Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Optics $100 rifle scope

Ok, guys, this is a tough one. I'll be hunting deer and elk in Idaho - my first time ever - this coming October, and I'm on an exceptionally limited budget. I just spent $700 for a license and non-resident tags, and with all of the other expenses I'm facing, there's only $100 for a scope for my 30-06.

So out of the cheap stuff, what do you recommend? I saw t-bone's rating scale, but there were no specific recommendations for a scope at or under $100. I won't buy BSA or Tasco, but I'll listen to any other opinion you care to post.

And PLEASE don't say, "Save up another hundred and get an XXXXX brand scope." Every cent I've got is accounted for on this trip, and it will be a long time before there's another one.

So give it to me straight, especially if you've actually owned and used one of the economy grade scopes. And this is a special request for Rick Bin - I've seen and benefitted from your postings many times - what would you recommend from a seller's point of view (least returns, fewest complaints, etc.)?

Thanks in advance for your time. This is the adventure of my life, and there just isn't another dollar to spare. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

Bushnell Trophy.

Cheap, bright and they hold up. I don't know of anything else in that price range that does. I've been using Bushnells since 68, never had one go south.

Here's the link to the Cabelas page. Good luck.

http://cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/...&hasJS=true

Good luck.

I have had two Bushnell Trophy's go bad..................

For $100, find a use Leupold Vari X II in 3x9x40. In fact, if you posted you're looking for this scope on the Classifieds, you will probably find one. A $100 used Vari X II is WAY better than a new Bushnell Trophy, KCM's good luck notwithstanding................

For about $100.00, I vote for a 3x9x40 the Bushnell Trophy. I really like Bushnell scopes. I have 3 of that brand.
Smitty of the North

If you are determined to get a new scope for $100, get a fixed power. They are far more rugged in this price range than the variables. Yeah, some say you need a variable to hunt elk, because every shot comes at 500 yards. This is baloney. A 4x is plenty for any reasonable shot. In my experience the K4 Weaver is among the best in this price range. MidwayUSA lists them for around $125.

You can also pick up a used Leupold 4x for about this price, if you check around. Might try asking on the free classifieds here, gun shows, etc. I was just at the Great falls gun show yesterday and saw a good one with a $125 price tag, which probably could have been had for a little less.

MD

You've got plenty of time. Look on ebay, as there are lots of used Weaver scopes to be had(IIRC, there was a 6x, but can't be sure. Ric

czech1022 - I have a Weaver K-4 that I will let you have for $55.00 shipping included in the lower 48. It is the steel tube. El Paso, Texas model with standard crosshairs, the lens are perfect, no yellowing or fogging, no dings or dents on it, it retains about 95% or its original bluing. I also have another of the same with a little more blue wear on the objective bells that I will let you have for $50.00, shipping included. It retains around 90% of its original bluing. They both track perfectly.

Any chance you know somone you could borrow one for the trip? Ya might get away with using a cheap scope, but with what you've already spent on the trip are you willing to gamble? I don't think UPS will deliver a replacement before that 350 class bull heads for the next county <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" />

Fixed: Weaver K4. It makes me question why I spent more.

Variable: http://www.nikonsportoptics.com/product.php?group=16&subgroup=10&product=6310 Nikon ProStaff 3-9x40

good luck,

J Scott

#1 is tentatively sold

For $119 you can buy a Nikon Prostaff 2-7x32, I belive this is the best scope in that price range, I've never seen a cheeper bushnell that impressed me at all. I'm really a Leupold fan but I have 2 prostaff's a 4x rimfire, and a 2-7x32 for the $$$ they cant be beat.

Or you can look in Ebay for a used Nikon, Burris, Sightron, Weaver, or a bushnell 3200.


BTW, there is a guy selling new 3-9x40 nikon buckmasters on ebay for $150 buy it now, thats not a bad deal eather.

ben

czech1022,

First, let me welcome you to the forum.

Second, I see a post about fixed scope for more than your budget. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> Even if someone gave me a low power fixed scope, I would continue that practice and give it to another.

Third, if you are going to buy a new one, you could not go wrong with what these fellows are saying. If used will work, start checking the ads here and other places.

I agree with MD;for the money, a good fixed power scope would serve you well. Natchez www.natchezss.com has the Weaver K2.5 for $106.95, the K4 for $114.95 and the K6 for $118.95, this month. You may want to check out this sight
http://www.charm.net/~kmarsh/scope.html for some background info, although I don't know how accurate or up-to-date the info is. JB, any opinions on this site?

Going with a used scope is also a good idea, however be sure that if you buy used (or new for that matter) purchase from a reputable seller.

Chris

Definately Weaver K-4!!!!

Here is another option for right now: Fujinon 3-9x42 Sale Link

Either search for a used Leupold, or use open sights.

I would MUCH RATHER have open sights than a junky scope.

Between now and Elk season you could make several hundred dollars just mowing lawns or washing cars...IF you wanted the scope of a lifetime for the hunt of a lifetime...

Getting an elk will take more effort that getting a scope...

Look for a used Leupold fixed power 6x. I think that with a little searching you can find one. I would greatly prefer a used Leupold over any of the other choices listed here.

I agree with MD. A fixed 4x scope will serve you well. I still have a 4x tasco that came with my first rifle, a Remington 788. It is a great scope.

I've had trouble with cheap variable scopes. These were simmons, bushnell and tasco.

A freind of mine just bought a sightron I 3-9x for $129. It seems to be a quality scope for the money.

Must just be me, the only scope I've ever had go bad on my rifle was a Leupold 2.5x8. We had three of one lot go south, all three of us. I missed 3 antelope bucks, finally swapped out rifles and got one. The other two guys missed mule deer on a later trip. All went back to the factory, adjustment mechanisms broke.

But there is something to be said for a fixed power. Yes, they are more robust than variables.

I like the variable because I can crank it down for black timber and get the field of view, and crank it up to look at the head before I shoot. There's a certain, low probability that your scope will croak on your maiden elk hunt with it, unlikely but possible. But most any scope can fail. I'm familiar with a Kahles that just went south on an expensive custom rifle.

My experience is that it's hard to get a good price on a Leupold used, at least on Ebay. But you may be luckier than I am.

Good luck no matter what you choose. I hope the elk cooperate, and you get your bull.

I agree with much of what has already been said. Keep your eyes open for a used Leupold 4x, a steel tube Weaver, or other decent quality scopes. I have a Weaver KV (2.5x-5x) on one of my rifles and the view through it is great. I've seen them sale on Ebay for less than $75.00. Hit the pawn shops on your spare time and I'll bet you'll be surprised at what you can find. A couple weeks ago I saw a Bushnell 3200 Elite 3-9x40 for $80.00. Had ring marks, but the glass was perfect.

If you're interested, I've got a vintage Bushnell ScopeChief 3-9x42mm listed in the classifieds for $50.00 shipped. At one time, this was Bushnell's top of the line scope. Has ring marks and marks from normal use, but the optics are clear. This has been on my dad's deer rifle ('56 Winchester Model 70 .270) since the mid to late '60's and he never had an ounce of trouble with it. Definately not a beauty queen, but I think it's a lot of scope for $50.00.