Recommend me a scope

ItgoesBang · #1 11-17-2008, 10:38 PM

Hello,
My 3X9X40mm BSA scope cratered after 3 years of use. It was a mildot design that served me well and it's demise was my fault.

How was I supposed to know my closet had a 100% humidity rate.

I'm looking to spend $250 to $350. It will be perched on a Weatherby Vanguard chambered for Win.270 I'll be doing Alpine shooting with average of 200 yards. Anybody have a good performer? I'm gonna pull the trigger on one this weekend.
Thanks

Selkirk · #2 11-17-2008, 11:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ItgoesBang

" . . . I'm looking to spend $250 to $350. It will be perched on a Weatherby Vanguard . . . "
.

Rather than suggesting a brand name and model of a scope, I would suggest you first consider budgeting a good bit more $$$ ... especially for a scope that will end up on a quality rifle like a 'Weatherby'.

With scopes, you pretty much get what you pay for. The price range for scopes starts out around $150 (bottom feeders), and can go as high as the $4,000+ range (e.g. Zeiss 'Victory Diavari').

Give some thought to spending between $600 to $800 ... that would get you a very good mid-priced scope, worthy of a rifle like a Weatherby.

Good Scope Hunting!

cujo1969 · #3 11-17-2008, 11:43 PM

I would look at the burris fullfield 3x9-40 scopes canadian tire had them on for $200 or the bushnell 4200 elite i got leupold VX2 for around $370 good scope also.lotsa scopess will serve you well for years no need to spend a bunch money.

Copidosoma · #4 11-18-2008, 09:41 AM

Bushnell elite 3200 10x. Mil-dot (now that you are used to it) pretty good quality reasonable price.

BigBuck$ · #5 11-18-2008, 09:46 AM

The Leupolds seem to work for me, I got a VXII on my Weatherby 300, no problems so far.

Scott N · #6 11-18-2008, 10:22 AM

I'd go with a Leupold VXII 2X7 or 3X9. They might be a few bucks over your limit, but not by much.

raised by wolves · #7 11-18-2008, 02:24 PM

Leupold VX2 3-9X40 This one will last.

Bushnell 3200 3-9X40 A few bucks cheaper, but an OK scope if you don't have the extra cash around.

Kelly & Beth · #8 11-18-2008, 02:52 PM

I have a vx1 on my weatherby is a 3-9X40 with the LR duplex and I love it. Cost $289 at canadian tire.

Big Thumper · #9 11-18-2008, 05:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kelly & Beth

I have a vx1 on my weatherby is a 3-9X40 with the LR duplex and I love it. Cost $289 at canadian tire.

$269 here in Loydminster.

harv3589 · #10 11-18-2008, 05:32 PM

My suggestion would be a Leupold FXII 6x36 or a FXIII 6x42, you can't go wrong with them and they are a solid scope.

Buckhead · #11 11-18-2008, 05:49 PM

I would go Leupold VXII.

If I had a bit more money to spend I would go Zeiss Conquest or Leupold VXIII

EagleEye54 · #12 11-19-2008, 10:55 AM

Spend a bit more than $350 ($389 actaully) and get a Leupold 3x9x40mm VX-2. I believe they represent the best overall value for the money. If they break, it will be fixed for free within a week, right here in Alberta. They are tough, well designed, biggest eye box, well engineered and they offer the best choice of reticles. With the VX2 series multi-coated lenses (same as on the old line Vari-X 3 scopes), you will be able to take advantage of all the light you can get at dawn and dusk.

They are not the best scope, just the best scope for the dollar.

Faststeel · #13 11-19-2008, 11:42 AM

With the current reduced pricing for 2008, the 3200 in a 3-9 is just a flat out bargain at $214.00 at P&D. Bushnells are made in Japan, Leupolds are made in the USA.
I have several Leupolds and many bushnells, for a guy on a budget the 3200 is tough to beat. FS

EagleEye54 · #14 11-19-2008, 04:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Faststeel

With the current reduced pricing for 2008, the 3200 in a 3-9 is just a flat out bargain at $214.00 at P&D. Bushnells are made in Japan, Leupolds are made in the USA.
I have several Leupolds and many bushnells, for a guy on a budget the 3200 is tough to beat. FS

Sorry, but I still think the extra money spent is a better value. I have been there and done that over about 40 years or so. In my opinion, a Leupold is more reliable and has better optics. I also found less trouble with tracking using Leupold, although they are no where near perfect in that department. Leupold also have better and faster service. Another issue is trade value... if your rifle has a Leupy on top, it is worth substancially more when and if you trade it or sell it. But it is a Ford vs. GM kind of thing. That is why I drive Toyota!

By the way, are you sure that Bushnell are 100% built in Japan? Not much is any more. Leupold scopes are assembled in the USA but they use imported parts in some areas.

Just as an aside, I actually prefer the Zeiss Conquest 3-9x40mm over Leupold VX-anything but they are more Loonies and are physically larger than I want on a carry all day hunting rifle. You will find Conquest on a couple of my precision varmint rigs though.

roger · #15 11-19-2008, 04:21 PM

spend the same on the glass as the rifle cost...maybe more as starting point.

The Moose Whisperer · #16 11-19-2008, 06:52 PM

Another vote for Leupold, all my rifles wear them:

FXII 2.5x28mm scout scope on the .45-70 Gov't;
VXII 4-12x50mm on the .243 Win; and
VXIII 2.5-8x36mm on the 300 WSM.

The above varied in price, but all look great, work great and reprent what I thought was/is great value. As for spending a bunch of $$$, yeah as a general rule expensive glass is better, but so what - set a budget you can live with, get the best glass you can for that price and get out in the field to enjoy. Some of the best skiiers/golfers I know don't have the best/most expensive equipment and the same goes for hunters/hunting equipment. Nothing against high end stuff, I have quite a bit of it myself, but no need to spend a bunch of money if you don't have it or have other priorities for it.

Let us know what you get.

FallAirFever · #17 11-19-2008, 07:47 PM

3 years ago I put a leupold rifleman 3-9 x 40 on top of my ruger 270 it has served me well. I was choosing between that and bushnell 3200 at the time and the leuy seemed clearer and better eye relief. its a good value priced scope, i think. If I would have had more money I would have gone for a leuy vx II, or maybe really treat myself and go ziess, maybe next time.

Good luck with your choice!

Selkirk · #18 11-19-2008, 07:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EagleEye54

" . . . By the way, are you sure that Bushnell are 100% built in Japan? Not much is any more. . . . "
.

I could be wrong, but I don't think Bushnell has any assembly plants left in Japan anymore. These days, I believe most new Bushnells are made in China and/or Tiawan.

Quote:

Originally Posted by roger

"spend the same on the glass as the rifle cost...maybe more as starting point."
.

EXCELLENT advice!

When matching a scope to a rifle, you don't want to create a 'weakest link' scenario. All other things being equal, your rifle will only shoot as well as your scope can perform.

When in doubt, always spend a little extra and go for a better brand-name and/or model of scope. Rifles may come and rifles may go, but a good quality scope can be kept for a lifetime!

Pick the 'model' that suits your rifle and hunting style the best, but as far a 'band-name' goes, in Western Canada, it's pretty much a no-brainer. Leupold has a service/repair/warranty centre 'in-country' (Okotoks, Alberta).

GMC · #19 11-19-2008, 08:09 PM

Hi ItgoesBang. Can't really recommend a good scope, cause I'm no scope expert. Though it goes hand in hand that pricey glass is probably good glass. Four of my Rifles have got Bushnell's ride'in on their back's, and seem to hit where their pointed most of the time, good enough for me. Bring's back a memory, summer of 07, I was out to my local club range shootin my old Savage 99, 308 WIN. ( Iron Sites ) at the 200 yd. ringer. Lucked Out, and hit it 3 out of 5. The guy beside me with his $2000 Hot Rod, Folding Bipod, and Secret Blend of Ammo, was digging furrow's in the ground around the same ringer. Go Figger. Any way after I hit it a few times, He packed up and left, I must of P'd him off. It's mind over matter, ya gotta be smarter than the rifle. Good scopes, I don't know? Have fun shopping. Gerry.

#20 11-19-2008, 09:13 PM

Try and get a Leupold that you can afford. In my books a used Leupy is miles ahead of a new Bushnell. But, that's just me.

Hoopi · #21 11-19-2008, 09:20 PM

Leupold scopes, VX III 2.8 to 8. 599, its worth the extra 200 bucks

Hoopi

jbug4570 · #22 11-19-2008, 10:19 PM

Well Itgoesbang, I agree with those guys that feel your Weatherby demands the respect of a good scope. There is a lot of talk about Leupold. Yes, it will cost a few dollars, but you wil not regret it. I have over 20 Leupolds (not as many Zeiss) and recommend them. Bushnell, NO OFFENCE guys, but my son out grew them when I moved him up to a centerfire.

You get what you pay for,---how mush are you spending on your hunting trip?????

Faststeel · #23 11-20-2008, 02:23 AM

The fellow has had a 79.00 BSA, seems to me a 3200 would be a heck of an improvement. FS

SHORTMAG · #24 11-21-2008, 07:22 PM

I had a leupold vx ll...3-9x40...nice scope,... clear,precise.....but no good in the rain.....even with the butler creek covers....moisture STILL was a prob.....so was fogging up.Along comes Bushnell ELITE...with rain guard.....heaviest of rains, you can still see your target.....your hot breath won't stop you from getting your shot off either.....That's what sold me on them. But NOW, leupold makes lens covers with their own version of (RAINGUARD) on them.....screw on , only for scopes made after 2003 (right date me thinks) for an extra hundred bucks !!!My fav is the Bushnell 4200....2.5 x 10 x 40.....have a look thru one.....you won't be disappointed......IMHO anyway....Best of luck shopping, That's what makes this sport so much fun!!!

canadianhunter · #25 11-21-2008, 08:27 PM

Just bought a Burris Fullfield II 3-9X with the Bullet Drop reticle. Sighted it in at 100m. Moved back to 200 put the second hash mark on target and dead on! Very happy with this scope.

Dick284 · #26 11-22-2008, 06:01 AM

Leupold or Bushnell, nothing but.

They have warrenty centers in Canada.

Anyone with warrenty depots in the US, and now your looking at a lot more hoops just to get warrenty.
NO THANK YOU

EagleEye54 · #27 11-22-2008, 09:41 AM

Agreed, but add Zeiss to that list. Their service centre is in Ontario and the warranty is lifetime and transferrable. Not that one is ever likely to need to get service and I doubt you'll ever sell one....yes, they are that good.

With rifles today, they are all very simular and most if most all will shoot properly for hunting (with load development). But scopes are a whole other story. A scope is a precision aiming device and it has be to be spot on the mark when you need it to be. That is why I strongly recommend a person buy quality first. It amazes me that people can give no second thought to spending a grand on a rifle yet they balk at spending $389 for a decent scope to mount on it. Any $300 cheap rifle will work but if the scope is not up to the challenge, it can be goodbye buck.

ItgoesBang · #28 11-26-2008, 04:55 PM

Thanks all,
My BSA was $159 and it got the job done when it was healthy; practise, practise.
So, I bought a Bushnell Elite with Leopold rings and bases. I dialed it in on Monday and all went well

Plus the Weatherby looks drop-dead sexy.Lol

Jeromeo · #29 11-26-2008, 07:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ItgoesBang

Thanks all,
My BSA was $159 and it got the job done when it was healthy; practise, practise.
So, I bought a Bushnell Elite with Leopold rings and bases. I dialed it in on Monday and all went well

Plus the Weatherby looks drop-dead sexy.Lol

Way to go. Bushnell's are awesome. I don't care what anybody says. Never had a problem.

EagleEye54 · #30 11-27-2008, 10:29 AM

Awesome? You are kidding right?