$300 Dollar Hunting Scope

A friend of mine is getting a scope for his Tikka 243. He wants a 4-12 magnification scope. Honestly I haven't looked through or shot many scopes in the price range.

Does anyone have a recommendation? I've looked into Zeiss, Nikon, and Vortex. Main use of this scope is for hunting. Typical shot is 100 yards and max range is 300.

Thanks!

Zeiss in that price range I’d avoid. If I had to choose between those 3 I’d most likely go Nikon. Other thought would be watch swfa sample list may be able to pick up something a little better that way.

I'm a Nikon guy, but I think their low-end scopes leave something to be desired.

I'd look at a Vortex. A guy recently let me look through his crossfire model and I was really impressed for the $. You could even go a level above that for $300 I think. Diamondback HP maybe?

I have had a couple Prostaff scopes and they're just OK. I have no experience with Zeiss in that price range, but I'd be willing to bet the Vortex has better optics.

300 yard max? Leupy VX2.

Why not see what's in your Cabela's bargain cave? There should be plenty of goodies in his price range and he can always walk away if there's nothing that he likes.

Cabela's has a Burris MTAC on sale for $300. That would be my choice.

VX2 4-12x40 if he has to have 12x

Burris

I picked up a Strike Eagle in that Range a year or so back... then never used it - lol - I had a chance to get a ACOG for a reasonable price the week after and the SE's been collecting dust ever sense. I picked up a 300 Blackout upper recently and might zero that with the SE for day use later, but currently put on a predator thermal that I'm still playing around with.

Thanks for all the replies!

I love that Burris Scope. However, my buddy is not a fan of the mil-dot. He is pretty old school and wants a V-Plex.

Leupold vx2 or 3

Nikon Monarch

Seen good reviews on the Minex (spelling), Camerland has them.

Ziess Terra is a great scope in that range.
Funny how some on here say to stay away from it and go Nikon.
All Ziess Terra's are built in Japan where the. Ikon used to be built.
Now Nikon is built in China or Korea.

I think that may have more to do with the Terra's disappointing low light performance. Not my experience, but what I've gleaned. No sense in reinventing the wheel.

My first hand experience with the Terra made it the worst low light scope I ever shot. It was real bad

I have a Leupold VX2 and also Redfield Revolution 4-12x40's. Honestly like the Redfield better, have had them both for maybe 10 years plus. Redfield is owned by Leupold, the Revolution is made in USA and has lifetime warranty.

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1712173434/redfield-revolution-rifle-scope-4-12x-40mm-matte

Went with the crossfire ii 4-12x44. The scope fit all his needs and has 3.9 inches of eye relief. I'm excited to get it set up.
Thanks everyone for the input!

eww

Minox is very underrated but they put out a great product!

Are we sure about this? I have 2 Nikons, both say Made in Japan.

How old are they

The rimfire is about 3 years. The other, no idea, buddy dropped off his Stevens 22 for me to fix and never came back for it. After 2 years and repeated warnings, I sold the gun and kept the scope. When did Nikon move assembly to China, or did they? Obviously, I have doubts.

None of my Nikon's say China, is this "fake news"!

I think you can try Celestron 52252 100mm .It is only 225$

Interesting first post?

You should consider a Vortex Viper or a Vortex Diamondback HP.

I bought a Nikon ProStaff 5 3.5-14x40 mil dot for $290ish with Amazon Prime. I just did a night hunt with it and it performed flawlessly. You can't go wrong with Nikon.

I initially wanted the Vortex Diamondback Tactical or the Sig Sauer Whiskey 3, but this one had the best bang for the buck and better glass than the Vortex, in my opinion.

I thought Nikons were made in the Phillipines now ? At least that's whats on the box that mine came in.

Yes, but so is Vortex. Great scopes from both

Most $300 scopes are going to be made in the Philippines IIRC. The exceptions you'll run into are lesser brands like Athlon that are made in China or really good deals like you find at Natchez occasionally. I got a $199 Weaver Grand Slam awhile back that was made in Japan with very good glass for the $.