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Rifle Scopes Low budget hunting scope, which would you choose in this price range?

razzle

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Minuteman
Dec 5, 2007
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Norway
Just picked up a lightly used Howa Hogue 1500 stainless in .243 Win for dirt cheap, and need a scope to go with it. It will be used for hunting whitetail deer and foxes, plus the occational plinking day at the range.
I live in Norway so the pricing I mention will probably be higher than what you guys can pay, but they are the lowest I could find. Importing is not an option as we have crazy import fees. Looking through all these scopes before buying is not possible either as there aren't any shops with them in stock anywhere near me, so I need to rely on what I can find out online.

First is the Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40 non-illuminated used for $180. Cheap, but illumination would be nice and I'm not sure about the glass quality from what I have read.

The illuminated VX-Freedom 3-9x40 for $350 used. Alot more $ just for the illumination, and same as above with the glass. VX-R can be had for around $50 more.

Sig Sauer Whiskey 3 3-9x50 non-illuminated on sale at $300. Have heard the glass is decent, but not sure if it's good value all together. Not alot of info online.

Zeiss Terra 3-9x50 with non-illuminated reticle $420 retail. More expensive than the rest without more features, is the glass better or is it because of the brand only?

And the one I am considering the most right now, the Leupold VX-R 3-9x40 Firedot Duplex used for $390. Good reviews, 30mm tube, illuminated.

Which one would you choose and why, or should I consider a different model in this price range?

Also, I won't consider any Vortex models. They are a great company and I have been very happy with the two PST models I have had, but the local distributor is a turd that won't answer my phone calls, emails, Facebook or Messenger posts regarding a warranty issue I'm having. Contacting Vortex HQ is my next step which I am sure will help, but I won't put another $ in that guys pocket. I have also been contacted by other people with the same problem when I started posting in public.
 
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What about a vortex diamondback? They’re under $200 in the USA and are a decent hunting scope.

EDIT: sorry, multitasking isn’t my strong suit. Everything you listed would be something I would be comfortable with. For what it is worth, I have some experience with Sig scopes, though a different model than you listed. I was pretty happy with Sig even though they’re not as popular.
 
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I think you are on right track with your choice. Not knowing how you hunt, but I still use a VX II 2x7 from the 80's to shoot deer and varmints on a Win M70. Light compact and functional.
 
Burris recently discontinued their Four-X line in Europe. I bought a 1.5-6x42 model that I'm very pleased with as a budget hunting scope. They also made a 3-12x56 that might be closer to what you desire. It has a German #4 reticle with an illuminated center dot. With any luck, you might still be able to find one on close-out somewhere at a decent price.
 
Dang I guess you are a title reader and didn’t bother to read his post. I hope you don’t get your news the same way ?
Well-played sir. I now see the err in my ways. This is why you don’t snipers-hide-and-drive. Already screwed this year, 2021 will be my year for sure.
 
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Im not sure these are sold over seas

They have recently started exporting them.
That said I wouldn't want a fixed 10x for hunting.

The Burris Fullfield 2 is a solid scope for the money, I've owned my one for about 10 years and moved it between many rifles. It always does the job and glass is pretty good for the cost.
I had a Burris C4 3-9x40, while the turrets were pretty mushy it dialed very reliably.

I'd be inclined to try find a Leupold VX3 if they are in your price bracket, or stick with the VXR, the firedot reticle is a very very good feature for a hunting scope.
 
They have recently started exporting them.
That said I wouldn't want a fixed 10x for hunting.

The Burris Fullfield 2 is a solid scope for the money, I've owned my one for about 10 years and moved it between many rifles. It always does the job and glass is pretty good for the cost.
I had a Burris C4 3-9x40, while the turrets were pretty mushy it dialed very reliably.

I'd be inclined to try find a Leupold VX3 if they are in your price bracket, or stick with the VXR, the firedot reticle is a very very good feature for a hunting scope.
I agree. The 10x with the 42mm objective would go dark on you pretty quick.

good to know that SWFA is putting them out there
 
Of the Leupolds you listed, the VX-R for an extra $50 is a no brainer.

Here in the US, those scopes are $300 apart in price point.
 
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Of the Leupolds you listed, the VX-R for an extra $50 is a no brainer.

Here in the US, those scopes are $300 apart in price point.


I agree with Skookum...I have nice NF and Leica scopes, but I also have 3 VX-R's on some of my budget guns. Sometimes I wonder why I spend so much on glass when the VX-R is good enough for 99% of what i shoot and the glass is good. I have not looked at the other scopes mentioned except my friends VX-Freedom, very light weight, clean & clear. Hope that helps...good hunting.
 
I would look for an older Zeiss Conquest, the one's that Meopta made. I have several and love them. Used they go for $300. If not, look at Meopta, even there lower end are great.
 
I bought my kid a whiskey 3 4-12x44. It's right with Leupold vx-r glass wise. Turrets are ok, but capped and I intend to use them that way.

However, I only paid $180/US.
 
I got a vortex diamondback 3-9x40 for my first hunting scope and hated it. The most finicky eye relief Ive ever used.
 
The VX-R 3-9x40 turned out to be sold when I called the shop, but I was offered a brand new 3-9x50 for $550 shipped instead which sells for $800 so I grabbed it. It only weighs 23 grams more with the larger objective lens so it was a no brainer :cool:
 
I didn't finish reading when I saw the vxr mentioned. I use several vx II AND IIIs for deer hunting. excellent scopes. good luck
 
The VX-R 3-9x40 turned out to be sold when I called the shop,

We just got this discontinued product list from Leupold:
Part No.Description
VX-6HD Scopes
171553
VX-6HD 1-6x24 (30mm) CDS-ZL2 Metric Illum. FireDot 4 Fine
171557VX-6HD 2-12x42 (30mm) CDS-ZL2 Illum. TMOA
171566VX-6HD 3-18x44 (30mm) CDS-ZL2 Side Focus Illum. Boone & Crockett
171579VX-6HD 4-24x52 (34mm) CDS-ZL2 Side Focus Illum. TMOA
171580VX-6HD 4-24x52 (34mm) CDS-ZL2 Side Focus Illum. Impact-23 MOA
VX-5HD Scopes
171384VX-5HD 1-5x24 (30mm) Duplex
VX-3i Scopes
170677VX-3i 1.5-5x20 (1 inch) Metric German 4
170681VX-3i 3.5-10x40 (1 inch) Boone & Crockett
170682VX-3i 3.5-10x40 (1 inch) CDS Wind-Plex
170683VX-3i 3.5-10x40 (1 inch) CDS Duplex
171151VX-3i 3.5-10x56 (30mm) Illum. Duplex
170692VX-3i 4.5-14x40 (1 inch) CDS Wind-Plex
170693VX-3i 4.5-14x40 (1 inch) CDS Duplex
170699VX-3i 4.5-14x40 (30mm) Side Focus Duplex
170702VX-3i 4.5-14x40 (30mm) Side Focus CDS Wind-Plex
170703
VX-3i 4.5-14x40 (30mm) Side Focus CDS Duplex
171916VX-3i 4.5-14x40 (30mm) Side Focus Fast Focus B&C
170708VX-3i 4.5-14x50 (1 inch) CDS Duplex
170712VX-3i 4.5-14x50 (30mm) Side Focus CDS Wind-Plex
170713VX-3i 4.5-14x50 (30mm) Side Focus CDS Duplex
170715VX-3i 6.5-20x50 (30mm) Side Focus CDS Target Varmint Hunter
171915VX-3i 4.5-14x40 (30mm) Side Focus CDS Fast Focus Duplex
VX-3i LRP Scopes
172335VX-3i LRP 4.5-14x50 (30mm) Side Focus TMOA
172336VX-3i LRP 4.5-14x50 (30mm) Side Focus Impact-32 MOA
172337VX-3i LRP 4.5-14x50 (30mm) Side Focus TMR
172338VX-3i LRP 4.5-14x50 (30mm) Side Focus FFP TMR
172339VX-3i LRP 4.5-14x50 (30mm) Side Focus FFP CCH
174508VX-3i LRP 4.5-14x50 (30mm) Side Focus FFP Impact-60 MOA
VX-Freedom Scopes
175076VX-Freedom AR 3-9x40 (1 inch) Mil TMR
Rifleman Scopes
170793Rifleman 4-12x40 (1 inch) RBR
VX-R Scopes
111230VX•R 1.25-4x20 (30mm) Illum. FireDot Duplex
110683VX•R 1.25-4x20 (30mm) Metric Illum. FireDot 4
113165VX•R HOG 1.25-4x20 (30mm) Illum. FireDot Pig-Plex
113769VX•R Patrol 1.25-4x20 (30mm) Illum. FireDot SPR
119675VX•R 1.5-5x33 Scout (30mm) Illum. FireDot Duplex
110684VX•R 2-7x33 (30mm) Illum. FireDot Duplex
110685VX•R 2-7x33 (30mm) Metric Illum. FireDot 4
110686VX•R 3-9x40 (30mm) Illum. FireDot Duplex
110687VX•R 3-9x40 (30mm) Metric Illum. FireDot 4
111236VX•R 3-9x40 (30mm) Illum. Ballistic FireDot
120618VX•R 3-9x40 (30mm) CDS Illum. FireDot Wind-Plex
113771VX•R Patrol 3-9x40 (30mm) Illum. FireDot TMR
110688VX•R 3-9x50 (30mm) Illum. FireDot Duplex
110689VX•R 3-9x50 (30mm) Metric Illum. FireDot 4
111238VX•R 4-12x40 (30mm) CDS Illum. FireDot Duplex
111239VX•R 4-12x40 (30mm) Metric Illum. FireDot 4
111240VX•R 4-12x40 (30mm) Illum. Ballistic FireDot
120620VX•R 4-12x40 (30mm) CDS Illum. FireDot Wind-Plex
111241VX•R 4-12x50 (30mm) Illum. FireDot Duplex
111242VX•R 4-12x50 (30mm) Metric Illum. FireDot 4
CQ Scopes
119687DeltaPoint Pro Reflex Sight 7.5 MOA Inscribed Delta
177155DeltaPoint Pro Reflex Sight 7.5 MOA Inscribed Delta with DP Pro AR Mount
CQ Accessories
170907DeltaPoint Pro Dovetail Mount, Kimber Matte
Fixed Power Scopes
58550
FX-II 4x33 (1 inch) Wide Duplex
58830FX-II 6x36 (1 inch) Wide Duplex
 
Makes me wonder what is coming to replace the VX-R series, maybe I should have waited till after SHOT? ? Oh well, whatever it is would probably cost more anyway, and I have stretched my budget as far as I can.
 
New Product list:

Intro
Month
Part No.Description
Jan179292VX-6HD 4-24x52 (34mm) CDS-ZL3 Side Focus Illum. TMOA
Jan179293VX-6HD 4-24x52 (34mm) CDS-ZL3 Side Focus Illum. Impact-23 MOA
Jan179294VX-6HD 4-24x52 (34mm) CDS-ZL3 Side Focus Illum. FireDot Duplex
Jan178027VX-5HD 3-15x44 (30mm) CDS-ZL2 Side Focus Mil TMR
Jan178166VX-5HD 4-20x52 (34mm) CDS-ZL2 Side Illum. FireDot Duplex
Jan177823VX-3i 3.5-10x40 (1 inch) CDS-ZL Duplex
Jan177861VX-3i 4.5-14x40 (1 inch) CDS-ZL Duplex
Jan177820
VX-3i 4.5-14x40 (30mm) Side Focus CDS-ZL Wind-Plex
Jan177822VX-3i 4.5-14x50 (30mm) Side Focus CDS-ZL Duplex
Mar179069VX-3i LRP 8.5-25x50 (30mm) Side Focus FFP CCH
Nov 2019178253VX-Freedom 4-12x40 (1 inch) Duplex
Apr178255VX-Freedom 4-12x50 (1 inch) Duplex
Mar177226VX-Freedom AR 1.5-4X20 (30mm) 223 Mil Illum. FireDot MIL-Ring
Nov 2019178252VX-Freedom AR 3-9X40 (1 inch) 223 Mil TMR
Apr178254VX-Freedom AR 4-12x40 (1 inch) 223 Mil TMR
Apr177230VX-Freedom AR 4-12x40 (30mm) 223 Side Focus Mil TMR
Feb177231VX-Freedom AR 6-18X40 (30mm) 223 Mil Side Focus TMR
Mar177225VX-Freedom 1.5-4X20 (30mm) Illum. FireDot MOA-Ring
Nov 2019177227VX-Freedom 3-9X40 (30mm) Illum. FireDot Tri-MOA
Mar177228VX-Freedom 3-9X50 (30mm) Illum. FireDot Twilight Hunter
Mar177229VX-Freedom 4-12X50 (30mm) CDS Illum. FireDot Duplex
Jan176204Freedom - RDS 1x34 (34mm) Red Dot 1.0 MOA Dot
Feb175840DeltaPoint Pro Reflex Sight 2.5 MOA Dot Dark Earth
Mar177437DeltaPoint Pro Dovetail Mount, Kimber 1911 Matte
Mar178763RX-FullDraw 4 with DNA Green OLED
 
Thank you for the list! Looks like the VX-Freedom line will replace VX-R then. Will be interesting to see if they upgrade the glass or just run the same with larger tubes and how that compares to he VX-R models. The Twilight Hunter reticle sounds interesting though, any idea what that will look like?
 
New Product list:

Intro
Month
Part No.Description
Jan179292VX-6HD 4-24x52 (34mm) CDS-ZL3 Side Focus Illum. TMOA
Jan179293VX-6HD 4-24x52 (34mm) CDS-ZL3 Side Focus Illum. Impact-23 MOA
Jan179294VX-6HD 4-24x52 (34mm) CDS-ZL3 Side Focus Illum. FireDot Duplex
Jan178027VX-5HD 3-15x44 (30mm) CDS-ZL2 Side Focus Mil TMR
Jan178166VX-5HD 4-20x52 (34mm) CDS-ZL2 Side Illum. FireDot Duplex
Jan177823VX-3i 3.5-10x40 (1 inch) CDS-ZL Duplex
Jan177861VX-3i 4.5-14x40 (1 inch) CDS-ZL Duplex
Jan177820
VX-3i 4.5-14x40 (30mm) Side Focus CDS-ZL Wind-Plex
Jan177822VX-3i 4.5-14x50 (30mm) Side Focus CDS-ZL Duplex
Mar179069VX-3i LRP 8.5-25x50 (30mm) Side Focus FFP CCH
Nov 2019178253VX-Freedom 4-12x40 (1 inch) Duplex
Apr178255VX-Freedom 4-12x50 (1 inch) Duplex
Mar177226VX-Freedom AR 1.5-4X20 (30mm) 223 Mil Illum. FireDot MIL-Ring
Nov 2019178252VX-Freedom AR 3-9X40 (1 inch) 223 Mil TMR
Apr178254VX-Freedom AR 4-12x40 (1 inch) 223 Mil TMR
Apr177230VX-Freedom AR 4-12x40 (30mm) 223 Side Focus Mil TMR
Feb177231VX-Freedom AR 6-18X40 (30mm) 223 Mil Side Focus TMR
Mar177225VX-Freedom 1.5-4X20 (30mm) Illum. FireDot MOA-Ring
Nov 2019177227VX-Freedom 3-9X40 (30mm) Illum. FireDot Tri-MOA
Mar177228VX-Freedom 3-9X50 (30mm) Illum. FireDot Twilight Hunter
Mar177229VX-Freedom 4-12X50 (30mm) CDS Illum. FireDot Duplex
Jan176204Freedom - RDS 1x34 (34mm) Red Dot 1.0 MOA Dot
Feb175840DeltaPoint Pro Reflex Sight 2.5 MOA Dot Dark Earth
Mar177437DeltaPoint Pro Dovetail Mount, Kimber 1911 Matte
Mar178763RX-FullDraw 4 with DNA Green OLED

178027 Is that a 3-15 VX5hd with Mil turrets and TMR reticle?