??What is the best scope for around $200??

I think you would be best served with a Bushnell Elite 3200 3-9x40 for $200, a Burris FFII 3-9x40 for $180 or a Bushnell Elite 4200 3-9x40 for $250. The Rainguard on the Bushnell's is an excellent feature.

The Nikon Buckmaster in 3-9x40 is an excellent value also at $200 but the 3200 glass is as good if not better and the Rainguard pushes it over the top.

You can get higher mag but as stated earlier, at this price point you start losing your quality.

My impression of the Redfield's is that they're of VX1 quality.
 
Not criticizing the Redfields, I believe they're a good value like the Pro-Staff line from Nikon. It was more a slap at the VX-1 line which I feel are also good entry level scopes but overpriced.
 
In that price range I would go with the Nikon Buckmaster or Burris FFII, 3X9s can be found real reasonable around the classifieds, I would also be tempted to try and find a Weaver V16, especially on that rifle with its accuracy potential.
 
Get atleast a 14 power scope they are alot better when sighting in i hate a 3x9 anymore its hard to get a good look at the target to me. For that money i would buy a Mueller a friend just bought a Vortex and its not as clear and the target is blurry.
 
Agree with buying a higher power scope than 3-9, which is a fine magnification range for most hunting. On a shooting range, viewing bullet holes in targets, leaves a lot to be desired. Besides with a higher range variable power, you can always dial it down to a lower power for hunting if needed.
 
Another vote for the Bushnell Elite 3200. I have a 5x15x50 and love it. Everyone I shoot with says it's just as good or better than thier higher priced scopes.
 
+ 1 on redfield with the accu range. Put the 2-7 on my ar liked the reticle better than the nikon coyote the cross hairs go through the circle. Used it on a runnin dog last night after the wife gave it a warning shot tracked easy only took two shots to get caught up. Very pleased super clear great field of view and good price.
 
I kind of just went through this. The scopes that I looked at hard.

Nitrex TR1

Nikon Buckmaster

Millet

They are all good scopes for predator hunting. I have 3 Savage 17hmr's that all were topped with Redfields. Each of them over time needed to be replaced. They were the $100 Redfields.
 
Don't let people confuse you with the "post Denver" Redfield scopes. After the Denver company disbanded the new owners disgraced the Redfield name when they started making an inferior product. Leupold is the new owner of the Redfield name and you can trust the products they make.

These new Redfield Revolution scopes by Leupold take the brand back to the excellent "Denver days" of Redfield production. They are the "best bang for the buck" in their power categories and carry the unequaled Leupold warranty to boot.

I have a 3-9 and two 4X12s. They serve me well!

Keep in mind the "lifetime" warranty's some people like to talk about are really not the same. Some charge high shipping fees or "handling" costs that when all is calculated are anything but free lifetime.

JMHO....
 
If the NY cover is anything like the western PA cover and you are hunting over a e-caller or with mouth calls and are shooting a max of 250 yds, the Redfield 2 x 7 is a great choice. You will appreciate the wider field of view. It is a nice light scope also. Put it in a set of Talley low's base/rings and you will be perfect for 250 yds and under. When I first started this predator hunting stuff, I had 3x9's and when my first fox came in to the caller and was moving somewhat quickly at 20 yds in the woods, I was wishing for less scope. I have a 1.5x5 on the same gun now. Much better for the close shots and can shoot both eyes open.
 
Burris Full field II 3-9X40 with ballistics plex it has outstanding glass and very easy to use. Pick your ammo call Burris tell them the caliber, bullet size, BC, speed, elevation and zero sight in and they will tell you were your point of impact is at each hash mark. For $200.00 there tough to beat.
 
Another thing to remember is the used market. A 2x7 Leupold VX-II just sold yesterday on 24 hour campfire for $150. I picked all but one of my VX-III's up used for a good price. Warranty is the same so you can get a lot of scope for the money.
 
I don't have any experience with most of the scopes mentioned here, but I would definitely put my $200 in a used Leupold.
 
Nitrex TR2 3-15X42 SF/pullup turrets...$219 final cost after rebate and shipping. Glass on this scope is comparable to that of a Nikon Monarch or a Zeiss Conquest...not my opinion, but opinion of Nikon/Zeiss owners who've check out my Nitrex TR2. Side Focus and pullup turrets for windage/elevation function very well too. Basically same scope as a Weaver Super Slam, but with Nitrex label. Please check this:

http://www.natchezss.com/product.cfm?con...rodTitle=Nitrex TR Two 3-15X42mm Rifle Scope Matte Finish TrexPlex Reticle
 
I had to make the same decision this week (even going to be mounted on an Edge, in .223 though), went with the Redfield because of the Leupold rep/Warranty and more importantly, because it is Made in America. Also why I chose the Savage Edge over other similar priced budget category rifles. Something I personally think we need to keep in mind with every purchase in these troubled times. I don't do it so much for better worksmanship or price, but because of the jobs those purchases represent.
 
Back
Top