Best scope under $350

[MrPants]

I'm sure this has been beaten to death but I didn't find and threads related to this. I'm basically new to hunting and just trying to get set up.

I have a 30-06 that needs a scope, for 350 and under what is my best bet?

Lots of online reviews but it all seems like a wash to me.

The one that caught my eye was a Vortex Viper 3-9x40 at cabelas for $329

Any others I should be considering.

Thanks

[waterhaulerhunter]

Never been a fan of vortex rifle scopes, tried them several times but just don't do it for me. You could maybe find a good used leupold vx2 on here in your price range. I've been trying Nikon out lately and am very impressed with them for the price. The prostaff 5 would be a good option. Put one on my new rifle and it's working very nicely. Good luck

[bobalong]

Originally Posted by MrPants

I'm sure this has been beaten to death but I didn't find and threads related to this. I'm basically new to hunting and just trying to get set up.

I have a 30-06 that needs a scope, for 350 and under what is my best bet?

Lots of online reviews but it all seems like a wash to me.

The one that caught my eye was a Vortex Viper 3x9-40 at cabelas for $329

Any others I should be considering.

Thanks

I have three Vortex scopes and a pair of Vortex binoculars all have worked great.

[fordtruckin]

I was in the same boat as you last august. I was planning on going for a vortex viper but after viewing a Leupold VX3 in a similarly priced scope, I went with the Leupold. My work rifle has a Vortex Red Dot on it which I don't mind and I got a killer deal on it but I just can't do their regular scopes. I have owned a Nikon Prostaff before and was quite impressed. Good glass, decent price and I lost the rubber eye piece that protects the rim of the scope when your looking through it and Nikon sent me a new one for free.

[play.soccer]

Vx1 from prophet river or nordic marksman. Under 300 to your door I think.

[Tactical Lever]

Sounds like a good price on the Viper. For that price I'd either get that one or the Nikon Prostaff 5. I don't think you could go wrong either way.

[stevens]

I bought a Burris for the first time last year. I like it just as much as the leupolds Ive owned. I love the the ballstics e1 reticle very fast to get on target. Ill keep buying burris.

[rem338win]

Under 350 new? BURRIS.

[The Flint&Fly Guy]

Another vote for Burris. Just put one on my 30-06 this year, am very pleased!

[madball]

We've sold a ton of the Leupold VX-1 3-9x40mm for $299. Really hard to beat at that price in my opinion

[graybeard]

Personally I would buy a used Leupold VX II, 3 x 9 x 40mm.....There are lots here on AO......More than ample for a 30-06.

Actually all my Leupy's have been bought here on AO and with Korth so close, it was a no brainer....IMHO.

Good luck with your search.

[jeprli]

I've got Burris Fullfied II 2-7×35 with bdc for my 30-30 marlin and am very happy with it.
4.5-14 for my 270win also works great. Burris is worth a look, price and quality are above most brands.

[Pioneer2]

Are all the Burris now made in the Philippines ? The Rifleman /Wind River Leupolds are made in China are they not? Harold

[cody c]

Redfields are good value for the money. The price can up for them a bit I think as they probably realized that the consumer realized this.

Nikon's prostaff 7 line is really nice glass for the money and many of their scopes fall in your budget, I shoot a 2.5-10x50mm with a 30mm tube in a prostaff 7, and really like the magnification for thick bush hunting on a 9.3

[dangerranger5143]

Another vote for Burris. Purchased a 22-250 with a Fullfield II 4.5-14x42mm on it. Fell in love with it the first time I shot it. Clear glass, good magnification. Shoots great. Just recently purchased another identical scope from a fellow member. Bang for the buck is excellent.

SR

[madball]

Originally Posted by Pioneer2

Are all the Burris now made in the Philippines ? The Rifleman /Wind River Leupolds are made in China are they not? Harold

No, every Leupold rifle scope is made in Oregon. Their binos and range finders and a few of the spotters are made overseas.

[MrPants]

Thanks for all the input, I found a Nikon Prostaff 5 3.5-14x40 in the bargain cave for $270, looked through a ton of glass and really liked the clarity of the Nikon.

[trapperdodge]

Be very carful to stay away from bargain Zeiss scopes you see offered. Zeiss has a lot of knockoffs out there.

[Stinky Buffalo]

Originally Posted by MrPants

Thanks for all the input, I found a Nikon Prostaff 5 3.5-14x40 in the bargain cave for $270, looked through a ton of glass and really liked the clarity of the Nikon.

Nice! I'm certain you'll be very happy with that.

[270person]

Originally Posted by MrPants

Thanks for all the input, I found a Nikon Prostaff 5 3.5-14x40 in the bargain cave for $270, looked through a ton of glass and really liked the clarity of the Nikon.

Good choice for the coin. I have a couple of newer Leupold's then gambled on a Nikon for my last rifle.

Probably won't be buying another Leupold for some time. No comparison for clarity and light transmission.

[Sashi]

I have a leupold rifleman 2x7 on a 375 H&H, Over 400 rds and still solid as a rock, comes with the gold ring, built in Oregon.
Nothing fancy or flimzi, solid hunting scope.

[PolMark]

Originally Posted by MrPants

I'm sure this has been beaten to death but I didn't find and threads related to this. I'm basically new to hunting and just trying to get set up.

I have a 30-06 that needs a scope, for 350 and under what is my best bet?

Lots of online reviews but it all seems like a wash to me.

The one that caught my eye was a Vortex Viper 3-9x40 at cabelas for $329

Any others I should be considering.

Thanks

After many hours of research I found that NIKON Prostaff is a one of the best choices in the $200 - $300 category, that's what I have.

[Nabs]

My first experiences shooting with scopes was with Bushnell on a 1903 Springfield sporter and that rifle could hit a metal gong at 200-300 yards away all day long.

[Dean2]

Originally Posted by graybeard

Personally I would buy a used Leupold VX II, 3 x 9 x 40mm.....There are lots here on AO......More than ample for a 30-06.

Actually all my Leupy's have been bought here on AO and with Korth so close, it was a no brainer....IMHO.

Good luck with your search.

Best advice you can get. Leupold for 350, lifetime guarantee, great glass and strong build, great local service outlet.

[Newview01]

Steer clear of Vortex.

Go with a Leupold.