Ask the Pack

[tired]

Just bought a Ruger .223 & need suggestions for a scope.

 

[The Riddler]

Anything made by Leopold.

 

[aTotal360]

Vortex. Leupold makes decent stuff but you're paying for the logo. Just like with Browning.

 

[karlchilders.sixpack]

A question or 2

What is your budget for this?

What power range of a scope are you thinking of?

 

[Uncle Ruckus]

I'll add to what Karl asked
What are you using it for? Plinking or hunting?
40 or 50mm? Some don't give you the larger option.
What distances will you be shooting?

 

[tired]

About 200 yards longest shot & really didn't want to spend more than $300. I've got a Nikon Prostaff on my .270, I like it, but would like one a little better

 

[MaxwellSmart]

Look at the Vortex Diamondback line, avoid the Crossfire line (Chinese.) Vortex has outstanding customer service, if you have any problem they usually don't even work on it, they just send you a new one. I've got a few Leupold scopes and my last 3 have been from Vortex. They are every bit as good or better than any other scope in their price range. I love the 30mm Vipers but that may be more than you want to pay. I have a Diamondback 4x16 with side focus and 1" tube on a .243 coyote rifle that is every bit as clear as my Leupold LR/T.

 

[aTotal360]

Vortex Crossfire II. For you needs, I'd go with a 3-9x40 w/ vbrite reticle. It's every bit as good as a Leupold VX III at a 1/3 of the price. Amazing warranty too.

http://vortexoptics.com/product/crossfire-II-3-9x40-with-v-brite-illuminated-moa-reticle/reticle

 

[aTotal360]

Diamondback line is great too. But all Vortex scopes are made overseas except for the Razor AMG.

 

[fishwater99]

Nikon P223. Comes with BDC.

 

[Dawgbite]

I had an old man tell me years ago that for every dollar you spend on a gun, spend a dollar on optics and you will never be disappointed in your gun. I can't say I disagree with him even though I too skimp on optics sometimes. I doesn't matter the brand, just where it's made. 1. Germany. 2. Japan. 3. USA. In that order!

 

[Uncle Ruckus]

I have a Nikon Buckmaster on one of mine and love it. Crossfire is pretty good for the money. But if I were you I'd spend $50 more and get a Zeiss Conquest. It's there lower end but Zeiss makes the best optics for the price.

 

[tired]

Nikon P223. Comes with BDC.

I was looking at the Nikon M 223 tonight & last year's model was on clearance for $349.

 

[KurtRambis4]

Go w a Leupold.

Use what the pros use, and I'm not talking about the clowns on tv.

 

[Uncle Ruckus]

Vortex. Leupold makes decent stuff but you're paying for the logo. Just like with Browning.

This too. Leupold makes some good ones, but they're lower end stuff ain't it. You gotta spend more than $300 to get a good Leupold.

 

[KurtRambis4]

No doubt

that their lower end scopes aren't much to write home about, but then again, if you're shopping for a scope in the $300 range, you're not looking for a serious scope.

 

[Uncle Ruckus]

that their lower end scopes aren't much to write home about, but then again, if you're shopping for a scope in the $300 range, you're not looking for a serious scope.

Exactly. It's hard to find a difference in any at that price range as far as quality or clarity goes. Bell size, reticle, magnification, etc are what you should be looking for and then narrow down your brands after you decide what features you want. Also look into warranties. Leupold, Redfield, Nikon, etc have lifetime warranties. A friend of mine bought an old Leupold that didn't work right at a gun show once and sent it to Leupold saying it didn't work. They sent him a new one back.