On a 30-06 shooting mostly 168 gr Barnes. Any recommendations with a max of $500? Will be hunting elk, cold weather, max 400 yard shots I imagine

http://www.cameralandny.com/optics2/meopta.pl?page=meopta541800

Many good options that have worked well for me in the PNW. Here's how I've rolled:

1. Burris FFII 3-9x40 with ballistic plex reticle: Works great for shots out to 500 yards.

2. Zeiss conquest 3-9x40 or 3.5-10x44 (you can find these used for under $500.00).

3. Bushnell/Bausch and Lomb elite 4200 2.5-10x40 with rainguard lens coating. I've also used the firefly reticle, but found it too bold/thick. Personal preference I guess..

4. Leupold VX3 3.5-10x40

5. Nikon Monarch 2.5-10x42...

If I had a $500.00 limit, this is where I'd start. Above that and I'd be looking for something like this Swarovski 3-9x36 I have on my 338 win mag elk rifle:

http://www.natchezss.com/leupold-vx-3-riflescope-495424.html

I hunt with a 30-06, 500 yards is my top end for practice. I'm happy with the VX3 2x8/B&C. If you were interested in a bit more magnification I'd try the VX3 3x10. But the B&C reticle works well for me -500 yards. The 2.5x8 is a solid all around hunting scope.

Don't eat much for a month or two and look at the VX-3 4.5-14. At 400 yards that 14 power is your friend.

MBhunt, how's the field of view with that 4.5-14. Good for hunting in the timber? I've never used one is the reason I'm asking... I have heard, here, that they can be like looking thru a paper towel roll...

I have several older Leupold 2.5-8 variX-III's on rifles including my 338WinMag that I've used for elk. It does everything I've ever asked it to do and then some. That being said, I don't think the newer Leupold VX-2 3-9 CDS gives up much in comparison.

I'm going with the FX3 6x42

+1 or 6x36 or 3-9x40

Leupold VX-3, 3.5-10 x 40

Can't go wrong

KC

Leupold 3X9 compact, B&C Reticule

I was in the same boat as you.
I ended up talley rings and a Nikon monarch 2.5-10 with bdc. The bdc is nice for quick shots. At 400 yards a 8" target fills the circle at 10 power. Having the low power in the brush is nice. I can see the tip of my barrel.

The Meopta at cameraland would be a contender but id probably grab a 3-9x40 Zeiss Conquest from Euro optic for $300 and use the extra $200 in savings for something else like bullets, powder, primers etc. The Leupolds are nice dependable scopes and hold their value well.

If 500 yards is a maximum and your targets are deer sized 8or 9 power should be plenty. My eyes are nothing special and 9x on a Conquest works very well out to 600.

6x36 Leupold. LR reticle if you want but at 400 yards a standard Duplex works fine.

BCHunter666, We've used Leupold 2.5-8's for many years,and had very good luck at ranges out to 400yards.on animals smaller than elk.The low power(2.5)gives you a nice wide field of view in timber.If your ranges are only 400 or a little more,I always opt. for the low power for the short(possibly moving) shots! JMHO. memtb

Straight Leupold 6 power will cover 99 % of your Elk Hunting needs for optic

Regarding my suggestion of the 3X9 with the BC, I recently had a chance to test mine somewhat. Mounted on a 338/06, 210 Nosler with 53 grs of Reloader 15 it's dead on at 100 yards, elevated to the second line of the scope it's 3" high at 200 yards, and I think the third should be pretty close at 400.
I just got a new range finder and will attempt to verify that in a few days.
I expect a 2X8 would be pretty much the same.

2.5-8 or 3-9 Leupolds I'm no long range shooter and either of these will fill my needs out to 400yds.

My '06 wears a Leupold VX3 2.5-8, and IMO, is a near perfect scope for this rifle. The '06 is not necessarily a super long range cartridge, and for ranges out to 300 or so, a top magnification of 8x is way more than adequate for most game.

Gotta keep it to low power in the tight stuff. Not the greatest for field of view but if you are hunting out here in the west that scope gives you confidence at the longer ranges.

I screwed up again in promoting a Leupold 3X9 BC. I don't even know if Leupold makes one.
I have a 3X9 lupy and also a 2.5X8X36. For the second time this week I got confused on numbers. The 2.5X8 is the one I was talking about.
Sorry, I'm having more and more senior moments.

As several have already suggested, 2.5-8X36 Leupolds seem to work best on '06'S and .338win Mag's.

Good luck with your choice.

Gary

Thanks all...I'm thinking that leupold 2-8 is a great recommendation.

Deciding on power is tough with so many choices. I think the best all around for most people is the 3X9 and that is what is on almost all of my rifles. I have never really felt I needed lower than 3X for any situation in close. But I have had a hankering for a little more power when I go elk hunting, so I just bought a Leupold VX-2 4x12 x 40 on sale at Cabelas. So far I really like it. You have to get used to the low end in close quarters, but it is very doable and that 12X is sweet at 2-400 yards.

I got the AO/CDS model for $350 ($150 off)

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Shooting/Optics/Riflescopes%7C/pc/104792580/c/104752080/sc/104535180/Leupoldreg-VX-2-Riflescopes/1318778.uts?destination=%2Fcatalog%2Fbrowse%2Friflescopes%2F_%2FN-1100246%2FNs-CATEGORY_SEQ_104535180

Good choices, all. Most of my rifles are scoped with the #1 option, the Burris FF-II 3-9x w/ Ballistic Plex reticle. Just picked another one up for the .30-06 my soon-to-be second son-in-law will get on his wedding day. Daughter #1 has one on her .308 Win. Both will be going on their first elk hunt in late October. My .280 Rem, which I plan to use, has the same scope.

That scope will cost you about $170 online or $199 in stores, leaving lots of money for ammo and other items and expenses.

Buy the best Vortex you are willing to. They are the best deal in optics today with a warranty that can not be beat.

2.5-8 good, 3.5-10 leup better, 4.5-14 leup best. shop for a used one.

Have shot elk with Zeiss , Burris ffii


Playing with this scope now

Good scope for the money. Tracks well


https://www.primaryarms.com/Primary_Arms_4_14X44_FFP_Scope_p/pa4-14xffp.htm

I hear good things about Vortex and their warranty, but how long has Vortex been in business? With their quality, they will probably be in it for the long haul, but I like the track record of Leupold. Always had great luck with their scopes and how is their warranty?? My brother dropped his gun on a hunt and bent the scope. He sent it in to them and they said they couldn't fix it so sent him a new scope free. Can't beat that warranty from a company that has been here for a LONG time

First to introduce a fog free scope and they also came up with the duplex cross hairs. They make quality scopes that are comparably priced and made in the USA.

Until something changes about that, they will continue to get my business.

Looks like Vortex optics started in 2004 and are an American company. Does anyone know for sure if they are manufactured in the US. Sounds like it.