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3K views 29 replies 17 participants last post by  JTJ 
#1 ·
Whats the number 1 best Scope I can get for my 30-06 that would be in the $100-$200 range?
 
#6 ·
You might try looking on Ebay or other places and get a much better, used scope for less money. I found a very good, older Nikon Buckmasters 3-9x40 scope for $90 at my local gun, liquor, archery store for my 30-06 back in 2007. I had a choice between a Swift Premier, this Nikon and a Pentax and all were 3-9's. I think I did the right choice. Don't look at how new the scope may be as there's people out there still purchasing old Japanese Tasco's for $10-$20 and putting them on everything. I've even looked through boxes to try and find old Tasco's, Weaver, Redfield, Swift and Jason scopes. Other than the El Paso Weaver and Colorado Redfield's, all these were made in Japan back in 60-70's when even the so-called cheap scopes were made with quality.
 
#7 ·
You can buy $100 Cabela's gift cards for $82 on eBay. Get one of those.
I don't like BDC reticles, but for $99 ($82 with gift card), you can get this:
https://gun.deals/product/new-nikon-3-9x40-bdc-riflescope-8999

If you can go closer to the $200 mark, this is $149 ($82 Gift card + $49 cash = $131) and would be my choice over the Nikon (I own both Nikon, Vortex, and others). https://gun.deals/product/vortex-diamondback-35-10x50-v-plex-reticle-14999

With the money you "saved", buy a good set of scope rings. Something along the line of Warne.

I'm not crazy about 50mm scopes. I have them and prefer smaller. That said, I'd be willing to make that tradeoff to get the Vortex and a good set of rings, and stay in budget.
 
#8 ·
That Leupold I recommended in your last thread is one of the best values out there at $240. Optics Planet frequently has 10% off coupons which would help. That said, if you are really on tight budget CDNN has Bushnell Trophy XLT scopes on close out cheap. They are not in the same class as Leupold but might carry you over until you can afford better. Shipping is $10.
https://www.cdnnsports.com/optics.html#category_2=OPTICS/SCOPES&manufacturer=BUSHNELL
I have several of the 1.75-4X32 circle X shotgun scopes but they are used on intermediate power rifles or rim fires not high power. I run a 1-4x24 30mm XLT on an AR. I paid more than the price you will see on the link. Kind of ticks me off.
 
#14 ·
Before the great fire of '99, all my scopes were Weaver or Redfield. The old models.

Since the fire I rebuilt my hunting rifles on the cheap. Handi Rifles and Simmons scopes mostly. Still shooting a Handi Rifle in 223 and 280 with Simmons scopes, never had any issues with them. Put a Simmons ProDiamond on my 300 BLK Handi Rifle. Like it too.

All my AR's sport the Nikon P series or the Vortex. They are among my favorites.

I have a 45/70 Handi that ate a Nikon and a Pine Ridge in short order. I was advised to put a Centerpoint on it, I did, and it has been there for years. Can't remember what I paid for it but it was well under $100. It's been a good one.
 
#15 ·
I have had a $200.00 Nikon Buckmaster on my '06 for about 20 years. It still works great and I feel it was a fine bargain.
 
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#16 ·
At one time Simmons made good scopes. Not the case anymore. I will take a VX2 Leupold for $200 over a VX1 any day. A 3-9X40 Nikon Buckmasters 2 is $130 with free shipping at Optics Planet.
 
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#19 ·
It appears to me that Nikon began applying the name "Buckmaster" to lesser expensive scopes sometime in the last decade or two. The older "Buckmaster" was a good $200.00 scope when I bought it at a discount chain store.
 
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#18 ·
at $100 or less, i would be doubtful of a scope being worth the money. especially on a 30-06. not the hardest recoiling rifle, but still it has some decent recoil. even $200 is what i would consider at the lowest minimum of being able to buy a decent scope. upping the budget to $250 to $300 would give you more options for a decent quality scope.
 
#20 ·
Changes in mfg have led to cost savings and better quality in most cases. A $200 scope today is probably better than a $200 scope from 20 years ago. Computerized processes are much more precise today. CNC machines now routinely crank out parts at tolerances that were impossible to acheive in mass production a few decades ago. I look at cheap hunting rifles available today and the accuracy levels are amazing. I remember having to "tune" a rifle to get to 1 MOA. Now it is commonplace.
 
#21 ·
Along with the processes are better materials and coatings. There's a point of diminishing return. For me, that starts at about $200. At that price point, I feel like I can by a scope with discernible clicks, decent reliability, and serviceable optics. Below that level and the tradeoffs are noticeable. I'm basing this off low-end scopes from Bushnell, Simmons, and Tasco, and Nikon that I do or have owned. At $200 I find scopes I could live with - but usually have some peeve or quirk. At $300-$350, I find scopes with features that are well executed. I don't have, nor can justify more expensive scopes at this point in life.
 
#23 ·
you need to decide the primary role of the scope first. the primary usage can help define the budget of the scope. also determine where and when the scope is to be used a well. if you are using the scope at near sunup, and sundown, at very short ranges, for hunting, then pick a scope that helps with that. if the longest shot taken would be under 150 yards at the most, you don't need one with lots of power. totally unnecessary, and waste of money.

as general rule, fixed power scopes are usually more durable than variable powered scopes due to fewer moving parts inside the scope. and you can get a much better scope for the same amount of money. the more moving parts inside the scope and to make it durable for large bore rifles and to be fit for usage cost more money.
 
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#24 ·
Variables are heavier too. Being an old guy I remember when pretty much everybody used 4X32 scopes on their hunting rifles. Variables were not as reliable as they are now and 200 yards was a long shot.
I have been researching lightweight scopes for a Traditions Crackshot break action single shot 22lr that does not have irons. No mags and it will eat any standard 22 loading from short to long rifle. Most non illuminated variable scopes are in the 14-15 oz range. I am trying to keep the weight down as it is meant to break down into a very small package to fit in a day pack. Leupold and Weaver make some of the lightest scopes on the market with some in the 7.5-10 oz range. The scope still increased the bulk as small as it was because I need mounts to clear the hammer so I installed a UTG clamp on front sight and a UTG peep on the built in rail. Added a low mounted TRS25 which gives a lower 1/3 co-witness. Rifle weighs 4.5 lbs with a suppressor. If any of you need a light compact scope look at Weaver and Leupold. IMO the most compact and ideal scopes for a 10-22 take down are the Weaver V3 1-3x20 @ 8.5 oz and the Leupold FX1 Rimfire 4X28 @ 7.5 oz. These can be mounted very low.
 
#25 ·
Nikon Prostaff or one of the lower end Vortex scopes. I have a Prostaff that spent years on a 7mm Rem Mag without any issues. I have since sold the rilfe and buy nicer glass now but still use the Prostaff as a standby. I have a Vortex Crossfire II I picked up in a trade that has proven to be a decent scope and is currently on my muzzle loader. Both are bright enough I have no trouble clearly seeing deer after legal shooting time when hunting in fields.
 
#26 ·
Way back when I was a teenager, an "old timer" gave me some very good advice. If I had followed it I would have saved a lot of money and grief.

He said: "Son, if you have $150 to spend on a deer rifle, buy a $50 rifle and put a $100 scope on it. Not the other way around."

I have spent more on the scope than I did on the rifle many times, and never regretted it.
 
#27 ·
Let me put it like this:
Nobody, but NOBODY asks "What's the best 30.06 bolt action I can get in the
$100-$200 range?" No, no, they carefully choose the rifle they want,based on
it's merits, THEN also find a way to pony up the dough needed. But then
they get all careless, stingy, and budget conscious, when it's time for
"oh,yeah, I need a scope for this thing...". Accurate rifle/scope combos aren't
accidents, they're carefully planned. You should be figuring out the scope as
a part of the overall rifle purchase, with at least 40 to 60% of the total cost
going to the scope.

I've got two friends with two very different bolt-action combos. One is a
250$ rifle with a 500$ scope, the other is a 700$ rifle with a 150$ scope.
Care to guess which one always takes home the game, shoots 1.5 MOA?
Care to guess who's re-zeroed his scope three times, this hunting season alone,
and can't hit the side of a barn while he's standing in it's shadow?

If cheap scopes worked, we'd ALL use them.
 
#30 ·
Been mentioned on a similar thread, Natchez has scopes on sale and a 10% coupon. I ordered a Weaver Grand Slam 2-8x36 for $184 delivered. I looked and the best price I could find was $350. They also have a GS 3-12 with side focus for $250 less the coupon. Shipping should be under $15.
http://www.natchezss.com/
 
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