Howdy folks,

Wanted to reach out in hopes you guys could educate and advise me on a scope purchase.

Couple of initial details.

-I have never owned a centerfire rifle, just traded for a .270 and need to outfit it with a scope. I know almost nothing of scope technology.
-I basically hunt public land exclusively. No crazy long shots on fields or power lines for me. I have never killed a deer at more than 100 yards, not that I wouldn't, I just can't usually see that far!
-I'm kinda cheap! I would prefer to stay under $200, $150 would be preferable

I have seen you guys suggest NatchezSS to folks before so I started my search there. What I found was a mind boggling array of scopes available that are less than $200.


I picked 4 that I thought offered decent specs around my price point, but I am open to ANY other suggestions based on your expertise.


Nikon buckmaster 3x9x40 - $120

Vortex crossfire 2 4x12x40 - $125

Bushnell elite 3500 3x9x40 - $170

Nikon prostaff 5 2.5x10x40 - $180

Thank you very much!

I might give the vortex a try at that price.

I would go with a leupold vx 1 or 2. Or the bushnell elite

Of those choices, I'd get the Bushnell elite 3500

Find a used Bushnell 3200 3X9X40. Better IMHO than anything new under $200.

Let me inform you! Barska has the best. Its called a Barska Colorado 3x9x40. They cost 37 bucks online at amazon.com. free shipping. I have them on all my guns. They are worth 200 bucks each in my opinion!!!!! Look them up. Totally unbelievable quality.

If youre just starting out then youre not gonna be wrong with any of your choices and as time passes youll learn more about scopes and rifles if that's what you want to do.

Of those listed I'd lean toward the Bushnell for your use. One reason is power. Two of the others you listed are higher power. From what I read , you don't need a high power scope , as your shots are not long. A 3-9 more than enough.

Make sure you get something with a good hunting/killing reticle , not some mill dot long range/ paper punching deal. A medium to heavy duplex or heavy number 4 or such will get deer killed. Reticle is VERY important IMO.

Thank you to all who have provided advice!

I will look into the reticles, that is a very good point and I wasn't considering it closely. I appreciate that pointer 2dogs.

Jake, $37 is perfect for my cheap azz but I can't tell if you're being serious. If so I will look into Barska, though I don't mind spending a bit more.

I was strongly leaning towards the Vortex but some of the reviews I saw were less than flattering. I was about to pull the trigger on it until reading that.

Cactus I would love to have one of those Leupolds but they're just too expensive for me right now based on their website pricing.

If you shop around I think you can "sneak up" on a Leupold VX-II for very close to your $. Put a WTB post in the classifieds , someone on here may have one.

Why not post a wanted ad in the classifieds?
Buying used will likely allow you to get a better scope than what your budget would have allowed.

Good suggestion on the classifieds and I may well do that. My only concern with buying used is the warranty. I believe that that Vortex and Nikon offer "lifetime" warranties but I do not know if that warranty would be transferable in the case of a used scope.

The 3200 Bushnell I suggested is full warranty used or not,so is any Leupold or Zeiss. You really need to think of this scope as a lifetime investment and save the money to buy something decent.

I've seen too many cheap skates with blister pack Walmart scopes spend $40 on a scope and then blow $100 on ammo trying to get that POS sighted in. Then they miss a big buck and sell gun and scope to the pawn shop and repeat the whole cycle again, all the while trying to find a good gun that will consistently shoot well,when all the time the problem is that they are too cheap to buy a scope that will work every time.

Take some good advice and if you have to buy new get a Leupold VX2. Cameraland NY has some sales right now,or just buy used.

Thanks Clark for all the details! I found that 3200 on Midway for a price I could probably swing, with a heavy reticle.

I'm not trying to be super cheap and buy a $40 Walmart version, but I am frugal generally.

After hearing a bit of info from you all I think I will post a WTB in the classifieds looking for either:

Bushnell 3200 3x9x40
Leupold VX2 3x9x40

I get the impression from you all that either of these will serve me will for years to come, especially with a warranty.

Thank you all for taking the time to respond. I know where to turn in the future with my questions on guns or gear!

Here ya go.

VX-2, 2-7 and 3-9 Leupolds with Duplex for $239 at Camera Land. Pretty much a no brainer IMO.

And SWFA may beat that price if you call them on it.

I agree with the others. For a deer gun, a new/used Bushnell Elite 3200 or 4200 (don't buy a new 3500....made in China instead of Japan like aforementioned Bushnells) or a Leupold VX2 would be the absolute cheapest for me to fully trust. If by some chance Natchez has any Weaver Super Slams, Grand Slams, etc. on a great sale....fantastic, bulletproof glass too.


https://www.natchezss.com/weaver-re-desi...3-31-matte.html

This below is fantastic glass too and I love the illuminated dot for whitetail hunting. I have since moved to Trijicons on my main rifles but this scope (though heavy) is amazing for the $.

https://www.natchezss.com/weaver-classic...icle-matte.html

Thanks 2dogs, I had never heard of SWFA and they appear to have the best prices on most of the mentioned scopes.

Jug thank you for that, I was just about to ask what the difference between these models. I appreciate those links too, $50 more to get illuminated dot seems to be a decent deal, though I am wholly unfamiliar with Weaver.

So China vs Japan with the Bushnells.

What is the difference between the Leupold VX 1 and 2? Basically just glass quality?

Thanks!

So I cannot attest for the scopes. But I have bought several things through the wish app you can get for your phone. Millions of items dirt cheap. I looked at scopes and they have " Bushnell and leopold" for 50 bucks. All items come from japan, so dont burn me at the stake. But if you pressed for cash and dont need the top of line brands for just 50 to.100 yrdd it could be an option. Next scope I got will be from this app.

SWFA.com does 110% price matching. I buy the bulk of my optics from them for that reason.

Any of those are good but get a 50mm obj. There is a difference.

In his price range there's not a lot available with 50mm. Those that are won't have the quality of glass of some listed above in the 30-40mm range. The quality of glass and reticle are waaaay more important than the objective size IMO. Quality of glass is $ well spent when buying scopes.

Midway has some good deals on leupold right now. On the vortex, the diamondback series would be in your price range and had better glass than their crossfire series. Sometimes you can even find a viper in your price range. Another brand to consider would be Burris. Their droptine 3-9x50 is in your price range and is an excellent scope.

Don't rule out used scopes. Get the best light gathering scope you can afford. Personally I would opt for a bushel elite with a 50mm objective with at least 10-12 power or a Zeiss conquest NOT a Terra.

Don't mean to get anal, but that feller doesn't need, much less pay for, a big ol' 12 power Hubble when he can't see to shoot over 100 yards.

The 50mm scopes just seem to "fill" the scope with image much faster.

If he can't see then the larger power would be a help.

I may be wrong but , I took it he's never killed one beyond 100yds and by not seeing, he's in the woods not fields.

Even out to 400 about 9 powerish is plenty IMO.

After re reading it I believe you are correct

I have to agree with 2Dogs here. I've never had a shot that could have been made with a 50mm but not a 40mm scope.We also need to take into account that you can get more for your money in a 3X9X40 scope than in a highpower 50mm scope. In other words you will have to spend more money to get the same quality with a higher magnification larger objective.

A good 3x9X40 is where I would be looking.

To the OP
The Bushnell 3200 series is discontinued,not to be confused by the new cheaper China made 3500. You should be able to find a 3X9X40 Bushnell 3200 Elite for $100-$150 on the used market.

I also agree that the Japanese made Weavers are good scopes.I would ask where the model is made before buying. The 3200 and 4200 Bushnells are also Japanese made.

There is an excellent Manufacturer in Japan known as LOW (Light Optical Works) that makes some very high quality scopes,including the highest end Vortex Razors and Nightforce in the $2000 range. Many of the best Japanese scopes are made by LOW.

buy one of these
https://samplelist.com/catalog/product/view/id/138851/
https://samplelist.com/catalog/product/view/id/138681/

youre out of your rabbit ass mind

And here I was not saying anything because I was trying to be nice.

BARFSKA!! LOL

You wont beat that 3-9x40 firefly for $110. That is a fine, fine little scope and I'm a big fan of the firefly reticle on a hunting gun.

The only negative is that C condition likely has ringmarks. You might find one on E bay nicer, but at least you know that you can trust SWFA to send the scope.

Definitely good scopes, I have one of the 50mm models, my only complaint would have to be the length..

I think the 50mm models are really long,but I bought a 3X9X40 3200 for a friend a couple years ago and it was just normal length. One good thing about long scopes though is that you can mount one on a long action and still adjust the ER where you need it.

How about an Osprey scope. I know Mr. Clark, I have never forgot your comments about the O-pray it works scope.....lol

Sorry buddy,you have me confused with some other smart A, I've never used the O-pray it works comment.

Seriously though I usually try to stick to scopes in the $200 and above range and well known names like Leupold, Weaver, high end Bushnell, Zeiss, Etc. Etc.

The Leupold VX1 and VX2 or out of production 3200 and 4200 Bushnell Elites are about as cheap as I feel comfortable recommending. I only do so because I've wasted enough money on cheap brands to just buy a good brand before.

When it comes to scopes, you usually get what you pay for, as it is for most everything in life. The best information I can give is to select a scope with a reticle heavy enough to be seen in low light and 50mm objective lenses don't help if the glass is schitty. Never used any scopes other than Leopold, Zeiss and Swarovski. The Leopold VX-I or VX-II in a 3x9 would be the best bet near your price range IMHO. If you search around and don't get in a hurry you will probably find a VX-II around $200 - $250.

I've had nearly all the big name scopes up to the $800 price point. The scope above is as good as any of the others if low light performance is your main goal. The glass is as good as the Trijicon and Zeiss Conquest although it isn't quite as crisp at the edges but that has no affect on my hunting. It is heavier but for my purposes it is the best I've ever had for the money. My brother in law owned a Meopta Meostar R1 3x12x56 and he sold it in favor of the Weaver. Not because it wasn't as good but because the Weaver was as good in low light hunting as the Meostar and the illuminated dot made a difference to him too.

What's the deal with "Offers not available in TN. Georgia,or AL."?

I believe they sell to shops & wholesalers and such.

I know of a shop south of Birmingham that has been selling Leopold vxII 3-9-40 for I believe $159. If your interested PM and I'll get you there contact info.

Under $200 - Nikon Prostaff or Leupold VX-1. Can get both in 3-9x40 std duplex for $160-$180 on the net. I have a cpl Nikons and now using the Leupold Vx-1s.

They are a wholesaler and won't sell to retail costumers in states that they have wholesale customers. I just get my orders shipped to my sister in Florida.

Barska Colorado. I'm telling ya

Even if they were great,I couldn't stand to spend $39 on a hunting scope. My mounts cost more than that. I spend twice that on a range trip and at least that much at the fast food joint on my way back from the range trip. I just don't think I could live with myself.

I really hope you are just trolling. BARSKA is scraping the bottom of the barrel

All im sayin is that barska colorado is better that the nikon bushmaster. By far. And the nikon is over a hundred bucks. And is a big bulky piece of junk compared to the colorado. He said he wanted a cheap scope. A hundred bucks is a cheap scope to me. And the nikon bushmaster is a joke. It should be 37 bucks and i wouldnt want it for free.

Nikon pro staff is worse too. Yeah i said it. Get the colorado and pro staff and compare. I bet you guys never even seen one. Wise guys i tell ya

Nikon pro staff is worse too. Yeah i said it. Get the colorado and pro staff and compare. I bet you guys never even seen one. Wise guys i tell ya

And any scope under 200 is the bottom of the barrel. I know some women that are at the bottom of the barrel. But some of them are fine as all get out. Just cause they aint high class dont mean they aint quality appearance and function.

Dude you're talking to yourself, there are Doctors that can assist. Seek help.

First off, thanks to all who provided advice and pointers!

Just to update you all, I ended up getting what I think was a good deal on a used Bushnell Elite 3200 3x9x50 in really nice shape. I think this scope will serve me very well on this first rifle and I have been playing with it around the house in the evenings, it does quite well in low light.


Now its time to get some rings and get the scope mounted up and sighted in, and I hoped to turn to you all again with a few questions.

Anyone have a suggestion on good quality rings? I have seen a lot of folks suggesting DNZ mounts and the ones I handled this weekend at Bass Pro sure seemed solidly made.

Also, in you guy's opinion, would I be better off buying a laser bore sight and mounting/sighting the scope myself? Alternatively I am sure I could find somewhere to take it and have it done, I just have never done this myself and want to make sure it is right!

Final question for you all, what is a good high quality bullet for a .270 and whitetails or pigs? I picked up a box of Federal 130 grain Nosler partitions, but wasn't sure if there is something else that is better. The previous owner of the gun suggested he has had the best accuracy with 130 grain loads so I am inclined to stick with that. I am going to go ahead and order a few boxes online so I am open to suggestions.

Thanks again!

Good job on scope choice. With a light weight Kimber I would use Talley lightweight rings. I like to put a very thin coat of rubber cement in them. It adds holding strength and prevents ring marks. Don't over tighten mounts.

No need for a bore sighter. I've never seen one that works well anyway. When you sight in start at 25 yards. Make a black dot on paper the size of a half dollar or something similar like a medicine bottle cap or whatever you have handy to trace with. Use that dot target at 25 yards. Set up on sandbags. You can make some out of old pants with gallon freezer bags inside.

Remove your bolt with the gun rested on sandbags and sight down the barrel to center your dot in the barrel.Without touching the gun,look through the scope and see where your cross hairs are. Adjust until the dot is centered in the barrel and in the cross hairs. You may have to look and adjust several times. You adjust backwards to center the dot VS point of bullet impact.

Shoot at 25 first and fine tune. Then move to 50 or 100 depending on how well you are shooting. If you can't yet shoot a tight group stay at 50.

With factory ammo,don't buy but a box until you see how well it groups. Different brands and bullet weights may shoot better in your particular rifle. Partitions are great and I like any bonded bullet like Accubond or Fusion. A Barnes TTSX would also be a good choice.

Thanks for the response R_H. I like that idea of sighting in using the barrel.

This is going on a Ruger American, I only wish I could afford a Kimber! Lightweight is not as much a concern for me as is durability.

When you say not to buy a box of ammo, do you mean a case? I was planning on grabbing a few different boxes based on suggestions received and seeing what performs best when I hit the range.

Sorry,I had you mixed up with someone else. The American is a good rifle though. What I said is don't buy but a box,which is country bumpkin for, only buy one box at a time, of any one brand or bullet weight, until you see what your gun likes.

Yep you sure did say buy but a box. It has been a long day and I apparently can't read good.


I will look into the Barnes TTSX. I think I saw some Hornady superformance with a bonded bullet so I will look at those also.

Would you still suggest the Talley rings on the American?

Just depends. Talley Lightweights are fine,and what I use when I am trying to save weight,as in buying a Kimber, but I like to mount a Picatinny rail if I don't care about a few ounces. The scope you bought likely has plenty of tube length for any mounts you want to use,but the benefit of a picatinny is that you can mount shorter scopes and still get the placement you need for good eye relief placement. A rail and rings will cost a bit more and the only reason to use one in your case is if you might change scopes sometime. I like to upgrade every few years.

For right now,I would suggest some bases and Burris Signature Zee rings. Those rings have an insert so you don't have to lap rings and they are less susceptible to torque and damage your scope if you over tighten. I suggest you use a torque driver if at all possible and torque to manufacturer specs.

Just walked out of gander mountain wirh a new leupold vw2 3x9 40mm for 179.99. All scopes are 40 % off