Scope Recommendations

Hello all,

Looking for recommendations on a scope for a new rifle. Savage Axis .270 with the stainless barrel. Using for deer average shot is 100 yards. Would like silver to match the barrel. Budget is $150 tops. Haven't bought a scope in probably 8 years not really sure where to start. All opinions considered, thanks! 

Vortex Crossfire ll.  1.5x24.  great eye relief for the lever.

Still looking for advice & recommendations on scope options for my 46-70 Guide Gun Marlin level action. 

This will be for short range hunting big game. Shots under 100 yards. 

Thanks,

Big Mac 

Thanks again to whoever mentioned OpticsPlanet.com. They had (and still have) a "killer deal" going on the Nikon Buckmasters II BDC 3x9x40 for $110, which is $35 off their regular price. Looked at the SWFA site and the same scope was $130, so it does pay to check multiple sites. 

It may not be the greatest scope, but I can already tell it's light years ahead of the scope my combo came with (Remington 783). Will probably hold off on getting higher end glass until I get another rifle that meets what I want for a forever gun. This was just to get me out there with something other than my shotgun with a smooth bore slug barrel. 

hockey guy, I buy used scopes and have had good results. Personally I like the old redfields. The ones made in Colorado. Buy everyone I find.

What are some thoughts regarding buying used scopes? 

No issues here with Nikon Pro-Staff either, I think they are a good hunting scope. I'd maybe spend more if for super long range or competition shooting, but for the average WI deer hunter, and the situation you mention, it serves it's purpose well.

A $150 scope may be "serviceable" if you can achieve some degree of focus and magnification but that's all you'll get if you're lucky.

I'd rather spend $1000 on a top end scope and $200 on a rifle rather than the other way around.

What bassmaster said. Nikon is clearer to my eyes that Leupold. I have zero experience with Vortex but have looked thru one of their bionics. Very clear also.

Tim

If you had a choice between a Nikon Prostaff ($180), a Vortex Crossfire ($200) or a Leupold American Marksman ($200), which would you choose and why?

The three scopes that come to mind (in no particular order) are:

1) Nikon ProStaff 3-9x40

2) Styrka S5 3-9x40

3) Vortex Crossfire II 3-9x40

All of the above have great warranties, good glass and are affordable. This is one of those 'Buy once, Cry once.' instances. Also, get a good scope mount. I always laugh when I see someone that spent $400 on a scope and then slaps in in a set of $20 aluminum mounts and wonders why their $400 scope won't hold zero. You can buy a very serviceable scope for $150, but make sure you get a nice set of mounts or you could still end up with headaches.

I've been shooting Athlon for the past couple years. I'd look into them. They have multiple platforms to choose from depending on needs and budget.

Figured I’d recycle this thread instead of starting a new one...

I stumbled onto a great deal on a used Anderson Tactical AM-10 in .308 so I snatched it up. The previous owner kept the optics so I’m looking for a quality scope that is affordable. I will be using this rifle for whitetail out to 100 yards. Thanks for input!!!

Henome. I don't personally have any experience with thermal but if you call and talk to the people at TNVC I bet they could help.

TNVC

I want to ask about thermal rifle scope, who has it? I found good variant from ATN, it is THOR-HD 384 1.25-5x THERMAL RIFLE SCOPE. I read that it is the most technologically advanced line of thermal rifle scopes on the market bar none. Characteristics and possibilities are impressive. What can you say?

I have bought scopes from Bear Basin Outfitters. I have not bought a scope in a while and don't know if they are cheaper than others mentioned here but it may be worth a look.

Tim 

Bear Basin Outfitters