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Rifle Scopes Budget scope decisions

mconder93

Private
Minuteman
Oct 16, 2019
16
7
Hey Guys; My LGS is going out of business and has a decent sale on 4 scopes id be interested in looking at, this would be going on my first t3x i just bought so a sub $500 scope is more towards what Im leaning towards.

Mt choices are:
Leopuld vx3i-LPR 6.5-20x50 ($500)
Nikon Black Fx1000 6-24x50 ($400)
Sig Sierra3 BDX 4.5-14x44 or x50 ($300 or $350 respectively)
Bushell Engage 6-24x50 or Nitro 4-16x50 ($250)

I noticed eurooptic has vortex scopes on sale right now and i could get a strike eagle 4-24 for $299 or a viper PST gen1 for $529. I know everyone loves the Gen II PST but thats still a bit above my budget.
 
Get the Nitro 4-16 if it's first focal plane. You won't be disappointed with the glass on it. Good warranty too. The engage and Nikon will be second focal plane. Second pick would be either the Nikon or engage
 
Is Nikon changing their warranties? I thought I heard something about this recently.

Nikon's warranty is lifetime for optical components, 7 years for non-optical components (e.g., turrets), and 1 year for electronic components. Original owner only.

https://www.nikonsportoptics.com/en/nikon-store/shopping-help/index.page#tab-warranty#tab-warranty

Mt choices are:
Leopuld vx3i-LPR 6.5-20x50 ($500)
Nikon Black Fx1000 6-24x50 ($400)
Sig Sierra3 BDX 4.5-14x44 or x50 ($300 or $350 respectively)
Bushell Engage 6-24x50 or Nitro 4-16x50 ($250)

If the Leupold VX3i-LRP 6.5-20x50 is FFP with a reticle you like, that's the one I'd pick (normally $1000). If you hope to shoot long range, note that the Nikon only has 60 MOA elevation, the Leupold has 80 MOA. The Nikon has illumination, but unless you're hunting, I prefer non-illuminated for a day shooting scope.

If you're considering the BDX 4.5-14, you should consider the Athlon Ares BTR 2.5-15 $400 deals going on right now (clearly a better choice, IMO, for that magnification/budget range).
 
If you're considering the BDX 4.5-14, you should consider the Athlon Ares BTR 2.5-15 $400 deals going on right now (clearly a better choice, IMO, for that magnification/budget range).

I might have to look into this because the most ill be shooting will probably be 100-500 yards; don't see myself getting many opportunities to shoot past that in southern NC. A 20+ magnification would be nice but i'm sure 15 would be plenty.
 
You have exposed and capped turret scopes listed, first and second focal listed.
Do you want to dial or hold over? If that nitro is FFP with deploy moa, that would be
My choice. Shooting buddy has it in SFP and the glass is very nice, especially for $250.
 
FFP vs SFP really isn't a big deal to me. Im new to rifle shooting so I feel like i could get used to either one really. Same thing for the exposed turrets; I,m not shooting competition or doing trophy hunts so if it takes me 30 seconds to unscrew some caps to adjust my turrets i'm not gonna cry about it. I was really just looking for the best value on quality glass i wouldn't want to replace in 3 months but also wouldn't run me $700+.
 
if you're going based on glass only, then get the Leupold you mentioned. Good warranty, good glass. The downside is that it might come with a duplex reticle or some outdated reticle for that price
 
Is Nikon changing their warranties? I thought I heard something about this recently.
NIKON RIFLESCOPE LIFETIME LIMITED WARRANTY • Nikon’s Lifetime Limited Warranty applies to the optical system components of this Nikon Riescope, which optical system components are warranted by Nikon to be free from defects in material and workmanship for the lifetime of the product from the date of purchase by the original consumer purchaser from a Nikon authorized dealer.

• Nikon’s Seven Year Limited Warranty applies to the non-optical system components of this Nikon Riescope, which non-optical system components are warranted by Nikon to be free from defects in material and workmanship for seven years from the date of purchase by the original consumer purchaser from a Nikon authorized dealer.

• Nikon’s One Year Limited Warranty applies to the electronic components, if any, of this Nikon Riescope, which electronic components, if any, are warranted by Nikon to be free from defects in material and workmanship for one year from the date of purchase by the original consumer purchaser from a Nikon authorized dealer.

This warranty extends to the original consumer purchaser only and is not assignable or transferable.
This warranty shall not apply to any product which has been subjected to power surge if the product contains electronic