Which of these scopes for main deer rifle?

F

FirstFreedom

Moderator
I'm looking to buy a new scope - which of these would you choose for an all-purpose hunting rifle and why:

1. Sightron S2, 3-9x42mm, $209 (best eye relief)
2. Simmons new Master Series Aetec, 2.8-10x44mm, $189 (seems like a good value)
3. Weaver Grand Slam, 3.5-10x40mm, $229 (on sale at theopticzone)

4. Sightron S2, 3-12x42mm, $309 ($100 more over the 3-9 gets me 3 more top end magnif; is it worth it?)
5. Leupold VX2, 3-9x40mm, $299 (good warranty, but pricey)
6. Nikon Buckmaster 3-9x40mm, $209
7. Burris Fullfield 2, 3-9x40mm, $204
8. Bushnell Elite 3200, 3-10x50mm, $209 (good price for large objective)

I'm leaning towards the first 3, esp. the Sightron, but as always, looking for the best value. In terms of recoil-withstanding, this is going on a .25-06 for this season, then probably a 6.5mm swede after that. Thanks.
 
If you don't have to have a variable power, Bushnell makes a 3200 elite in 10x42 fixed with a mil-reticle and turrets. I know that sounds more like a target scope, but mine works just fine for hunting. Mainly because I know how to use a mildot pretty good, so it's sort of a necassity for me nowadays. That Bushnell raingaurd stuff works wonders, too.

Other than that, Nikon is always a good choice.
 
Thanks. I ended up just going ahead and snagging the Sightron S2, 3-9x42, as it was at a local Sportsman's Warehouse, but thanks for the suggestions and keep the discussion coming - it's still a good comparison to discuss. SH even had the Burris Fullfield 2, 3-9x40 for only $159, which is pretty good, but I still wanted to try a Sightron.
 
The great thing about Leupold is their warranty. I have sent 2 scopes back to them for repair in the last 20 years and they have fixed them free of charge. One scope was 15 years old and they rebuilt the entire thing. Great Customer Service as well.
 
I've got a Leupold VX2. Good scope. Great company. I figure the extra $ is worth it for the peace of mind. I know that it is unlikely to break and if I do manage to slip and fall on it on a rock, that Leupold will fix it for free. Hard to beat that.
 
Update

The Sightron S2 seems nice enough so far. BUT, I'm calling BS on their supposed 4.2" eye relief. Just at a cursory glance, it appears that optimal eye relief on 3 power is a mere 3 to 3.25". Anyone else think that they may be using deceptive marketing here? I may take this back and get a Leupold VX2 or another one instead.
 
If you like the scope, I'd consider keeping it, even with the 3" relief. Should be fine for the .25-06. I'd be concerned with a magnum caliber, but it'll be O.K. for what you'll use it for.

Let us know what you decide.
 
7. Burris Fullfield 2, 3-9x40mm, $204


I can vouch for this scope as being good. No problems yet with it and the older version Fullfield was great also.
 
Thanks. I have 3 Burris - the fullfield 2 I like; the scout and compact not-so-much, but now WildAlaska has got me gunshy to buy any more, what with the horror stories of service. I think I'm sticking with Leupold VX2s, Sightron S2s, and Bushnell Elite 3200s & 4200s, for the most part; maybe a Nikon Buckmaster or Monarch... Well, I'll probably try at least one Master Aetec Simmons, to see what the hubbub is about.... In any event, Fremmer, I kept the Sightron - it's mounted up on top, ready to go. I'll post again after I get to shoot the rifle. I agree that *were it not for the warranty situation* at Burris, the fullfield 2 3-9x40, at $159.95 new at Sportsman's Warehouse, would be the best deal in this general price range, by far.
 
Back in the early 80s, I missed out on what I believe was the biggest buck
I have ever seen. It was near dark, and he came out of a stand of trees a hundred yards away. I could barely see his back and rump with the naked
eye. Through my scope I could see his body pretty well, but I could never
get a clear sight of any antlers. The cheap scope I had just didn't gather enough light. I passed on the shot, but I cursed that cheap scope.
Three days later I bought my first VXII. I haven't had to pass up another
shot due to low light since. I have 2 VXIIs now, and for my money, they are
the cheapest "great" optics to be had.

Walter
 
I just bought bought a leupold rifleman and the eyerelief on it is every bit of 4 inches.For a 159.00 I couldn't find a better scope.
 
Heck I use a Bushnell 8 point 3-9 and I think it cost about 45 bucks. Been great scope for years. Plus it's a good scope for hunting those elusive paper targets too!!
Where do all you guys work you can afford 2-300. deer scopes??
Can ya get me a job? I need some expensive toys!!!:D
George
 
Hunting with a cheap scope is like fishing with cheap line, sooner or later your gonna wish you had better equipment because of what you just lost/didn't get.
 
"cheap line" tag

Agreed, but only of you can afford it. If not buy cheap and keep your expectations low. Enjoy what you do, with what you have , until you can afford/justify more!

Good luck and god bless to all!
 
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