Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Optics Recommendations Needed for Sub-$300 Scope

I’m helping to look for a scope for a friend. He’s a 71 year-old gentleman who wants a new scope for his Rem 700 7mm Rem mag. The scope on it currently is a 1970s era Redfield piece of junk so virtually anything new will be a significant improvement. It’ll be used for deer hunting, occasionally in the woods but also around fields from elevated blinds with up to 250-yard shots. He does not want a fixed power model. I’m thinking a variable in the 3-10x or 3-12x range would be best. The kicker is that he has very limited funds and needs to be under $300; and, he doesn’t want anything used, wants to buy new. Probably will be the last scope he’ll ever purchase so it should be something reliable.

So, what’s the most bang for the buck scope out there given his criteria? I’m thinking maybe something in the Burris line, possibly a Fullfield model. Your thoughts?

Thanks in advance.

If you're looking, something in 3-9x40 is the most common and should be the best bang/buck. I'm looking for something different but, if I see anything that qualifies, I'll try to remember to post it here.

I'm thinkin' similarly.

FC

Natchez has some very good deals on their Burris Droptine series. I ordered 2. I have not yet used them but optically they seem good to me.

https://outdoors.natchezss.com/search?w=Droptine

Yep I just got a Burris FFII 3-9x40mm w/ ballistic plex from MWUSA for $159. Good deal on a great scope well under your max. I have one on a medium-weight 30-06 and it’s performed BEAUTIFULLY.

PM sent. We've got a few great options. Please give us a call to discuss this

VX-3I 3.5-10 should be high on the list. Doug has a number of samples in that range as well. There are a number of scopes listed in the Classifieds that would fit the bill.

I'm a Burris fan, but the Droptine is lower end, and I'm not a big fan of the FFII. The Fullfield E1 Duplex, if you can find one, would be a good option. The E1 ergonomics trump the FFII.

We've got new:

Burris Fullfield E1 3-9x40mm - 4A Illuminated for only $249.99

Burris Fullfield E1 4.5-14x42mm - Ballistic Plex E1 for only $219.99

New - Open Box:

Leupold VX-3i 3.5-10x40mm - Duplex only $299.99

Please feel free to give us a call to discuss these or other options

A used Zeiss Conquest/Meopta Meopro/Cabelas Instinct 3-9x40 for $300ish will easily outclass any of the new options for $300 or less than I know of.

I’d do the same. Nothing much to touch them till you get triple that price point.

Get the E1 3-9x40 4a/illuminated from Doug.He'll be all smiles...

Winner winner chicken dinner.

IF you can find a used Meopta or can spring to $350 for one of Doug’s specials, they’re better scopes, but not sure they’re enough better that he’d know the difference between those E1s for $100....many might, but many won’t....for the $.

If it isn’t snatched up, there’s a meopta for $315 in the classifieds now.

Scope for under 250 yds. with a 7 maggie is easy..

https://cameralandny.com/shop/brand...0135-de4b-00163e90e196?variation=1693943

Regular Plex not ballistic plex as you don't need any hold over at that range..
Forget the E1..
I am older than your friend and with my eyes the finer E1 reticle sucks..

I like the Fullfield if he wants to be way under $300 but I’d snag the Leupold if he can live with $299. Either would be light years of what he has. Whatever it was, I’d get him a duplex. I doubt he’s interested in learning mildots or bdc’s at this point. OpticsPlanet has the Burris E1 3-9x40 plex for $150 and there’s always coupons. They’re good, reliable scopes for the money

Thanks again for all the great input, guys. Yeah, you're spot on about him not wanting any specialized reticles, a basic duplex will do the trick. (Side note, I do have some of the E1s myself and I do really like them.) I think his decision will come down to the Leupold VX-3i or one of the less expensive Burris options, if he wants to save the dough.

Yeah, I've used these for years. One of my favorite "hunting" rifle scopes... Can't stand the E1. That conquest in the classifieds looks awfully tempting too. Also, for Zeiss, the Terra 3-9x42 with RZ-6 reticle is a good scope for the money. The RZ-6 is very similar to the ballistic plex reticle Burris has in their FFII...

The FFII ballistic plex reticle trumps the E1 big time...just sayin.