Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Optics Best Bang for the Buck in a 3-9 rifle scope?

Nikon Monarchs 3-9 are excellent scopes. I have 1 and wish I had more. I compared it to a VXIII 2.5-8 in a darkly lit Gander MT. The difference was quite evident. The Nikon was better. Not sure if the loopy had bad glass, but the difference was obvious.

The Nikon was also head and shoulders brighter and sharper than the new 2-8 and 3-12 Nikon Monarchs.

To MY EYES the Nikon doesn't lag behind the Zeiss Conquest by much.

Absolutely +1 on the Viper (I now have three). I've also had good results with two Burris FFII's: a 4-14x42 and a 3-9x40. I've gone toward irons and smaller scopes so the 4-14 is going bye-bye; however, the 3-9 is still on my Ruger 10/22 in .17 HM2. Definitely decent bang for the buck but I'd still go Viperm - a phenomenal value.

Turners have a chain of 15 or so stores out here and each week email out a "Wednesday off the hook special" all sales are one day in store only.

This weeks special is a CZ 455 American for $299

Well thanks for the reply, sounds like a great little store. I would probably be in there every Wednesday buying stuff I don't need.

For $200 or less I'd say an FFII. I own a couple and I'm very happy with them. I have a few Leupolds and until you get to VX-II, the FFII's are the way to go and better than the VX-I IMHO.

Used Leupold 6x42.

I put the Burris FF II 3x9x40 on my 257 wby as a temporary and that is where it has stayed for years. I used to have a conquest and they are great also. I just like the Burris and am used to it I guess. It ain't nothing fancy but it gets the job done for me. I have been amazed at how tough that scope is. If it dies tomorrow it won't owe me anything.

Art: this is your time!

My bang/buck leader is the 3-9 Conquest, especially on a long-action rifle. Just a killer scope. $350 ain't $200 though.......

Just a tip, a lot of shops that handle used guns can sell you a good brand of used scope very cheap. Many people buy the rifles and want it priced without the used scope that is on it.

no offense to either of you guys but the Vortex Viper ain't any where near "almost Conquest". I checked one out and the eye relief was terrible and the glass was not up to par with any of the mid range scopes that I have. To say that these scopes are anywhere near in the same ballpark as a Zeiss is a joke. But to each their own.

Hello! I have two of the 2x7x32 Vortex scopes. I also think that they may be the the best bang for the buck delivered for $175 scope out there.

Must... resist... starting... "How-to-focus-a-Vortex" thread...

Seriously, though, we're all different. A shooter's gotta use his or her own eyes. From a practical standpoint, the OP can't go wrong with any of the suggestions so far: there's not a dog in the bunch.

The only thing more subjective than asking, "which is best", is asking, "what's best for the $.

FC

For a sub $200 3-9 scope, there are many decent alternatives, I like the Nikon Buckmasters, Burris FFII, and the Weaver V9, and a used Leupold would be another viable option. I have had a pair of Burris FFII with Ballistic Plex reticle for about 6 years and both have served me well. I have no experience with the Bushnell 3200's that are being closed out. I guess the best one is the one you like the best, as it seems like personal preference is the real difference maker. I would certainly take a hard look at the Redfield Revolution as well. From what I have heard, they are quite comparable to the others listed and run about 20% less money. If you want to save even more, natchezss.com has the Burris 2-7x35 in realtree camo for just $109.95 plus shipping. I am trying to resist the temptation to order one "just to have on hand".

I assure you that it was focused properly. This ain't my first rodeo boss....

In any case like I said, I was unimpressed but we all have to get what makes us happy. I for one would never just order a scope that I hadn't checked out somewhere in person. Gotta go check em out so you know what you like....

For me... best 3-9X for $200 and under = Bushnell Elite 4200.

For $400 and under = Zeiss Conquest w/ Z-Plex reticle.

Both damn near impossible to beat at their respective price points.

3-9 4200s are very good. I picked up a couple in Browning trim on closeout and are a couple of my favorites.

I love Monarch quality glass and eye relief as much or better than VX-3
The 3-9x40 Nikon Monarch is top gun Monarch glass in trim and lightweight (12.5oz) Prostaff body and current sale price at a few places is now $199.00

$199 with free shipping too:
http://dealspl.us/product/nikon-monarch-ucc-3-9-x-40-mm-rifle-scope

That's a great post, FC.