Best Bang for the Buck Mid-Priced SIde Focus Scope 3-12, 4-14, or 4-16

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castafly

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I'm in the market for a side focus scope for a varmint rifle (CZ or Rem 700) in the 3-12, 4-14, or 4-16 range. I have a budget of up to $700, but not sure if I want to spend that much. I've looked at Vortex Vipers and Diamondback HPs, Bushnell Ultra HDs, Nikons, Weavers, etc. I've also looked at Leupold VX-3 CDS 30mm scopes (my high end). It's fun to look at scopes in stores, but there's no way I can really tell the finer points of these scopes without actually mounting them on a gun and shooting them. For those of you with more experience than me, what scope would you recommend as the best bang for the buck (including ones I haven't listed)? Would a Leupold VX-3 4.5-14 CDS be worth the money? Thanks!
 
Of the ones you listed the VX3 is far and away the best scope. Just a humble opinion but I would say considering what you get for the money the VX3 is one of the best deals going.
 
Of the ones you listed the VX3 is far and away the best scope. Just a humble opinion but I would say considering what you get for the money the VX3 is one of the best deals going. That's coming from somebody who doesn't like to spend more than 500 for a scope.
 
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Originally Posted By: castafly Would a Leupold VX-3 4.5-14 CDS be worth the money? Thanks!

Absolutely ^^^^^

I have one on my 222,,, it's my multi purpose rifle and I love it but wouldn't want one on a hunting rig.

For a straight up Gofer gun, take a look at Weaver's classic series. I have a V-24 on my heavy barreled Gofer getter. For clarity and repeatability,,, it gives my Leupolds a run for their money at half the price.
I wouldn't put it on a hunting rig either though, so that leads us back to what your definition of a "Varmint Rifle" is.
 
The gun would be an all-purpose rifle for anything from coyotes to ground squirrels. I guess I'm not looking for too much magnification, but enough (if that makes sense).
 
I missed the side focus part. In that case the 4.5-14 VX3 gets my vote.
I use my "multi purpose" 222 for our Columbia Ground Squirrels which live in the woods and require some walking and Rock Chuck's that I mostly shoot from the hood of the truck.
I prefer light weight scopes for predator hunting but the 4.5-14's pretty versatile. Especially if you add a CDS turret.


 
I haven't used all of the scopes you mentioned, but I've used a few and the Leupold VX-3's are my favorite. CDS dial is awesome, not perfect if you travel to different elevations to hunt, but you still have the regular MOA turret that you can slap back on there for those situations. My 270 doesn't like the really hot loads so I'm shooting around 2800 fps and with a good range finder and rest, I am confident shooting deer out to 600 yards with my cds dial.
 
My pick would be a Bushnell Elite 6500 2.5-16x42. Good optical and mechanical quality, long and flexible eye relief, enough magnification range for almost any type of shooting you might do.
 
I have the 4.5x14 Leupold and love it. I have the 30 mm tube and long range reticle. Don't really make a lot of difference between the 30 mm tube and 1" to me. The scope is clear and tracks great. That's all I worry about anyway. You can hunt in close at 4.5 and see the target out at a pretty good distance on 14. JMO
 
Take a look at Primary Arms. I have their 1x6 and the new 4.4x14 scope. With the HUD reticle that is calibrated for 223 and 308 it is a very good value for under 300.00
 
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