scope?

[knightrider]

what would be the better option for a 7mm mag? looking to spend 225 or less and is a 50mm worth the extra cost over the 40mm. thanks guys i just need some help making up my mind ive never owned a magnum so not sure on the scope i need :crazy:

 

[REN]

I'll recommend the 4x12x40 Redfield for the price range you listed. They are mighty good little optics for their price range, they are built and backed by Leupold in OR and have a lifetime warranty.

Give em a looksee, I think you'll be impressed
HL

x2

 

[Hillbilly Hunter]

I would suggest saving more than $225 for optics.

 

[7mminatree]

I orderd a Redfield 4x12x40 for my M700 7mmMag Remington, I have the Redfield one piece base mount also, but I could not use the scope on that rifle because of the long slopeing bell, I could not get the proper eye relief without changing the mount and rings. I put the scope on my .308 Savage and I really like the scope, nice glass so far so good. On the Remington I ended up with a Bushnell Elite 4x12x40 and It works out great also. I also have a Nikon and Sightron on my other rifles. I think they're all great scopes in your price range. I would go somewhere like basspro and look through several because everyones taste is a little differnt. Your not that far from the Sevierville store. I go in take a scope and look arcoss the store with it at a small sign and see if you can read the print on the sign. You may be surprised at the difference in comparible priced scopes.

 

[Model70Man]

For $75 more you can get a Minox ZA5 3-15 scope that will outperform just about every scope in the market in that price range.

Why even look at getting a LOW end scope when you can get a premium scope on sale at an excellent price. Deer season is over and you can save a little here and there and get something better.

 

[REN]

Lol I always find it funny when some think the price of a scope makes it low end vs high end for someone else or that unless you buy a scope at $350 or over you are wasting your time. There are a few scopes out there for under $225 that are great buys and will do everything you want them to do and some. Redfieldakes a fine scope with a lifetime warranty just to name one but there are a few others.

At this stage of my life there is zero chance I am spending $400 on a rifle scope and it has nothing to do with being able to afford it. With 2 small kids at home and a wife just not a priority. I have had VX3's and high end Nikons and they are fantastic no doubt but others for less money that still get the job done without limiting my hunting.


Sorry not really talking to anyone specific just on a soap box I guess.

 

[leader]

Minox are great scopes....

 

[Model70Man]

Yeah, the Redfield scope is an "ok" scope as it will/should do everything the higher dollar scopes will do, but it is still a LOW end scope in the world of optics. Do you really think Leupold is going to put VX3 glass, VX3 erector assembly, and their high end technology in a base model scope? Not a chance that will happen. Redfield will be releasing a new model scope that will be made overseas that is supposed to be higher end, much like the Vortex Viper at a lower price point than the VX3.

Lol I always find it funny when some think the price of a scope makes it low end vs high end for someone else or that unless you buy a scope at $350 or over you are wasting your time. There are a few scopes out there for under $225 that are great buys and will do everything you want them to do and some. Redfieldakes a fine scope with a lifetime warranty just to name one but there are a few others.

At this stage of my life there is zero chance I am spending $400 on a rifle scope and it has nothing to do with being able to afford it. With 2 small kids at home and a wife just not a priority. I have had VX3's and high end Nikons and they are fantastic no doubt but others for less money that still get the job done without limiting my hunting.


Sorry not really talking to anyone specific just on a soap box I guess.

I'm all about value and the best for my hard earned money. I too have 2 kids in daycare and a wife. I want to find the absolute best for my money, instead of paying full price for a low end scope. The Minox ZA5 3-15 is a $500 scope that is on sale for $299. It has premium glass and coatings, etched reticles, light weight, and constant eye relief all of which the Redfield does not have. It's assembled in the USA and has a no fault lifetime warranty. If you have a limited budget, you can still look around and get a good mid range scope on sale like the Minox, Zeiss Conquest, Vortex Viper, Sightron SII Big Sky and Leupold VX3 that may be $50 more than a low end scope at regular price.

 

[REN]

Model while i respect your opinion we are just not on the same page which is fine.

YOUR definition of a low end scope is not the same as everyone else, and without doubt the same glass that is in a VX3 is not in the redfield. However for the average hunter in TN that scope will work PERFECT for what they are doing, its not like we are hunting in TX or shooting 400+ yards in the mountains. As i have stated i have owned most of the scopes you have listed and yes they are great scopes but to tell someone they are wasting their money on a $200 scope that will in reality do everything they need is nuts to me. My point is YOUR definition of PREMIUM vs LOW END is not the same as others. I am no different then you in value and getting the best for my hard earned money but that value may be different from person to person as well as expectations. For my hunting these days i can get a $200 redfield that has a lifetime warranty and use that extra $100 on shells, camo, put toward a new rifle ect....its all in priorities and needs from person to person.

 

[JimFromTN]

Better glass buys you more shooting time. Go for better glass over objective. If you only hunt a couple of times a year, go with the redfield or maybe the bushnell trophy XLT or if you can find a used 3200 or legend. The Legend, 3200, and Trophy XLT are pretty much the same glass. If you hunt allot and/or you plan on some day hunting out of state, you may want to consider saving up a few more dollars and getting a little better scope.

Who has the minox ZA5 3-15 on sale? Cameraland has ZA3 3-9x40 open box for $289 which is a great deal.

Another consideration is to keep an eye on ebay. I picked up a Sightron Big Sky 3-12x42 for $299 which is a $500 scope. Be aware of luepold scopes because a vari-xII isn't a VXII isn't a VX2. A vari-xIII isn't a VXIII isn't a VX3.

 

[knightrider]

with three kids wife and all 5 of us in school a 225 dollar scope is pretty dadgum high for me, thanks for all the suggestions im narrowed down to the redfield or the nikon prostaff 4-12x40, i wouldnt be taking over 250-300 yard shoots and that will be mostly at paper.i only got the 7mag to have a caliber i have never owned. heck who knows a may not even hunt with it and just stick with my knight long range hunter or the 243

 

[REN]

Just FYI Knight, i have had both scopes you are talking about and liked the Redfield much better. Eye relief was better and low light was better on it. I had the 50mm prostaff and still liked the 40mm RF more. Sold the Nikon and kept the RF.

that was just me though so feel free to look at both and see which one you like better.

 

[Jksig229]

you know if you watch the classifieds on here you could find a could scope for next to nothing, i got a nice leupold 3-9-40 on here for 160 dollars and it was in almost perfect condition, matter of fact i still havent found a blemish on it yet, and the glass is so clear.

 

[knightrider]

Just FYI Knight, i have had both scopes you are talking about and liked the Redfield much better. Eye relief was better and low light was better on it. I had the 50mm prostaff and still liked the 40mm RF more. Sold the Nikon and kept the RF.

that was just me though so feel free to look at both and see which one you like better.

thanks ren the light gathering is a must to consider, i appreciate the help :grin:

 

[Nhill]

The Minox ZA5 3-15 is a $500 scope that is on sale for $299. It has premium glass and coatings, etched reticles, light weight, and constant eye relief all of which the Redfield does not have. It's assembled in the USA and has a no fault lifetime warranty. If you have a limited budget, you can still look around and get a good mid range scope on sale like the Minox, Zeiss Conquest, Vortex Viper, Sightron SII Big Sky and Leupold VX3 that may be $50 more than a low end scope at regular price.

Where do you see a Minox ZA5 3-15 for $299? Everything I see is around $399.

 

[Model70Man]

The Minox ZA5 3-15 is a $500 scope that is on sale for $299. It has premium glass and coatings, etched reticles, light weight, and constant eye relief all of which the Redfield does not have. It's assembled in the USA and has a no fault lifetime warranty. If you have a limited budget, you can still look around and get a good mid range scope on sale like the Minox, Zeiss Conquest, Vortex Viper, Sightron SII Big Sky and Leupold VX3 that may be $50 more than a low end scope at regular price.

Where do you see a Minox ZA5 3-15 for $299? Everything I see is around $399.

PM sent

 

[JimFromTN]

Here is something to consider

http://www.opticsthoughts.com/index.php ... s&Itemid=4

 

[JimFromTN]

The Minox ZA5 3-15 is a $500 scope that is on sale for $299. It has premium glass and coatings, etched reticles, light weight, and constant eye relief all of which the Redfield does not have. It's assembled in the USA and has a no fault lifetime warranty. If you have a limited budget, you can still look around and get a good mid range scope on sale like the Minox, Zeiss Conquest, Vortex Viper, Sightron SII Big Sky and Leupold VX3 that may be $50 more than a low end scope at regular price.

Where do you see a Minox ZA5 3-15 for $299? Everything I see is around $399.

PM sent

Can you send it to me too?

 

[fastbs]

staying in the price and mag range the op specified

nikon pro staff 4-12x40
weaver 40/44 3.8-12x44 aspherical

In this price point of scope I do not think a 50mm objective is going to be beneficial.

 

[Model70Man]

Better glass buys you more shooting time. Go for better glass over objective. If you only hunt a couple of times a year, go with the redfield or maybe the bushnell trophy XLT or if you can find a used 3200 or legend. The Legend, 3200, and Trophy XLT are pretty much the same glass. If you hunt allot and/or you plan on some day hunting out of state, you may want to consider saving up a few more dollars and getting a little better scope.

Who has the minox ZA5 3-15 on sale? Cameraland has ZA3 3-9x40 open box for $289 which is a great deal.

Another consideration is to keep an eye on ebay. I picked up a Sightron Big Sky 3-12x42 for $299 which is a $500 scope. Be aware of luepold scopes because a vari-xII isn't a VXII isn't a VX2. A vari-xIII isn't a VXIII isn't a VX3.

PM sent. You can get the ZA3 for $229 which is even a better deal. If there are any left.

 

[TheLBLman]

Better glass buys you more shooting time. Go for better glass over objective.

Another consideration is to keep an eye on ebay.

I agree.
Even think most are over-spending on more magnification and more objective size at the expense of better quality glass (for the money they're spending).

Nothing wrong with buying a USED scope.
I'd rather have a higher-quality used glass than a lower-quality new glass for the same price.

 

[BigD_625]

Be aware of luepold scopes because a vari-xII isn't a VXII isn't a VX2. A vari-xIII isn't a VXIII isn't a VX3.

So, what are the differences between a Vari-X and a VX? I knew there was a difference there, but I didn't realize VX-II and VX2, or VX-III and VX-3 were any different.

 

[JimFromTN]

what are the differences between a Vari-X and a VX? I knew there was a difference there, but I didn't realize VX-II and VX2, or VX-III and VX-3 were any different.

When Luepold discontinues one line and starts another like going from the VXII to the new VX2, there are always improvements with the scope usually in the form of improved internal adjustments and quality of glass. A good example is the vari xII. The vari-xII is now the VXI and the VX2 is combination of the vari xII and the vari xIII. The vari xIII is fully multicoated with multicoat 4,the VXIII is fully multicoated and index matched, and the VX3 uses the new xtended twilight lens system which is what I believe luepold uses on their Mark 4 scopes.

 

[BigD_625]

I read some more on other forums after I asked, and what you said is right in line with them. I have a few vari-x II scopes, and I like them better than the VX-I I got rid of a while back. I ordered a VX-II today, so I'll see how much better it looks than the Vari-X.

 

[Boone 58]

I went on ebay and bid on a omega for my last scope and that one retails at 290....i was low bid for 180. you can get value at a good price. that was a buckmasters comp level scope with the bdc to boot. Go there and bid on them, they are great places to pick up a good one and "elkhunter" regularly puts them on there and he is a fine customer to deal with.

 

[Backwudz]

Yep, seems like its fashionable to pay more for the scope than the rifle!

I resemble that remark ! LOL I have a Leupold on a $224 H&R .243!

 

[JimFromTN]

The reason is because the scope is the most likely thing to fail on your rifle when you are in the field. The cheaper the scope, the increased likelyhood of that happenning. No biggy if you miss a doe because of it. Miss a boone and crockett buck of a lifetime or a bull elk of a lifetime that you paid thousands to hunt, then it is a big deal. Who cares how good the warranty on the scope is when that happens.