Guys, I'd appreciate some personal experience-based recommendations for a new scope, given the following criteria:

--The rifle is a Tikka T3 in .270 WSM
--Use is for longer range (300 yards or so) whitetail hunting from elevated blinds
--Variable power with the max being in the 14-16x range
--Good quality optics, and especially, excellent light-gathering for low light conditions, when the big bucks come out.
--Preference is 50mm objective, but not mandatory
--Price limit is around $500

Given that, what's the most bang for the buck, in your estimation?

Thanks in advance.

My opinion is a nikon 4-16x50 with BDC great in low light conditions, under your price limit and will work for your yardage. 4 power for close shots and 16 for long shots. just my opinion...

Gunny, which Nikon model is that?

I know the Monarchs are great but not sure if it would be in my price range.

Crusader, it's a Nikon Monarch 4-16x50 SF BDC Matte Finish the Nikon website says 549.00$ but you can get them cheaper at cabelas or other sites or a local FFL dealer can probably get you one for under 450.00. Let me know what you decide on!!!, I like the Monarch because I can go to the nikon website and go to spot on and put all my stuff in and shoot at long range with really good accuracy...

Crusader: My 270 WSM has a Leupold 4.5x14x40mm variable scope on it - I could NOT be happier with this scope choice.
The intended use of my Rifle (Remington 700 LSS) is longer range Antelope and Mule Deer Hunting on public lands.
Best of luck with whichever scope you choose.
Hold into the wind
VarmintGuy

The Monarch 4-16x50 sells at SWFA for $379.95, leaving enough of your budget for quality mounts and a sun shade. It's a great scope if you can live with 40 inches total W&E adjustments.

Ive shot that scope out pretty far the moa thing is over rated. With the BDC reticle there is no need to crank the turrets. Its a hunting scope not a tactical model.

This is pretty good advice. Ask yourself what you want to do with the scope? Do you want to crank turrets, or do you want to shoot it a bunch and know where YOUR load hits at each distance with each reticle marking?

The scope for under 400 bucks, and 100 bucks extra worth of ammo/components to practice with at longer range might pay off for you more than "better" glass.

The best lightest brightest I have is above your budget. That said, I've got Leupolds on almost everything else. Trijicon 2.5-10x 56mm, 30mm tube. Amazing, truly.