Quote:
Originally Posted by bluebackbil
I'm thinking maybe a 50mm ol, more light gathering capability, I don't want to spend much more than 350, and the rifle will take any type of scope. I'm hunting in more open country than I'm used to and the shots can be up to 350 yds.
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blue,
Here's a few suggestions off the top of my head in no particular order:
1. First I would take a gander at the list in the link below. I am not an optics expert, but have gazed at more than a few scope reviews, message posts, etc. at various sites (3-gun, tactical, benchrest, hunting, etc.). The ranking is more or less spot-on based on the reviews and opinions that I read across the net from various shooters. I spent a lot of time researching and looking thru scopes. I ended up with a Kahles, but thought I could pass on my thoughts.
http://www.opticstalk.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7452&PN=1
2. If you are concerned about warranties, Leupold of course has a great one. But in response to this, Burris, Nikon, and Bushnell also offer their own lifetime warranties. If you decide to buy one of these, make sure the model you want has the lifetime guarantee. Bushnell is/was also offering a 1yr money back guarantee on the 4200. If you don't like it, you get your money back.
3. Remember that the bigger the glass (i.e. larger objective), the more expensive it will be. Or, the lower the quality if you buy at a lower price.
4. The magnification recommendations so far have been good in my opinion. The 3-9x is popular for a reason, it works for many situations. I also like the 2-7x. The lower mag scopes like the 1-4x will give you faster acquisition at close range.
5. The Burris Fullfield seems to be a decent scope, but if you go this route check to see if it has a one piece ocular. If it does, a flip-up lens cap will end up rotating while you change magnification. This would drive me nuts, but it may not bother you. I also don't like the free crap that Burris packages with the Fullfield II. I would rather have the option to buy the scope for less money. Its a decent scope, but its not the best especially if it comes with something you really don't want.
6. FYI- Leupold seems to generate the most love and hate of all the manufacturers. They are good scopes, but as previously mentioned the optical quality can be matched for less money with other brands. If you search the net, you can find numerous reviews for the Nikon Monarch, Bushnell Elite 4200, and Zeiss Conquest being optically superior to the Leupold Mark IV and VXIII. This follows the scope scale in the link above.
The argument has always been that Leupold gives you this great warranty, but like I said earlier, Nikon, Bushnell, and Burris are offering lifetime warranties. I've asked several optics sellers why in the world does Leupold cost significantly more than any other brand based on optical quality and the only answer I get is the fact that you get the warranty. This is a moot point now.
I would like to support a local company, but I'll be danged if I spend more money than I have to for a lesser product. FWIW, Leupold buys its glass from the same manufacturer that makes Bushnell glass. Its a Japanese optics company that supplies glass to Leupold and Bushnell, although the specs are different.
I wouldn't have a problem buying a Leupold if the price was right. IIRC, the VXI has friction adjustments and not tactile/audible clicks. I wouldn't buy one of these.
7. In your price range, I would once again recommend the Nikon Monarch (probably the UCC since the new Monarch will probably be over your budget), and a Bushnell 4200. If you can spend an extra $50 the Zeiss Conquest is a great scope.
8. Another one to look at is the Browning scopes. They were made by Bushnell using 4200 glass without Rainguard and using 3200 tubes and erectors. Really good scope for a great price. Downsides would be slightly heavier weight.
9. Don't expect too much in scopes in the under $300-500 range. Go to Sportsman's or similar and have a look at various scopes in your price range. I would look at scope under $700. Look at the animal mounts at a distance. Pay attention to the resolution and brightness. Then move up in price and have a look at a Swaro, Kahles, Nightforce, high-end Zeiss, etc. There should be a noticeable difference in resolution and brightness. Go back to your favorite scopes in the $300 dollar range. You'll see that they are very similar to each other. There seems to be a noticeable jump in quality once you go to about $300-500, then $700-1000+. What I am saying is that the $300-500 scopes are very similar, so what looks good for you is probably the best choice.
If possible, go to Sportsman's around sunset. They will let you take several scopes outside. See how they do in low light, for your eyes.
10. The most important thing is what scopes work for you. All the advice is only worth so much. What looks best to you, for your budget and your uses, will be for you to decide. Most scopes are pretty good today. I think you could use any $99 scope in the middle of the day. If you want good performance in low light, and good resolution its going to cost money. If you really want to stick to a budget and spend less than $350 look at the Muellers, Millet DMR 1-4x Illuminated, Simmons ProDiamond, and Weaver V's. These are all pretty good in the $100-250ish range.
11. For online retailers take a look at:
The Sample List for refurbs, closeouts, etc. Ask about warranties:
http://www.samplelist.com/
Keep an eye on CDNN for good deals. I don't see much interesting there now, but that doesn't mean that they won't list something good soon. They had Weaver Grand Slams for $200 not too long ago. This would be a great buy.
http://www.cdnninvestments.com/scopes.html
Natchez has the Browning scopes for a good price. I always check their prices before I buy anything. They have the Nikon Monarchs for a somewhat decent price. I have seen them for less at Sportsmans though.
http://www.natchezss.com/
Good luck.
Jason
Good all around rifle scope
Re: Good all around rifle scope
Hunt'nFish
Couldn't agree more.
Nikon has great glass for the $. Brighter and more crisp than the Leupold but the Leupold is a better built scope. Just my 
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