looking for a new scope for $300

[rusty815]

Hey everyone, I was out using my model 16 the other day and noticed that the glass on my old weatherby scope was damaged (don't know how that happened). Well long story short, I'm looking for a new scope, but I'm sort on cash at the moment, so I was hoping you guys could point me in the right direction for a new scope for 300 dollars max, preferably less if possible. My model 16 is a 300 WSM and has an EGW base as well as some weaver 1" rings, so it should be able to withstand some decent recoil as well as fit my rings if possible. Any help is appreciated.

[keeki]

what kind of magnification are you looking for and what size objective?

[Sundo]

Take a look at the Redfield Revolution scopes, in the $150-$200 price range. Light transmission is 90-91%. They're assembled by Leupold in Oregon and have been getting consistently good reviews.

Redfield marketing freatures include a "Rapid Acquisition Eyepiece", which is supposed to give you a good view with a forgiving range of eye positions. If this works as advertised, I think it's a good tradeoff for a few percent loss in light transmission compared to top end scopes.

[efm77]

+1 on the Redfields. I don't have one myself but a buddy has several that I've looked through and I'm impressed. You could probably get a VX-I or II in your price range too. You didn't specify what magnification you are looking for but I also like these http://www.thesportsmonkey.com/products/Swift-Premier-Rifle-Scope-6%252d18x44mm-CAO.html
I have the 6-18 sur-lok on my 338 win mag and it is doing fine with the recoil from it so should be fine on your wsm.

[rusty815]

I'm looking for something in the 4-12x magnification range or more, but I'm not looking for too much magnification, nothing more than around 25x. Also don't want a lens bigger than 44mm. that Swift looks real nice, i might get that one, anyone got a Redfield that matches my description, I'm not near a computer and it's rather difficult searching from my phone.

[keeki]

a 6.5x20x44 viper just sold on 24hourcampire for 190

[Sundo]

Redfields are available in 3-9x40 and 4-12x40, among others. The 4-12s are $210 and $220 (retail) with duplex or Accu-Range reticle, respectively. From the images I like the Accu-Range reticle. I think the center circle will aid in rapid target acquisition when that counts.

[efm77]

"I think the center circle will aid in rapid target acquisition when that counts."
Agreed.

Swift makes a 4-12x-40mm too but they only make the sur-lok in a 3-9x and 6-18x fwiw.

[rusty815]

The more i look at the Swift, the more i want to get it. What can you tell me about sur-lok and the quality of the scope, my Weatherby was one of the clearest scopes I've ever used, I always joked around that looking through the scope was better than real life 8) I've used bad scopes, i have a cheap Bushnell on my 270 that cost me something like $80 that isn't that great, so I don't mind if its nowhere near as good as my old scope, so long as its usable on a daily basis.

[keeki]

I bought a used 3.5x10x44 Swift off ebay and got it today and all I can say is wow. Im not real sure that its not more crisp than my leupolds, nikons, and vortexs. Its at least as clear as those scopes and for $80 im impressed

[savageboy]

Im sent on Nikon Buckmaster 6-18x

[keeki]

Ive also heard ppl brag on millett buck gold, theyre under 300. Ive never looked through one myself.

[GaCop]

If you can find one, the old Simmons Aetec made in the Philippines with glass from Japan is a fine scope in 3.8X12X42. Steer clear of the newer Aetecs made in china, as usual, they're junk.

[efm77]

Rusty815. I love the quality of the Swifts. In my opinion, they're very well made, very durable, and I think the brightness and clarity of them is right up there with a lot more expensive scopes. Of course it's optics wouldn't compare to a $1000 Leupold or Zeiss etc. But to my eyes it is equal to a VX2 and maybe a tad better. As to the sur-lok, I love them for heavy recoil. Works similar to the Burris posi-lok. There's a knob on the left side of the saddle that you unscrew to make your windage/elevation adjustments and then screw back in to lock the adjustments in place. It locks against the erector in place so that your zero doesn't shift from recoil or rough handling. Sorry I didn't answer for a couple days, I haven't been near my computer lately.

[barrel-nut]

For my $300, I'd go with this:

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Shooting/Optics/Riflescopes/pc/104792580/c/104752080/sc/104535180/Burris-Fullfield-II-Riflescope/729041.uts?destination=%2Fcatalog%2Fbrowse%2Fshoot ing-optics-riflescopes%2Fburris%2F_%2FN-1100246%2B1000002933%2FNe-1000002933%2FNs-CATEGORY_SEQ_104535180%3FWTz_l%3DSBC%253Bcat104792 580%253Bcat104752080%26WTz_st%3DGuidedNav%26WTz_st ype%3DGNU&WTz_l=SBC%3Bcat104792580%3Bcat104752080%3Bcat10453 5180

I have the Burris Fullfield 2's in 4.5-14 and 6.5-20. Love them both. For a hunting scope, the 4.5-14 is great. Clarity, brightness, and glare resistance is very good, way better than my Leupold VX 1's, and better than a friend's VX3 that I compared it to side by side at the range. The Ballistic Plex reticle is functional without cluttering up the sight picture.
My only complaint with these, is that the lens coatings are relatively fragile. They come with very good scope caps; use them, and don't wipe the lens with your shirttail, or in my case a wet paper towel with Dawn dishwashing liquid on it. (DUH!) Burris replaced the objective lens on mine after i smeared the coating by cleaning it improperly, under warranty (lifetime or "forever " warranty as they call it). Their customer service is outstanding, and turnaround is quick. They've made a loyal customer out of me.
BTW, Swift scopes are a very good value as well.

[keeki]

Ive read somewhere (I could be mistaking) that the Pentax Pioneer and Fullfield II are about the same scope. Anyone else read this? Never looked through the pioneer so cant attest to how clear it is

[barrel-nut]

I think I've read that too. Apparently lots of scopes in this price range are made in the Philippines, at the same factory, to each individual manufacturer's specifications. Not a bad thing necessarily, IMHO. Burris' Fullfields are made there.

[rusty815]

Woah, so many more options haha. i have a Burris Fullfield on my 30-06, but I wasn't expecting to find it in my price range. I think i pair $400 for it, I'm not sure. I wish there was some way I can compare all these scopes, if only they were all in front of me ::) I think I'm pretty much settled on the Swift scope though, thanks guys.

[keeki]

leupold rifleman is under 300 isnt it?

[sniper15545]

The 4x16 4200 bushnell and warnes rings on the site is one heck of a deal!