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Affordable scope for hunting at 25-200 yards? |
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donrleonard
Optics GrassHopper Joined: January/16/2022 Status: Offline Points: 4 |
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Posted: January/16/2022 at 23:15 |
I have a 450 Bushmaster (Ruger Ranch bolt action) rifle that I plan on using to hunt deer and boar at ranges from 25-200 yards in low light, primarily at 3-6x. Budget is around $300. I have been researching rifle scope optics for over a month, and I’m an efficient researcher. Yet I struggle between 4 options.
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Scrumbag
Optics Master Extraordinaire Joined: October/22/2013 Location: London, UK Status: Offline Points: 4205 |
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1 or 2 as options are hard to beat.
Scrummy
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Was sure I had a point when I started this post...
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donrleonard
Optics GrassHopper Joined: January/16/2022 Status: Offline Points: 4 |
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do you think it’s pretty much a wash between them? Not enough difference between a $200 Vortex and a $300 Leupold to fuss over in terms of real world hunting?
I will say this, I’m very impressed with the edge to edge clarity of the Crossfire II. I just wish I could do a side by side at dusk to see whether the extra 10mm of the Vortex is worth the size/weight difference.
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Sparky
Optics Master Extraordinaire Joined: July/15/2007 Location: SD Status: Offline Points: 4569 |
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Not on your list but worth a look. And don't skimp on rings Talley's are a good choice.
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donrleonard
Optics GrassHopper Joined: January/16/2022 Status: Offline Points: 4 |
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I’ve snooped around on these Diamondbacks online. Most folks say it’s a step up in optical quality. But even Vortex caution that they are lacking in eye relief and, as such, may not be best suited for a high recoil rifle like the 450 Bushmaster… So many moving pieces, just to get to the place where I start being bad at hunting :P
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CJarvis
Optics Apprentice Joined: January/19/2011 Location: OK Status: Offline Points: 128 |
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Have you thought about checking out the Sample List for used scopes? You might find something there with better performance that’s still in your price range.
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koshkin
MODERATOR Dark Lord of Optics Joined: June/15/2004 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 13182 |
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450 Bushmaster is not a particularly hard kicking cartridge, so I would go with the 3-9x40 Diamondback.
ILya
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Hawkeyes
Optics GrassHopper Joined: March/01/2022 Location: USA Status: Offline Points: 13 |
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Leupolds are made in the USA and the cheaper lines from Vortex come from China if that matters.
I personally prefer the nicer glass in the Leupolds. The affordable VX Freedoms are similar to the VX2 series. Leupolds are less likely to break.
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Hawkeyes
Optics GrassHopper Joined: March/01/2022 Location: USA Status: Offline Points: 13 |
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I personally own 2 different models of the Voretex Crossfire 2 scopes and 2 different models of the Leupold VX Freedom scopes and the glass on the Leupolds are hands down clearer and brighter than the Vortex scopes.
The Leupolds are featherweights compared to the Vortex as well. One of my brand new Vortex Crossfire 2 scopes which is the most expensive one of the 2 has developed artifacts in the glass from just sitting a few mon the still unused in its box. It did not have such imperfections when I first inspected the scope which suddenly developed a few months later while still not used in its box. Looks like a small piece of the inner lens coating bubbling. Also have a lower priced Vortex Copperhead that has developed the same type of glass imperfections after 2 to 3 years of use. It is Also made in China. I do realize both Leupold and Vortex have excellent lifetime warranties but wouldn't expect to have to send the Vortex in before even mounting the scope. This Vortex Crossfire 2 is also made in China. |
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Knotnuts
Optics GrassHopper Joined: March/25/2022 Status: Offline Points: 1 |
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For any shooter I highly recommend a Swift scope. They have an unbeatable optic that continues to fly under the radar despite being a leader in Medical applications. I guess that their sports side sales were always underfunded.
Example # 1 1. I am hunting in the Blackbelt of Alabama with a friend who happens to be a large guy. One day, Dan dropped his weapon and broke the stock. After wiring and taping, he checked the zero and it was still right on. Crosshairs are very delicate and these survived. So I bought my first set of Swift marine Binoculars. Loved them and started buying rifle scopes. If there was ever any issue, a new one arrived with no questions. Eventually the lifetime guarantee only apples to the premium models, which are still priced well. I have other speciality scopes for different purposes and love my Zeiss for precision long range and low light optics but you can’t go wrong with Swift. Reason # 1 My mom the birdwatcher swore by her Swift binoculars, |
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Kickboxer
MODERATOR Moderator Joined: February/13/2008 Status: Offline Points: 23679 |
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I still have a few Swift Premium scopes... they have always performed as required, consistently. Generally "no frills", but none have ever failed me. Very difficult to beat for the price...
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Opinion,untempered by fact,is ignorance.
There are some who do not fear death... for they are more afraid of not really living |
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Dogger
Optics Jedi Master Joined: January/02/2007 Location: Ontario, Canada Status: Offline Points: 8921 |
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Please reference OT Rules #3
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God save the Empire!
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mike650
Optics God Joined: May/14/2006 Location: West of Rockies Status: Offline Points: 14569 |
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Members, don’t click the link on suspicious posts like the one above that Dogger is pointing out.
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“A hunt based only on trophies taken falls far short of what the ultimate goal should be.” – Fred Bear
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Urimaginaryfrnd
MODERATOR Resident Redneck Joined: June/20/2005 Location: Iowa Status: Offline Points: 14964 |
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https://www.swfa.com/swfa-2-5-10x32-ss-ultralight-riflescope-184068.html
SWFA 2.5-10x32 SS Ultralight Riflescope $244.97This would be about the size of a 2-7 so fairly small compared to a 3-9-42. The benefit being the difference between 2.5x and 3x on the low end and 10x vs 9x on the high end. In low light you dial the power down to brighten the image. It shows that it is on backorder but you should have it in a couple months, and they charge the card when it ships to you. Also it has 70 MOA of internal adjustment which is a lot for a 1 inch tube scope much more than most.
Edited by Urimaginaryfrnd - February/02/2023 at 15:02 |
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"Always do the right thing, just because it is the right thing to do". Bobby Paul Doherty Texas Ranger |
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Kevin Peacockee
Optics GrassHopper Joined: February/06/2023 Location: USA Status: Offline Points: 2 |
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Hey there! If you're looking for a scope that won't break the bank but still gives you great performance for hunting at 25-200 yards, you've got a few options. First up is the Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7x32mm Rimfire, V-Plex Reticle. This scope is perfect for hunting and gives you clear, precise shots every time. It's also lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry around. Another option is the Leupold VX-Freedom 2-7x33mm Rimfire, Duplex Reticle. This scope is built tough and is perfect for hunting in rough conditions. It's also super user-friendly with clear reticles that make taking shots at longer distances a breeze. And finally, check out the Nikon Prostaff Rimfire II 3-9x40mm BDC 150 Reticle. This scope gives you a wider view, making it easier to spot game and keep track of your targets. Plus, the advanced lens coatings make it great for low-light hunting. No matter which scope you go for, make sure to do your research and maybe even ask other hunters for their recommendations. Good luck! |
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captainemil
Optics Apprentice Joined: July/26/2010 Location: Texas Status: Offline Points: 67 |
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Crossfire ii Dead Hold 6-24x50 Vortex MOA scope, comes with everything that was in the box . Mounted and took back off. Too big for our little 22. 250.00 TYD
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