Hunting scope recomendations
 

I am looking to pick up a new scope for my new 30-06. Only issue is every store seems to have better selections in the "long range bench rest scopes" than the basic hunting scopes. I just want to find a good scope, sub 500 dollars, and good low range magnification, 2-7 or 8, 2.5-10, or 3-9 max. I currently have a nikon p5 2.5-10 on my .308 which is a good scope for the money, and I would like something deecent for my 30-06 as well. Anyone got any recomendations?

Bushnell prime? Vortex diamondback or viper? Leupold freedom?

Thanks!

I'm a Leupold guy, love them old and new!:)
Cat

I am with Cat get a Leupold Freedom 3-9 that would be my choice.

Bushnell on a vanguard, best bang for your buck.

Leupold has my vote. or maybe a Vortex.

Couple different models in the Leupold freedom line up that fit your description. I have a 1.25-4x20 on my pump .243 and it works really good. I don’t have a freedom 3-9 but all my other scopes are leupolds. I think there is a new in box 3-9 freedom in the buy and sell on this forum.

Buy a used Leupold VX3 or 3i in 3x9 or 4.5x14 off of here or CGN. As long as there are no scratches on the lenses everything else is covered by the forever, no fault transferable warranty. Great scopes, rarely break, fix them fast here in Alberta if they do.

A couple in your price range on CGN now.

https://www.canadiangunnutz.com/foru...GUIDE-HD-12X50

VX3i may be going on sale soon. I believe they are coming out with an VX3iHD version to replace it. Freedom's are good also.

Of the 3 you mentioned I'd get the Leupold. Some places may still have some Nikon's on Clearance and they stopped making scopes last year.
https://store.prophetriver.com/clearance/

Be aware, Nikon doesn't honour their so called lifetime warranty for existing or newly bought scopes. They break, you are on your own since they got out of the scope business.

I didn't know that. But good info.

I go Leupold then 100%.

Japanese Bushnell are great options like the elite 3500/4500 series.

So are Leupold VX 2 or 3 series as well as the new 3i or Freedoms

Burris are also good value for the dollar

Me personally, I refuse to buy any optic made in china so that cuts out a lot of Vortex products

Leupold Freedom. Elk11 bought one for my son as a gift, and it is a wonderful scope for the money. Lifetime guarantee. Get it and forget it.

https://store.prophetriver.com/leupo...-matte-174180/

X2 I have a couple, 1 on a 22LR and 1 on a 270 Win, great scopes and reasonable price which is a very good combination:)

Are the Leupold Freedom series scopes the replacement for the vx2?

The freedom series is what replaced the vx 1 and 2 line ups, I think it also included the rifleman line up too.

Leupold vx3 used or viper used.

Both have great warranty so you don't have to worry about buying a dud.

Without hesitation, Leupold is your best option based on your list.

I don't have any freedom line scopes, so can't comment specifically on that product line, but I do have an older, lower end Leopold on a rifle that is great - it's clear, tracks well, holds and has stood the test of time without issue.

VX3 and up, are outstanding scopes - and I agree, if you can get a used on within your budget (or one on sale) - that's what I would suggest.

Leupold the older ones I like them the best. 4X if your younger 6X if your older.

If buying new? Sightron S2 or S3 are a good choice or the lower end Zeiss (Conquest I believe) are nice as well. No need to break the bank or carry a 5# scope on a hunting rig.

Ya can always check out Burris too...

Another vote for Leupold, strayed here and there and always go back, overall the best for the money and I've never had an issue with one, reliable and solid performers

I have used a few Sightron scopes and am VERY impressed with them, and the Conquest as well form hunting scopes.
The one and only Sightron I actually owned was a big long range target scope and it was really great.
Cat

I’m with Dean; buy a second hand Leupold.

I bought a Vortex on sale and I don’t get the hype. Could have bought a used VX II for the same money and had a better scope.

Leupold. I really like quality of Vortex glass, but concerned with durability. My buddy has sent his Vortex for a repair for the second time now. Sure, they have a lifetime warranty, but why would anyone want to deal with that...

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Leupold all day long. If you watch the buy and sells on various sites you can probably find a VX-3i in 3x9 right around the $500 Mark. Lowest I've seen is $475 and thats off a 649 regular price. Really good scopes.

I would ignore Vortex and Burris like the plague.

Scope inventories are pretty light out there right now with a number of manufacturers all the way up to Swarovski having had production shut down for some time. I'd highly doubt prices will be down at all when they fire up again with demands at ridiculous levels.

Dantes has brand new 3x9x40 Duplex VX3i on sale for $650, including GST, plus shipping. They have the 4.5x14x40 version for about 80 bucks more. That is cheaper than many used ones I have seen for sale.


Speaking of deals, Gobels has the Leica CRF 2700 R on sale for $650 also.

Northpro Sports has these on sale and free shipping if you enter FREESHIP as a promo code at checkout:

Leupold VX3i 3.5-10x40 with duplex reticle for $629.99

Burris Fullfield II 3-9x40mm with plex reticle for $297.95

Bushnell Elite 3500 3-9x40 with DOA 600 reticle for $219

I would go with the Leupold. I have had that Burris as well and it’s a solid scope. Not a fan of Bushnell myself.

Goble’s also has VX3i 4.5-14x40 for $654.95.

^ Looks like that 4.5-14x40 is gone. I should have picked one up myself yesterday when it was still in stock.

Those are some very good deals, especially with the extra 20 bucks shipping thrown in. Really pays to spend some time checking the different vendors websites.

^ For sure, Dean, pays every time.

Leupold. Great warranty but seldom needed.
Vortex. Great warranty, often needed
Bushnell. Had several and not one of them seems clear to my eye.
Zeiss: Right along side of leupold but more pricy. I don't like their fine reticles but they have others.
Nikon: No warranty any more as they no longer make scopes.