Yet another which scope thread

[cowzrul]

I literally have shot open sights my entire life so glass is something new to me. I just bought a Weatherby Vanguard in .308 and want to pick up a "budget" scope. Today I bought a Leupold VX-1 3-9x40 on sale and the reviews on it aren't great. Basically I gather for the same coin I could get a better scope. Here are the ones I have looked at on Opticsplanet:

Redfield Revolution 3-9x40mm Riflescope - Matte Finish, 4-Plex / Accu-Range Reticle $159.99

Burris 3-9x40mm Fullfield II Rifle Scope - Matte Black w/ Ballistic Plex $179.00

Nikon Buckmasters 3-9x40 Waterproof Riflescopes with Nikoplex / BDC Reticles $219.95

Bushnell 3-9x40mm Elite Argon Purged Rainguard HD Riflescope Multi-X $239.99

I have read Bushnell has horrible customer service. Redfields are Leupolds rebadged and made in the US. Anyone have opinions on any of these scopes? Natchez has a great deal on the Burris.

 

[BDSolutionsArdmore]

I have a fixed 10x SS on my 308 but it is more of a target rifle build. It fits my needs perfectly for the platform. If it was my choice of the scopes you have listed for a hunting rifle I would recommend going with the Burris Fullfield II.

Vortex has a 3-9 in the crossfire series that is well within your budget as well. May be worth checking out as well before you make your decision.

 

[Huckelberry75]

The Vortex Diamondback is in your price range as well. Vortex has one of the best customer service Depts and warranties in the business. I am buying them over Leupold for just this very reason, and I used to live and die by Leupy glass.

 

[John Brown]

Here is a good place to shop for scopes- http://www.samplelist.com/Riflescopes-C4.aspx#top

Don't discount Weaver scopes http://www.weaveroptics.com/optics/riflescopes/4044/ they've always been good glass and still are as far as I know. They got kinda lost in the shuffle the last few decades. Some of the benchrest guys are still using them so that should tell you something.
I'm interested in the 40/44 series, the price is great and I really like the way they stuck with the old school Weaver look with the 3 knurled rings around the objective.

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Optics Planet has a Weaver 849532 3-9 x 40 with Ballistic-x Reticle for $129.99...unreal- http://www.opticsplanet.net/weaver-40-44-3-9-x-40-50-yd-parallax-rifle-scope.html
I think a 44mm objective is perfect and I like a little more magnification so my choice would be this one- http://www.opticsplanet.net/weaver-40-44-6-5-20-x-44-ao-riflescope.html

Sightron is the other one might fit into your list- http://www.sightron.com/
The last scope I bought was a Sightron SII Big sky 4.5-14X44 MD. Excellent glass, It is a keeper. Sightron was popular with the benchrest crowd before they discovered the March scopes.

Optics Planet SII 3-9x42 $262.03- http://www.opticsplanet.net/sightron-sii-series-3-9x42mm-riflescope-w-hunter-holdover-reticle-sii39x42hhr.html

 

[MoBoost]

Despite the customer service comment, Bushnell Elite outclasses BY FAR everything else mentioned here - and the only one NOT made in China.
Burris Fullfield and Vortex have no-questions warranty - but the glass is just not there.

 

[cowzrul]

Despite the customer service comment, Bushnell Elite outclasses BY FAR everything else mentioned here - and the only one NOT made in China.
Burris Fullfield and Vortex have no-questions warranty - but the glass is just not there.

Even the Leupold VX-I?

 

[Glocktogo]

I wouldn't know about Bushnell's aalleged horrible service. All the numerous Bushnell Elite scopes I've had have been flawless. Great glass for the money.

 

[264Magnum]

The VX-1 sucks.

Out of the scopes you listed, the Bushnell Elite is in a class by itself. Those are probably the best scopes for the money on the planet.

 

[MoBoost]

Even the Leupold VX-I?

They are "assembled" or should I say "boxed" in USA - a far cry from "made in" they claim.
Don't get me wrong, Leupold makes great middle-range scopes, but their low-end stuff has nothing to offer but the name - glass is mediocre, and adjustments are bluntly horrible.

 

[bigcountryok]

I just got the Bushnell Elite 4200 from Cabelas for $179 with free shipping. The glass on that thing is awesome. Most of the reviews I read placed it in the same level as the Leupold VX-III.