help with some mid-range scope options (nikon, weaver, vortex)

First off, I want lots of power. I don't really NEED it, but I want it. I have a 12x vortex viper (can't see the .22 or .25 cal holes at 150 yds) that I want to replace with something more powerful. (not a scope snob, honestly can't really tell the difference in optical quality between my viper, my mueller apv, or my grand slam) This is a range scope, not a hunting scope.

Here are my top 4 options right now, and I"d love ya'll take on which one to jump on. Price is important, but these are all pretty good deals:

weaver 40/44 6.5-20x44 $175
nikon buckmasters 6-18x40 $225
Weaver Classic V 6-24X42 $240
vortex viper 6-20x44 $280 but would also need new 30mm rings ($30-50) and am concerned about bolt handle clearance as it has a fairly large rear bell and a 30mm tube

I'm left handed, so having side paralax is not really a selling point. It's actually easier to adjust a front parallax. I'm currently leaning toward the classic v, but if one is a vastly superior scope than the others or I can save a few bucks I'm always up for that.

What say you all? (I am also open to suggestions, but they have to be new, below $300 shipped, and above 16x magnification)

Mueller eraticator 8.5-25x50 is $239 at swfa

Swift premier 8-32x50 is like $267

Nikon Buckmaster all day i have the 4.5-14x40 and its strong bright and very clear and defininitley the 6-18x40 for a .22. I have mine on a .308 savage axis

I ruled out the eradicator because I don't like the lighted dot. Premier is a possibility, but it's going on a short barreled 223, and large 50mm scopes would look funny I think. 20x is plenty of power. Cypher, have you compared the buckmaster to a weaver or vortex offering? I"m sure it is very fine, they're all nice scopes, I'm just trying to pick the best among good options.

Go for the Weaver V-24, you won't be sorry, I have had a v-16 and I could see .22 caliber bullet holes at 100 yards with it on white paper and USBR targets. .22-25 cal. at 150 should be easy with the V-24, These scopes are clear and the semi target turrets are very repeatable. Of the scopes you listed it is the best, IMO. I'm not a big fan of the Mueller either, they do have outstanding customer service though..

how do you feel about weaver's reticles? The comments I see on midway all talk about the reticles being too thick.

If it's range only I don't think you can beat the glass on the super sniper and stay under $300. Their 20x42mm is $299 and is probably clearer and more trackable than all the other ones suggested

I have a Pentax gameseeker 30mm 6-24 I like it and well below your budget. But it is a side parallax so that might take it out.

I have never had a vortex so i dont know anything about them. But for i have had weavers and of all of them i owned the nikons have been much brighter and more durable im also shooting a .308 so i need something that will hold up from the recoil. And the weavers recticles from the ones owned have never been to thick.

I own both a Vortex Viper (the same one you mention) and a Nikon Buckmaster 4.5-14x40. They are both very nice scopes in terms of optical clarity and build. My Nikon has the BDC reticle which makes shooting out to 600yds with my .204 extremely easy. I personally prefer the viper because of the finger resettable turrets. You can zero the scope then lift on the turrets and return them to zero. Then you can dial in shots using the turrets or use the hashes on the reticle of your choice. My Viper sits in Talley one piece low 30mm rings. The bolt clears the scope, but it does nick the Butler Creek cap on the eyepiece. Because of its' options and warranty I would go with the Vortex.

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Originally Posted by greyling

how do you feel about weaver's reticles? The comments I see on midway all talk about the reticles being too thick.

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If you're asking me, the Wavers come in many choices. I had a fine cross-hair with 1/8" target dot, that's pretty fine.
Too fine for hunting, but awesome for range shooting. This is the same dot that is in the T-24 and T-36

I used to highly recommend the Weaver's, but after having two Classic V's take a crap on me in the last year I think I'd recommend a toilet paper tube over them nowadays. In both cases one of the internal lenses came loose and in both cases they had never seen rough use - just trips to/from the range (which is about a mile from my house)

were both fixed by Weaver?

I've never had a single problem with mine.

Sent them both back about two months ago and am still waiting to get them back.

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Originally Posted by MrFurious

Sent them both back about two months ago and am still waiting to get them back.

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I'd be on the phone with them.

I also like the Vortex, I think they are a step up in quality from those other scopes mentioned, remember they are a $400 dollar scope everywhere but at cameraland.

Absolutely , I paid $300/tax @ Cameraland for my Vortex Viper, 4.5-20x44.