Versatile Riflescope Recommendations

[Eagle376]

I have a Bergara b14 wilderness terrain in 7mm REM mag that I would like to scope up with a versatile hunting style scope. I am trying to find a scope with a min magnification of 2-3 and a max around 12-15. I’m also looking for a second focal plane and an illuminated reticle since I have a bear hunt this fall and like the illumination for close and/or late shots. I’m looking to spend under $700 and wanted to know what scopes or brands anyone would recommend within this price range?
Also has anyone heard anything good about zero tech or tried their scopes and would it be worth it for this application?

 

[Alpine01]

I'm a Leupold guy but that won't likely fit your budget goals (the VX-4HD is $1000 retail but you can probably get it for less than that). I have heard some decent comments around the Burris scopes but I don't have first hand experience with those. Vortex might have something that works for you but I suspect they are closer in price to Leupold than Burris and they can be hit or miss; some work perfectly for a very long time, others fail early and often so bit of a crap shoot as far as I can tell. As others will likely tell you, buy the best glass you can afford. A great scope on a so-so rifle is better than the other way around. Good luck in your search and good luck in your bear hunt

 

[noharleyyet]

one of these;

https://www.opticsplanet.com/vortex-viper-hd-3-15x44-rifle-scope-30mm-tube-second-focal-plane.html?_iv_code=VX-RS-NBG2-VPR-31502

 

[Eagle376]

one of these;

https://www.opticsplanet.com/vortex-viper-hd-3-15x44-rifle-scope-30mm-tube-second-focal-plane.html?_iv_code=VX-RS-NBG2-VPR-31502

I had originally tried to get this exact scope from optics planet but they claim they expect to ship them in October 2026, hopefully they’ll get more in stock.

 

[Hams42]

I love my vx5. The illuminated scopes don't work with my eyes but other than that the vx5 3-15x44 is everything you want. I think they have versions with illuminated reticles.

 

[Ben Lamb]

I had originally tried to get this exact scope from optics planet but they claim they expect to ship them in October 2026, hopefully they’ll get more in stock.

Europtic has them in stock, but they're not that price ($750). There's an extra 12% off though.

 

[6mm Remington]

Leupold VX3 4.5-14x40mm with B&C reticle in it. Love that scope.

 

[noharleyyet]

Leupold VX3 4.5-14x40mm with B&C reticle in it. Love that scope.

If Lupe would've lume'd I'd have a half dozen mounted.

 

[X13]

You can get some of the illuminated Trijicons (Accupoint, Credo, Credo HX) from EO in the 2.5-10x range for around $700