Best "base model scope"

This must be one of the most asked questions that anyone new to hunting & shooting would ask when buying their first centerfire & wanting to hit the hills "whats the best cheap scope"

So lets see if we can help em out heres the criteria, basic 3-9 x 40 ( or round abouts) & brought in NZ for under $500 remember we are looking for a good all rounder, reasonable glass, solid construction, good features, decent warranty & after sales service & good value for money




PS- If Ive missed any obvious ones let me know

I picked VX1 in my limited experience. I really liked the one my mate had over the Bushnell I had, especially the glass clarity, and the rimless picture through it.

Could add the 3-9x40 Nikon Buckmaster scope to the mix Nikon Buckmaster 3-9x40 BDC - THE BASEMENT - Better deals Online | Hunting, Snow Sports, Paintball, Airsoft and more!

If you are buying in NZ at NZ prices I think the the Redfield's represent a lot of value. I actually got one a couple years ago for $350 and it's been my "whore" scope as in it's been on a bunch of my rifles. It tracks reliably while sighting in and has decent class, nice long eye relief and a good sight picture.

Get the Bushnell elite 3-9x40 USD $199 at Natchez, thats under $340 landed here.

Burris ff2 wins hands down for optical clarity imo.... and you get a ballistic plex for easily under $500

This review gets trundled out on a regular basis - about as goods ait gets for the budget scopes.
"Inexpensive Scope" Comparison

I really like my 4-12 VX1 on my 17HMR. Hard to tell if it was any better than the equivalent Bushnells (I couldn't really tell the difference) but it had the same form factor as the 3-9 (quite compact).

I've used a few redfields and was really surprised with the results. They're surprisingly good (however in saying that the ones I last looked at at Gun Shitty didn't seem to be anything special).

Neither of those is really even close to a VX2 though.

Mueller APV 4.5-14 X 40 are good cheap small callibre scopes. At under $250 they are very good value for money.

I'll back the redfield I have owned one and really like them and can not wait to buy another but the next one I get will be the new model redfield that has come out which is the revenge.

I went through this comparison a while back and got it down to the Diamondback and FFII.

Bought one of each, and the Diamondback wins for me. Damn impressive scope with a damn impressive warranty.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by cambo

Mueller APV 4.5-14 X 40 are good cheap small callibre scopes. At under $250 they are very good value for money.

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+1

or the Mueller APT with 30mm tube and mildot reticle.