Best $500 scope for .243
 

This kind of question has probably been asked a million times but what is the best $500 scope for a .243? A cheap 3+9-40 $150 Bushnell was on here before but last fall it fell apart. This new scope needs to be usable out to 300 yards or so. I have a 3200 elite 4+12-40 on a 30-06; I really like it but it could be better in low light conditions. I have heard good things about a Burris fullfield 2. Any other thoughts? Thanks in advance.

Some models of the newer "Elite" series from Bushnell can be had for under $500

LC

I have a Redfield 4-12 x40 on mine and I like it... $230.

For exactly $500.00 The best scope is the zeiss conquest 3x9x40.

x2

Buy used and get a quality scope for 1/2 price or less. Leupold, Zeiss, and Kahles are a few names to look for.

x2 on buying used quality scope, for that money i could get a hold of a used schmidt and bender 6 x 42 excellent glass and bombproof i had one on my sako 243 and it really was the best scope ive ever used, i prefer schmidt glass but as the others said you woulddnt be dissapointed by zeiss kahles etc.

Vortex
 

We have really been sending alot of Vortex out the door. The glass is good the cost is great. The thing that sells alot of these is Warranty if it is a manufacturer defect all you do is bring it back to us and we give you another one. Try that with Bushnell or another comparable scope.

For $500, it is as good as it gets.

Unless it's a Leupold FX II 6X36.

or a 6 x 42 schmidt lol

Boom! You got it right chuck.

check out nikons coyote special or buckmaster bdc scopes, seem awesome.and hold zero well. has a bdc out to bout 450-500 yards or so. 9x or 14 x power models

X3 Great Glass.

I am pretty happy with my vortex, for the price. Good bang for a guys buck, I have a 6.5x24x44pa. The 2.5x10-44 viper HS model sounds like something you may like, Natures Corner store in edmonton stocks them at $390. They also have some Nikon products not listed on the website,for a better price than wholesale or Cabelas.

http://www.naturescornerstore.com/hu...g_catalog.html

There is a Nikon Monarch 5x20x44 sf for sale in the buy and sell right now.
http://www.outdoorsmenforum.ca/showthread.php?t=130630

Put a 3-9x40 Leupold vx2 on mine and it's doing a great job...

How about Hawke? I don't have one personally, but my hunting buddy has one on his 6.5. I got to try it out last fall, I was really impressed with the quality of the optics, how smooth the turrets opperated, paralax adjustment was easily accomplished and it came with an illuminated reticle that lights up both red and green.

This is the scope he has...
http://i45.tinypic.com/29mk578.jpg

I just put that Hawke on a Brno .223 but have not got it out in the field yet. I figured for 250 with a lifetime over the counter warranty how can you lose.

Of course a good warranty is always a positive, but I would never trust a scope with an unknown history on a big game hunt. Getting a replacement scope would be little consolation if the scope had failed and ruined a hunt that I had travelled a long distance for, and used up precious vacation on, or had waited several years to draw a tag.

It would be nice if we could drop the cash for a Swaro or other top of the line scope on all of our rifles. The OP is looking for a good $500 scope to drop on a .243 to use out to 300yds. I talked to 3 Hawke retailers before I rolled the dice and bought one. They all said they have had zero returns on the Hawke scopes. For $250,the clarity,warranty, and the features can't be beat so it's on my 2-300 yd gopher and coyote getter. I think that Monarch would fit in the OP's specs quite nicely and give him a better view at 300 than a good 3x9. Nobody mentioned a trip to a far away land for a hunt of a lifetime.

And several proven scopes that cost $500 or less have been suggested.

It doesn't have to be to a far off land. I would hate to wait years to draw a tag, even if it was close to home, then have the hunt ruined by a scope failure. It might even be a general tag, where you lose the opportunity to take the buck or bull of a lifetime. Unless you are hunting antlerless, or non trophy animals, you could come across that once in a lifetime animal quite unexpectedly.

x4 or 5 by now,

hands down the best in that range

I agree 100 %

Agreed!!

If you are looking for other good options and maybe spending a little less the Bushnell 4200 and 6500 will be good choices!!

Also Leupold VX2 and VX3 are great choices.

Of course all but one of my rifles have Leuplold VX3's (4.5x14x40) on them so I maybe bias!! I have done the side by side with VX3's and Zeiss Conquests and find it hard to tell a difference. To be honest what kept be from buying zeiss on my last rifle was that leuplold makes great high quality lens covers and Zeiss doesnt.
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r...k/IMG_0679.jpg


And as mentioned don't be affraid to buy used as the top brands are high quality and all have great warrantys.