1.) Callandor2k - 09/14/2013

I am in the market for a new scope for a Remington 30-06. Been looking at a few but not sure which one to pick. I'm on a $150 + tax or less budget.

These are the scopes I am looking at....

CenterPoint Game TAG 4.5-14x44mm $109.99 Wally World.
TruGlo 3-12x44 BDC Reticle Illuminated Rifle Scope $146.90 Wally World.
Bushnell Trophy XLT Rifle Scope 3-9x 40mm DOA 600 $149.99 MidwayUSA.
BSA Majestic DX Rifle Scope 3-9x 40mm EZ Hunter Ballistic Reticle $84.99 MidwayUSA.
BSA Majestic DX Rifle Scope 4-16x 44mm Side Focus EZ Hunter Ballistic Reticle $144.99 MidwayUSA.

I think 44mm is the largest lens I want to go. I don't want the scope to be mounted too high off of rifle. But ballistics reticle of some sort is prefered.


Anyone have any experience with any of these scopes or can suggest something better for same price range.

Any info would be greatly appreciated.

2.) DParker - 09/15/2013

I haven't used any of those scopes, but I will suggest you include Natchez Shooters Supplies ([url]http://www.natchezss.com[/url]) in your online vendor candidates list. They have lot of good deals on closeout optics and even refurbished scopes that are perfectly good but cheaper than they otherwise would. $150 is a tight budget for good rifle glass so you're going to need to be on the lookout for deals.

If you do some shopping around you might find a Nikon Buckmaster 3-9x40 w/BDC reticle for just a few bucks over $150.

3.) Callandor2k - 09/15/2013

[QUOTE=DParker;10756]I haven't used any of those scopes, but I will suggest you include Natchez Shooters Supplies ([url]http://www.natchezss.com[/url]) in your online vendor candidates list. They have lot of good deals on closeout optics and even refurbished scopes that are perfectly good but cheaper than they otherwise would. $150 is a tight budget for good rifle glass so you're going to need to be on the lookout for deals.

If you do some shopping around you might find a Nikon Buckmaster 3-9x40 w/BDC reticle for just a few bucks over $150.[/QUOTE]

Hey thanks for the heads up. They have a Nikon Buckmaster you mentioned. $159.95 That's close enough. May have to consider that one.

4.) Hunter - 09/15/2013

I have the Buckmaster on both of my rifles. Very good scopes - no complaints/

5.) XJCraver - 09/16/2013

You might look at a Vortex, too. The Crossfire model should be in your price range (although without the BDC reticle). For the money, the Vortex's are as clear a glass as you're going to get, and the warranty is unequaled.

6.) Callandor2k - 09/20/2013

Ok. Went to my local Wally world today. They have the Nikon Prostaff 3-9x40 for either $149 or $159. I forget the actual price. Which is better the New wally world Prostaff or the reman Buckmaster for $160 plus shipping. I'm pretty much sold on Nikon scope but need more info on the two from actual users. Kinda leaning toward the Prostaff because I can get it locally.

7.) DParker - 09/20/2013

I can only speak to the Buckmaster, which is a damned good tube for the money. By all accounts the Buckmaster performs slightly better under low light conditions, and the adjustments are a bit easier to use. But the overall quality differential is not huge. So it's pretty much a matter of deciding how much value the instant gratification of picking it up immediately is worth. Being a WalMart you're not going to get any help if you need it, though you may be able to return it to the store if it's defective. Also, check to make sure the refurbished Buckmaster comes with a full warranty.

8.) Callandor2k - 09/20/2013

The refurb Buckmaster is from Natchez Shooters Supplies. I cannot find any warranty info other than return and defective policies.

9.) DParker - 09/20/2013

[QUOTE=Callandor2k;10854]The refurb Buckmaster is from Natchez Shooters Supplies. I cannot find any warranty info other than return and defective policies.[/QUOTE]

Give them a call and ask.

10.) Lonescout - 09/20/2013

I agree with the vortex crossfire. I bought one from opticsplanet.com about three years ago for my 223. Great scope for the money, no complaints and same goes for opticsplanet. Bought a few things from them and have had no issues.

11.) Jon - 09/20/2013

I would also look at a older model (but new) Leupold VXI or II scope. The older models that can still be found in stock new in box can be had for under $200.
I have a Nikon pro-staff 3-9x40mm scope and it can't hold a candle to any of the Leupolds in low light. I haven't used the Buckmaster so I don't know how it performs.

12.) DParker - 09/20/2013

And just in case your choice was in danger of becoming easy I'll throw this potential monkey wrench into the mix: I just got an e-mail notification from Natchez that they're offering a $30 rebate on all of their Trophy XLT binoculars and scopes, including one almost identical to what you had in your original list of candidates (it's a mil-dot reticle instead of the DOA). To make matters worse, they have it in stock already price-reduced to $124.95...

[URL="http://www.natchezss.com/Optics.cfm?contentID=productDetail&brand=BH&prodID=BH733945&prodTitle=Bushnell Trophy 3-9x40 XLT Riflescope Mil-Dot Reticle Matte"]http://www.natchezss.com/Optics.cfm?contentID=productDetail&brand=BH&prodID=BH733945&prodTitle=Bushnell Trophy 3-9x40 XLT Riflescope Mil-Dot Reticle Matte[/URL]

Sorry. :p

13.) Callandor2k - 09/20/2013

Ya. That's the problem. So many good scopes out there for reasonable prices. It's hard to choose which one to get. I may wait till I get to a gunshop or some place where I can get my hands on actual models to see which one I like better and then go from there.

14.) Swamp Fox - 09/21/2013

The only shot I ever took with a Nikon Buckmaster, I missed. I've killed a bunch of stuff with Leupolds.

So that should tell you something. :wink

15.) Hunter - 09/21/2013

[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;10890]The only shot I ever took with a Nikon Buckmaster, I missed. I've killed a bunch of stuff with Leupolds.

So that should tell you something. :wink[/QUOTE]


So........... now you are blaming MY equipment???? :wink

16.) Swamp Fox - 09/21/2013

I'm just sayin'...

:wink

17.) Pa bowhunter - 09/21/2013

I have a prostaff on my .270 and have had no problems with it, but I don't think you could go wrong with any of the scopes mentioned...

18.) DParker - 09/21/2013

[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;10890]The only shot I ever took with a Nikon Buckmaster, I missed. I've killed a bunch of stuff with Leupolds.

So that should tell you something. :wink[/QUOTE]

To take the lens caps off first?

19.) Callandor2k - 09/21/2013

[QUOTE=DParker;10896]To take the lens caps off first?[/QUOTE]

lol.

20.) Swamp Fox - 09/21/2013

Nice try...I'm not gonna get into an argument on the inner-net...

:wink