Sub $600 scopes ?

In the market for a new hunting scope and am not up to date on ones that have come out the last 4-5 years. What I am looking for would be something that holds light really well and stays true. Would like it to be in the 3-15x range. It will be mounted on a Tikka in .308. I know everyone has their opinions, so let’s hear them.

I would shop around for a VX-5 3-15. After buying the VX6 3-18 for twice the price I found out it was the same glass and mechanics as the 5 with lots of bells and whistles I didn’t want. I should have bought the 5. Excellent optics. If you’re not dialing I can’t recommend a better scope.

For a 308 I would look at a 3-15X42 SWFA SS either ffp or sfp. I prefer the sfp but either can be found in the price range or under. Great scopes, simple to use.

Thank you. No dialing on this gun for sure. I want capped turrets. Longest shot will be around 3-350 yards. Reasoning for wanting the 15x magnification will be able to see and judge deer a little better.

Swfa or a vortex viper

What about a Zeiss conquest?

A lot more options sub $600 in the 4-12 range.

What do you recommend?

I tend to recommend Trijicon these days. They have 2 newer hunting models in 3-12 power but my favorite is the 3-9 AccuPower.

I have 3 of them with Mil Square reticles. It's only a 3-9 but it's has great glass and illuminated reticle.

https://www.sportoptics.com/trijicon-accupower-rifle-scopes-3-9.aspx

I would check out the Trijicon website for some of the newer hunting models. They recently dramatically expanded their line of scopes.

Based on the OP's desire for light gathering, I would not recommend the SWFA 3-15 as it does not have the HD glass. I love those scopes for target shooting and have 4 of them but I would not put it on a rifle I planned to hunt at dawn or dusk. I would also think a Leupold VX-5 would be an outstanding choice. Take a look at their Boone & Crockett reticles, they will help you with hold overs.

I'd agree with Scott on the accupower. I don't have the 3-9, but I have the 1-4 and 2.5-10 and I really like both of them.

As for another option in the power range you're looking for, some of these bushnell models with 2.5-15x look like great options. I have no experience with them.

The Tract Toric 3-15x is a superb scope. Holds zero, capped turrets, focus is smooth and easy, great reticle thats easy to see in inferior light reminds you of a #4. Had mine on a 7mag, 7-08, 6.5CM, 260REm, and 30-06 and it's help up great. Optics are outstanding as well. They are a very underrated scope.

Honestly I'd rather have a scope that starts at 2x and is light weight for hunting, I have a 2-7 vx3 on my 308.

^^^I guess thats way old school these days but im with you. 2.5 x 8 for me. To each his own.

What's funny is your post made me check, my mind must be broken, perhaps just worn. My 308 wears a 2.5-8 vx3 not a 2-7! My 2-7 is on my 260 and it's a Vortex Viper.

Cant beat swfa in that range

I am not a big fan of Vortex, but I do have one of their scopes that I can highly recommend. It is from the Razor HD LH line.

https://www.amazon.com/Vortex-Optics-Razor-Second-Riflescopes/dp/B019ZUE18W?th=1&psc=1

I have the 1.8-8 and have had it out past 200 yards a couple of times. They also have a 2-10

BURRIS.

Almost all of the SWFA scopes (on their web site) are backordered (been than way for some time). I did look at grabbing one for a 6.5 CM (90% range and 10% hunting loaner). I wanted something in the 3-15 range but they only have 1-6, 2.5-10, and fixed 12. I got tired of waiting for them to replenish their stock so I went with another brand.

There are a lot of awesome deals on optics right now if you shop around.

Trijicon Accupower 4-16x50 selling now for $600. Love the two I have.

Love the 2.5-8 vx3! It creates a nice, lightweight balanced rifle.
3-15 or 4-16 is too much magnification for most hunting, makes a rifle top heavy, and your light transmission is going to suck at higher magnifications.
For open country my recommendation would be a 2-10 or 3-12 for versatility and balance.
If you woods hunting the 2.5-8 is ideal.

Sig Sig Sig Sig Sig....

Yep, Vxr 2-7 with the FireDot would be my choice under $600 if he can find one.

I have both the VX5HD and Whiskey 5 both in 3-15x44 with 30mm tubes. The Leupold parallax adjust is much easier to turn and access than the Whiskey 5. The whiskey 5 has an illuminated MRAD type reticle and anti-cant lights. So it has more options on the reticle but the view seems more cluttered to me over the VX5HD's windplex reticle. The elevation clicks are very close together and you can turn past your intended number very easy on the whiskey 5. it's also heavier than the VX5HD. My first impressions of the two scopes is the Leupold VX5HD is a better scope. I mounted up the Sig on a Savage mod 10 FCP-SR to see if it changes my opinion once I start shooting with it. While the reticle I have on the Sig Whiskey 5 is alright to target shoot the the Leupold glass is far superior to the sig glass and a better hunting optic.

Meopta Optika6... Camera Land had them on sale the other day for $549. 3-18x56 FFP Z-Plex.....several other models for cheaper.

It would be our pleasure to assist you

I run both Vortex and Athlon and find the new Athlons, especially the Midas Series, to far outshine the Vortex in the best bang for buck arena. The Midas series, in the low $600 area, will have more options, magnification, etc. than what you are looking for so you may want to look at their other, less expensive lines, I’m confidant they will also be very good but do not have any experience with them.

yep, mostly what I buy in the 350-500 range

I just picked up a Burris Veracity 2-10 for my 7-08 and have to say it is impressive and i got it on sale for $400
Also have had exceptional luck with Athalon and own 2 of them

Blanco mentioned the Athlon. I have two of their optics and am quite impressed with both. I would have recommended the Gen 2 Ares, but the price is not where it was when I bought in.

We are running a call in, 516-217-1000,15% off all tactical scope sale this weekend https://texashuntingforum.com/forum...flescopes-today-and-tomorrow#Post7861047 which runs till 5:30 eastern time today

That Burris 2-10 Veracity is on sale @ Natchez now

I'd look at Meopro by Meopta. I'm new to them, but the one I just bought seems superior to my current Leupolds, Nikons, and Burris. Of course the price might be higher than 600 unless less you find a special.

I agree 100% with this. I bought a demo VX-5 HD 3-15 from Euro Optic for $750. Yes, that’s more than $600, but I’d look for a used one. The glass on this scope is wonderful and very much on par with my VX-6 HD 2-12.

I have 2 of the 3-15 and love them!