what's the best rifle scope for a .30-06 I can get for about $300 or less?

Question

I want something that's in the 2.5-10 power adjustable range and is good in low light (morning/dusk) conditions.

Answer 1

The Simmons Aetec is a great scope and made even better now that they have the new Master Series Aetec. It is a 2.8-10 x 44 mm scope made with a one-piece tube for strength. The Buckmasters line of Nikon scopes is another good way to go. They have a 4-12 X 50 mm that just squeaks under your $300 limit. The Buckmasters line advertizes 92% light transmition for the low light conditions you are looking for. Both are fine scopes with lifetime warranties, but the Simmons should be cheaper by about $50 or so.

Answer 2

Look for a scope that can be turned to a low magnification, and has the biggest objective you can fit on your rifle. Pay attention to eye relief though, as many .30-06 rifles pack one helluva wallop.

Goto CheaperThanDirt.com

They have listed a few that might be right up your alley:
Nikon Buckmaster 3-9x50 - 300.98
Leupold Var-X 3-9x50 - 293.44 (has longer eye relief than the Nikon)

If you want to spend a little less, Bushnell makes a "Banner- Dusk and Dawn" model 3-9X50 for right around $100 dollars. My brother put one on one of his older rifles, and while it doesn't have quite the clarity of its higher end cousins, I'd shoot with it and not feel handi-capped at all.

If you want to go higher end, I own a Pentax Lightseeker 3-10x50 that I would put up against anything I've ever looked through. Expect to pay more like $500 for this however.

Answer 3

For the price, you can go with a Simmons 3x12x50mm or the Simmons 44 Magnum. The larger lens is good in low light conditions. However, above 6x, you also magnify your wiggle and cut down your field of vision. I only zoom up to 10 or 12 to scan. There are some good Bushnell's in the Elite series also.
Most of the Japanese lens are clear. You can also buy slip-on shades to help with the light problems. If $$ is not an issue, buy the other ones mentioned. You might just be paying for a name.
Buy a 2.5x? pair of binoculars with a push button range finder and wear it around your neck. Good hunting.
bigbair70---(Never let them see you sweat)

Answer 4

I have always adhered to the thought that my scope could and might well should cost more than my rifle unless it is a custom built rifle.

Well I am a Leupold and Bushnell Elite man myself but there are other good scopes out there.

You seem to have asked this on the day I noticed some Nikon Monarch UCC's on sale! The Buckmasters are a cheaper scope and I don't think they are as good.

I just received my 3-9 x 40mm Nikon Monarch UCC with BDC reticle on UPS yesterday and it looks like a well built scope.

Check out the link below and see if you see one you like listed and most of them are under the $300.00 range.

Answer 5

A mid-range Leupold variable scope is right around there. A good Simmons variable is a bit less. Price the Burris also. They are good scopes, but I'm not sure about the price for the variables. Probably right around two to three hundred. I've got a Burris 4x on my .458 Winchester and it is right on, so I know they can take a pounding.

H

Answer 6

You are asking for a lot for only $300, especially if you want any sort of quality at all. Getting good performance in the low light conditions is really gonna be the challenging part of your equation due to the fact that those characteristics are directly related to the quality of the glass used and good glass costs bucks! The best advice I can give is to check out Cabela's as they private label some decent stuff and you can get fairly decent quality from them for a reasonable price.

Check this: http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/links/link.jsp?id=0012460711147a&type=product&cmCat=search&returnPage=search-results1.jsp&QueryText=scopes&N=4887&Ntk=Products&Ntx=mode+matchall&Nty=1&Ntt=scopes&noImage=0

Also, you may try reading their Buyer's Guide that they link to on the above page for further info.

Good luck!!!

BTW, if you hunt a lot, you won't regret spending the money on a truly quality scope (like Leupold or Swarovski). You can always transfer it from gun to gun as your weapons change and, with care, it will last a lifetime.

Answer 7

I have a Remington 700 .30-06. I use a Bushnell 3x9x50. It gathers light very good and it should be in your price range.

Answer 8

Leupold® VX®-II Rifle Scopes 4-12x40mm AO $399.99

That would be my choice in that price range.

Answer 9

I would go with Nikon or Leupold.
The clarity of a good scope is important.
cheaper scopes don’t have the clarity.
it's a lot like looking through a haze.

Answer 10

If I were you I'd get a Leapould(can't remember how to spell it)
3-9X40. You can get some of their lower end models for about that much money, but they are still great scopes.