Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Optics Spare scope under $400?

The dilemma is that all my scopes are mounted so if a scope needs to be checked/verified, the replacement has to come off another rifle. Ideally it would be a 1 inch tube to accommodate rings already mounted and not over 40mm objective to avoid clearance issues. Also it may end up permanently on one of the hunting rifles and what is currently there would be the spare.
Use is hunting deer and pigs on the west coast in fairly open country with personal shot limitation of about 350 yards. Rifles are sub MOA bolt actions from 223 to 30-06. Current scopes are Leupold variables 2-7,2.5-8,3-9 and 3.5-10. Reasonably lightweight and decent glass are a plus.
Currently considering Doug's 3.5-10 Meopta but have heard there may be something wrong with me if I don't have a fixed 6X.
What would you suggest?

Look at another thread on this forum and order A red field Revolution from Whittakers for a bargain price! Theres your spare!

Hehehe......

I always keep a spare Weaver K4 Classic. Would work fine for your stated purpose and a 350 yard max(as stated). Get it done for under $200.

Blacktailer,

I found a Bushnell 4500 2 1/2-10x40 600DOA with an instant $100 rebate and an additional 15% if I claimed it. Plus no shipping cost. Total came to less than $350.

They have a 2 1/2-10X40 plex for $216 and if you claim the XING when you check out you get an additional 15% off.

Can't beat that rainguard.

Weaver Grand Slam 2-8x36 for $230 at Natchez SS.

The Meopta is a great scope, I really like mine. For even less money you could get a Minox ZV 3 or a Burris Fullfield II. I'd be happy with either of those as a back-up.

I would stick with what is working for me. I have had good luck on the classifieds here on the fire.

Pulled the trigger on that Bushnell 4500 2-10. Can't beat 215 bucks.
Thanks Ringman!

Why not a spare rifle with scope on it, sighted in, ready to go. I always take two when I go.

You got the plex. I got the 600DOA. When it gets here I will compare it with some of the other optics. I am really curious about low light performance.

Where is the new 4500 series made?

Supposedly, the 4500 series is assembled in Japan.

Also for those shopping on Optics Planet, use promo code RKET4 for additional 5% off.


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If the purpose is to have a reliable scope that can be used as a spare to confirm that other scopes or rifles are sound, I'd be looking at a SWFA SS 6x or 10x, with a dedicated set of rings that stay with that rifle (assuming you have compatible bases on most of your rifles).

4 X 12 Zeiss Terra

For a no-dialing solution, get a Leupie 6x42.

Or an SWFA 6x.

I have seen Leupold VX3i scopes under $400 recently. I recommend getting a boresighter (I have the Bushnell) and record the crosshair positions after zeroing each rifle. Then, if you have to install a different scope, you can set the crosshairs pretty close without having to sight it in.