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

 

[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

 

[Doublegunner]

I'm doing the same thing.. I got a springfield 2020 boundary rifle in 7RM and looking for the right scope. I really like the trijicon scopes. I'm leaning towards the credo 2.5-15. It does what you want but it's about $200 over your budget. The 3-9 accupoint is under $700 but doesn't quite work with your magnification requirements. I have both of these and they are great. The credo in 3-9 is also awesome. I put that on a cousins rifle and it's pretty nice. Its also under $600. On the 3-9's I get the mil based reticles. Good luck.

 

[Eagle376]

I'm doing the same thing.. I got a springfield 2020 boundary rifle in 7RM and looking for the right scope. I really like the trijicon scopes. I'm leaning towards the credo 2.5-15. It does what you want but it's about $200 over your budget. The 3-9 accupoint is under $700 but doesn't quite work with your magnification requirements. I have both of these and they are great. The credo in 3-9 is also awesome. I put that on a cousins rifle and it's pretty nice. Its also under $600. On the 3-9's I get the mil based reticles. Good luck.

I have been looking at the trijicon accupoint 2.5-12.5x42mm since it seems like a perfect fit but the price is definitely over budget for me right now. I’ve given the 3-9s a look but would like a little more higher end magnification.

 

[Doublegunner]

I have been looking at the trijicon accupoint 2.5-12.5x42mm since it seems like a perfect fit but the price is definitely over budget for me right now. I’ve given the 3-9s a look but would like a little more higher end magnification.

The one thing that gives me pause on that 2.5-12 is that there's no exposed elevation dial. At that magnification I think I would prefer to dial rather than hold over with a ranging reticle. Plus, the dial you can use at any power.

 

[F250]

I have been looking at the trijicon accupoint 2.5-12.5x42mm since it seems like a perfect fit but the price is definitely over budget for me right now. I’ve given the 3-9s a look but would like a little more higher end magnification.

I have both of those. The 2.5-12 on a .300 Win Mag and the 3-9 on a 7mm-08. Very happy with both !!!

 

[Farmerj]

Last scope I bought was a Leupold VX3HD.

My next one will likely be a Burris XTR III or the Meopta Optika6.

The Meopta is supposed to be Schott (German) glass.

 

[rookieforever33]

A lot of shooters like to try new glass like new boots. Check the used market and you can get a vx 5 in that price range with the fire dot illumination. No tax is a bonus. Most decent companies transfer the warranty. If you are unsure about the warranty transfer just call them and verify.

 

[Farmerj]

If you want a Leupold, talk to @schmalts

That who I worked with for my last one.

 

[WVmike]

I had never looks a eurooptic but man there are some good deals.

@Eagle376 I would defiantly check them out. The first scope I was shown was this VX5 https://www.eurooptic.com/leupold-vx-5hd-3-15x44-cds-zl2-firedot-duplex-172368-new It is a tad out of your price range but a smoking deal.

I bought my nightforce from Eurooptic a few years back for way less than MSRP and just bought a Leupold SX4 spotter from them for less than MSRP also. Super fast shipping. I would check the demo section out also my nightforce was a showroom demo and it came virtually brand new with no issues. I also have a Leupold VX3 on my son's .243 and it does a fine job. The VX3 would be a little more in your price range over the VX5.

 

[noharleyyet]

Get this one...from @schmalts
Leupold #180627

 

[schmalts]

If you want a Leupold, talk to @schmalts

That who I worked with for my last one.

I also sell Vortex, Nightforce, Trijicon, Schmidt and Bender, Burris, and a few more.

 

[schmalts]

Guys, a reminder that suggestions are great, but posting links to a webstore are not so great and many times will be deleted as it is hard to weed through the bots and unauthorized advertisers here. So as a general, a reply that is mostly a link to a webstore will usually get the link removed or deleted. Thanks

 

[schmalts]

Last scope I bought was a Leupold VX3HD.

My next one will likely be a Burris XTR III or the Meopta Optika6.

The Meopta is supposed to be Schott (German) glass.

I used to sell a lot of Meopta, but will no longer sell that brand as they no longer have a USA distribution network. They also told me all warranty repairs need you to send them back overseas. Unless that changes I will not sell or recommend that brand anymore.

 

[nrpate05]

I just put a Leupold VX-5 3-15 on my Bergara 6.5 PRC. Sportman's is having a sale on the Gen 1's and they're under $1k. The Gen 2 upgrades seem great, but hard for to justify the extra $500. I think they have a firedot on sale as well.