Best scope for $125 or less?

A

AFman

New member
What's the best scope for $125 or less? I'll be mounting it to a Rem 700 varminter 243 Win. I'll be primarily varmint and bench rest shooting. 4-12x or better is preferred. I like clear optics at all power settings. I currently have 3-9x Nikon Prostaff and like the quality, but I'd like something more powerful.

Sorry if this has been discussed before.

S
 
I don't know of any scopes in that price range that I could personally recommend. Not saying there isn't something out there that would work. I do like the ProStaff pretty well but they are usually a bit higher than that. I think things may be pretty dicey in that price range. Have you considered selling the Nikon to put towards something new?
 
At that price point I think you pretty much just buy a tasco or simmons and hope for the best. For just a little more you get a REAL scope: Weaver V9 or Redfield Revolution. That would be in the 135-165 dollar range.
 
Spend a little more and you can get one of the new Redfields. They are also made in the USA with a lifetime warranty.
________________________

If you are stuck on $125 or less, here are a couple of options.

Watch the rebates, and you can get a Bushnell Trophy XLT in that range. With a sale and rebate combined, you can get them well below $100.

Another possibility is the Pentax Gameseeker or Gameseeker 2 with the Precision Plex reticle. This reticle is thinner so, it could work well for varmints. I believe this scope is assembled in China if not made in China. Here is a link from Optics Planet on the Pentax Gameseekeer 2.
http://www.opticsplanet.net/pentax-gameseeker-ii-riflescopes.html
 
Probably the Vortex Crossfire from SWFA for $99. I bought one just to try it out and it was very good for the money. It compared very favorably with scopes costing much more. A friend has mine mounted on a 700 .270 and it has not lost zero the entire hunting season. Only fault I found with the scope was that the stadia were just a little too thick, but for the price you really cannot complain. Vortex is excellent in the customer service department, too.
 
All--Thanks for the sound advice. I suppose I've been burned more than once trying to get by on the cheap. Looks like I should allocate around $200 towards a new scope...seems to get me near the Redfields, Nikons, Burris etc. I'm probably going to hang on to the 3-9x Nikon Prostaff, as I got it for a steal...found it at Cabela's bargain cave a couple years ago for $89.

Does any one know of current rebates?

Thanks,
Steve
 
for a cheap scope might look at leapers or bushnell banner have had decent luck with both or just spend a little more for better quality.
 
the mueller apv is a pretty well thought of scope and its about 125. Also the leapers 5th gen scopes are well thought of among airgunners, its about 100$. A lot of airguns are way tougher on scopes than a centerfire rifle due to the way it recoils, i have a leapers in 6-18 with ao and its a pretty nice scope, ive never used it past 100 yards though so i cant speak to the clarity at higher magnification
 
"The Simmons WTC 6.5-20x50 is a very serviceable scope for less than $125. I own three WTC's (one 6.5-20 and two 2-10x44's). All are made in the Philippines, have nice clear glass and quality construction. Here is the link for it at midway http://www.midwayusa.com/product/746...la=ProductDesc"

Yup, I bought for my new 30-06, then after using it I bought a second one for my sons birthday in April to put on his Christmas present.

The sale ended on 1/31/12. I recomend buying the mil dot version if its on sale.
 
Check out this Pentax

Pentax Gameseeker II 3x9x40.

http://www.cameralandny.com/optics/pentax.pl?page=pentax89740

The guys at Camerland are great to deal with and if your purchase is $100 or more, the shipping is FREE:D

Should also tell you that I own this scope and a Nikon Monarch. I can't really find any difference in the glass in them and I prefer the finger adjustments on the Pentax to the 'slot' adjustments on the Monarch.
 
If you go up to a little over 200 I can recommend the Mueller Eradicator. Had one on a 243 for 100 or so rounds before I barreled it, glass is good and clear, nice positive clicks on the turrents, good repeatability and so far it is holding up ok
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top