Top Budget Scopes for Hunting Under $300

[Alan]

I'm looking for a reliable budget scope for deer hunting that comes in under $300. What have you guys found works well in terms of clarity and durability? I need something that can hold zero after a few ranges and won't break on the first trip.

 

[TriumphMan]

You actually have a few choices. Bushnell Trophy, Nikon Buckmaster (the older models before 2010-NOT the Buckmasters, as these are not the same quality), Redfield made by Leupold, Burris Fullfield II, older Weaver 40-44 / Classic / Grandslam and Simmons 44MAG.

Keep all hunt scopes in 3-9 and no more than 4-16 in power ranges. The higher the power the more susceptible to problems that can crop up due to more optical lens' needed to reach that power and with more variable power the less build quality you can have with lesser costs. That's why 8-32 power scopes under $300 will never be the build quality of a $3K or more scope as an example.

I own many different brands of scopes and for my shoulder thumper Mossberg ATR100 in 30-06 I use a old 90-very early 2000's I got used at a local gun/archery/liquor store (hey it is Missouri) Nikon Buckmaster in 3-9x40. For my Marlin 30-30 I have mounted a Burris Fullfield II 3-9x40, a Ruger 77/22 Magnum I have mounted a Simmons 22MAG in 3-12x44, a Weaver Classic 4-16x42 on a Weatherby Vanguard in 243Win. With more scopes of various types on other rifles/pistols.

 

[EdwardFider]

I'm looking for a reliable budget scope for deer hunting that comes in under $300. What have you guys found works well in terms of clarity and durability? I need something that can hold zero after a few ranges and won't break on the first trip.

When you're picking out your scope, just remember to look for something with decent eye relief, at least 3", especially if you're planning to shoot a harder-recoiling rifle And don't forget to set aside some budget for good quality rings and bases. You're better off going with a $150 scope that comes with solid mounting hardware.

 

[Teep]

I have a brand new Leupold VX-Freedom 4-12 x40 Hunt Plex scope we could work out a deal if interested, probably around $250. I sent a Leupold scope in last year as it was leaking oil around the front ring, it came back out of focus and I sent it back. They replaced it with this scope and it has never been mounted as I put another scope on my rifle and since it was already sight in I decided to just leave it.

 

[Flagaman]

I have a couple of mid-level and a couple of entry level vortex brand scopes. I have been satisfied with all of them. Only issue is I do not have any on a heavy recoiling rifle so can't speak of that factor. But they are worth a look.

 

[Longcarbine]

I was always a fan of Burris scopes but have traded them all out on my rifles for Hawke Optics, sharp image and seem to gather more lite than the Burris did. I found mine for $150-$200.

 

[Bobcat]

I’m a Leupold fan and would recommend them highly. I have a couple of the VX Freedom, 1-4 scopes on my two .45/70 carbines and they are holding up well. I also have a Burris or two that have served me well and a couple of Vortex that I trust also. You can have issues with any of them but the three brands I listed above would be the only ones I would recommend in your price range. I would also recommend buying from a reputable retailer, there are many counterfeit scopes out there! I also have a thing for the old, steel tube Weavers but you have to know what you’re looking at with the used scopes, many are not supported by warranty any longer.