$350 Scope Recommendations

[BayouBuck985]

Hey Guys, I am looking at getting another rifle scope for my .308. I already have a nice Swarovski Z6 on my other .308, but I picked up a backup rifle on the cheap and instead of swapping the scope from rifle to rifle, I would like to get a decent scope for about $350. I am also considering buying a higher quality used scope as well. It’s for a whitetail rifle in the South, where most shots are in dense brush and no more than 200 yards, so I don’t need really high magnification or larger objective lenses for that matter. I do really like generous eye relief, so beside Leupold, please let me know opinions of others that would suit my needs. I had a Vortex Diamondback before, but I got rid of it to get a Leupold VX Freedom. Mainly on the eye relief aspect. Thanks in advance.

 

[markwilson171]

Can find a vortex viper hs in that price range pretty easy. Can get one used for even sub 300 sometimes.

 

[Jnasa]

Hey Guys, I am looking at getting another rifle scope for my .308. I already have a nice Swarovski Z6 on my other .308, but I picked up a backup rifle on the cheap and instead of swapping the scope from rifle to rifle, I would like to get a decent scope for about $350. I am also considering buying a higher quality used scope as well. It’s for a whitetail rifle in the South, where most shots are in dense brush and no more than 200 yards, so I don’t need really high magnification or larger objective lenses for that matter. I do really like generous eye relief, so beside Leupold, please let me know opinions of others that would suit my needs. I had a Vortex Diamondback before, but I got rid of it to get a Leupold VX Freedom. Mainly on the eye relief aspect. Thanks in advance.

Ive seen quite a few 3x9 scopes on the used market. Leupold and Vortex both have good warranties that make it easier to buy used

You can try a Leupold Freedom or Vortex Diamondback if you want new. They should work fine for your purposes.

 

[BayouBuck985]

Leaning toward another VX Freedom at the moment, unless I find something higher end but used.

 

[SFC B]

You might want to check out the Burris Fullfield. Good value, same great warranty as expected (better than Leupold) and with the new Knob Synergy you can choose like 4 different turret options if you want something other than old school capped turrets. $260 or $350 if you want illuminated. We shot a demo with them a couple of weeks ago and I liked the 4x16 Fullfield enough to buy one as a "just to have scope". Bonus.....HQ in Greely, call center/service/customer service is all there along with assembly of their high end stuff and the Steiner US stuff (they are both owned by Beretta) and I can say directly that NONE of our other suppliers have put as much effort into training us, being available to answer anyone's questions or be as excited about their stuff. https://www.scheels.com/p/00038101533?queryID=c2758c2410221a9

 

[Wolfshead]

I have a Skinner Sights 1-6x24 lpvo on my 308 compact which I use in the thick stuff as well as the AG fields near me.
I shot my Buck this year on an AG fields near me at 270 yards with 10 minutes of legal shooting light left, and had no problems seeing my target.

https://skinnersights.com/collections/optics/products/skinner-optics-scope-1-6x24

$259
This is a ten shot group at 100 yards with the top shot a called flyer.

 

[TN2shot07]

I have a Skinner Sights 1-6x24 lpvo on my 308 compact which I use in the thick stuff as well as the AG fields near me.
I shot my Buck this year on an AG fields near me at 270 yards with 10 minutes of legal shooting light left, and had no problems seeing my target.

https://skinnersights.com/collections/optics/products/skinner-optics-scope-1-6x24

$259
This is a ten shot group at 100 yards with the top shot a called flyer.

View attachment 413536

I’ve been pleasantly surprised with the skinners. I have 2 of the 1-4’s on lever actions, seems like a solid option for the money (not sure who they have building them). They also have that new 1-10 if he was wanting to stretch it out a little bit!

 

[Islander]

Best scope for that price is SWFA 6x42 fixed. About $300. Will hold zero like your life depends on it and return to zero if you dial.

 

[Wolfshead]

I’ve been pleasantly surprised with the skinners. I have 2 of the 1-4’s on lever actions, seems like a solid option for the money (not sure who they have building them). They also have that new 1-10 if he was wanting to stretch it out a little bit!

My experience is that they are really good scopes, and I have nothing but good to say about them. I’ve hunted pretty hard with mine, and no issues.
Mark Sheeren, one of the guys from the Big Woods Bucks crew, he swears by them.
Also Skinner sights is a great company with a lot of integrity.
I’ve seen the 1-10s, and to be honest my 1-6 is plenty for me out to my 300 yard max shooting distance.

 

[BayouBuck985]

You might want to check out the Burris Fullfield. Good value, same great warranty as expected (better than Leupold) and with the new Knob Synergy you can choose like 4 different turret options if you want something other than old school capped turrets. $260 or $350 if you want illuminated. We shot a demo with them a couple of weeks ago and I liked the 4x16 Fullfield enough to buy one as a "just to have scope". Bonus.....HQ in Greely, call center/service/customer service is all there along with assembly of their high end stuff and the Steiner US stuff (they are both owned by Beretta) and I can say directly that NONE of our other suppliers have put as much effort into training us, being available to answer anyone's questions or be as excited about their stuff. https://www.scheels.com/p/00038101533?queryID=c2758c2410221a9

Yes, I saw these and thought this was the route I was going before realizing this new line of Fullfield’s are made in China. The cost is attractive, but I’d be tempted to spend a little more on something like the VX Freedom.

 

[Bulldog0156]

Another vote for the burris full field. They're pretty solid for the price. Zero stop is a bit of a pain because of the small set screws but it works well once set.

 

[Hem]

I have a nearly new 3-9 Freedom id sell for <$350

 

[Wind Gypsy]

Sorry to be that guy.. but this a little above budget would be in a different class than most of the chicom stuff that goes for 350 or less.

https://www.eurooptic.com/trijicon-huron-3-9x40-german-4-crosshair-1-in-satin-black-riflescope-2700004

Meopta optika 5 2-10 if you can find one is a nice scope too. Their service centers/support in N. America are no longer but I'd still take that chance over using a lesser optic that is more likely to need service.

 

[BayouBuck985]

Sorry to be that guy.. but this a little above budget would be in a different class than most of the chicom stuff that goes for 350 or less.

https://www.eurooptic.com/trijicon-huron-3-9x40-german-4-crosshair-1-in-satin-black-riflescope-2700004

Meopta optika 5 2-10 if you can find one is a nice scope too. Their service centers/support in N. America are no longer but I'd still take that chance over using a lesser optic that is more likely to need service.

I read about the Huron, and it looks nice and seems to be better quality, but it seems that the eye relief is too short and the least of the other scopes.

 

[SFC B]

Yes, I saw these and thought this was the route I was going before realizing this new line of Fullfield’s are made in China. The cost is attractive, but I’d be tempted to spend a little more on something like the VX Freedom.
[

The new Fullfields are made in the Philippines...... those VX Freedoms are Chinese glass (although Leupoldv won't tell you). Just got mine last night.

 

[BayouBuck985]

The new Fullfields are made in the Philippines...... those VX Freedoms are Chinese glass (although Leupoldv won't tell you). Just got mine last night.

Interesting, but that’s positive news. I saw a chart from Burris that showed all their scope models along with the country of manufacturing. I do like the 3-12x56 with the 4Ai reticle.

 

[rookieforever33]

I read about the Huron, and it looks nice and seems to be better quality, but it seems that the eye relief is too short and the least of the other scopes.

Most report the eyes relief on these only matters if at higher power in the range, or on a hogh recoiling rifle. I was worried about the same thing before I bought a Trijicon. Happy to report no issues with my eye relief shooting similar ranges you are.

 

[Hams42]

I picked up a Arken LH-4 and I love this thing. I have a Gen one Viper HSLR on another gun and it doesn't compare to the $300 Arken. Really good eye relief.