Best scope under $500

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kch

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I'm looking for the best scope I can get for $500 or less. It will be on a .22-250 used for coyote hunting. I will probably go with something that's 3-9x40
 
You'll get a lot of different answers here, and there probably isn't just one right answer. Lots of good 3-9x40, which IMO is a good choice for what you want to do and what I have put on most of my hunting rifles.

If I'm buying one using your criteria, I'd look at these Leupolds:

http://www.leupold.com/hunting-shooting/scopes/vx-3-riflescopes/vx-3-3-5-10x40mm-cds/

http://www.leupold.com/hunting-shooting/scopes/vx-r-riflescopes/vx-r-3-9x40mm-cds-30mm/

http://www.leupold.com/hunting-shooting/scopes/vx-2-riflescopes/vx-2-3-9x40mm-cds/

I have put one or more of each of these on my rifles and so far like them (I haven't mounted the vxR yet as I'm waiting on an upper to come in). The first 2 are over your budget a little with CDS feature, but the same scope is available without it for $500, you may not need/want CDS anyway.

These are all lightweight scopes you can mount low and go hunting with. I think they look good on most any hunting rifle also.

 
+1 for the VXR 3-9x40 I have one mounted on my AR and love it. The glass is pretty good and I really like the red dot in the middle of the crosshairs.
 
Tasco
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Take a look at some of the Sightron SII or SIII series...If they are above your price point, try to find a used one if someone will let go of it...
 
You could also take a look at the Bushnell 4200 Elite series. I have 4 and really like them. You may also want to consider a variable that goes up to 12x, 15x, or 16x for coyote hunting since some shots may be long ones.
 
Originally Posted By: Mark2It's not a 3x9. But I have this exact scope on a few rifles. Love them. And the price fits your range. They are a bit heavy. I have one mounted on my model 70 heavy varmint in 22-250.


http://www.amazon.com/Millet-4-16x-Focus...=millett+scopes


I have this same scope on an AR and Rem 700 in 308... Like stated above they are a little heavy, but mine hold their zeros well and have taken a lot of fur and deer with the 700...
 
http://www.bigsupplyshop.com/Burris-Fullfield-E1-65X-20X-50mm-200340_p_22236.html

I have this on my 22-250. I really enjoy the longer opportunities that it provides. Nothing like really seeing them when you have the time to zoom up.

Your gun is capable to reach out and touch one. With practice you can also. 3/4"-1" high at 100 and get your group right. Then shoot at 200. I use Hornady Super 50gr. Just about 1/4" high at 200.
Scope is GREAT for PD's at 300 and then some. Funny that we found out Winchester white box 45gr shoot the same as the HSF 50's....so a good bit cheaper to poke prairie dogs.
 
I have a Falcon Menace 5-25 that is a surprisingly good scope. I would say it is about equal in optical clarity and ease of use to my similar priced leupolds. Although rather large it is great for my aging eyes.
 
Go to sponsor's specials under forums on here... Cameraland is selling some damaged box Vortex Viper HS scopes for around $300. That's a great price for outstanding scopes, and you can't beat their warranty. I would absolutely recommend that, especially since they come in the 2.5-10 power range!
 
Take a good look at the new Cabela's Instinct Euro line. Simply amazing optics in your price range. Full lifetime warranty, made by Meopta, great scopes.

Aside from that, I'd get into a Leupold VX-3. Contrary to what has been written, the Viper line does not stand up to the VX-2 or 3. The Viper isn't bad, just not what it's been talked up to be.
 
Originally Posted By: basdjsYou could also take a look at the Bushnell 4200 Elite series. I have 4 and really like them.

Yes indeed. I have been a Leupold man for a good four decades and have many, but I feel the 4200 series of Bushnells are super scopes. For what they cost new and even better used I have not ever looked through a better scope and I have looked though a lot of them.


My .220 Swifts have worn a lot of different scopes over the years and for the last 10 years or so my current one has had an older Bushnell 4200 6-24X mounted on it and that is where it will stay.
 
I purchased a Weaver Super Slam 5x20x50from Natchez. Very robust and crystal clear scope. It was a little over 500 but worth every penny
 
i just got a redfield 2-7 for my AR and i love that little scope. lifetime warranty, fog and water proof. made in USA. I gave about 200 bucks for it from optics planet. I thought there binoculars where made in USA too so i got a pare of them with it but they was made in china. i like them too though
 
A Meopta Meopro 4-12x50 would be an excellent choice...
New price will put you over your $500 limit but if you watch, you can get them slightly used for under that.

I think you'll find it to be right up there with Leupold VX3 and Zeiss Conquest in clarity and brightness... I personally would rate it higher.
 
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