Thread: new scope on a modest (low) budget

What should I get for my 308?
My current toss up is between a Nikon prostaff or leupold vx-1 or 2

Anybody had experience with the nikons?

loopy all the way.......even if you decide to upgrade to flasherer model later on the loopy will still be there and still be reliable forever and a day. they do all I will ever need a scope to do and lets face it .a scope is just a fast way to aim precisely......if you normally shoot less than 300 yards you really dont need all the expensive bells and whistles.

Originally Posted by Micky Duck

loopy all the way.......even if you decide to upgrade to flasherer model later on the loopy will still be there and still be reliable forever and a day. they do all I will ever need a scope to do and lets face it .a scope is just a fast way to aim precisely......if you normally shoot less than 300 yards you really dont need all the expensive bells and whistles.

Got it in one.

Optic clarity is the NOT only important thing. VX-1 are certainly not the best to look through but they ARE rugged, they DO hold zero and adjust where you tell them and the warranty is GOOD. Don't plan on buying too many scopes over your lifetime. Even if you do get a top of the range one in years to come that VX-1 will still be there on your spare rifle, ready to go on the .22, lend to a mate when he needs one. Nikon are essentially the worlds best camera lens manufacturer with excellent "glass" but their pedigree has yet to be proven for hunting telescopic sights.

VX-3 is a bit better and if you can get one for $400, great.

Don't forget good rings. I'd rather spend less on a Redfield 3-9 and get good Leupold, Weaver or Burris rings than have a new VX-3 in Alluminium gun shop specials.

Nikon Monarch series is better glass than Prostaff. I'd also look at the Burris FF2 and Bushnell 3500 3-9 x 40's. I'd rate those ahead of a VX1. And both come up 2nd hand pretty frequently for good $.

I have a VX-1. It’s OK. Clicks on windage/elevation are not very positive. That would be my biggest complaint.

Originally Posted by MightyBoosh

I have a VX-1. It’s OK. Clicks on windage/elevation are not very positive.

Thats a polite way of putting it. Helped a mate sighting his in and I don't think it had clicks at all, just variable mushy friction.

I think at the lower end of the market you pay extra for the Leupold name without getting the quality to justify it, they're ok optically but not class-leading. I have Weaver classic v9 and Bushnell Elite and I'd rate both higher than the VX1s I've used.

Also have a couple of Nikons (Prostaff rimfire and Coyote) which are pretty nice for their price point too.

where are you based huglife ?

based in palmerston north. does this seem like a fair price for second hand vx-2?
https://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Lis...?id=1718299895

Yep

sig sauer optics are good bang for your buck

I've just set up a mate with a fast twist 223 with a Sightron Stac 3-16x42 -30mm tube! I have had them myself on both 308 and 223 - and really like them as bang for buck particularly the moa-3 reticle for dial on the fly.... Can get 'em for around $800.

Also have a VX2 3-9x40 CDS Leupy for my bush pig. Which in duplex is a bloody good wee scope.. you can find those for around $500-ish...

My gunsmith friend from the gun club has suggested to me the Vixen range of scopes are good value for money. Looked through his one and it was pretty sharp but cant comment on use out in the rain etc.

good tips folks, looking at spending $400 or less. Still not sure what to get haha everybody seems to have their own opinions so I'm guessing it is much of a muchness at that price point.

Weaver V9

Redfield 4-12x40 $275