Rifle Scopes Looking for hunting scope

[CowboyBart]

A friend is looking for a hunting scope with 16X to 20X on the top end. He is on a budget of about $350. Used is OK (preferred). Target Turrets preferred. Ranging reticle preferred (mil-dot, Balistic plex, Boone & Crocket...). Illuminated preferred.
What models are out there?? He is looking at a used Burris Fullfield now but will need to have a Balistic plex put in it and put a Stoney Point knob on it.

 

[CowboyBart]

Re: Looking for hunting scope

I realize this may be a stupid question - but no comments

. I was at least expecting a smart azz comment or 2.

 

[JB02]

Re: Looking for hunting scope

I would go with a Nikon Monarch 4-16X42SF with either a mildot or BDC reticle. A little over $350, but close enough and worth the extra money for the quality of scope you get. I have two of them:
http://alfaweapons.com/nikon-monarch-rifle-scope-416x-42-mildot-matte-1-side-focus-8-p-24025.html

For a hunting scope, might also consider (for a little less money) the 3-12X42SF BDC:
http://alfaweapons.com/nikon-monarch-rifle-scope-312x-42-bdc-matte-1-side-focus-8420-p-24022.html

You might be able to shop around a get a better deal from other dealers.

I don't think you'll get an illuminated reticle with quality glass if $350 is what the budget is. If you have to have an illuminated reticle, I would save a bit more money and get a vortex viper.

 

[doc76251]

Re: Looking for hunting scope

$350 is not going to get you very far. A hunter that wants a 16 - 20X scope either knows what he is doing in which case he knows better than to get in at $350 or he doesn't have a clue in which case no one wants to hurt your feelings.

Illuminated,
Target Turrets,
Ranging reticle,

will cost you $350 and you haven't put them in a scope yet.

A low end Burris will do you if you don't shoot much or don't dial often, but before too long you will be looking for a new scope if you do.

A cheap scope with a big high end will not have the low end that is generally required for hunting.

Can you find one? Yes. Will it last? Well you get what you pay for.......

FWIW, YRMV, IMHO etc............

Cheers,

Doc

 

[Guest]

Re: Looking for hunting scope

What your hunting, an your ability's, both play into what you perceive your need is. I have an old 18.5" Remington 600 in .308, with a Leupold 2.5x8x32 Duplex. I never felt out of place in Idaho or Montana in my younger years, an took everything I was after with it to include Elk, Moose an Goat. Bigger is not always better, an when your humping bumps, Light is right.
I've the same glass with a B&C now, on a much shorter barreled .308. Wish I'd have had it back when, lighter, shorter, with a better reticle.

 

[Overflow10]

Re: Looking for hunting scope

If you can bump up the budget a bit more look at the Viper HS 4-16x44 LR. BDC reticle. LR model has exposed turrets. NIce glaas. About $499

 

[USAF SP]

Re: Looking for hunting scope

Unless your buddy is strictly shooting rock chucks, gophers, etc he is looking at to much magnification. I have the same experience as Gunfighter above. Both my Leupy 2.5-8 and 3.5-10 scopes have served me well on deer, elk, bear, caribou and moose at ranges from 10 to 350 yards. I never felt like I didn't have enough magnification.

Additionally, he is looking at having a lot of features at a very low cost. Recommend he save his funds for a few more months since hunting season is over most places and buy a better glass.

 

[CowboyBart]

Re: Looking for hunting scope

The full story is that he just got his 30-06 reamed to 30-338WM. He took the 4-12 Bushnell off of it and wants something bigger that can also have a "tactical" feel. If I would have said a tactical scope in the opening post you would have all recomended S&B or NightForce. The money won't ever be there for him to buy a $1400 scope.
He found a used Burris and asked my advice. I have several Euro Diamonds and Fullfields. They function, are clear and reliable in hunting situations. I don't know if the clicks are very repeatable as I set my hunting scopes and leave them alone.
The same shop with a used Burris also has a Nikon Monarch 4-12. I don't know if it has TT, but it is a mil-dot. The shop wants the same $$ for either.
It will be a deer/elk gun but he will want to ring the gong at 700yds while plinking.
Thanx for the input and also thanx for not recomending Barska and BSA scopes

PS: Lt JGB, I spent several years in Groton!! 2 on the USS Groton (SSN-694) and 2 at NSSF 67H antenna shop.

 

[bear58]

Re: Looking for hunting scope

He might be able to find a used Leupy 4.5-14 and have leupold trick it up. Not sure if Leupold can change reticles and turrets on an older model. Other than that, like suggested above Nikon Monarch or Burris Fullfield. If he wants a tactical look and willing to stay at 10X, check out the Bushnell Elite @$250-$300. Not a bad scope for the money.

 

[JB02]

Re: Looking for hunting scope

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: CowboyBart</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The full story is that he just got his 30-06 reamed to 30-338WM. He took the 4-12 Bushnell off of it and wants something bigger that can also have a "tactical" feel. If I would have said a tactical scope in the opening post you would have all recomended S&B or NightForce. The money won't ever be there for him to buy a $1400 scope.
He found a used Burris and asked my advice. I have several Euro Diamonds and Fullfields. They function, are clear and reliable in hunting situations. I don't know if the clicks are very repeatable as I set my hunting scopes and leave them alone.
The same shop with a used Burris also has a Nikon Monarch 4-12. I don't know if it has TT, but it is a mil-dot. The shop wants the same $$ for either.
It will be a deer/elk gun but he will want to ring the gong at 700yds while plinking.
Thanx for the input and also thanx for not recomending Barska and BSA scopes

PS: Lt JGB, I spent several years in Groton!! 2 on the USS Groton (SSN-694) and 2 at NSSF 67H antenna shop.</div></div>

You can get tactical turrets for a nikon monarch but they are extra; they do give the scope a more tactical look.

They say that if you spend enough time in the sub force, you'll eventually find your way to Groton. I like it here. Your post reads like you enjoyed your time in Groton too. My best to you!

 

[CowboyBart]

Re: Looking for hunting scope

Just odd seeing someone from a small town where I spent some time. I liked the town, just didn't like the Navy enough to stay in past 8 yrs.

 

[doc76251]

Re: Looking for hunting scope

Ahhhh the story makes the difference. Grab the Nikon. I was looking in the retail market, no telling whats in the used market.

Cheers,

Doc

 

[bentbolt308]

Re: Looking for hunting scope

i have two of the nikon bdc. like them both but only using one. the one thats im not using is a buckmasters 4.5-14x40sf with sunshade i would sell if your interested. you can my the target turrets for 100 through nikonhunting.com

 

[CowboyBart]

Re: Looking for hunting scope

The Nikon turned out to be a 3.5-10 not a 4-14. He bought the Burris for $100 - not a bad deal. He is gonna have Burris put in a Balistic Plex and a Target turret.