Best scope for $125 or less?

AFman · January 30, 2012, 09:50 PM

What's the best scope for $125 or less? I'll be mounting it to a Rem 700 varminter 243 Win. I'll be primarily varmint and bench rest shooting. 4-12x or better is preferred. I like clear optics at all power settings. I currently have 3-9x Nikon Prostaff and like the quality, but I'd like something more powerful.

Sorry if this has been discussed before.

S

CTS · January 30, 2012, 09:57 PM

I don't know of any scopes in that price range that I could personally recommend. Not saying there isn't something out there that would work. I do like the ProStaff pretty well but they are usually a bit higher than that. I think things may be pretty dicey in that price range. Have you considered selling the Nikon to put towards something new?

dvdcrr · January 30, 2012, 10:05 PM

At that price point I think you pretty much just buy a tasco or simmons and hope for the best. For just a little more you get a REAL scope: Weaver V9 or Redfield Revolution. That would be in the 135-165 dollar range.

Discern · January 30, 2012, 10:48 PM

Spend a little more and you can get one of the new Redfields. They are also made in the USA with a lifetime warranty.
________________________

If you are stuck on $125 or less, here are a couple of options.

Watch the rebates, and you can get a Bushnell Trophy XLT in that range. With a sale and rebate combined, you can get them well below $100.

Another possibility is the Pentax Gameseeker or Gameseeker 2 with the Precision Plex reticle. This reticle is thinner so, it could work well for varmints. I believe this scope is assembled in China if not made in China. Here is a link from Optics Planet on the Pentax Gameseekeer 2.
http://www.opticsplanet.net/pentax-g...flescopes.html

CTS · January 30, 2012, 10:52 PM

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Nikon-Prosta...#ht_500wt_1200
This looks like a pretty decent deal to me. You won't have much luck finding anything worthwhile in 4-12 for under $125.
Then there is this: http://bri-betpolicesupply.com/produ...oducts_id=1779

Jim243 · January 30, 2012, 10:55 PM

BSA

http://www.opticsplanet.net/bsa-opti...d416x40rg.html

Jim

ronl · January 31, 2012, 12:13 AM

Probably the Vortex Crossfire from SWFA for $99. I bought one just to try it out and it was very good for the money. It compared very favorably with scopes costing much more. A friend has mine mounted on a 700 .270 and it has not lost zero the entire hunting season. Only fault I found with the scope was that the stadia were just a little too thick, but for the price you really cannot complain. Vortex is excellent in the customer service department, too.

wnycollector · January 31, 2012, 05:33 AM

The Simmons WTC 6.5-20x50 is a very serviceable scope for less than $125. I own three WTC's (one 6.5-20 and two 2-10x44's). All are made in the Philippines, have nice clear glass and quality construction. Here is the link for it at midway http://www.midwayusa.com/product/746...la=ProductDesc

AFman · January 31, 2012, 05:47 AM

All--Thanks for the sound advice. I suppose I've been burned more than once trying to get by on the cheap. Looks like I should allocate around $200 towards a new scope...seems to get me near the Redfields, Nikons, Burris etc. I'm probably going to hang on to the 3-9x Nikon Prostaff, as I got it for a steal...found it at Cabela's bargain cave a couple years ago for $89.

Does any one know of current rebates?

Thanks,
Steve

bejay · January 31, 2012, 06:04 AM

for a cheap scope might look at leapers or bushnell banner have had decent luck with both or just spend a little more for better quality.

Aaron1100us · January 31, 2012, 06:38 AM

I have a 4-16X Barska scope on my 10/22. Its pretty bright and clear. $100, can't complain.

Sent from my PB99400 using Tapatalk

warbirdlover · January 31, 2012, 05:55 PM

Spend about $180 and you can get something decent. Like my ProStaff or better yet a Vortex Diamondback.

Te Anau · January 31, 2012, 09:42 PM

http://www.opticsplanet.net/bushnell...iflescope.html

leathermarshmallow · January 31, 2012, 09:57 PM

Redfield has a new scope called the Revenge. It looks promising for just a little more than your $125 limit.

scottycoyote · February 1, 2012, 04:11 PM

the mueller apv is a pretty well thought of scope and its about 125. Also the leapers 5th gen scopes are well thought of among airgunners, its about 100$. A lot of airguns are way tougher on scopes than a centerfire rifle due to the way it recoils, i have a leapers in 6-18 with ao and its a pretty nice scope, ive never used it past 100 yards though so i cant speak to the clarity at higher magnification

Coyote_Buster700 · February 1, 2012, 04:59 PM

Quote:

The Simmons WTC 6.5-20x50 is a very serviceable scope for less than $125. I own three WTC's (one 6.5-20 and two 2-10x44's). All are made in the Philippines, have nice clear glass and quality construction. Here is the link for it at midway http://www.midwayusa.com/product/746...la=ProductDesc

That one is priced at $249

wnycollector · February 1, 2012, 06:53 PM

Quote:

That one is priced at $249

It was on sale for $109.99 when the link was posted. This is the same scope but with a mil-dot recticle for $124.99 through 2/29/12

80viking · February 1, 2012, 08:02 PM

"The Simmons WTC 6.5-20x50 is a very serviceable scope for less than $125. I own three WTC's (one 6.5-20 and two 2-10x44's). All are made in the Philippines, have nice clear glass and quality construction. Here is the link for it at midway http://www.midwayusa.com/product/746...la=ProductDesc"

Yup, I bought for my new 30-06, then after using it I bought a second one for my sons birthday in April to put on his Christmas present.

The sale ended on 1/31/12. I recomend buying the mil dot version if its on sale.

Cowboy_mo · February 1, 2012, 09:38 PM

Pentax Gameseeker II 3x9x40.

http://www.cameralandny.com/optics/p...ge=pentax89740

The guys at Camerland are great to deal with and if your purchase is $100 or more, the shipping is FREE

Should also tell you that I own this scope and a Nikon Monarch. I can't really find any difference in the glass in them and I prefer the finger adjustments on the Pentax to the 'slot' adjustments on the Monarch.

hounddawg · February 1, 2012, 10:02 PM

If you go up to a little over 200 I can recommend the Mueller Eradicator. Had one on a 243 for 100 or so rounds before I barreled it, glass is good and clear, nice positive clicks on the turrents, good repeatability and so far it is holding up ok

Chick · February 1, 2012, 10:16 PM

For that price, the Nikon Pro Staff is your best bet. I saw someone recommend a Redfield Revolution. They cost more than the $125, you stated. I bought one, and it has bright optics, but it would not adjust. Sent it in for repairs, and it came back in the same condition I shipped it. They have provided a shipping label to send it back again. Not a happy experience, but I am sure they will make good on it eventually.

RangerHAAF · February 1, 2012, 11:27 PM

I would recommend BSA, Tasco or NcStar. They're cheap but have good, solid and clear quality optics.

OJ · February 2, 2012, 12:23 AM

I paid $65 for a Simmons 22 Mag scope - works good.

AFman · February 8, 2012, 10:18 AM

Took a look thru Redfield Revolution 4-12x yesterday. I was totally impressed. I compared it to a bushnell banner 4-12x. The refield was very clear!

TX Hunter · February 8, 2012, 03:11 PM

I recomend the Redfield Reveloution, but if its really got to be cheaper than 125 a Simmons Pro Series, or BSA.

January 30, 2012, 09:50 PM	#1
AFman Member Join Date: January 19, 2007 Posts: 42	Best scope for $125 or less? What's the best scope for $125 or less? I'll be mounting it to a Rem 700 varminter 243 Win. I'll be primarily varmint and bench rest shooting. 4-12x or better is preferred. I like clear optics at all power settings. I currently have 3-9x Nikon Prostaff and like the quality, but I'd like something more powerful. Sorry if this has been discussed before. S

January 30, 2012, 10:55 PM	#6
Jim243 Senior Member Join Date: January 5, 2009 Location: Just off Route 66 Posts: 5,067	BSA http://www.opticsplanet.net/bsa-opti...d416x40rg.html Jim __________________ Si vis pacem, para bellum

January 31, 2012, 09:42 PM	#13
Te Anau Senior Member Join Date: June 17, 2004 Location: Somewhere south of the No Posts: 3,824	http://www.opticsplanet.net/bushnell...iflescope.html __________________ "Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it." --American author Mark Twain (1835-1910)

February 1, 2012, 04:11 PM	#15
scottycoyote Senior Member Join Date: November 19, 2005 Location: southwestern va Posts: 830	the mueller apv is a pretty well thought of scope and its about 125. Also the leapers 5th gen scopes are well thought of among airgunners, its about 100$. A lot of airguns are way tougher on scopes than a centerfire rifle due to the way it recoils, i have a leapers in 6-18 with ao and its a pretty nice scope, ive never used it past 100 yards though so i cant speak to the clarity at higher magnification __________________ "i got the most powerful gun in the world........an .88 magnum. It shoots thru schools......"

February 1, 2012, 09:38 PM	#19
Cowboy_mo Senior Member Join Date: June 23, 2010 Location: Missouri Posts: 1,039	Check out this Pentax Pentax Gameseeker II 3x9x40. http://www.cameralandny.com/optics/p...ge=pentax89740 The guys at Camerland are great to deal with and if your purchase is $100 or more, the shipping is FREE Should also tell you that I own this scope and a Nikon Monarch. I can't really find any difference in the glass in them and I prefer the finger adjustments on the Pentax to the 'slot' adjustments on the Monarch.

January 30, 2012, 09:57 PM	#2
CTS Senior Member Join Date: November 6, 2011 Location: NE Georgia Posts: 1,070	I don't know of any scopes in that price range that I could personally recommend. Not saying there isn't something out there that would work. I do like the ProStaff pretty well but they are usually a bit higher than that. I think things may be pretty dicey in that price range. Have you considered selling the Nikon to put towards something new?

January 30, 2012, 10:05 PM	#3
dvdcrr Senior Member Join Date: July 5, 2010 Posts: 665	At that price point I think you pretty much just buy a tasco or simmons and hope for the best. For just a little more you get a REAL scope: Weaver V9 or Redfield Revolution. That would be in the 135-165 dollar range.

January 30, 2012, 10:48 PM	#4
Discern Senior Member Join Date: July 30, 2011 Posts: 471	Spend a little more and you can get one of the new Redfields. They are also made in the USA with a lifetime warranty. ________________________ If you are stuck on $125 or less, here are a couple of options. Watch the rebates, and you can get a Bushnell Trophy XLT in that range. With a sale and rebate combined, you can get them well below $100. Another possibility is the Pentax Gameseeker or Gameseeker 2 with the Precision Plex reticle. This reticle is thinner so, it could work well for varmints. I believe this scope is assembled in China if not made in China. Here is a link from Optics Planet on the Pentax Gameseekeer 2. http://www.opticsplanet.net/pentax-g...flescopes.html

January 30, 2012, 10:52 PM	#5
CTS Senior Member Join Date: November 6, 2011 Location: NE Georgia Posts: 1,070	http://www.ebay.com/itm/Nikon-Prosta...#ht_500wt_1200 This looks like a pretty decent deal to me. You won't have much luck finding anything worthwhile in 4-12 for under $125. Then there is this: http://bri-betpolicesupply.com/produ...oducts_id=1779

January 31, 2012, 12:13 AM	#7
ronl Senior Member Join Date: December 2, 2007 Posts: 1,100	Probably the Vortex Crossfire from SWFA for $99. I bought one just to try it out and it was very good for the money. It compared very favorably with scopes costing much more. A friend has mine mounted on a 700 .270 and it has not lost zero the entire hunting season. Only fault I found with the scope was that the stadia were just a little too thick, but for the price you really cannot complain. Vortex is excellent in the customer service department, too.

January 31, 2012, 05:33 AM	#8
wnycollector Senior Member Join Date: April 22, 2007 Posts: 1,996	The Simmons WTC 6.5-20x50 is a very serviceable scope for less than $125. I own three WTC's (one 6.5-20 and two 2-10x44's). All are made in the Philippines, have nice clear glass and quality construction. Here is the link for it at midway http://www.midwayusa.com/product/746...la=ProductDesc

January 31, 2012, 05:47 AM	#9
AFman Member Join Date: January 19, 2007 Posts: 42	All--Thanks for the sound advice. I suppose I've been burned more than once trying to get by on the cheap. Looks like I should allocate around $200 towards a new scope...seems to get me near the Redfields, Nikons, Burris etc. I'm probably going to hang on to the 3-9x Nikon Prostaff, as I got it for a steal...found it at Cabela's bargain cave a couple years ago for $89. Does any one know of current rebates? Thanks, Steve

January 31, 2012, 06:04 AM	#10
bejay Senior Member Join Date: August 22, 2008 Posts: 195	for a cheap scope might look at leapers or bushnell banner have had decent luck with both or just spend a little more for better quality.

January 31, 2012, 06:38 AM	#11
Aaron1100us Senior Member Join Date: December 19, 2011 Posts: 235	I have a 4-16X Barska scope on my 10/22. Its pretty bright and clear. $100, can't complain. Sent from my PB99400 using Tapatalk

January 31, 2012, 05:55 PM	#12
warbirdlover Senior Member Join Date: December 13, 2009 Location: central Wisconsin Posts: 2,324	Spend about $180 and you can get something decent. Like my ProStaff or better yet a Vortex Diamondback.

January 31, 2012, 09:57 PM	#14
leathermarshmallow Senior Member Join Date: July 6, 2010 Location: WEST VIRGINIA Posts: 108	Redfield has a new scope called the Revenge. It looks promising for just a little more than your $125 limit.

February 1, 2012, 08:02 PM	#18
80viking Senior Member Join Date: December 8, 2009 Location: The Peoples Republic of Massac Posts: 333	"The Simmons WTC 6.5-20x50 is a very serviceable scope for less than $125. I own three WTC's (one 6.5-20 and two 2-10x44's). All are made in the Philippines, have nice clear glass and quality construction. Here is the link for it at midway http://www.midwayusa.com/product/746...la=ProductDesc" Yup, I bought for my new 30-06, then after using it I bought a second one for my sons birthday in April to put on his Christmas present. The sale ended on 1/31/12. I recomend buying the mil dot version if its on sale.

February 1, 2012, 10:02 PM	#20
hounddawg Senior Member Join Date: March 1, 2009 Posts: 4,232	If you go up to a little over 200 I can recommend the Mueller Eradicator. Had one on a 243 for 100 or so rounds before I barreled it, glass is good and clear, nice positive clicks on the turrents, good repeatability and so far it is holding up ok __________________ “How do I get to the next level?” Well, you get to the next level by being the first one on the range and the last one to leave.” – Jerry Miculek

February 1, 2012, 10:16 PM	#21
Chick Senior Member Join Date: January 21, 2005 Location: Texas Posts: 140	For that price, the Nikon Pro Staff is your best bet. I saw someone recommend a Redfield Revolution. They cost more than the $125, you stated. I bought one, and it has bright optics, but it would not adjust. Sent it in for repairs, and it came back in the same condition I shipped it. They have provided a shipping label to send it back again. Not a happy experience, but I am sure they will make good on it eventually.

February 1, 2012, 11:27 PM	#22
RangerHAAF Senior Member Join Date: June 10, 2007 Location: Decatur, GA Posts: 269	I would recommend BSA, Tasco or NcStar. They're cheap but have good, solid and clear quality optics. __________________ A Colt Python's trigger pull is as smooth, beautiful and artistic as a Sidewinder sliding on the desert floor. It is concepts like this that the anti-gunners can never comprehend and why we fight so hard to keep them. NRA Benefactor Life member

February 2, 2012, 12:23 AM	#23
OJ Senior Member Join Date: December 25, 1998 Location: COLORADO SPRINGS, CO, USA Posts: 1,570	I paid $65 for a Simmons 22 Mag scope - works good. __________________ OJ - SEMPER FI - DUTY, HONOR, COUNTRY NRA ENDOWMENT LIFE MEMBER

February 8, 2012, 10:18 AM	#24
AFman Member Join Date: January 19, 2007 Posts: 42	Took a look thru Redfield Revolution 4-12x yesterday. I was totally impressed. I compared it to a bushnell banner 4-12x. The refield was very clear!

February 8, 2012, 03:11 PM	#25
TX Hunter Senior Member Join Date: February 11, 2010 Location: East Texas USA Posts: 1,805	I recomend the Redfield Reveloution, but if its really got to be cheaper than 125 a Simmons Pro Series, or BSA.