rod/bore guide and a few select cleaning chemicals. Proper break-in and cleaning will do 10x more for your rifle than the scope will anyways. Assuming you are using a decent scope.

 

Nikon monarch or millet

 

X2 I have a buckmaster on my 30-06 and I love it. The low light capabilities are great.

 

Nikons about all I use, Omegas on muzelloaders and love them and pro-staffs on some other guns. I dont have a buckmaster but would assume the quality is just as good as any other Nikon... all mine a great.

 

I have a horse pasture with a fence 300 yards from my back porch. At 12 power zoom with my Nikon I can see the braided rope. I cant see that with my Leopold vx III. I cant see that with a Zeiss or a Swarovski at the same power.. nikon hands down- best glass out there. leupold probably more durable though.. my 2 cents

 

bushnell elite 3200. its a 10x-40mm fixed obj, 1/10 mil adjustments.

A pretty bombproof little scope.

its also $199...

 

Where are you going to be hunting with it?
Dark woods?
Wide open plains?
I laugh when everybody immediately has an opinion with no information(Glock! There Badass(sic))

 

I just got a used Remington vtr in 308 and was also looking for a scope in this price range. I probably won't deer hunt with it due to the weight of the gun but would love to reach out and touch some coyotes with it. I have a 3x9 vx-1 on my deer hunting set up but was looking for something with more magnification on the 308.

 

I have a Leupold Rifleman 3-9x40 on my .270. Absolutely love it! Cross hairs have a small red line in them and is extremely tough. Bumped it a couple times a couple years ago and it's still dead on balls!

 

...but don't forget quality rings and bases or that will be the weak link. I have a Leupold VX-1 on my Savage 110 30-06 and it is a great combo out to 200 yds (sighted to 100). I have Burris Signature rings and bases and they are rock solid.

Is this your first rifle and, as was asked earlier, where do you hunt? Those are good questions to answer before you think about the gear you need.

Brandon

 

True. I have the Leupold rings and base on mine to match the scope

 

The 3-10x Weaver Mil-Mil is a great scope for $300.

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/598484/

 

Only useful post here.

 

You can't beat Nikon for good quality glass, plenty of scope models to chose from to suit your hunting conditions and needs. They also have an online ballistics program that is pretty good, not to mention free, http://spoton.nikonsportoptics.com/spoton/spoton.html#Index:4 , you just enter your info and print your cheat sheets. I love their M-308 model on my AR10.

 

Sorry, I got really busy a few weeks ago with finals and am just now getting caught up on things. This is not my first rifle and I have hunted for several years. Most of my hunting is over a food plot on our property and the furthest shot would be around 200 yards. I have several deer hunting rifles, so I can set each one up for different "situations" / places (long range, thick woods, etc.). I ended up getting a Nikon Buckmaster BDC 3-9x40 on a good deal for about $200. To my eyes and for the price, it was the best bang for the buck. She still won't tell me what the rifle is, but I did make sure they got Leupold rings and bases. I have a strong feeling it's a 7mm-mag though.

 

Regardless of the scope you buy, I would recommend this website for purchase. They have amazing customer service, cheap and fast shipping, and the best prices I have ever found.

www.primaryarms.com

They also make their own brand of scopes and red dots. Look for reviews around the internet, they are always top rated.

 

x2. I have one on my 7mm-08 and love it. I got it from Natchez Shooting Supply delivered for like 130 earlier this year. I have Leupolds and Nikons on everything else, but for the money, the Fullfield II is tough to beat.