Scope suggestions

I'm looking to get a new scope for my Savage model 111 (30-06) this season. I've narrowed it down to the Nikon Buckmasters 3-9X40 BDC or the Nikon Prostaff 3-9X40 BDC. Price between the two is minimal. I just need some opinions on which one to pick. If you have another preference in the $150-200 range, lemme know. Thanks

 

I upgraded to the Buckmasters 4.5-14x42 last year, after playing around with some crap ass 3-9x Bushnell (though the less cheap Bushnell stuff is great). I got the Bullet Drop Compensator reticle for my .270, and it's great. Reticle is super crisp and it gathers light for minutes after you can hardly see deer anymore.

I think 9x is plenty for almost any shot I'd consider taking, especially with an -06. But I do love seeing those deer nice 'n big in the 14 power scope.

 

heard good things about the prostaff. imma leupold guy tho

 

I am shooting a Monarch X 4-14x50 Mildot with .308 BDC and its so worth the money. I do a lot of long range shooting and its worth every penny.

 

What are you doing with? If you are going for long rang/comp shooting, I suggest saving and getting top notch glass, this will become very important as you progress in your long range/comp shooting and you will end up spending it eventually (example, the scope on my comp 308 was about $2,500.00). S&B, US Optics,Vortex HD series, etc.

If you are hunting (by stating season, I assume you are), or just having fun at the range, That buckmaster is gonna be a great scope. If you can swing a little bit more, check out the leupold VX series. Tough as nails (I run this on a few of my hunting rigs...great glass for the price about $300.00).

I would stay away from bullet compensators and specialty reticles like that (I DO NOT mean this as a slap to anyone that is running them above. This is just my exp as a long range shooter, and they may work flawlessly for others). At the end of the day, bullet drop is a function of barrel length, powder type, bullet weight, brass neck thickness, primer type, etc (A million other factors). So an off the shelf compensator is never going to be dead on for every gun (Exception is a custom compensator, but again, this limits you to one load, if you develop others or shoot different bullets, it’s no longer tuned). Instead make some range time and develop your own ballistic card for your own reloads or hunting loads (whatever you are shooting). Mil Dot is great for long range target (i use it for comp), but pretty impractical for hunting (you rarely are going to be ranging game using your scope...plus I tend to shy away from pointing my rifle at things unless I KNOW what it is and am ready to shoot it, get a range finder). An exception is if you are trained and used to Mil Dot, then it may be better to stick with that.

From your list though the buckmaster is good, Ithink luepold may be a bit better for a hunting rig, but the buckmaster shouldn’t let you down. Shop around too, I have seen the older 3-9 monarchs in the $200.00 range. If you find that, I suggest that over the buckmaster. The old 3-9 Monarch is a good hunting scope (Example: http://www.gunforall.com/shopcart/mcartfree/product.asp?intprodid=19714)

 

Thank you all for the input.
I will only be hunting with this scope (mostly tree lines).Max shot would be 300 yards (not likely) and average would be 100-150 yards. I'll take a look at the Monarch and VX's. Thanks again.

 

Also take into account warranty. Leupold has lifetime no hassel warrenty..I BELEIVE (doubel cehck this) that the monarch line is also coverd by no question asked warranty. If you can find the 3-9 monarch, that would be my frist choice.

 

I have the Nikon Prostaff 3-9X40 on my Browning 30.06. I have taken several deer with it. I have had Leupold in the past, and they are very nice too.

My only complaint, is that when it is raining or snowing it seems to fog (externally) or the lens gets a lot of water on it. I put butler creek flip up covers on it and now it's perfect.

 

look into VORTEX they have many scopes from beginer to the extream huntig scopes i just recently put the vortex diomond back series on my 30-06 i got it at a screaming deal for $160 there life time warranty is unreal and standard on all models and the lenses are increadibly clear

i love mine and have used it on several 400+ yard squirl and coyote hunts

 

I have the Prostaff on my 30-06 and am very impressed with the bang-for-the buck value. I have a Leupold on my 22-250 for coyote hunting and even though it is better it is also 3x more expensive. I do miss the focus knob on the Prostaff that my Leupold has but for inside 300 yards it is great.

 

Vortex viper ftw.