What's a good hunting scope?

hunter33 · November 9, 2007, 08:58 PM

whats a good hunting scope for a 280 .The farthest shot would probably be 200 yards most mostly around 80 yards.I wouldn't really wanna go over 250$ and dont want a really cheap one.I was thinking something in the power of a 3x9 or 3x12.Maybe list a couple of scopes that you might fit my needs?

Art Eatman · November 9, 2007, 09:10 PM

My 3x9s haven't helped me kill deer any easier than when I had an old K4 on top of my '06. Deader, either, for that matter.

On one of my longest shots, my 3x9 was set on 3X. One shot, DRT, at 350 yards...

Most folks buy way more scope than they need, just like I have.

gbran · November 9, 2007, 09:35 PM

Ditto what Art said. If your shots are <200yds, you can probably get a very good quality 4x fixed power scope for less money than a lesser quality variable.

williamd · November 9, 2007, 11:02 PM

Yep. K2.5 on an 06 Husky carbine, K3 on a 243, K4 on a custom Mauser 280, K10 on a 222. A Winchester 4X shotgun scope on a Rem M742 carbine. I do have a couple of variables ... in my safe.

Personally, I think variables are over blown and misused. I know and hunt with guys who crank up to max and use the scope instead of carrying light weight binoculars. When one tells me I watched you cross the ridge, or more through the brush near the river, I get that nervous feeling. And, when they see a deer in our brushy country the high setting is more harm than good.

FirstFreedom · November 10, 2007, 11:02 AM

Depends on the budget. If you've got $400, look at the Bushnell/B&L Elite 4200, 2.5-10x40mm. If you've got $225, look at the Sightron S2 3-9x42mm. What's the realistic budget here?

jem375 · November 10, 2007, 11:14 AM

good scopes are the Bushnell 3200 and 4200, Nikon Buckmaster and Monarch, Weaver Grand Slams, any of these will do the job just fine for you..

Scorch · November 10, 2007, 01:48 PM

Seriously, if you are just talking short range work, a 1.5-5X variable would be nice, as would a 4X.

This question made me think (and that hurts!). You just don't hear very many people ask for low powered scopes these days.

And people using rifle scopes as binos makes me feel a little nervous, too.

bswiv · November 10, 2007, 02:54 PM

With SCORCH on this.

A 2-7 or 1-5 will, in most instances, do a very good job. Here in NE FL. the woods are thick and I've found that it's almost never that I budge my Leupold 2-7 off the 2 setting.

And I am 100% with him on the whole using "scopes as binos" thing.

goalie · November 10, 2007, 04:22 PM

I have had no problems harvesting deer here in Minnesota with a fixed 4x Nikon Monrach scope on a Marlin 30-30 or a fixed 4.75x Weaver Grand Slam on a .270 bolt gun.

I rather like the simplicity of the fixed 4x scopes (my .375 H&H has a 4x Monarch as well) on my hunting rifles. If I had shots at deer that were longer than 200 yards, I might think about hunting with the 6.5-20x Nikon Monarch that is sitting on my .308 bolt gun, but there's no bean-field hunting anywhere in my near future......

ZeroJunk · November 10, 2007, 04:35 PM

Seems to me like the demand for fixed power scopes is too low for the manufacturers to have a broad offering.I don't want to pay $350 for a 6X42 Leupold.I have a Nikon 4X on a muzzle loader, but can't seem to find one now.And,I would rather have a 6X.

I use a rifle scope for binoculars all the time.I see no point in carrying an extra item when I have one already attached that will work just fine.

goalie · November 10, 2007, 04:57 PM

Quote:

I use a rifle scope for binoculars all the time.I see no point in carrying an extra item when I have one already attached that will work just fine.

So, when you are out deer hunting, you have no problem identifying objects with your rifle scope as they come into view? I only ask, because those "objects" can often turn out to be fellow hunters.

Me, I wouldn't hunt with someone that thought it was acceptable to point his rifle at me and glass me through his rifles sighting device. That's just me though.....

JKump · November 10, 2007, 05:24 PM

I like fixed powered scope for hunting. For the money you can not beat a Nikon 4 x 32 prostaff. A little over a $100 dollars at Wal mart. I have used this scope for the past 4 years with great results in all kind of weather at distance from 10 yards to 200 yards. I can not complain. Here is a picture of as 10 poimter that i harvested this year with this scope.
http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/c...p/100_0229.jpg
You can see the scope mounteed on the rifle. Good luck with which ever scope you pick up.

ZeroJunk · November 10, 2007, 06:31 PM

Quote:

So, when you are out deer hunting, you have no problem identifying objects with your rifle scope as they come into view? I only ask, because those "objects" can often turn out to be fellow hunters.

Me, I wouldn't hunt with someone that thought it was acceptable to point his rifle at me and glass me through his rifles sighting device. That's just me though

I wouldn't hunt with anybody I thought was stupid enough to pull the trigger.But,I know what you are saying.I use them to determine if it's a trophy I want,not to figure out what it is.
Fortunately, a man and a deer or elk don't look very much the same.If I get to where I can't tell the difference within rifle range I will get some binoculars.

odsixer · November 10, 2007, 06:54 PM

What about a leupold vx-1 lr? I think this might be just what you're after.

http://theopticzone.com/detail.aspx?ID=3833

goalie · November 10, 2007, 07:05 PM

Quote:

Fortunately, a man and a deer or elk don't look very much the same.If I get to where I can't tell the difference within rifle range I will get some binoculars.

You don't hunt much in the early am or at the end of legal light then, eh? I'm surprised, that's usually a good time to hunt white-tails. I got mine with 4 minutes of legal light left to shoot on opening evening, and without my binoculars, I couldn't even tell if it was a doe or buck at less than 25 yards. I sure as hell could see it fine through my glass though, I just used glass that wasn't attached to a firearm until I was sure of my target, then I used the glass attached to the rifle to take the shot.

YMMV

ZeroJunk · November 10, 2007, 07:15 PM

Goalie,you very well may not have the experience or may still be too eager and excited by the hunt.I probably was also 30 years ago.So,I am going to change my mind and agree with you.Binoculars should be used,and a rifle scope only when the hunter is sure that the movement is not another hunter.

wolverine350 · November 10, 2007, 09:15 PM

Nikon Buckmaster 3x9x40 can be had for 200 and dang nice scopes

goalie · November 10, 2007, 09:50 PM

Quote:

Goalie,you very well may not have the experience or may still be too eager and excited by the hunt.

The last time I was excited while shooting at something, that "something" was shooting back. That was over 15 years ago for me, so I defer to your much more extensive 30 years of experience.

Anyhow, while I enjoy deer hunting, I don't exactly get "buck fever" up in a deer stand.

I truly wish I was super-eager and excited though. I miss it.

ZeroJunk · November 11, 2007, 07:40 AM

Quote:

I truly wish I was super-eager and excited though. I miss it

I agree with you on that.But,I still enjoy the outdoors.Just pass on most shots anymore.

Back to the original question.I like the Nikon Monarch scopes for the money.The Bushnells are good, but are longer.

Hawg · November 11, 2007, 08:00 AM

I've got a Simmons 44 mag I've used on my main hunting rifle for years. It's never let me down but if it breaks into little pieces the next time I pull the trigger it's been money very well spent.

king.460 · November 11, 2007, 10:00 AM

I only hunt with a handgun so my answer may be of no interest but I really like the Aimpoint 9000 that tops my .460 because of the durability and simplicity. The red dots don't hold light at dusk so binos are good to have but sight acquisition and dependability make up any negatives.

Mtn Hawk · November 13, 2007, 03:02 PM

JKump--

I like fixed 4X scopes for their simplicity and ruggedness but the one I looked through did not focus so objects were blurry out to about 25 yards. Is this typical of fixed-power scopes or do some have focusing adjustments, like variables?

Thanks........

PS: Nice looking rifle, scope and deer!

Art Eatman · November 13, 2007, 05:18 PM

I've always been able to adjust the eyepiece and get rid of any blurriness. Pretty sharp focus, from fairly "up-close" on out.

Jets2007 · November 13, 2007, 06:18 PM

Nikon Prostaff 3x9

Nikon Buckmasters 3x9

Leupold- has a bunch of models in the $200-$300 range.

williamd · November 13, 2007, 10:37 PM

Well, ZeroJunk ... I think ZERO and JUNK are perfect for you! Hunt alone!

November 9, 2007, 08:58 PM	#1
hunter33 Senior Member Join Date: September 19, 2007 Location: oregon Posts: 289	What's a good hunting scope? whats a good hunting scope for a 280 .The farthest shot would probably be 200 yards most mostly around 80 yards.I wouldn't really wanna go over 250$ and dont want a really cheap one.I was thinking something in the power of a 3x9 or 3x12.Maybe list a couple of scopes that you might fit my needs? __________________ My information might not be helpful but just think of it as a bump

November 9, 2007, 11:02 PM	#4
williamd Senior Member Join Date: March 13, 2007 Location: SoCal Posts: 801	Yep. K2.5 on an 06 Husky carbine, K3 on a 243, K4 on a custom Mauser 280, K10 on a 222. A Winchester 4X shotgun scope on a Rem M742 carbine. I do have a couple of variables ... in my safe. Personally, I think variables are over blown and misused. I know and hunt with guys who crank up to max and use the scope instead of carrying light weight binoculars. When one tells me I watched you cross the ridge, or more through the brush near the river, I get that nervous feeling. And, when they see a deer in our brushy country the high setting is more harm than good. __________________ "Outlaw guns and only outlaws will have guns!" Unfortunately, we may be moving in that direction. NRA Benefactor, Conservative!, VN '64-'65. Never sell a gun or a car ... and retire rich!

November 10, 2007, 11:14 AM	#6
jem375 Senior Member Join Date: May 31, 2002 Location: Minnesota Posts: 390	good scopes are the Bushnell 3200 and 4200, Nikon Buckmaster and Monarch, Weaver Grand Slams, any of these will do the job just fine for you.. __________________ Life is too short to spend it with an ugly gun..... NRA Life Member

November 10, 2007, 01:48 PM	#7
Scorch Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2006 Location: Washington state Posts: 15,248	Seriously, if you are just talking short range work, a 1.5-5X variable would be nice, as would a 4X. This question made me think (and that hurts!). You just don't hear very many people ask for low powered scopes these days. And people using rifle scopes as binos makes me feel a little nervous, too. __________________ Never try to educate someone who resists knowledge at all costs. But what do I know? Summit Arms Services

November 10, 2007, 05:24 PM	#12
JKump Senior Member Join Date: November 30, 1998 Location: Middle Georgia Posts: 428	I like fixed powered scope for hunting. For the money you can not beat a Nikon 4 x 32 prostaff. A little over a $100 dollars at Wal mart. I have used this scope for the past 4 years with great results in all kind of weather at distance from 10 yards to 200 yards. I can not complain. Here is a picture of as 10 poimter that i harvested this year with this scope. http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/c...p/100_0229.jpg You can see the scope mounteed on the rifle. Good luck with which ever scope you pick up. __________________ Live everyday as if it is your last! Because someday you will be right. "Everyone has a game plan until they get punched in the mouth".

November 9, 2007, 09:10 PM	#2
Art Eatman Staff in Memoriam Join Date: November 13, 1998 Location: Terlingua, TX; Thomasville, GA Posts: 24,798	My 3x9s haven't helped me kill deer any easier than when I had an old K4 on top of my '06. Deader, either, for that matter. On one of my longest shots, my 3x9 was set on 3X. One shot, DRT, at 350 yards... Most folks buy way more scope than they need, just like I have.

November 9, 2007, 09:35 PM	#3
gbran Senior Member Join Date: May 18, 2004 Location: Middle California Posts: 364	Ditto what Art said. If your shots are <200yds, you can probably get a very good quality 4x fixed power scope for less money than a lesser quality variable.

November 10, 2007, 11:02 AM	#5
FirstFreedom Junior member Join Date: May 31, 2004 Location: The Toll Road State, U.S.A. Posts: 12,451	Depends on the budget. If you've got $400, look at the Bushnell/B&L Elite 4200, 2.5-10x40mm. If you've got $225, look at the Sightron S2 3-9x42mm. What's the realistic budget here?

November 10, 2007, 02:54 PM	#8
bswiv Senior Member Join Date: June 4, 2006 Location: NE FL....... Posts: 1,081	With SCORCH on this. A 2-7 or 1-5 will, in most instances, do a very good job. Here in NE FL. the woods are thick and I've found that it's almost never that I budge my Leupold 2-7 off the 2 setting. And I am 100% with him on the whole using "scopes as binos" thing.

November 10, 2007, 04:22 PM	#9
goalie Senior Member Join Date: May 18, 2004 Location: Minnetonka, MN Posts: 120	I have had no problems harvesting deer here in Minnesota with a fixed 4x Nikon Monrach scope on a Marlin 30-30 or a fixed 4.75x Weaver Grand Slam on a .270 bolt gun. I rather like the simplicity of the fixed 4x scopes (my .375 H&H has a 4x Monarch as well) on my hunting rifles. If I had shots at deer that were longer than 200 yards, I might think about hunting with the 6.5-20x Nikon Monarch that is sitting on my .308 bolt gun, but there's no bean-field hunting anywhere in my near future......

November 10, 2007, 04:35 PM	#10
ZeroJunk Senior Member Join Date: August 14, 2006 Location: Browns Summit NC Posts: 2,589	Seems to me like the demand for fixed power scopes is too low for the manufacturers to have a broad offering.I don't want to pay $350 for a 6X42 Leupold.I have a Nikon 4X on a muzzle loader, but can't seem to find one now.And,I would rather have a 6X. I use a rifle scope for binoculars all the time.I see no point in carrying an extra item when I have one already attached that will work just fine.

November 10, 2007, 06:54 PM	#14
odsixer Senior Member Join Date: May 17, 2007 Location: great white north Posts: 316	What about a leupold vx-1 lr? I think this might be just what you're after. http://theopticzone.com/detail.aspx?ID=3833

November 10, 2007, 07:15 PM	#16
ZeroJunk Senior Member Join Date: August 14, 2006 Location: Browns Summit NC Posts: 2,589	Goalie,you very well may not have the experience or may still be too eager and excited by the hunt.I probably was also 30 years ago.So,I am going to change my mind and agree with you.Binoculars should be used,and a rifle scope only when the hunter is sure that the movement is not another hunter.

November 10, 2007, 09:15 PM	#17
wolverine350 Senior Member Join Date: November 27, 2006 Location: ponca city ok Posts: 746	Nikon Buckmaster 3x9x40 can be had for 200 and dang nice scopes __________________ CVA Kodiak Magnum .50 cal Marlin 981T 22LR Bolt Action Remington 770 Bolt Action 270 Thompson Center Encore 243

November 11, 2007, 08:00 AM	#20
Hawg Senior Member Join Date: September 8, 2007 Location: Mississippi Posts: 16,191	I've got a Simmons 44 mag I've used on my main hunting rifle for years. It's never let me down but if it breaks into little pieces the next time I pull the trigger it's been money very well spent.

November 11, 2007, 10:00 AM	#21
king.460 Senior Member Join Date: August 26, 2007 Location: Hale County, AL Posts: 103	I only hunt with a handgun so my answer may be of no interest but I really like the Aimpoint 9000 that tops my .460 because of the durability and simplicity. The red dots don't hold light at dusk so binos are good to have but sight acquisition and dependability make up any negatives.

November 13, 2007, 03:02 PM	#22
Mtn Hawk Member Join Date: March 22, 2006 Posts: 82	JKump-- I like fixed 4X scopes for their simplicity and ruggedness but the one I looked through did not focus so objects were blurry out to about 25 yards. Is this typical of fixed-power scopes or do some have focusing adjustments, like variables? Thanks........ PS: Nice looking rifle, scope and deer!

November 13, 2007, 05:18 PM	#23
Art Eatman Staff in Memoriam Join Date: November 13, 1998 Location: Terlingua, TX; Thomasville, GA Posts: 24,798	I've always been able to adjust the eyepiece and get rid of any blurriness. Pretty sharp focus, from fairly "up-close" on out.

November 13, 2007, 06:18 PM	#24
Jets2007 Senior Member Join Date: April 10, 2007 Posts: 190	Nikon Prostaff 3x9 Nikon Buckmasters 3x9 Leupold- has a bunch of models in the $200-$300 range.

November 13, 2007, 10:37 PM	#25
williamd Senior Member Join Date: March 13, 2007 Location: SoCal Posts: 801	Well, ZeroJunk ... I think ZERO and JUNK are perfect for you! Hunt alone! __________________ "Outlaw guns and only outlaws will have guns!" Unfortunately, we may be moving in that direction. NRA Benefactor, Conservative!, VN '64-'65. Never sell a gun or a car ... and retire rich!