Scope choice help

Im trading a Leupold gold ring Benchrest 24x scope I dont need and have been offered a bunch of different scopes. There are three Im interested in. Ill be mounting it on a 270 and my shots range from 50 yards to 375 yards with the average shot between 125-250. Here are the three scopes Im looking at.

Leupold Vari-x II 3-9x40 --even trade
Nikon Buckmaster 3-9x40 plus $100 cash to me
Leupold Mark 4 AR 6-18x40 and an extra $100 from me

The 6-18 is from what I read, marletedd towards the AR platform with a BDC knob for a 55gr 223 bullet. I was told you can get another knob from Leupold for different loads, but not positive the different loads are other 223's or if I could get one for 130gr 270. Also not sure if the 6x lowest setting is too much.


The other two are 3-9 which Im not sure if the 9x would be enough for the few times Id be taking shots in the 300-400 yard range.

Any input would be helpful. Thanks.

Nathan, I am not sure exactly what your scope is worth, but I think it would bring more than what you are being offered. That said, as for power, I shot my first deer at about 275 yards with a straight 4 power Weaver scope. Deer didn't realize I shouldn't be able to hit him with that low power scope. I hear a lot about seeing nothing but hiar from too much power. I have shot a deer directly below my stand with a scope set on 6 power with no problem. 3-9 is pretty much the standard, offering wide field of view at 3x to plenty of magnification for reasonable shots at 9x. A lot depends on the quality of the optics. You could sell your scope and pick up a Bushnell 4200 for under $200, or call Doug @ Cameraland and discuss options with him. I just think there are better options than the ones you are looking at.

As for the AR scope, the only way you would know where the BDC hits would be to shoot it at different ranges and see where it lines up with your load. Something you need to do with any drop compensating scope.

I'd pass on all 3, sell it & get EXACTLY what you want/need.

X 2.

I tried to find some info on your scope and all I found was someone who was selling one and it was in average condition for $360.

The Leupold Mark AR would work but you can't use it for it's intented purpose. It doesn't have a BDC reticle, you turn the dial to set the yardage and it compensates for the distance.

If the Vari-xII is in great condition this is a close trade but might be a little less than what you should get since your value might be around $360.

The buckmaster trade is farther off in my opinion.

I would sell it on Ebay where you can get maximum exposure and I bet you get more for it, even after fees. Then buy anyone of these other scopes new.