Top Budget Scopes for Hunting Under $300

Alan

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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.
 
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.
 

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