I Need A Rifle Scope for Under $100

I recently purchased a Savage-Stevens Model 200 .270 bolt action rifle from a friend. The gun had cheap scope bases,rings, and a Chinese scope on it. I told him to keep the scope, rings, and bases and I would buy new.
I'm going to buy new standard Leupold bases and medium rings. I want a 3-9x40 scope for this gun. With the holidays around the corner I can't be spending a lot of cash right now. So, what is the best bang for my buck for a under $100 3-9x40 scope???? This gun will be used for whitetail hunting. Next year I will look for a better than $100 scope when I can afford it.

 

I was allways told to spend the same amount on a scope as you do on the rifle.
You may find a used quality optic for a hundee but if you can hold out to spend more for higher quality unit later it may be worth the wait.

 

I've bought my fair share of "cheap" scopes when I was younger. Most failed after a couple years and were never as bright as the better scopes on my guns. I've used scopes ranging from $60 up to $1,000 for a precision rifle.

My recommendation is to bump your budget to at least the $150-$200 range. I recently purchased a Redfield 3-9x40 at Bass Pro for $160. I haven't had the opportunity to use it in low light in the woods yet, but based on my initial impressions, I would rate it between a Leupold V-X1 and V-X2. In my opinion, it is better than the Nikon ProStaff series (which is my favorite "cheap" scope and approaches the Buckmaster series.

The Redfields are made in the U.S. by Leupold and have their same warranty. I picked mine up for $160 and, for a variable power, have not used anything in that price range that I would say is better.

Good luck.

 

I agree with what everyone is saying here, you get what you pay for. I was just checking out the new Redfield Revolution scope. My 35 year old Marlin 30-30 that I'm retiring has a 4x Redfield Widefield scope that has never failed me. So, I am a Redfield fan. I'm glad a company like Leupold is making them now and not some Chinese factory.

 

I really do like the new Redfields and will likely purchase another. They compare to Leupold's in their physical size and have a fairly small overall diameter on the eyepiece which I really like. It feels solid and has a good finish. You can adjust the windage and elevation with your fingers and don't need a coin or other tool which is definitely a plus. They also seems to have a slightly longer eye relief than other comparable scopes. I ran mine through the box test before zeroing. Since dialing it in I've run about 40 rounds of 20 gauge slugs through it in my H&R Ultra Slug and the zero is holding true so far. While I haven't tested it in the field in low-light or rainy weather, so far I haven't found anything I dislike about it for the money.

 

I bought a Redfield last November - great scope, keeps zero and is built tough. Redfield is the budget line from Leupold if anyone's ever read the manual to theirs.

 

these guys have a great rep for products and great customer service: http://www.primaryarms.com/product.sc?productId=1063&categoryId=156

 

i have a Tasco Golden Antler from my 1200 FPS air rifle. when i upgraded to real guns i tried it on my AR-15. it has been holding at 0 for a little over a year now. it's been accurate with 1/2" - 3/4" groups at 100 yards. i'm going to use it until it breaks and by then i will have saved up enough money to buy some real glass.



tasco golden antler

try Tasco brand, they all seem to be under $150

 

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=746570

Shot my best group ever with the one above on a 20" AR-15. Great scope for around $100.

 

Make sure you spend at least enought to get one that's nitrogen purged to make if fog-proof....